Needs identified and addressed through Race to the Top: Improve math and reading scores across grades; focus on transition from middle school to high school, where regression is evident; close achievement gaps for black and special education students
Major initiatives and investments:
- Advisement program implemented within and/or outside of the school, to address career planning and to provide student support services. Outside of school activities include home or community visits and college, scholarship, and FAFSA application support sessions available with priority given to certain at-risk students
- Master schedule development to improve academic leaning time allocation, inclusive practices, teacher collaboration time, and in-school interventions
- Expanded advanced coursework and dual enrollment opportunities; extended day tutoring for students enrolled in advanced coursework, priority placement given for certain at-risk students
- Recruitment and retention of highly effective teachers and leaders, and a School Administrative Manager to increase instructional leadership
- Curriculum alignment and implementation with fidelity, through an additional secondary-level specialist and professional development
Other innovations within the plan:
- Spartan Sprouts, engaging families upon birth of children targeting those families not eligible for services from public health, Early Head Start and Parents as Teachers; ‘gardeners’ will work with families and children, including home visits and group activities
- Training for educators to better understand the diverse population they serve, their needs and support services