Reforming Georgia

1
Reforming Georgias High Schools

• Reform Initiatives in Gwinnett County Public
  Schools
• Georgia School Boards Association Conference

2
About Gwinnetts high schools

• 15 traditional 9-12 high schools
• 1 non-traditional high school
• 2 technology/technical education schools
• Enrollment in traditional high schools
• 2,000 to 3,500 students
• Located in a diverse, changing district
• Academic achievement remains high

3
GCPS reforms focus on

• Rigor
• Relevance
• Relationships

4
Rigor

• Rigorous and comprehensive curriculum
• Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS)
• AKS-based Assessments
• End-of-semester exams
• HS Gateway
• Rigor for all students
• High Schools That Work
• Algebra in 8th grade
• Enhanced technical-level courses
• Dual diploma seal encouraged

5
Rigor

• Writing Initiatives
• K-12, cross-discipline focus
• Advanced Placement emphasis
• Maximum participation urged
• Major gains over 5 years
• Strong performance continues
• International Baccalaureate Program
• Grades 6-12 in Norcross Cluster

6
Rigor

• Block Schedule
• Additional time for more courses
• Vertical Teaming
• College Board model
• K-12 teacher collaboration
• Academic Assistance
• Standards maintained, help provided

7
Relevance

• Non-Traditional High School Programs
• Unconventional schedules
• Specialty focus technology, career prep, fine
  arts, math/science
• Gwinnett Online Campus
• Joint enrollment programs
• Addition of new courses
• Industry-certified technical programs
• Connection to workplace needs

8
Relevance

• Work/study programs
• Apprenticeships
• Future Educators of America
• Careers in Education course
• Seventh-period classes
• Gwinnett Student Leadership Team

9
Relationships

• Large schools organized into smaller learning
  communities
• Extracurricular activities
• Volunteerism
• School/community connections
• 9th Grade Academies
• Advisement Program

10
Gwinnett County Public Schools

• Committed to making high schools the
  best-possible learning environment for students
  by focusing on
• Rigor
• Relevance
• Relationships

11
Reforming Georgias High Schools

• Reform Initiatives in Gwinnett County Public
  Schools
• Georgia School Boards Association Conference