Blog # 3: Schools To Study

Blog # 3: Schools To Study - Jo Ann G. Weatherbee
by Jo Ann G Weatherbee - Sunday, June 19, 2011, 08:04 PM
 
1. The first school I reviewed was Prep North Central, an exemplary, integrated project based school that does not except excuses; all are responsible for their actions and their success, although every day is a new day. They have an extended day, 7:30AM-4:30PM, positive culture, strict discipline, a contract for success,parental involvement with home visits conducted, and teachers who genuinely care about the success of their students.
2. The next school was in New york, Comprehensive Assessment Drives Long Term Success, School of the Future. Philosophy is what you assess is what you teach with real world thinking and students learning the discipline of thinking. The "right answer is not the point here", applying the skill to a problem is the focus, e.g.slope formula application:"Does the stairs in the school comply with the state building codes?"They make connections to real life and see their progress which empowers them to succeed. The work is collaborative with real data and real assessment and students and teachers feel valued and appreciated.
3. Knowledge Is Power Program - KIPP: There are five pillars for success in this school, High Expectations, Choice and Commitment, More Time, Power To Lead, and Focus On Results. High Expectations. KIPP schools have clearly defined and measurable high expectations for academic achievement and conduct that make no excuses based on the students' backgrounds. Students, parents, teachers, and staff create and reinforce a culture of achievement and support through a range of formal and informal rewards and consequences for academic performance and behavior.
Choice & Commitment. Students, their parents, and the faculty of each KIPP school choose to participate in the program. No one is assigned or forced to attend a KIPP school. Everyone must make and uphold a commitment to the school and to each other to put in the time and effort required to achieve success.More Time. KIPP schools know that there are no shortcuts when it comes to success in academics and life. With an extended school day, week, and year, students have more time in the classroom to acquire the academic knowledge and skills that will prepare them for competitive high schools and colleges, as well as more opportunities to engage in diverse extracurricular experiences.
Power to Lead. The principals of KIPP schools are effective academic and organizational leaders who understand that great schools require great school leaders. They have control over their school budget and personnel. They are free to swiftly move dollars or make staffing changes, allowing them maximum effectiveness in helping students learn.
Focus on Results. KIPP schools relentlessly focus on high student performance on standardized tests and other objective measures. Just as there are no shortcuts, there are no excuses. Students are expected to achieve a level of academic performance that will enable them to succeed at the nation's best high schools and colleges.
4.Minnesota New Country School: This school also has high expectations for their students, highly personalized, caring, with respect and responsibility expected and modeled. They have a self-directed, project-based learning primary focus; driven by constructivist pedagogy (Adults explain; Students explain); a Personalized Learning Plan (PLP) for all students emphasizing
student needs and interests; a Personalized work space for each student; Internet access;Technology infused environment; technology as a tool;Individual/group projects complemented by multiple teaching approaches based on student needs and interests;Achievement demonstrated publicly; highest work place standards are quality goal;All students prepared for post-secondary education, workplace and active citizenship ;All students and staff engage in quiet reading every day.
Commonalities Between The Schools=
a. Caring, respectful, responsible environments
b. Project based learning
c. Authentic assessment
d. Self-directed learning - adults explain, students explain = collaboration
e. Parental involvement
f. Time for success with an extended school day
g. Technology infused
h. Positive and strict discipline
i. Highly successful with most students attending college