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AMERICA'S CHOICE
Robert A. Taft Information Technology High School is
connected to the America’s Choice network of schools. The goal of America’s
Choice is to work with Taft to develop an exceptional academic program that
becomes deeply embedded in the culture of the school. This brief overview
of America's Choice is intended to provide insight into some of the ways
the model is being implemented at Robert A. Taft. Funding for the America's
Choice model is provided through a Comprehensive School Reform Development (CSRD)
grant through the Ohio Department of Education. Please visit
http://www.ode.state.oh.us/field_relations/ for more information about
CSRD grants.
- 25 Book Campaign: The 25
Book campaign is a school-wide effort. Every department is involved.
Twenty-five books equals about 1 million words which translates into an
increase in vocabulary of about 3,000 words. This will help to improve
proficiency test scores.
- Fundamentals of Advanced Literacy
(English) and Fundamentals of Advanced
Mathematics are double-block
classes in the Preparatory Academy. The purpose of these classes is to
ramp-up students to get them on track for more advanced learning.
- Safety-Net Program: This
consists of three principle parts: tutoring/mentoring; ramp-up classes;
and credit-recovery opportunities..
- Safe, Clean Environment:
In order for students to learn properly, the learning environment must be
safe and clean. Robert A. Taft is working very hard to improve the
physical structure of the building in order to present a clean atmosphere
to students.
- Smaller Learning
Communities: America's Choice
recommends that schools house between 600 to 800 students with
100-200 students per team. Robert A. Taft fits this profile.
- Upper and Lower Divisions:
America's Choice recommends that schools be split into an upper division
and lower division. This closely matches Robert A. Taft's Senior
Institute/Preparatory Academy structure.
- Effective Instructional Leadership:
This must exist in order to support a "standards-based
culture" where strong results are the highest priority.
- Managing Through Teams:
Each week a Leadership Team (Principal, 2 Assistant
Principals, Senior Institute Manager, Literacy Coach,
Standards-in-Practice (SIP) Coach, and team leaders meet together to
discuss all facets of the school.
- School Focused on Results:
The Leadership Team works with the faculty to set grade-level,
departmental and school-wide student performance targets.
- On-Site Professional Development:
America's Choice works with Robert A. Taft to provide professional
development in many areas, including best practices and literacy
enhancement. Many of these training sessions are now being held in
locations either close to Robert A. Taft or on site.
- Rituals and Routines:
Robert A. Taft is establishing rituals and routines for both staff and
students in order to formalize the learning process.
- Projects--Grades 9 - 12:
Students will have to complete projects in order to achieve certain
honors.
To learn more about America's
Choice, please
click here.
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