Transcript MCPS PowerPoint Template - Montgomery County Public Schools

Welcome to Julius West MS
Middle School Reform
Phase II: 2008-09
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AGENDA
By the end of this presentation, you will have
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Heard the rationale for & process of developing middle school initiatives
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Viewed goals of middle school reform
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Seen recommendations for Phase II & all middle schools in MCPS
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Learned of new leadership structures
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Compared current JWMS to MSR
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Discussed next steps
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National Issues
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No Child Left Behind
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How to Prepare for the 21st Century
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The Achievement Gap
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Changing Demographics
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Reading, Writing, Thinking
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Inclusion / Giftedness
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Middle School Reform
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What does it take to prepare our middle school
students for the 21st Century?
Students must be able to …
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Work in teams
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Solve complex problems
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Connect learning across disciplines
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Think strategically
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Apply knowledge to real-life situations
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Use technology
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Multi-Year Initiative
Steering Committee & Project Teams
Recommendations to BOE & MS Policy Revisions
Phase I: 2007-08
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Benjamin Banneker MS
Roberto Clemente MS
Montgomery Village MS
Sligo MS
Earle B. Wood MS
Phase II: 2008-09
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9 additional schools
Phase III: 2009-10
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Steering Committee & Project Teams reviewed:
• Leadership/Professional Development
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
• Extended Learning Opportunities
• Human Resources
• Organizational Structure
• Technology
• Parent and Community Engagement & Communication
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MCPS Goals for MSR
Goal 1: Leadership
Goal 2: Curriculum that is engaging,
motivating and rigorous
Goal 3: Extended learning opportunities
Goal 4: Organizational structures
Goal 5: Staff development to increase
understanding of adolescent learner
Goal 6: Partner with parents & others
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Leadership Structure
NEW POSITIONS
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Literacy Content Specialist
• Fully released
• 15 summer days per person
• Modified Supplement
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Math Content Specialist
• Fully released
• 20 summer days per person
• Supplement
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Leadership Structure
CONTENT SPECIALISTS (no grade level team leader responsibilities)
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English
Science
Social Studies
PE/Arts
1 other area (TBD based on school’s data/need and in collaboration
with school and community superintendent)
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1 release period
20 summer days per person
Supplement
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Leadership Structure
GRADE LEVEL TEAM LEADER
Two at each grade level
-no department responsibilities
– based on school enrollment
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1 release period
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10 days
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Modified Supplement
RTSE & SDT
The positions of resource teacher in special education (RTSE) and
staff development teacher (SDT) are still in place based upon
previous funding sources.
* Note: This leadership structure only reflects those positions outlined in
the middle school reform report. Schools have other leadership
positions that are not listed here. During the first year of the reform,
the positions will be evaluated for implementation; therefore, some
modification may be made in the information listed above.
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Selected Recommended Actions for Phase I & Phase II
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Professional Learning Communities Institute
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Mathematics and Literacy Content Specialists
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New structure for resource teachers and team leaders
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Phase I & II Recommended Actions
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Innovative, interactive model classrooms
(21st Century Classrooms – Promethean whiteboards)
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Rigorous core and elective courses
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Redesigned after school and summer programs
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Funds to support team planning and professional development
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Study Circles and integrate action steps in school improvement plans
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Parent Academy workshops
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Recommended Actions for All Middle Schools
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School Leadership Team Institute
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Comprehensive Professional Development
Plan: differentiation, rigor, equitable classroom
practices, data-driven instructional decisions
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Guidelines for Advanced Instruction
Alignment of mathematics and English curricula
with The College Board standards (on hold)
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Formative and benchmark assessments/new
technology tool (Performance Matters)
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Additional counselors
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All Middle Schools
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7-hour instructional data assistants
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Guidelines for school schedules and vertical articulation
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Recruitment and hiring of middle school staff with knowledge,
skills, and content expertise specific to middle school
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School and parent resources to improve parent communication
and engagement
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So… What’s in it for JWMS?
Advantages
• Add’l opportunities for
students
• Add’l staff development
• Add’l leadership positions
(16 vs. 12)
• Add’l resources such as
time for planning
• Opportunity to try what is
available to support
student achievement & to
make AYP
• 1st MYP School to go MSR
Challenges
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Resistance to change
Developing new courses
Time & energy for training
Balancing multiple
priorities
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MYP
AYP
MSR
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Next Steps for Julius West MS
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Share info with staff and parent groups
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Decide whether to apply for Phase II
participation
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Submit application by February 8, 2008
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Wait for decision on application by end of
February
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Develop master schedule & professional
development calendars for required staff
training
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Note: Implementation of middle school
initiatives for any schools is contingent on
budget approval and results of the
implementation evaluation.
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Additional Information
The complete Middle School Reform Report is available
at the following website:
http://www.montgomerycountyschoolsmd.org/info/msreform
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