Small school summit jan 2006

Small School Summit: 

Small School Summit January 11, 2006 Dr. Alexa Posny

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“We must ensure that a high school diploma reflects the accomplishment of assured rigor, relevance and preparation to compete in the 21st century…” North Carolina State Board of Education

Is Advanced Placement Appropriate for All Students?: 

Is Advanced Placement Appropriate for All Students?

The Good News About Public Education in 2005Center on Education Policy (CEP): 

The Good News About Public Education in 2005 Center on Education Policy (CEP) “U.S. public schools have improved in many ways since the movement to reform education by raising standards first took shape 20 years ago.”

Positive National Trends (CEP): 

Positive National Trends (CEP) School Participation and Course Taking Americans are becoming more educated High school students are taking a more challenging curriculum More high school students are completing advanced math and science courses More high school students are taking AP courses and exams More students with disabilities are being educated in regular classrooms

Positive National Trends (CEP): 

Positive National Trends (CEP) Student Achievement Some achievement gaps are narrowing SAT scores have gone up, even as more students are taking the test ACT scores have remained stable, even as the number of test-takers has surged U.S. students outscore other countries in interpreting civic information

Positive National Trends (CEP): 

Positive National Trends (CEP) School Climate and Public Support Pupil-teacher ratios are falling Almost all U.S. classrooms have Internet access Students are safer at schools

Positive National Trends (CEP): 

Positive National Trends (CEP) Teachers Public school teachers are well educated and experienced Fewer high school teachers are teaching outside their field of preparation More teachers are participating in professional development

Positive National Trends (CEP): 

Positive National Trends (CEP) Higher Education More students are going to college More young adults are completing four-year college degrees More women are earning college and graduate degrees

Positive Kansas Trends: 

Positive Kansas Trends Kansas is one of the top 9 states in the proportion of high school graduates with scores in the top 20% nationally on either the ACT or SAT Since 1994, ACT college entrance examination scores in Kansas have risen five times as fast as the national average Kansas students have the 8th highest average Advanced Placement (AP) exam scores in the nation In Kansas, 70% of public high school students taking AP exams earn a score high enough to qualify for college credit

KS: Advanced Placement: 

KS: Advanced Placement 5% of Kansas high school juniors and seniors participate in Advanced Placement (AP) exams compared to 11% nationally and 17% in the top five states. Kansas high school students who participated in 2003 AP exams were 2% African American, 14% Asian, 2% Latino, 2% Native American, and 80% White. In 1997 3.4% of Kansas 11th and 12th graders participated in AP exams. In 2003 4.8% participated. This was an improvement of 1.5% compared to 3.7% nationally and 7.4% by the top state (Maryland).

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I recently encountered a mother who told me that her school "had some of those Nickleby kids..." It was a reference to No Child Left Behind kids. NCLB. It was said in a derogatory way, like the school was being dragged down because of these children.

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So who are these "Nickleby" kids? The voiceless ones who slipped through the system because they were someone else's problem. They were in someone else's school. But you know what? They weren't. And aren't. They are in almost every school. Your child's school. My daughters' schools. And they are gifted young people with much to offer our communities, our country and our world…” Secretary of Education, Margaret Spellings, in a speech given at the National PTA conference, May 2005

No Child Left Behind: 

No Child Left Behind NCLB wants to ensure that the most disadvantaged students learn the 3 R’s. Nationally and statewide, it has helped. However, is it leaving behind some of the strongest?

High Schools as Sorting Machines: 

High Schools as Sorting Machines “Every year hundreds of thousands of 9th graders make a decision (or have the decision made for them) that sorts them for years… They decide not to take Algebra I. This decision, made at the age of 14, lowers their chances of attending college and raises their risk of forfeiting the future.”

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We must be pioneers, not victims…

NAEP State-by-State Mathematics Assessments: 

NAEP State-by-State Mathematics Assessments At grade 4, the states with the highest percentages of students at or above proficient were Connecticut, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota and Vermont. At grade 8, no state scored higher than these three: Kansas, Minnesota and Montana.

Achievement Levels – NAEP and Kansas: 

Achievement Levels – NAEP and Kansas NAEP Achievement Levels Kansas Achievement Levels

NAEP8TH Grade Mathematics: 

NAEP 8TH Grade Mathematics

NAEP8TH Grade Reading: 

NAEP 8TH Grade Reading

2005 KS Assessment Results: Executive Summary: 

2005 KS Assessment Results: Executive Summary Performance results are up again Participation rate is at 99% and higher The gap has narrowed significantly at the elementary and middle school levels The percent of highly qualified teachers remains high However, the gap has increased at the high school level

Assessment Highlights:Five Year Gap: 

