anderson community schools
DESCRIPTION
TRANSCRIPT
Rotary Presentation
Tuesday, January 10, 2012 Dr. Felix Chow, Superintendent
Stephanie Moran, School Board Member
Since 2000, Anderson Community Schools has seen a loss of 3,500 students.
In the year 2000, enrollment was at 10,400 students.
In 2009, enrollment was at 9,124 students.
This year enrollment is at 6,980 students.
It has been the “perfect storm” for the loss of students in Anderson.
•Economic challenge Downward economy
State Tax formula changes
•Open Enrollment •School Vouchers
•Disenchantment with current system.
Strategic Plan The core direction of the district:
To improve quality of education by providing competitive choices in a safe environment.
Building Reorganization
Close both intermediate schools, East Side and North Side Intermediate Schools
Re-0pen Edgewood Elementary School as K-5
Make the remaining elementary schools K-5
Make Highland a traditional “middle” school, 6-8
Consolidate freshmen back to the High School, 9-12
Increase Choices
Open the entire district for choice
Work towards a Magnet School approach
Create two zones: Forest Zone-Edgewood, Anderson,
Erskine/River Zone- East Side, Tenth Street, Valley Grove
Modify the Dress Code to allow for more “choice”
Competitive Classes Continue the class size of 25 average
Continue implementation of competency- based promotion
Increase holistic education-finance, parenting, prevention, instructive technology
Increase distinct course offerings- Chinese, Arabic, Advanced Placement Courses, Dual Credit, High Ability K-5
Increase hands on/vocational learning options
Safety and Personal Responsibility
Use of Bus Monitors
Security Sweeps
Drug Testing
Hallway/Bathroom Monitors
Increase consequences for disciplinary issues
Zero Tolerance for bullying and disruptive behavior
Enrichment/Remediation Collaboration with early literacy groups, afterschool
groups, and summer/school break opportunity providers
Individualized and differentiated instruction through the 8 Step Process
This process is already showing that it will increase the success of our students. There is “success time” built into each school day for enrichment and remediation.
Instructional and Administrative Excellence
Collaboration with Anderson Federation of Teachers(AFT) on implementation of a Peer Assessment Review (PAR)
Redefining academic leadership positions in the buildings and administration
Commitment to getting the right people in the right places in the corporation
Collaboration IMPACT Center-working with drop out students in
non-traditional structure to re-engage students and increase student success
Working with agencies and service providers to provide necessary and needed interventions for students
Continue to recruit community members, leaders and volunteers to mentor and engage with students and families to increase student success
Balanced Calendar Educational move toward alignment with the
Common Core State Standards
(The Common Core State Standards are set up in 9 week programs, 9 weeks lessons, followed by assessment. The teacher then has time to prepare remediation, time to re-prepare lessons, prepare new material so students a brought along at their own pace.)
This also provides more days of instruction before the
ISTEP+tests
What ACS offers English Next Language(ENL), Special Ed., Learning Disabled resources
at all levels, including homebound instruction
Behavior Specialists, Physical Therapists, Social Workers, Reading Specialist, Literacy Data Coaches, Registered Nurses
Pre-School, Full Day Kindergarten
Nationally recognized PAR and ER&D evaluation plan
Response to Intervention, Positive Behavior Support programs
Certified Special Teachers-Art, Music, PE, Library
AP/Dual Credit Courses
Math and Language Arts Pacing Guides-Curriculum mapping
Competitive Athletics, Robotics, Extra-curricular, Music, Drama
8 Step Process and Standard Based report cards
Committed to Student Success through Inclusion and Unity We out performed other schools even thought WE
TURN NO CHILD AWAY AND SEND NO CHILD BACK.
We serve a population where over 2/3 of the students are from homes that qualify for free and reduced lunch
We serve a population where nearly ¼ of the students are in need of special education
We serve hundred of English language learning students
We serve many homeless and food insecure youth
Better Days are Ahead The students we serve have shown us that we can find
strength and success when we work together, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Students don’t want to go back….they want to move forward…TOGETHER.
Administration, School Board, AFT, teachers, and students are listening to each other and working together in unprecedented fashion
We are planning progressively and strategically
We are moving from surviving toward thriving
