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ERIC Number: EJ1030999
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014-Feb
Pages: 4
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0276-928X
EISSN: N/A
Aim Higher: Lofty Goals and an Aligned System Keep a High Performer on Top
McCommons, David P.
Journal of Staff Development, v35 n1 p12-14, 16 Feb 2014
Every school district is feeling the pressure to ensure higher academic achievement for all students. A focus on professional learning for an administrative team not only improves student learning and achievement, but also assists in developing a systemic approach for continued success. This is how the Fox Chapel Area School District in Pennsylvania propels the high-performing district forward. Fox Chapel Area School District is a nationally recognized, award-winning public school district with high student achievement. Located in a suburban community about 11 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, the district encompasses an area of 36 square miles with 30,000 residents. Six municipalities (the boroughs of Aspinwall, Blawnox, Fox Chapel, and Sharpsburg, and the townships of Indiana and O'Hara) comprise the district and represent a wide range of social, economic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. The district operates six schools: four elementary K-5 schools, one grades 6-8 middle school and one grades 9-12 high school. The schools provide a comprehensive array of educational opportunities to serve the needs of its 4,200 students and meet the high expectations of area residents. The district has consistently exceeded state assessment targets. Over the last three years, state assessment results continue to improve. However, annual gains have gotten smaller. This trend is attributed to the nearness of the district's scores to the ceiling score, which is 100% of students demonstrating proficiency. In 2011, 89% of students in grades 3-8 and 11 were proficient or advanced in math and 90% in reading. The district's high level of achievement is attributed to the alignment of systems such as curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional learning, supervision, and resources with the vision, mission, core values, and beliefs outlined in the strategic plan. The administrative team and teacher leaders work collaboratively to assure that goals, action plans, and strategies among these systems are cohesive. This article provides a look at how the district aligned the content and processes of professional learning and supervision to foster organizational change.
Learning Forward. 504 South Locust Street, Oxford, OH 45056. Tel: 513-523-6029; Fax: 513-523-0638; e-mail: NSDCoffice@nsdc.org; Web site: http://www.learningforward.org/news/jsd/index.cfm
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Pennsylvania
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A