Robert A. Taft Information
Technology High School
America's Choice Program
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.