Assessment Highlights: Five Year Gap 2000 Whites 68.9 Afr. Amer 33.2 35.7 2005 Whites 81.7 Afr. Amer 60.6 21.1 Figuring the Gap: In 2000, the gap was 35.7% In 2005, the gap is 21.1% Subtracting the two (35.7 – 21.1) means the gap has been reduced by: 14.6%

Assessment Highlights:Reading (cont.): 

Assessment Highlights: Reading (cont.) Over five years, the gap between whites and African Americans and Hispanics has narrowed by:

Assessment Highlights:Mathematics (cont.): 

Assessment Highlights: Mathematics (cont.) Over five years, the gap between whites and African Americans and Hispanics has narrowed by:

Assessment Highlights:History/Government (cont.): 

Assessment Highlights: History/Government (cont.) Over five years, the gap between whites and African Americans and Hispanics has narrowed in 6th and 8th grades by:

Assessment Highlights:Science (cont.): 

Assessment Highlights: Science (cont.) Over five years, the gap between whites and African Americans and Hispanics has narrowed in most of the grades by:

Are Resources Being Taken Away from Gifted?: 

Are Resources Being Taken Away from Gifted? Illinois removed $19 million California reduced $10 million Connecticut reduced programs by 22% Rhode Island dropped a program for the most promising elementary and middle schoolers Kansas has increased the allocation for gifted from 22.4 million in 2000 to 25.8 million in 2005.

Gifted and Talented Program Among the Nation's Largest:: 

Gifted and Talented Program Among the Nation's Largest: Kansas leads the nation in the size and scope of its gifted and talented program. It is one of the top 4 states in the nation in the percentage of public secondary schools with a gifted and talented program. Education State Rankings 2004-2005: Pre K-12 Education in the 50 United States. (Morgan Quitno Press: Lawrence, KS). September, 2004

What is the Real Concern?: 

What is the Real Concern? Are we doing enough? Do we need to change the schools? Do we need to change the system? Do we need to change our method of instruction? Are we leaving out our gifted low-income minority students?

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"All kids are gifted; some just open their packages earlier than others."  Michael Carr

NAEP Scores: 

NAEP Scores In 4th grade reading, the bottom 10% of students jumped 10 points In 4th grade reading, the top 10% showed only a 2 point gain In 8th grade math, the bottom 10% rose 7 points In 8th grade math, the top 10% showed just a 1 point gain

Questions: 

Questions Is it easier to bring a student up from an F to a C than it is from a B+ to an A? Is it really because there is no federal mandate for gifted services?

“Instead of using the word problem, try substituting the word opportunity.”: 

“Instead of using the word problem, try substituting the word opportunity.”

Changing Face of Work: 

Changing Face of Work In 1900: About 50% of young men left school at 8th grade and farmed In 1950: 20% of jobs were professional 20% were skilled 60% were unskilled 31% were factory jobs In 2000: About 2% now work on farms yet they feed the nation In 2000: 20% of jobs are professional 60% are skilled 20% are unskilled 18% are factory jobs

Prepared for Work: 

Prepared for Work The new basics at work include the ability to: read at relatively high levels, do at least elementary algebra, use personal computers, solve multi-structured problems, communicate effectively, and work in groups.

High Schools as Sorting Machines: 

High Schools as Sorting Machines “Black, Hispanic and low-income children are most intensely affected by low educational standards. They are disproportionately placed in non-college preparatory and vocational coursework…” President’s Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans, 2000

In the Classroom: 

In the Classroom Students report that what they learned in high school left them ill-equipped for the challenges of college, work, and the adult world. Many students report that for them, the senior year was a waste of time. A number of students report that, far from being challenged by their high school curriculum, they find high school to be pointless and boring. Many viewed high school as primarily a social venue. --Beyond the Classroom

Feeling Old?: 

Feeling Old? The people who started college this fall were born in 1987. They have no meaningful recollection of the Reagan era and probably do not know he had ever been shot. They were six when the Soviet Union broke apart and do not remember the Cold War. Atari predates them, as do vinyl albums. The expression you sound like a broken record means nothing to them. They have never owned a record player.

Feeling Old?: 

Feeling Old? They may never have heard of an 8 track. The Compact Disc was introduced before they were born. There have always been VCRs, but they have no idea what BETA is. The Vietnam War is as ancient history to them as WWI, WWII, and the Civil War. They have no idea that Americans were ever held hostage in Iran. They do not care who shot JR and have no idea who JR is. The Titanic was found? They thought we always knew where it was. They don’t have a clue how to use a typewriter.

