APS students begin the 2010-11 school year on Monday, Aug. 9, with a projected enrollment of 47,789 students at more than 100 schools throughout the district. On the first day of classes, teaching and learning will commence in all APS schools that are on the traditional calendar. The district also has three year-round schools that began classes on July 14. Here are some of the programs and innovations that will greet students and their parents on the first day of class…
Effective teacher in every classroom
· Effective Teacher in Every Classroom (ETEC) is the latest APS school reform program. Statistics show that an effective teacher in the learning environment is the most essential element in spearheading student academic achievement. This data-driven program includes new technology to help principals and administrators evaluate teacher performance and provide professional development support with the goal of placing an effective teacher in every classroom.
Small schools/learning communities in all high schools
· Small schools/learning communities are associated with all APS high schools this year. The program started five years with the conversion of Carver High School into The New Schools at Carver that now has four small schools incorporated into the single campus. Beginning with the 2010-11 school year, all APS high schools have been effectively transformed into small schools/learning communities. This program has proven successful in nurturing students and escalating academic performance, while reducing dropout rates and increasing graduation rates.
Middle school transformation
· The middle school transition program was piloted last year at several APS middle schools and is being expanded to all APS middle schools for the 2010-11 school year. Part of the program involves the 6th grade transition that uses dual certified teachers in English/Social Studies and Math/Science in transitioning incoming middle school students from elementary schools into a two-teacher environment. The program is intended to nurture first-year middle school students and ease their transition from elementary school, where students are often taught by one or two-teachers.