Our Vision:Enriching Learning for All
West Hempstead School District
Board of Education Presentation
May 7, 2013
Success of Each Student
Opening Doors for All Students
Setting High Expectations
Vision grounded in research and best practice:
• Common Core State Standards
• 21st Century Learning Skills
• Joseph Renzulli’s Schoolwide Enrichment Model
• Carol Dweck’s Mindsets Theory
• Karin Chenoweth’s It’s Being Done
• Webb’s Depth of Knowledge
Elementary Level
Transforming the library into a
21st Century Enrichment/Research Center
through
S T E L L A R
What is STELLAR?
Success in Technology Enrichment Library Literacy Artistry &Research
Objectives of the STELLAR Program
• to work collaboratively with peers to extend the curriculum
• to provide challenging enrichment opportunities for all students
• to expose all students to a rich technological foundation
• to familiarize students with the resources available to them in their library/media center
• to continue to provide a unified approach to developing research skills through the Independent Investigation Method (IIM)
S T E L L A RThe success component will encourage students to: • succeed in a supportive, stimulating environment• explore their unique gifts and talents
S T E L L A RThe technology component will enable students to:• access, generate, process and apply information
using appropriate technology• develop independence and confidence in computer
use• find and evaluate information
S T E L L A RThe enrichment component will:• develop critical thinking skills through challenging
activities and questioning techniques• recognize and empower the utilization of multiple
intelligences• encourage self selection, creativity, exploration and
the freedom to continuously expand
S T E L L A RThe library component will enable students to:• understand various ways to access information in the
library through a variety of resources including books, periodicals, internet and online data bases.
• comprehend and transfer knowledge regarding library organization
S T E L L A RThe literacy component will:• promote a passion for reading and a love for learning• recognize the correlation of literature within all other
academic areas and avenues of life• encompass a variety of approaches in exploring and
responding to different texts
S T E L L A RThe artistry component will:
• expose students to the use of graphics and digital photography in projects
• build an appreciation of visual literacy
S T E L L A RThe research component will continue to
support the Independent Investigation
Method (IIM) of research introduced in the
elementary libraries over the past two years.
Additional STELLAR activities:
• Videoconferencing
• Internet safety
• Grade level projects
• Co-teaching with classroom teacher
• Integration of 21st century skills
• Great Books
Secondary LevelOpening doors of opportunity to the most
rigorous levels of instruction for all students…
Challenging academic opportunities
2013-2014
The Social Studies Department will lead the
way by offering an honors level curriculum to
all students in 7th, 8th, and 9th grades.
Advanced Placement• The greatest increase in AP enrollment has
been in the Social Studies department. • Initial data shows that students enrolled in AP
classes score at a level of mastery on the Regents exams.
• Honors classes will provide a foundation for all students to succeed in AP classes.
Additional AP Offerings2013-2014
• AP Physics
• AP Psychology (offered through the BOCES Virtual AP Grant)
Exploring the Expansion of Honors2013-2014
Conversations to transition to an honors curriculum
in 7th and 8th grades will begin in:• Science• English Language Arts
College and Career Readiness
The Goal for Each Student