Academic Excellence, part II

Thanks to all of you who have shared your thoughts with me about Academic Excellence.  Right now, our initial discussion centers on the curricular expectations of Academic Excellence and will continue as we describe the instructional strategies associated with it.

There seems to be broad consensus that our curriculum should be wide ranging in its offerings. Parents and students believe math, science, writing, critical thinking are very important, as are drama, art, music and speech.   However, measuring the success of the arts is quite different from measuring achievement in math.  While there are rubrics and standards that are part of every subject, measuring one's appreciation for drama is not the same as getting a grade.  Moreover, the value placed on grades is disproportionate to the value placed on learning.  

How does all of this impact Academic Excellence?  It demands that the school clearly articulate its mission in a way that impacts every aspect of the school curriculum and instruction.  It also requires us to communicate to students and parents how children are progressing through the curriculum.  Lastly, we also must collect as much data (WASL, ITBS, surveys, teacher observation,..) as possible in order to measure our effectiveness as a school.

What's the plan now?  Well for starters, we are collecting as much data related to our students' achievement as possible.  That will be used to make changes in school curriculum and instruction.  

Thoughts?  Send me an email - thanks,

VM