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Strong Schools, Strong Communities Update October 2012. Agenda. Overview of Strong Schools, Strong Communities Summary of Strong Schools, Strong Communities impact this fall Pop quiz(!) Additional training and information.
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Strong Schools, Strong Communities Update October 2012
Agenda • Overview of Strong Schools, Strong Communities • Summary of Strong Schools, Strong Communities impact this fall • Pop quiz(!) • Additional training and information
The Big Picture: The Strong Schools, Strong Communities Strategic Plan
Thirty years ago, the district began busing students across the city in an effort to desegregate the schools.
But the data told us… • Saint Paul is among the most integrated urban areas in the nation • Data analysis of student performance districtwide showed students perform as well or better at their neighborhood schools So, we developed a new system to bring learning closer to home.
What the Strong Schools, Strong Communities plan will do Improve education for all students – without exception or excuse • Achievement: Ensure each child achieves to his or her potential • Alignment: Assure all students have quality school choices in their own communities • Sustainability: Equitably distribute resources; invest in what works
Strong Schools, Strong CommunitiesImplementation Timeline Summer 2011 DAT (District Action Teams) Begin Meeting January - March 2011 Community Engagement Full Implementation High School New Programs New Boundaries Spring 2011 Implementation Begins Nov-Dec 2010 Pre-launch Engagement 2012 2014 2009 2010 2013 2011 Data review and analysis Elementary & Middle School: New Grade Configurations New Boundaries March 15, 2011 Plan Approved by 7-0 Board Vote Fall 2011 Co-locations, longer school day, shorter walk-zone January 11, 2011 Plan Launched December 19, 2011 DAT Recommendations presented to Superintendent
What’s coming next fall? • All elementary schools become K – 5 sites • Sixth grade moves to middle schools, strengthening student/teacher relationships • New Community School Zones ensure families have the best chance of getting into their community schools • Busing provided to schools within your area, as well as to regional and districtwide magnets • Sibling preference will continue • Reflecting St. Paul works to preserve integration
Preference Points During Enrollment 1st Priority: Students who live in the Community School Zone 2nd Priority: Reflecting St. Paul 3rd Priority: Children of SPPS Employees 4th Priority: Students in the area, but not CSZ 5th Priority: Students who live in St. Paul, but not the area 6th Priority: Students who live outside St. Paul
Recap of Elementary Choices in 2013/2014 • Students in an area may: • attend any Community School in their area and receive busing • enroll in a regional or districtwide magnet and receive busing • choose to attend a school outside their area and no longer receive bus service
Community School Pathways A B C D E F
Articulations, with Guaranteed Space • American Indian Language and Culture, K-12 • Visual and Performing Arts, K-12 • Capitol Hill Gifted and Talented: 1-12 • Hmong Studies Language and Culture, K-12 • International Baccalaureate, K-12 • Language Immersion – French, K-12 • Language Immersion – Spanish, K-12 • Language Immersion – Mandarin, Grade configuration growing • Montessori, K-8 • Aerospace, K-12
SSSC Pop Quiz Question #1: Do articulations or pathways guarantee families in specific programs like language immersion or PYP/MYP/IB a guaranteed seat from grades K-12 as long as they stay in the program. Pathways Articulations
SSSC Pop Quiz Question #2: Under the new Reflecting Saint Paul program recommended by the School Choice and Integration District Action Team and adopted by the Board of Education: All elementary schools must reserve 15% of their seats for low income students or students of color who want to exercise choice to avoid resegregation All elementary schools that are at least 20% below the district poverty average must reserve 20% of their seats for students from high poverty schools in high-need neighborhoods Only elementary and middle schools/junior high schools must set aside seats
SSSC Pop Quiz Question #3: Beginning in the 2013/2014 school year, elementary students in any area in the district: Must attend a school in their Community School Zone in order to receive transportation Are eligible to attend any school in their area, plus any regional or district magnet, but cannot receive transportation Can receive transportation to any school in their area or any regional or district magnet
Strong Schools, Strong CommunitiesInformational Area Meetings
Strong Schools, Strong CommunitiesStaff Meetings Information regarding upcoming trainings including district central meetings will be posted on www.spps.org in October.
Encourage parents and families • Students in correct areas need only notify of intent, not reapply • Go online to School Finder to determine area • View some of SPPS’s 200+ videos • Read School Selection Guide thoroughly in December • Attend School Choice Fair on January 12, 2013 • Visit their schools of choice • Talk to other families in the schools • Apply by Feb. 15 deadline • Call Student Placement with questions