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October 15, 2008 NEASC Model School
Showcase 1020 Session
YORK HIGH SCHOOL - A LEADERSHIP MODEL THAT
SUPPORTS PERSONALIZATION, ACADEMIC RIGOR AND
SUCCESS FOR EVERY STUDENT
Robert Stevens, Principal Sue Simoneau,
Math/Science Cluster leader Rob Westerberg,
teacher
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FROM SCHOOL MANAGER TO EDUCATIONAL LEADER
"... When I looked inside myself to find the
answers that would help launch educational reform
at York High School and miraculously transform me
into an educational leader, this was my epiphany
I used to believe that before the ship left the
shore you had to know clearly the destination of
your trip. I have learned that it is far more
important just to leave the shore. It takes more
courage, and diplomacy with your staff, but it is
well worth the adventure..."
-Robert Stevens
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York High School Mission Statement
The York High School community provides all
students a solid educational foundation and
opportunities to develop high aspirations and
to pursue personal excellence. We create a
safe environment that encourages respectful
intellectual exchange and open-mindedness.
Versus
Personalization, Academic Rigor, Success for
Every Student
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FROM DREAM TEAM TO A TEAM OF DREAMERS
If you have built castles in the air, your work
need not be lost that is where they should be.
Now put the foundations under them.
- Emerson
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From Department Heads to creating true Teacher
leadership
Making the cultural shift from teacher based
curriculum (teacher want) to every student
prepared for College (student need)
product
process
departments
academic clusters
institutional
Fish philosophy
academic content mindset
grade level TEAM connection
administrative initiative
teacher initiative
YHS Leadership Team
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FROM
PONTIOUS PILATE SCHOOL
"We believe all kids can learn...if they take
advantage of the opportunity we give them to
learn."
TO
HENRY HIGGINS SCHOOL
"We believe all kids can learn...and we will work
to help all students achieve high standards of
learning."
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A True Cultural Shift...
Primary focus on Teaching
Primary focus on Learning
Getting rid of, I taught it, they just didnt
learn it
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If you wait until you have things perfectly
organized and everyone is on board before
implementing change, nothing will ever change.
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Whats in the best interest of kids with regard
to...
... College Preparation for All
... Success for Every Student
... Personalization
... School Structure
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What happens in our school when, despite our best
efforts in the classroom, a student does not
learn?
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SOME AMAZING RESULTS AT YORK HIGH SCHOOL
Top 5 schools in Maine in the
Maine High School Assessments 5 NMSQT
commended students and 2 semi-finalist 87
of the Class of 2008 on college
campuses 80 of the Class of 2007 still on
college campuses 5 students out of 641
dropped out last year 600/641 particpated
in sports 1 out of 3 is in the
Chorus 1 out of 6 is a runner York
escaped "Consolidation" for being "High
Performing" 99 of seniors take math and
95 take science with no senior
requirement Pyramid of interventions 100
success rate staff morale considered a strength
by both administration AND staff
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At York High School, Were all in this together!