In previous weeks, we have detailed the Syracuse City School District s (SCSD) situation in regard to the New York State Education Department s labeling three schools, Hughes Elementary, Delaware Academy and Fowler High Schools as persistently lowest achieving schools.
While there are significant steps in place (City Eagle, Feb. 4() for the district to meet the Federal Government s Race to the Top guidelines, there were already plans in place for the three schools and the district in general.
There is a long list of strategies in place for each school, but some of the more significant ones follow.
Hughes Elementary (Note: Hughes can be removed from the list if students continue the improvement made last year.):
Implemented and utilize the 4-Tiered System for Student Support in grades Pre-K through 6
Provided enrichment learning opportunities for students scoring at the lower levels (3 and 4) on the state assessments
Provided targeted instruction for English language learners (ELL)
Implemented Positive Behavior Intervention Supports for all students
Implemented and expand the after-school program
Delaware Academy:
Implemented and utilize the 4-Tiered System for Student Support in grades Pre-K through 6
Implemented a newly adopted English as Second Language (ESL) program
Created a partnership with SUNY Oswego and Project SMART to provide additional learning time for ESL students
Assigned Peaceful People to support classroom behavior programs and social/emotional learning
Fowler High School:
Implemented the Talent Development High School Program to increase instructional time for students scoring low on state assessment testing
Implemented Regents preparation classes for students who failed one or more Regents exams
Implemented the Fast ForWord reading intervention program for all 9th grade students
Established report card conferencing at grades 9 and 12.
Implemented the SU GearUp tutoring service to support content courses.
Additionally, the SCSD increased the availability and scope of professional development opportunities at each of the schools, as well as adding educational specialists, special education professionals and other staff to work in specific areas of need.
he SCSD has also:
Initiated the 4-Tiered System for Student Support in grades Pre-K through 12
Expanded before and after school programs as well as summer school programs
Established Newcomer Programs for ESL students in grades 4-12 for those who have limited (or less) school experience before entering this country
Implemented a new 5-Block schedule to increase the availability of academic intervention services (AIS) during the school day
Adopted a district Cwide Positive Behavioral Intervention System (PBIS)
In addition, the SCSD has adopted programs to create closer ties and better communication with parents, to include the online Parent Portal that provides parents access to student grades, attendance and behavior reports. Further information on SCSD programs and initiatives, to include Say Yes to Education, is available at syracusecityschools.com.