Millennials…: 

Millennials… Consumers- $150 billion annually Digital Media Users - 6 hrs daily Multi-taskers Hyper communicators Gamers Less violence, drugs and alcohol Interested in college More socially/civically conscious Optimistic

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“Children are native to cyberspace, and we, as adults, are immigrants.” - Douglas Rushkoff

What they do online: 

Send e-mail Surfing around/seeing what is out there Looking up musical groups and artists Chatting with friends online Doing homework or research Listening to music Using instant messaging Checking movies, TV, or concert listings Reading the news or magazines online Playing online games Meeting people who share interests Watching streaming videos Exchanging own creative work with friends Buying stuff Participating in online auctions What they do online 100% 98% 95% 93% 92% 90% 89% 84% 81% 80% 77% 70% 69% 61% 38% Source: TBWA/Chiat/Day Research, 2000

Kids and Parents are Clear: Their Goal is College: 

Kids and Parents are Clear: Their Goal is College Source:Metropolitan Life, Survey of the American Teacher 2000: Are We Preparing Students for the 21st Century?, September 2000.

Nationally, High School Grads Who Go On To Postsecondary: 

Nationally, High School Grads Who Go On To Postsecondary Source: NELS: 88, Second (1992) and Third (1994) Follow up; in, USDOE, NCES, “Access to Postsecondary Education for the 1992 High School Graduates”, 1998, Table 2.

College Freshmen Who Do Not Return for Sophomore Year: 

College Freshmen Who Do Not Return for Sophomore Year Source: Tom Mortensen, Postsecondary Opportunity, No. 89, November 1999

Why? At Least In Part Because Their Teachers Had Other Ideas About Their Plans: 

Why? At Least In Part Because Their Teachers Had Other Ideas About Their Plans

Should there be a single, overarching goal for high school?: 

Should there be a single, overarching goal for high school? EX: ALL students must graduate from high school ready for postsecondary education.

Overcoming Barriers to High Achievement: 

Overcoming Barriers to High Achievement Students who fail to achieve high standards in the early years need to be put into accelerated classes that focus on intellectual development with rigorous instruction and engaging curriculum rather then be sorted into slower paced remedial classes that compound their low achievement.

Academic Growth:Grades 4-8, 8-12: 

Academic Growth: Grades 4-8, 8-12

Value Added Declining in High School Math... : 

Value Added Declining in High School Math... Age 13-17 Growth Source: NAEP 1999 Trends in Academic Progress

A New Core Curriculum for All2003, Education Trust: 

A New Core Curriculum for All 2003, Education Trust Students of all abilities learn more in college prep courses. A U.S. Department of Education study found that even students who enter high school with test scores in the lowest quartile grow more in college prep courses than they do in either a vocational or general course. Students are more likely to pass high-level courses than low-level courses. A HSTW study found that low-achieving 8th graders were far more likely to earn a “D” or “F” when enrolled in low-level math than in college prep math.

Rigorous Course-Taking2003, Education Trust: 

Rigorous Course-Taking 2003, Education Trust The Texas Business and Education Coalition (TBEC) called for all Texas high school students to complete a rigorous academic core course of study Beginning in 2004, all students entering 9th grade are automatically enrolled in college-prep and can opt out only if both the student’s parents and a school official agree. The Southern Regional Education Board, developers of the HSTW, require all students to complete four credits in college-prep mathematics It must include Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II and a higher level math course such as Trigonometry, Statistics, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, or the College-Board’s Pacesetter Mathematics.

Math Acceleration for AllBurris, Heubert & Levin, EL: 

Math Acceleration for All Burris, Heubert & Levin, EL Students whose parents never attended college more than doubled their chances of enrolling in 4-year colleges if they took high school math courses beyond Algebra 2 A U.S. Department of Education study found that taking advanced math in high school was more strongly associated with successful completion of college than any other factor including grade point average and SES

Transcript Study: The single biggest predictor of college success was…: 

Transcript Study: The single biggest predictor of college success was… Cliff Adelman, Answers in the Tool Box, U.S. Department of Education. Quality and intensity of high school curriculum

Algebra II Coursework: 

Algebra II Coursework District 1: Factoring Factors polynomials to include the difference of perfect squares; the sum or difference of perfect cubes; solves equations involving function notation using numeric, geometric and algebraic techniques; classifies relations as functions or non-functions based on graphical representations as they relate to independent and dependent variables; determines a function’s inverse; verifies a function’s inverse; interpolates and extrapolates information District 2: Factoring Factor polynomials Uses factoring to solve equations and inequalities Applies factor theorems

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Students can do no better than the assignments they are given...

Grade 10 Writing Assignment:: 

Grade 10 Writing Assignment: A frequent theme in literature is the conflict between the individual and society. From literature you have read, select a character who struggled with society. In a well-developed essay, identify the character and explain why this character’s conflict with society is important.

Grade 10 Writing Assignment:: 

Grade 10 Writing Assignment: Write a composition of at least 4 paragraphs on Martin Luther King’s most important contribution to this society. Illustrate your work with a neat cover page. Neatness counts.

AP/IB (college-level) courses: 

AP/IB (college-level) courses What is the fastest growing part of the high school curriculum?

