Transcript Slide 1

There is a disconnect between what
we offer in schools and what the
students need or want.
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A small hybrid high school which integrates face-to-face teacher
instruction with rigorous online curriculum. VOISE combines
technology, best distance learning pedagogy, and quality online
curriculum with exemplary classroom teachers to provide
individual choice, scholarship, and achievement providing
◦ rigorous, relevant, quality, accredited online curriculum
allowing students to work at their own pace and truly master
the material;
◦ certified, subject matter teachers who provide the highest
level of digital instruction while also tailoring to the individual
needs of students.
◦ emphasis on building relationships as a catalyst to meeting
high expectations and creating students that are prepared for
and will go to college.
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A Chicago Public School Renaissance 2010 High School. Funding
and requirements are the same as all CPS high schools. VOISE is a
“regular” CPS Small School.
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The academic day follows typical CPS guidelines/schedules with
150 students in 9th grade the first year -- expanding to 12th grade
with a maximum of 600 students.
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Students are responsible for reading and assignments in class and
outside-of-class homework and projects just as they are in
traditional classes.
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Students are required to complete the same assessments and
fulfill the same credit requirements as any other CPS high school
student.
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VOISE shares a campus with two other small schools in the Austin
Community on Chicago’s West Side. The Austin Campus was
formerly Austin High School which was closed to extremely poor
performance and violence.
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95% of students reside in the Austin Community. Students choose
to attend VOISE, but there is no other application requirement.
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99% Free or Reduced Lunch.
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Computers access is provided in homes as needed for online
students for outside homework, projects, and research activities.
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Great teachers are in each classroom with a traditional schedule
structure.
Teachers play more of a “coach” role and help students individually work
through the curriculum.
Teachers have more time to actually teach and less administrative tasks.
This allows more time to find enrichment activities that will engage more
students.
Individual course needs, learning styles, and paces met. Individualized
learning plans
Online classes are not limited by class size. Students can take a variety of
electives and Advanced Placement courses.
Students have responsibility for their learning
More choice, engagement, and individual teacher-student interaction so
◦ Drop-out rates decrease
◦ Graduation rates and college enrollment rise.
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Highest quality, digital content is available to students
through online courses.
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Students can work at their own pace (repeat learning
objects when necessary, move more quickly and study
deeper when desired).
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The classroom teacher can then work with students on
an individual basis, while also having more time to work
on finding enrichment activities that engage students
and develop advanced critical thinking.
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Digital Curriculum Model Provides:
 Real-time assessment of students.
 Quick and easy access to student data.
 Immediate feedback for students.
This allows Teachers to:
 Address learning gaps immediately.
◦ Use of reading diagnostic data created a two grade level increase on average
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Target students for intervention.
Adjust/modify instruction.
Give students and parents the information they need, when they
need it, to drive their decisions.
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All classrooms have mobile furniture for individual,
small group, and whole group instruction.
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All students have an assigned laptop to carry from class
to class.
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Wireless carts provide access without the need for hard
wiring, but needed additional outlets.
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A teacher’s station, projector, and networked printer is
in each room.
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A SMART board is in each room.
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Variety of digital tools in each classroom (i.e. class
response systems, digital writing tablets, etc)
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In this new, self-paced model,
students are more satisfied and are
becoming more independent
learners.
Satisfaction and success is keeping
students in school, on-track for
graduation, and prepared for college.
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Students are given the flexibility of
online learning, with the support of
face-to-face instructors.
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Additionally, students work in a
one-to-one laptop environment and
gain daily exposure to 21st Century
Skills.
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75%
Freshmen On Track Rate 2008-2009
81% Freshmen On Track Rate 2009-2010
◦CPS Average 64%
◦Other Schools in the Austin Community below 55%
87%
On Pace to Graduate
◦CPS Average 60%
61%
of VOISE students made gains on ACT’s EPAS
Assessments between 9th and 10th grade
◦CPS Average below 50%
◦Other Schools in the Austin Community below 30%
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VOISE students increased in literacy by 2 or
more grade levels in their first year.
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Online Curriculum Gives EVERY Student the tools and
opportunity to Succeed
Culture of High Expectations
Literacy is the Key
High Levels of Student Engagement
Confidence
Teacher Recruitment based on technical
and personal skills
Attention to Detail
Leave nothing to Chance
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Over 500 applications for 150 seats in the Freshmen class of
2010-2011
CPS pilot for the use of “ACT style” online assessments
Juniors begin ACT Prep using a variety of online tools,
including Key Train and Elevate Math.
Students begin to take electives in 2010-2011
Senior year plan for students to have flexible schedule
including classes that meet outside the walls of VOISE.
Senior year students begin to take college courses online
through a partnership with Chicago City Colleges.
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The essence of this small hybrid school includes choice,
responsibility, relationships, relevance and increasing the
number and diversity of high quality educational
opportunities for student success and satisfaction in the
Chicago Public Schools.
The goal of graduating and preparing all students for college,
military, or the work force will be met, but
The expectation at VOISE Academy is that EVERY
student will have the option of going to
COLLEGE!
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