Building on our tradition of excellence – planning for the future. Blueprint Updates February 28, 2017   Building on our tradition of excellence – planning for the future.

Priority Area: Rigorous Coursework Strategy: Review grading and report card systems and ensure that they are congruent K-12 and that grades are reflective of learning. Plan: Study research-based practices pertaining to grading. Create a K-12 philosophy for grading which will ultimately guide all grading practices used throughout the district K-12. Develop a long range implementation plan for involving all staff in examining and where necessary, modifying current grading and reporting practices. Draft recommendations to be endorsed by Curriculum Council and subsequently Blueprint Committee for incorporation into 2017-2018 (and beyond) BOE goals. Activities Completed/Work Done: Created a K-12 philosophy for grading which will ultimately guide all grading practices used throughout the district K-12. Developed a long range implementation plan for involving all staff in examining and where necessary, modifying current grading and reporting practices. Next Steps: Presentations to entire Curriculum Council in March Revisions based on input Curriculum Council endorsement in May, ready for District Blueprint Group All Groups

Priority Area: Rigorous Coursework Strategy: Establish a common/districtwide definition of rigor by which all of our curriculum and pedagogies are gauged. Plan: Create a set of tools to evaluate and create rigorous coursework, instruction and assessments which will be used in all future work in these areas. Incorporate the following in existing and/or new courses: Self-directed learning experiences which are relevant to college and career, career exploration, project based learning, portfolios and other pedagogical strategies to promote relevance and authenticity in service to enhance learning for all students. Develop an assessment system which includes evaluation of creativity, problem solving and critical thinking and incorporates routine communication about student achievement in these areas to students, staff and community. Activities Completed/Work Done: Created a set of tools to evaluate and create rigorous coursework, instruction and assessments which will be used in all future work in these areas. Field tested Use/implementation plan developed Next Steps: Incorporate use into future PD/curriculum work Spring administrator, instructional leader, and team leader/coordinator training Summer DPD days Program evaluations

Priority Area: Rigorous Coursework Strategy: Increase participation in advanced classes by identifying and addressing barriers to participation in enriched/accelerated courses. Plan: Create common messaging media (i.e. PPT) which can be shared with staff/community in order to begin establishing need. Determine current barriers for participation. Research best practices through readings and possible visitations to other districts. Develop implementation plan to address barriers. Activities Completed/Work Done: Completed recommendations for: BHS – review advanced and AP demographic data with ALL faculty, review AP policies and identify potential barriers through the high school AP Policy Committee, adopt and pilot changes to the AP Psychology course at BHS to increase the participation of students not typically enrolled in AP  3-8 – Eliminate barriers to accelerated math through procedural changes Next Steps: Curriculum Council endorsement