Superintendent’s Recommendations

on

Middle Grades Education

February 2, 2010
 Gathering Staff/Community Input
 Cambridge Teachers Association Executive Board
 Cambridge Public Schools Principals
 Teacher Forums
 9th Grade Campus
 Electronic Survey
 School Committee Public Forum
 Other
 The Problem
 Student Achievement

 Student Experience

 Teacher Experience

 Parent Perceptions

 Equity vs. Excellence

 The Problem
 Student Achievement
 District Achievement Gap
English Language Arts

SPED
95
Low Income
85 LEP/FLEP

75 Afr.
Amer./Black
Asian
65
Hispanic

55 White
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
 District Achievement Gap
Mathematics

100 SPED
90 Low Income
80 LEP/FLEP
70 Afr. Amer./Black
60 Asian
50 Hispanic
40 White
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Variability in Middle Grades Language Arts
academic performance by individual school
Variability in Middle Grades Mathematics
academic performance by individual school
 The Problem
 Student Achievement

 Student Experience
 Comparison Districts

K-8 Schools with fewer than 400 students:

 Brookline  0/8

 Somerville  1/6

 Cambridge  8/11
 The Problem
 Student Achievement

 Student Experience

 Teacher Experience

 Parent Perceptions

 Equity vs. Excellence

 Existing Assets

 Strong Attachments

 Committed Teachers and Administrators

 Community Resources
 “What Do 11-14 Year-Olds Need?”
 Coherent, academically rigorous curriculum

 Strong, consistent adult/student relationships

 Opportunity to explore personal interests

 Preparation for next stage of education

 Five Options
 No Change – K-8’s Remain

 All K-5, with 1 or 2 Middle Schools (6-8)

 Some K-8, Some K-5 & 1 Middle School

 Five Options

 Sister Schools Arrangement: K-5’s K-8’s

 Keep Some K-8’s & Close Some Schools

 Superintendent’s Recommendation
 Academic Challenge for all Students
 Leverage Strengths of K-8 Model
 Arts
 World Language
 Special Education
 Transition to CRLS
 Professional Learning Communities
 Economies of Scale
 After-school Programs
 Looking Ahead
 More and Better Choices for Families

 Strong, Coherent Grades 6-12 Programs

 Application of 21st Century Skills

 Achievement Gaps

 Partnerships