High E xpectations

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High E xpectations High C hallenge High
S upport
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Overview

• The need for engineering computer science
• Integration of research-based components into our
  SLC design
• Rigorous and relevant curriculum and instruction
• Interdisciplinary teaching and learning teams
• Inclusive program and practices
• SLC-based continuous program improvement
• Building and district support
• Questions

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Why Engineering Computer Science?

• Less than 5 of engineering graduates are African
  American
• Shift in technology and computer knowledge
  necessary to function in society
• Strong student interest in computers and
  engineering projects
• Integrate student interest with academic
  curriculum

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Rigor and Relevance

• ALL students are Project GRAD scholars
• ALL students graduate taking one or more AP
  courses
• ALL students complete Algebra 1, Geometry, and
  Algebra 2 before 11th grade
• Students wear professional dress daily

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Rigor and Relevance

• Double-dosing in reading / language arts for
  all students
• Double-dosing in math for 9th graders with
  lower math scores
• Physics for 9th graders with higher math scores
• Mandatory extended day program (815 445)

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Rigor and Relevance

• Project-based learning (student concentrations)
• Curriculum designed with community partners

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Rigor and Relevance

• Strong community partnerships
• Internships / research opportunities /
• dual credit
• Relevant extracurricular /
• community service opportunities

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Interdisciplinary Teams

• Common planning (interdisciplinary)
• Project planning
• Looking at student work and data
• Student issues / needs
• Planning recognition activities
• Horizontal teaming (subject-based)
• Across and within small schools
• Vertical teaming (content-based)
• Teachers / leaders across small schools
• Teachers / leaders from Price and Long Middle

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Inclusive Programs / Practices

• Student and staff choice
• Students choose their concentration
• Staff chooses elements of school in which they
  will take a leading role (extracurricular,
  community service, school governance)
• Students with special needs
• Inclusion for most students (research-based)
• Integration of assisted technology needs with
  student projects

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Inclusive Programs / Practices

• Advisement every week
• Student cohorts (6 students each) that students
  stay in throughout high school

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Inclusive Programs / Practices

• 9th grade transition

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Inclusive Programs / Practices

• Parent involvement
• Parent nights each quarter
• Speak about student progress
• Students present projects
• Parents can follow student schedules
• Family day each year (Saturday)
• Everybody works together on engineering tasks
• Rocket launch, mouse trap car, bridge building,
  etc.
• Meetings in the community to increase
  participation

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Inclusive Programs / Practices

• Parent involvement (cont.)
• Parent volunteers and hired assistants
• Administrative tasks
• Lab assistants
• Data analysis specialists

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Continuous Improvement

• Community partners help judge projects
• Utilize Project GRAD post-high school data for
  our future graduates
• Each staff member creates an individual growth
  plan each year

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Building / District Support

• Prepare staff to have dual certification /
  competencies
• Math / computer science
• Language arts / social studies
• Content knowledge for concentration areas
• AP certification for all staff
• Allocate more staffing towards math / science

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Questions and Answers