ENHANCING

Fresh ideas from the student minds ofthe SAC

June, 2012

THE SCHOOL SYSTEM

FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

REGULATIONS

ACADEMICS

TECHNOLOGY

SMARTER RESOURCES

SMARTER STRUCTURE

SMARTER LEARNING

Student Stress

Standardized Testing

Electives

ACADEMICS

Reduce stress caused by excessive testing

STUDENT STRESS

• Idea designed to prevent an overload of assignments at particular times (before break, end of quarter, etc.)

• Implement system that would enhance inter-department communication

• Log of major assignments and tests to create an awareness of testing conflicts– Teachers could input tests and major assignments into a central calendar

– Teachers would be encouraged to refer to calendar before scheduling major assignments

– Would be primarily based on courses students typically take

MASTER CALENDAR

• Push for student choice flex programs county wide– Flex periods allows students to choose where they spend that time

• Would allow students to focus on areas they are struggling with and obtain extra help

• Would support students who are unable to seek extra help outside of school hours due to obligations (family, work, no available transportation)

• Promotes the development of time management skills and personal responsibility

STUDENT CHOICE

SOL and Beyond

STANDARDIZEDTESTING

• SOL - testing required by Virginia

• Holds students & teachers accountable

• Little can be done to change the testing requirements at school level

• Students should be aware of why they are taking the test

• More focus should be on what schools can do to improve student performance

SOL TESTING

• The SOL’s goal is to hold everyone accountable

– Both teachers and students

• Schools and teachers should apply the SOL data

– What caused the results?

– How can we fix problems?

– What does the data show about the students?

– It is vital to reflect on past experiences

– Involve students more in the process

ACCOUNTABILITY

TEACH BEYOND TESTING

• SOL - minimum proficiency• Students - strive for Pass Advanced• Teachers need to teach beyond the test

– More information is present in the course than just thecontent on the tests

– Periodical benchmark tests throughout the year

Academies, CTE, and Electives

ELECTIVE COURSES

• Students - not fully aware of CTE, Academy, & elective courses

• No GPA weight associated with Academies and CTE courses

• Outdated reputation that Academy classes serve as vocational

schools only

THE PROBLEM

• More involvement from administrators, teachers, and

counselors in promoting awareness

• Create a GPA weight for academy courses

• More academy fairs and open houses for parents and

prospective students

THE SOLUTION

Bullying and Zero Tolerance

REGULATIONS

• Zero Tolerance– Publicizing the rule changes to a greater extent

– Make distinctions between state mandated consequences & those in which there is flexibility

– Make rehabilitation the goal

• Bullying– Increase awareness

PROPOSED CHANGES

• Expulsion when state mandated

• Advocate for flexibility and administrative discretion

• Examination of student’s intent

ZERO TOLERANCE

• Bullying and discipline issues can lead to depression

• Create a standardized depression awareness program

• Concentration on High Schools

DEPRESSIONSCREENING

SCHEDULING

More time for students

Earlier start date

• More instructional time

• Gives FCPS students the same time access as other students in the state / nation

• Aligns the FCPS calendar with local universities

• 71% of county employees in favor of starting school prior to Labor Day

• 64% of students in favor of starting school prior to Labor Day

BENEFITS

IMPLEMENTINGEarlier start date

• Make the beginning of school before Labor Day a School Board priority

• Establish a joint student/faculty committee to assist the School Board in advocating for the change

TECHNOLOGYMore access for students

Increase the

availability of

online

textbooks

Encourage

personal

devices

county wide

Encourage

the use of

online

resources

BENEFITSOnline learning

Online Textbooks, Online Classes, and Online Learning Sites

• Students can work on their own time and pace

• Beneficial for homebound students

• Can expand the same material across various schools

• Many are free resources, such as Khan Academy and TED Talks

BENEFITSOnline textbooks

Online Textbooks, Online Classes, and Online Learning Sites

• Easier to find words/ topics you are looking for

• Saving money for schools

• No liability

IMPLEMENTINGOnline learningOnline Textbooks, Online Classes, and Online Learning Sites

• Accessibility- Blackboard 24/7

• Format – Navigation and appeal

• Awareness – communication of resources

• Consistency across the board

IMPLEMENTING

Technology

• Increase utilization of existing tools

– Google Accounts

– Blackboard

• Format of tools

– Smooth, integrated interface promotes student access

IMPLEMENTINGThe resources

• Teacher use of tools

– Smart Boards

– Teacher competency tests

THANK YOU

Chase Campbell Fairfax

Brendan Kim TJHSST

Robbie Ashton Fairfax

Madeleine Fleshman Marshall

Annie Mihalache Woodson

Lindsay Webb Robinson

Peter Bryan Marshall

Mackie Quirk Marshall

Emily Halstead Woodson