Remedial (high school level) courses: 

Remedial (high school level) courses What is the fastest growing part of the college curriculum?

The Full Year Calendar: 

The Full Year Calendar

Less Summer Vacation: 

Less Summer Vacation

Less Weekends, Holidays, & Summer Vacation: 

Less Weekends, Holidays, & Summer Vacation

Less Professional Development Days & Early Dismissal/Parent Conferences: 

Less Professional Development Days & Early Dismissal/Parent Conferences

Less Class Picnic, Class Trip, Thanksgiving Feast, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Awards, Assembles, & Concerts: 

Less Class Picnic, Class Trip, Thanksgiving Feast, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Awards, Assembles, & Concerts

Less State and District Testing: 

Less State and District Testing

Bottom Line:: 

Bottom Line: Roughly 13-15, eight-hour days, per subject, per year

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“Heroic principals who turn around low-performing schools, innovative schools that break established molds, inspiring teachers who motivate students to excel—those are familiar prescriptions for improving student achievement in high-poverty schools.” Learning First Alliance

Crisis or Possibility: Conversations About the American High School (NGA, CCSSO, & National High School Alliance): 

Crisis or Possibility: Conversations About the American High School (NGA, CCSSO, & National High School Alliance) Seven essential ideas for rethinking high schools: Connecting K-12 and postsecondary education ensuring students are prepared for work or higher education Making college preparation the default curriculum Improving teacher preparation and professional development Ensuring all students can read at or above grade level Addressing the high dropout rate Fostering smaller, more personalized environments Revisiting state academic content standards so that they are more flexible and give students a variety of options for meeting them

Education Commission of the States: 

Education Commission of the States Establish a rigorous core curriculum for every student Align high school academic standards with the knowledge and skills required for college and workplace success Use high school assessments for college admissions Enact dual enrollment programs Expand advanced placement in high schools

A New Core Curriculum for All2003, Education Trust: 

A New Core Curriculum for All 2003, Education Trust “Yes, Virginia, ALL students can learn algebra.” A growing body of evidence shows that all students benefit from taking high-level courses regardless of their academic record prior to enrollment.

A Nation Deceived: 

A Nation Deceived “Typical teenagers are thinking about parties, friends, and love relationships. But studies show that academically gifted students are thinking about these issues and something else, too. They’re thinking about thinking.” “They want to be challenged—academically…These gifted students come in with a different attitude, and that attitude must be honored with a challenging curriculum. If that different curriculum is not provided, teenage ambition can easily turn into…a lifetime of missed opportunities.”

Advanced PlacementThe Link Between High School Reform and College Access and Success for Low-Income and Minority Youth, Nov. 2005: 

Advanced Placement The Link Between High School Reform and College Access and Success for Low-Income and Minority Youth, Nov. 2005 Research shows that strong correlations exist between AP success and college success Students who succeed on one or more AP exams are much more likely than their peers to complete a bachelor’s degree in four years or less Successful completion of AP courses and AP exams allows students to enter college with exemptions from entry-level college course requirements

Advanced Placement: 

Advanced Placement In 2004, 11,196 public schools participated in the AP program, an increase of 417 since 2003 This is almost 70 percent of all public schools Approximately 1.8 million students were enrolled in AP courses in 2003

Advanced Placement: 

Advanced Placement AP courses raise students’ levels of awareness and preparation for higher education Enrollment in AP classes are one of the most significant predictors of college-going behavior AP courses offer the rigorous advanced-level curricula needed for work at the post-secondary level However, AP was not designed as a foundation for schoolwide restructuring to increase all students’ achievement in a low-performing school

Advanced Placement: 

Advanced Placement In general, access to AP courses is limited AP courses are offered more commonly in large- and medium-sized high schools and in urban fringe areas Only 40% of small schools and only 50% of rural schools offer AP courses Schools with the highest minority enrollment were the most likely to say that they did not offer exam-based courses

Advanced Placement: 

Advanced Placement The AP exam grade for the class of 2004 was 2.96 13% of students in the class of 2004 achieved a score/grade of 3 or higher Proportion of students taking the AP matching the actual proportion of the population Whites: 67.5% actual with 65% taking the AP Latinos: 12.8% actual with 13.1% taking the AP African Americans: 13.2% actual with 6% taking the AP There is a lack of consistency in AP teachers’ qualifications, preparation and experience Training of AP teachers is not required

Advanced Placement: 

Advanced Placement As a consequence of poor student preparation and inadequate teacher preparation, a disproportionate number of African Americans and Latinos score lower on AP exams than Whites 2003 national mean was 2.95 2003 mean for Whites was 3.03 2003 mean for African Americans was 2.11 2003 mean for Latinos was 2.72

Solutions That Help, But it Costs: 

Advanced placement revolution Early entrance into college Educational acceleration Solutions That Help, But it Costs