May 2008

Closing the Gap

Initiatives to support low performing students

Federal: Title I

State:Act 135- Academic Assistance

District: District Oversight CommitteeAcademic AuditsClosing the Gap

Today we will discuss the District’s initiatives.

District Oversight Committee (DOC)

Title I requirement

Title I law, under No Child Left Behind, requires we have an alternative governance model for schools in certain levels of improvement. The District Oversight Committee is the model for Greenville County Schools.

District Oversight Committee (DOC) continued

Chaired by Director of Closing the Gap

Involves district staff:

Deputy Superintendent of Schools Associate Superintendent of Student Performance Assistant Superintendents of Principal Supervision

and Accountability Director of Federal Programs Teaching and Learning Human Resources & Professional Development Instructional Technology Evaluation and Assessment Special Education

District Oversight Committee (DOC) continued

The Core Goal is to: “Rebuild” the school with a redirected focus on

high academic achievement for students. Assist schools in identifying and implementing

specific academic goals and supporting curricula, effective instructional approaches, and appropriate staffing resources.

Align and monitor progress of all school programs and operations and monitor use of technical assistance for Title I schools in Restructuring.

Academic Audits

Focuses on low performing, Title I schools.

Uses external and internal consultants to conduct a thorough audit focusing on the school climate/environment, the instructional organization and support, and the teaching/learning process, including curriculum, instruction and assessment.

Takes place over a period of 4-weeks

Reports findings, commendations, and recommendations to the school

The school then creates and implements an action plan.

Office of Closing the Gap

Began in 2002-03 Primary focus is on elementary schools Schools are identified as “Gap” schools based on

the criteria of a designated percentage point difference in PACT ELA and/or Math in the Below Basic category between FARM (free and reduced meal students) and non-FARM (full pay meal students).

Designated percentage-point difference has decreased from a 30 percentage-point difference in 2002-2003 to a 21 percentage-point difference in 2007-2008.

Closing the Gap Results

On average, of the schools served since 2002-03…

67% of the schools have progressed out of “gap” status.

90% of all schools served have shown academic progress in their identified area.

Closing the Gap Strategies

Annual School Portfolios MAP Testing DesCartes Instructional Coaches The Curriculum Connection Pat Cunningham’s 4-Blocks Learning-Focused Strategies Everyday Counts Before and/or After-School Programs Parental involvement Pre-school programs and Early Interventions Professional development opportunities (ex.

Summer Academy)

2007-2008Closing the Gap Schools

Augusta Circle Elementary Bells Crossing Elementary Berea Elementary Blythe Academy Chandler Creek Elementary East North Street Academy Ellen Woodside Elementary Gateway Elementary Sara Collins Elementary Simpsonville Elementary Stone Elementary Woodland Elementary

Gap RecognitionEducation Oversight Committee

2008

Bell’s Crossing Brushy Creek Crestview East North Street Academy Mauldin Mitchell Road Oakview Paris Pelham Road Plain Robert E. Cashion Simpsonville Westcliffe

Questions?