Small Learning Communities Redesigning a High School

1. Small Learning CommunitiesRedesigning a High School PSJA North High School Roy Ramon Marissa Lopez

2. Why is HSRP needed? (High School Redesign Project)

3. Shift in Economies & Society

4. Redefining Rigor for the Recent high school graduates lack the basic skills in reading comprehension, writing, and math which are needed for successful job performance. Today�s high school graduates need to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, and effective communicators who are proficient in the core subjects and the new 21st century information and communications technology literacy skills, and life skills.

5. HSRP Outcomes Student Performance Results Increase Graduation Rate / Decrease Dropout Rate Increase Performance on State & National Assessments Increase Attendance Rates Increase % of students prepared for Higher Education Increase % of students performing at or above College Readiness Level Increase % of students enrolled in AP, Dual, & Concurrent Enrollment Courses Increase participation and average scores on ACT/SAT

6. Creating a Culture of Excellence:School Excellence Pathways

7. School Excellence Pathways The School Excellence Pathways serve as a: Decision making screen for all actions pertaining to policies, programs, and practices. Framework for transforming the school culture and creating a healthy organization. Guide for a focused, systematic continuous improvement process, and as a Compact for all district/high school improvement efforts.

8. HSRP Partners

9. Region One Education Service Center Local Education Agency Serves one of the most economically depressed areas in the US Serves 37 school districts; 350,000 students Supports districts/schools through training, financial management services, technology assistance, professional development, and instructional assistance.

10. ISE - Institute for School Excellence ISE developed the School Excellence Model (SEM) which serves as a basis for assisting schools and districts with: PK-12 systematic school reform Comprehensive school improvement Leadership development ISE provides technical assistant and support essential for: Responsive school culture Healthy organizations

11. IRRE - Institute for Research and Reform in Education IRRE partners with districts and schools to raise student outcomes. Developed a comprehensive district and school reform model, First Things First around a single goal: To raise the academic performance of ALL students, including those with troubled academic histories, to levels required for post-secondary education and good jobs.

12. IRRE - First Things First FTF helps districts and schools meet the requirements of the No Child Left Behind. FTF districts and schools commit to: strengthening relationships among students and adults improving engagement, alignment, and rigor of teaching and learning in every classroom, everyday allocating all resources � budget, staff, time, and space � to achieve the first two goals.

13. First Things First 3 Key Implementation Strategies Small Learning Communities (SLC) A Family Advocate System (FAS) Instructional Improvement

14. Small Learning Communities Theme-based small learning communities (SLCs) with a maximum of 350 students each in grades 9-12. Seniors will gain opportunities for internships associated with their SLC�s thematic area. Schools receive intensive training and supports to move to a block schedule, create and make effective use of common planning time for teachers, and reallocate existing staff and programs.

15. Family Advocacy System A family and student advocate system (FAS), which provides every student and family with an advocate. Each certified staff member serves as an advocate for approximately 15 students, meets weekly with this advocate group and individually with each student, and makes regular contact with students� families. Advocates and school leaders receive thorough training and ongoing support to make the system effective.

16. Instructional Improvement Instructional support for teachers to help them deliver instruction that is consistently engaging, aligned with standards and rigorous. Extensive professional development expands teachers� portfolios of strategies to reach students, who all learn differently. Teachers receive embedded coaching and work together to examine lesson plans and student work and look at the extent of engagement, alignment and rigor in their classrooms.

17. FTF Instructional Improvement EAR Engagement � Students are actively involved � cognitively, emotionally, & behaviorally. Alignment � Students are doing work that reflects academic standards. Rigor � Teachers expect and support high levels of work from all students. MWM - Measuring What Matters Technology-based tools used to measure progress on all 3 FTF�s implementation strategies.

18. 4 Basic Time Frames for Instructional Improvement Common Planning Time (CPT) Early Dismissals District Professional Days Summer Training Institutes

19. System Leadership Principal is the Instructional Leader Administrators and SLC Coordinators work together to make the new strategies effective by: setting clear expectations personifying commitment providing support to others monitoring and recording progress recognizing accomplishments intervening when necessary Leaders help promote teamwork among all staff, thus relationships and the school culture changes positively.

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