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Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence
Inside The Blueprint of Excellence
Network of Best Practices Newsletter Volume 2, Number 23, April 2012
From the Desk of
In This Issue:
Bart Teal ❖ Spotlight on White Knoll High School
❖ Photos from the Reading Institute
Our dreams and visions are being realized as
documented in our Institute with the Reading External Links:
School District last week in Reading, ❖ Cathy Giles School Improvement Video
Massachusetts, near Boston. Our focus on
young people took center stage as students
❖ Dr. David Walsh’s Research
were featured in musical performances, artwork ❖ Dr. Warren Phillips Research
displays, and classroom activities. ❖Disney Student Leadership Institute Event
Registration
Outstanding educators from Massachusetts and
neighboring states shared their Best Practices ❖Disney Student Leadership Institute Hotel
and Programs that Work with conference Reservations
participants. These were educators who are
making a major difference in their schools and
classrooms. Our plans are to increase and
Schedule Your Assessment Now
continue sharing Best Practices with conference
participants; our mission is to improve What: Blueprint for Excellence School
opportunities for all children. Improvement Model
Why: Receive an Action Plan consisting of
One of our key purposes of the Reading
Institute is to provide educators an opportunity identified areas of improvement while gaining
to visit schools and observe outstanding access to proven policies, procedures and the
teaching practices in classrooms. These schools Blueprint for Excellence Network of Educators that
are eager to share their teaching techniques fosters continuous growth year after year.
with participants and our gracious host, www.blueribbonschools.com/assessments
Reading Public Schools, has a desire to
continue improvement in search of excellence.
An example is a video of Cathy Giles describing how she has improved her school. A link to that video
is available on this page.
Dr. David Walsh, keynote speaker and international best selling author, provided educators with brain-
based research on how students learn plus a series of strategies developed for parents and teachers.
Dr. Warren Phillips, Disney National Teacher and one of Massachusetts’s own exemplary teachers, also
shared instructional techniques using brain-based research.
We are thrilled to be able to share Best Practices and Programs that Work over New England and plan
to continue sharing and inviting other districts in our outreach.
Ba! Teal
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Newsletter | Volume 2, Number 23 | April 2012
1
Spotlight on White Knoll High School
Programs That Contribute to Making White Knoll High School
a Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School
Literacy as a Priority for All Students doing model lessons with students. If
teachers, parents, or guidance counselors
At White Knoll High, literacy is not a are concerned about a student’s ability to
“program;” it is a culture. It is an infusion comprehend text, the Literacy Coach is
of best practices for literacy instruction into able to assess the student’s comprehension
highly functioning classrooms. Teachers and recommend steps to help the student.
understand that literacy is a complex set of The Literacy Coach also pulls individuals as
abilities used to comprehend texts -- print well as small groups of students to work
as well as electronic, both alphabetic and with them on reading and writing
numeric. All classrooms have classroom strategies. Teachers, students and staff all
libraries for student use. Teachers, work together to make literacy an integral
students, and staff members are part of the fabric of White Knoll High.
encouraged to read at least twenty-five
books each year. Those reaching their Professional Development within a High-
goals are acknowledged and rewarded. Performance Learning Cultural
Teachers participate in online recreational
and professional book studies. The Professional development is the backbone
administration values literacy so highly that of support for he successes seen at White
the decision has been made to dedicate Knoll High School. The key to our
one English teaching position as a Literacy successful use of professional development
Coach to work with all teachers to is the fact that it is consistent, meaningful
advance student literacy skills. Many and in manageable segments. Weekly 45-
content area teachers have worked with minute small group sessions during the
the Literacy Coach to develop text sets to school day allow us to introduce new
enhance students’ deep knowledge of concepts. Following these introductory
content. The Literacy Coach is always sessions, teachers have time to implement
available to help teachers plan lessons and new strategies and then return for added
evaluate resources and to support them by support. In every possible case,
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Newsletter | Volume 2, Number 23 | April 2012
2
Spotlight on White Knoll High School
Continued
they work in small group sessions to
constructively analyze these assessments,
teachers have been able to improve
student learning. This is most notably
evident in our English 1 End-of-Course test
scores. We teach our students the
importance of life-long learning every day.
