NCVA Unified School District

RACE TO THE TOP

Introduction · Charge from the Superintendent

· Component of Race to Top application

· Problems needing immediate attention

· Need for resources to address· School reform efforts

“Because we know that about 12% of

America’s schools produce 50% of America’s

dropouts, we’re going to focus on helping

states and school districts turn around their

5,000 lowest-performing schools in the next

five years.”

President Barack Obama.

System to be ReformedImprovement

through

Community

CollaborationCoaching

Capacity

Current Pressures· Struggle for state accreditation during the

improvement process· Struggle to meet AYP benchmarks· Lack of high quality professional

development· Need for increased parental and

community involvement· Need to increase student engagement and

improve learning

Transformation model

Coaching

Students

Parents

Community

Teachers

Admin

Team

Transformation Team· Act as Leadership and

Instructional Coaches· Engage Parents and

Community· Communicate urgency of

need for rapid improvement

Transformation Team

· Establish a positive organizational culture

· Monitor Implementation of best practices

· Professional Development· Ensure Accountability

Reform Impact

· Due to the nature of the current shortage of highly qualified teachers in key areas, the model will provide for using the existing staff and provide differentiated professional development that will assist all staff to increase their capacity

Research

· Hope Foundation (2010)

· Education Week (Maxwell, 2010)

· The USDOE Blueprint for Reform (2010)

Pros & ConsCons· Coaching takes time to see results· Restructuring the school day will present challenges to some families· Additional funds needed to support transportation, recognitions, and

extended time

Pros· Involves all stakeholders· Job-embedded to ensure sustainability· Promotes continuous use of student data to improve teaching and

learning· Builds capacity of existing staff· Built in early warning system through use of RTI· Establishes positive climate through a culture of collaboration

Policies and Regulations

Hours of Employment/Work Day· 8VAC20-440-20. Contractual period defined.

Evaluation: Licensed Personnel· § 22.1-309. Notice to teacher of recommendation of dismiss

al or placing on probation

Let’s Have a Great Year!