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Meeting Date:
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1/5/2018 - 6:00 AM
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Category:
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Curriculum and Instruction
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Type:
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Info
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Subject:
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Update on West End Elementary School
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ACPS 2025 Strategic Plan Goal:
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Objective 1.1
Educational Excellence ACPS will regularly assess and respond to the needs, interests, and abilities of individual students.
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Funding Source or Fiscal Impact (where applicable)
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File Attachment:
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Agenda Item Summary:
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The following board brief provides details of the design principles and projected status of the West End Elementary School’s development, including:
1. A brief summary of STEM-related educational research and a rationale for the selection of STEM as a key theme for the West End Elementary School
2. A synthesis of program design principles for the West End Elementary School, including highlights of its STEM focus and related implications for the school’s staff, students, and parents
3. A brief timeline of program development related to the West End Elementary School, including previous planning initiatives and projected deadline(s) for deliverables related to the school’s opening
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Background:
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In anticipation of the projected opening of the West End Elementary School in August 2018, a planning committee has been formed consisting of Rachael Dischner, the school’s new principal, and representatives of the Departments of Curriculum and Instruction, Technology Services, and Operations. This planning committee is now responsible for ensuring the quality of program design, development, and implementation in alignment with recommendations from a series of ongoing parent and community outreach sessions as well as feedback from relevant stakeholder groups within the central office (e.g., Human Resources, Operations, Budget, Student Services).
The West End Elementary School will offer a comprehensive curriculum and academic program aligned with all Virginia Standards of Quality. Based upon national research, Virginia Department of Education career pathways, and educational best practices, the thematic focus of the West End Elementary School will be “STEM,” i.e., an integrated curriculum emphasizing students’ competency in the areas of literacy, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. As a result of this theme, Alexandria City Public Schools will offer next year two STEM elementary programs (i.e., West End and Cora Kelly) that will ensure student preparation for a range of STEM-related options at the secondary level and beyond.
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Recommendation:
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Approvals:
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Recommended By:
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Signed By:
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Final-Clerk of the Board - Proxy
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