We would be remiss if we did not continue
the habits of life long learning among our
teachers as well.
Award Winning Guidance Program
The school counselors at White Knoll
High School are committed to offering a
data-driven, comprehensive, and
developmental guidance program. Needs
assessments are conducted to pinpoint the
needs of students, parents, and faculty.
Counselors also review school data to
professional development is led jointly by support the findings of the needs
administrators and classroom teachers. assessments and determine additional
Rather than the “Sage on the Stage,” areas of concern.
practical demonstrations and examples are One initiative of the WKHS counseling
used during these sessions. It is our goal to department is meeting individually with all
provide meaningful instruction by which 1900+ students and their parents. These
students can learn and grow into meetings allow counselors to establish a
productive citizens. Of particular focus to personal connection with each student.
us is quality, standards-based instruction. They discuss academic standing and
Through both regular professional progress, review test scores, identify a
development and collaboration in course of study, plan for life after high
Professional Learning Communities, our school, and answer student questions. In
teachers have the opportunity to analyze addition to meeting individually with
standards, create common assessments and students and their parents, school
modify instructional practices based on counselors conduct classroom guidance
student performance. This is not possible and offer small-group counseling based on
when working in isolation. When teachers concerns expressed through the needs
are given the tools for creating meaningful, assessment.
standards-based assessments and when Because of the counseling department’s
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Newsletter | Volume 2, Number 23 | April 2012
3
Spotlight on White Knoll High School
Continued
c o m m i t m e n t t o s e l f - eva l u a t i o n a n d Counselors assist the students and parents
continuous improvement, they have twice in narrowing the student’s career choice to
been recognized by the American School a particular Cluster of Study and
Counselor Association as a model eventually to a specific Major. The process
program- the first high school in South is intended to help the student focus on
Carolina to receive this honor. developing skills and knowledge that will
assist him/her in being ready for a career
Career Majors and Individual and/or higher education. At no point is
Graduation Plans the student locked into a path that cannot
be changed if he/she learns that his/her
At WKHS a comprehensive district wide ambitions have changed.
Curriculum Framework includes the
following elements: Schools of Study, Integration of Technology into the
Clusters of Study, Majors, and an Instructional Program
Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) for each
student. There are five schools of study in Personal mobile computing has come to
our framework. Those five schools of study every student and certified staff member at
include sixteen career clusters. The sixteen White Knoll High School this year.
clusters include more than thirty career Students and teachers were all issued iPads
majors. The IGP process begins at the in the fall of 2011. The iPads have served
middle school level and continues as tools to supports learning and help
throughout high school as students and students acquire the 21st century skills of
parents select a school of study that creativity, collaboration, communication,
the student would like to and critical thinking. In addition to iPads,
pursue. every classroom is equipped with a
projector, a document camera, a voice
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Newsletter | Volume 2, Number 23 | April 2012
4
Spotlight on White Knoll High School
Continued
projection device for the teacher, and an
Airliner tablet that teachers and/or
students can use to project their writing
onto the classroom screen.
Every teacher also has a phone in the
classroom to facilitate contact with parents
and the main office. Student grades and
attendance as well as daily classroom
assignments and lesson plans are
available to parents through a web-based
program. To assist teachers in making
the most of our available technology
tools, White Knoll employs a full-time
Technology Integration Specialist, an
experienced certified teacher who
takes a leadership role in identifying
and implementing best practices
related to the infusion of
technology into the curriculum as
well as providing training sessions
on software, Web 2.0 tools, and Apps for
teachers and students. This staff position is
key to the successful integration of
technology into daily instruction at WKHS.
spending half the school day studying
Innovative World Language Program science and math taught in a language
other than English. To prepare for students
WKHS is part of an innovative district of this caliber, our world language
with the goal that by 2020 75% of district teachers are working collaboratively to
graduates will be multilingual. Because of develop a portfolio approach to language
this goal, our students are coming to us study. Their focus is moving more and and
with language skills that far exceed those more toward authentic assessments and
of their predecessors. Many of our what they refer to as “Can Do” statements.
students will have been studying a Using this approach, students gain credit
language other than English since fifth for the skills they are able to demonstrate
grade. In the future we will be getting in the target language. WKHS offers
students who have been part of a courses in Spanish, French, German, and
language immersion program since Latin with the possibility of studying
kindergarten. In that program they are Mandarin Chinese on a nearby campus.
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Newsletter | Volume 2, Number 23 | April 2012
5
Spotlight on White Knoll High School
Continued
Interventions Designed to Meet used at WKHS to meet the individual needs
Individual Needs of students is the hiring of a high school
interventionist. The high school
Educators at WKHS are dedicated to interventionist provides individualized
doing “whatever it takes” to meet the services throughout White Knoll High
needs of all our students. In an effort to School. Student, faculty, staff, and parents
make educational support available to all rely on the high school interventionist to
students, including those who do not have keep students on track for graduation.
after school transportation, we have built Interacting daily with students, the high
in a time during the school day to provide school interventionist helps design
academic assistance to all students whether programs that fit the individual needs of a
they are falling behind, are right on track, variety of students.
or need a challenge to stretch themselves One of the tools that the interventionist
further. That time is called Prime Time. It is uses is an online curriculum called Apex
a 30-minute block of time set aside daily Learning. This online curriculum is used to
for teachers to work with struggling recover and extend learning in ways that
students, to provide make-up work for are uniquely designed for the type of
those who have missed days, or to stretch service needed. The newest delivery
the thinking of students who have fully method is the in-school Apex lab. The lab
grasped class content. Over the course of serves students who have failed a course
a week, each student gets 30 minutes of needed for graduation. Rather than
Prime Time for each block of the school retaking the course in a traditional
day. classroom setting, students take a credit
Another strategy recovery version of the course in Apex.
The lab runs all day, all four blocks.
Students are scheduled into the lab just as
they are scheduled into any other class.
The high school interventionist monitors
and provides instruction in that lab for
students just as a teacher would. To meet
seat time and curriculum requirements,
students must attend the whole term.
In addition to the in-school lab, there
is a similar after-school option. APEX
is also available for teachers to
assign specific units for students who
are falling behind or need extra support in
a specific class.
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Newsletter | Volume 2, Number 23 | April 2012
6
Spotlight on White Knoll High School
Continued
Nationally Recognized Career and DECA - an association of marketing,
Technology Education (CATE) Program entrepreneurship, and management
students
The Career and Technology Education FBLA - Future Business Leaders
program at White Knoll High School is of America
designed to provide high school students HOSA - an association of Health
an opportunity to pursue a sequential Science students
technical and academic program of study SkillsUSA - an association of students
leading to advancement in a career field. enrolled in architecture and
Our main goal for all students is for them engineering programs
to be successful citizens, workers and
leaders in a global economy. The Center for Public Health and
The Career and Technology Education Advanced Medical Studies
program at White Knoll High School
consists of the following programs of study: The Center for Public Health and
Business, Marketing, Computer Advanced Medical Studies is a three-year,
Technology, Entrepreneurship, Virtual six-semester program in which students
Enterprise, Architecture, Engineering, spend two blocks each
Media Technology, Health Science, and semester of their
our new Center for sophomore
Public Health and through senior
Advanced Medical years exploring
Studies. the exciting and
Student organizations challenging
are an integral part of worlds of public
each one of the health and
programs listed above. medicine.
The following student
organizations are
considered co-curricular
and students are
encouraged to participate
in leadership activities and
display their skills in competitive events at
the local, state, and international levels.
The student organizations supported at
White Knoll High School include:
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Newsletter | Volume 2, Number 23 | April 2012
7
Spotlight on White Knoll High School
Continued
This program is available to students across Virtual Enterprise
Lexington School District One. It is
designed to meet the needs of students Virtual Enterprise is an exciting course in
who are interested in preparing for careers which each student has an opportunity to
in public health and medical professions run a “virtual” business on a day-to-day
that require a four-year degree or beyond. basis. The business offers products,
All Center coursework is at the Honors or services or both. Student employees create
Advanced Placement level and is designed a business of their choice and then sell
to give students local, state, national, and their wares or services to other students
global perspectives relating to the within the Virtual Enterprise International
prevention and treatment of illness and network (consisting of over 500 firms
disease. Most courses come with college nation-wide.) As a member of the firm,
credit availability for high performing employees fill either management or staff
students. Courses that do not carry positions in the areas of accounting/
college credit are modeled after freshman finance, marketing (sales and promotions),
level courses at local four-year universities. web design, human resources, and
The Center is dedicated to graduating administration. Students are also taught
knowledgeable, high-quality students who personal finance as they receive a weekly
are 21st century learners capable of paycheck and are responsible for their
thinking critically to solve problems in the own individual accounting of their
fields of public health, medical research, expenses.
and advanced medical studies.
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Newsletter | Volume 2, Number 23 | April 2012
8
Highlights From Reading Institute
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Newsletter | Volume 2, Number 23 | April 2012
9
Blueprint For Excellence School Improvement Model
Student Support School Organization
and Focus and Culture
Challenging Standards Active Teaching
and Curriculum and Learning
Technology Professional
Integration Community
Leadership and School, Family, and
Educational Vitality Community Partnerships
Indicators of
Success
The Blueprint for Excellence is designed to be a positive school improvement
process that covers nine major categories of critical performance elements
found in excellent schools. This process allows a school’s own stakeholders to
assess the school’s performance and design program improvement initiatives
focused on the results of the assessment.
Click here to schedule an Assessment
Read on for a Description of the Nine Critical Performance Areas
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Newsletter | Volume 2, Number 23 | April 2012
10
Nine Critical Performance Areas
Student Focus and Support Professional Community deviation above the mean on norm-
Goals and objectives flow from the The school recognizes the vital role referenced tests). Criterion reference
school’s vision and student needs, continuous professional development tests and other achievement measures
and reflect high aspirations for all plays in achieving the school’s support that high levels of learning
students. The school strives for and mission. The school has developed a are achieved. Illustrations show how
achieves excellence and equity. A culture that encourages teachers, assessment data have been used to
cohesive and integrated network of administrators, and school staff to improve practice and to promote
programs, co-curricular activities, and work together as members of a student learning. Factors that can
services has been implemented to professional community, supporting have a negative effect on school
support the full spectrum of students in each other in the improvement of climate (e.g., high absenteeism,
achievement of the goals and student learning. Professional growth serious discipline problems) have
objectives of the school. The staff has and development, both inside and been minimized. Significant data are
aligned curriculum and put in place outside the school walls, is continuous shared with the community, parents,
strategies to ensure successful and thoughtfully planned, based on and students concerning the outcomes
transitions of students entering the analysis of data on student and of the school’s programs and
school and transitioning to other faculty needs, and is integral to offerings.
schools. Examples of and implementing new school initiatives
participation rates in programs and and/or changes in curriculum. Formal Leadership and Educational Vitality
services provide evidence that the and informal support is provided to Dynamic leadership engages the
school is committed to doing whatever beginning and experienced teachers. school and community in continuous
it takes to ensure student success. Staff members are given opportunities school improvement focused on
for leadership and recognition. student learning and based on vision,
Finally, teachers, administrators, and data, knowledge of research,
School Organization and Culture
support staff are provided with the effective practice, and continuous
The school culture exemplifies a time and opportunity to reflect on
caring community of learners that monitoring and assessment that has
what is working and to change what resulted in high levels of student
supports continuous learning and is no longer effective.
improvement flowing from student- achievement and implementation of
focused goals. Examples document comprehensive plans to meet current
that members are engaged in School, Family, and Community and future challenges.
collective inquiry, reflection, and Partnerships
responsible decision-making about A pattern of actions taken by the Technology Integration
learning. Hiring and assignment of school demonstrates commitment to School utilizes technology in an
staff, opportunities for students to and recognition of the important role effective, efficient manner by
build sustained and caring that families, partnerships, and incorporating the National Education
relationships with adults, a healthy community play in supporting Technology Standards for all students:
peer climate among students, and the learning. The school has implemented Basic Operations and Concepts;
existence of a safe positive strategies (e.g., services that meet the Social, Ethical, and Human Issues;
environment demonstrate that this needs of families, parent conferences, Technology Productivity Tools;
school is focused on the welfare and meeting schedules that facilitate Technology Communication Tools;
continuous achievement of all students parent participation, and methods for Technology Research Tools; and
and staff. promoting two-way communication Technology Problem-Solving and
that are effective in involving parents Decision-Making Tools.
Active Teaching and Learning from all segments of the community in
supporting their children’s education.
There is clear and compelling Examples illustrate how the school has Challenging Standards and Curriculum
evidence that there is purposeful The curriculum is rationally designed
successfully engaged the educational
decision-making governing all aspects to ensure high levels of achievement
resources of the community, families,
of the teaching and learning of the school’s goals and objectives
and other partners to support
program. There is a discernible link by all students. These goals and
educational goals and provided
between instructional strategies and reciprocal benefits. objectives include learning of
student achievement. Teaching significant content by all students, and
practices and learning experiences citizenship, interpersonal, and
reflect current research on cognition, Indicators of Success
workplace skills. The curriculum is
teaching, and learning. An Based on multiple indicators, based on knowledge of effective
abundance of technology, print, and students have consistently achieved practice, and the nature of the student
media resources is available to all high academic standards. On norm- body; programs, and curricula are
students and staff to ensure that referenced tests, the students score at consistently implemented, and are
educational goals and student needs least one standard deviation above regularly monitored, evaluated, and
are met. the mean. Or, the school has improved. Students are meeting
provided evidence of significant rigorous standards for promotion
improvement in student achievement and/ or graduation.
over time (at least one standard
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Newsletter | Volume 2, Number 23 | April 2012
11
Blueprint for Excellence School Improvement Model
The Blueprint for Excellence can help your school determine how well
it is doing in nine areas of critical performance that research says
leads to educational excellence.
This comprehensive school assessment can guide the creation of a
school-wide action plan that includes measurable student achievement
and, potentially, can result in the honor of receiving the Blue Ribbon
Lighthouse School Award, which celebrates schools that excel in all
nine performance areas.
The Blueprint for Excellence is the brainchild of Blue Ribbon Schools
of Excellence, Inc., an organization of seasoned education
professionals with many years of experience in identifying schools of
excellence for federal agencies at the national level. These individuals
have dedicated their lives to immersing themselves in the finest quality
research on school excellence.
Their understanding of the components that accumulate to form a first-
class, high performing school has led them to create a challenging,
online self evaluation tool that schools can use to compare their
practices to the very best — to identify their strengths and
weaknesses.
What’s Happening at Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence
How is your school really doing?
Blueprint for Excellence School Improvement Process
How to become a Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Professional Development Course Offerings
Upcoming Events
August 1-4, 2012 - BRSE Summer Student Leadership Institute Event Registration, Walt Disney World, Florida
Registration is Live
August 1-4, 2012 - BRSE Summer Student Leadership Institute Hotel Reservations, Walt Disney World, Florida
Registration is Live
December 4-8, 2012 - Blueprint for Excellence Conference Event Registration, Walt Disney World, Florida
Registration is Live
Stay Connected to the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Network
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Newsletter | Volume 2, Number 23 | April 2012
12
