Lanterna Rally

Author: District of Columbia Public Schools, Washington, DC.

Publisher:

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 126

ISBN-13:

The mission of the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) is to ensure that all students acquire the knowledge, skills and values necessary to live rich and fulfilling lives as responsible, productive and enlightened members of a democratic society. It is the vision of the District of Columbia School System that it will be known as one of the best urban school districts in the country. It will offer an outstanding education to every student within a safe, healthy and educationally appropriate environment, and will be among the first major urban school districts to eliminate the achievement gap among all sub groups of the student population. The District of Columbia Schools will dynamically engage parents and the community in the lives of students and schools, and will be the first and best choice for families living in the District of Columbia. This Master Education Plan details how the District of Columbia Public Schools intend to achieve this vision, and goals by addressing eight areas critical to education excellence: (1) strong learning standards, curriculum, instruction and assessments--a challenging academic core for all students; (2) teachers and principals who are prepared to deliver high-quality instruction to every student; (3) a culture of inclusion that offers a wide range of learning opportunities for diverse students; (4) increased supports and assistance that meet students' individual needs; (5) partnerships that take advantage of the Capitol City's global stature and many community assets; (6) schools that are organized in ways that better serve students and families; (7) an accountability system that more clearly defines the responsibilities of the central office and the schools, and proposes a series of interventions to turn around low-performing schools; and (8) a commitment to equity that ensures that every student has access to an appropriate range of educational resources. For each of these eight interlocking areas, the plan provides a picture of progress to date and identifies steps DCPS must take to achieve sustainable, systemic reform. It also lays the groundwork for further discussion of how DCPS can best use its facilities and other resources to support the necessary changes and provide safe, healthy and effective learning environments. Some of the strategies addressed by this Plan will be implemented immediately; others will require additional planning. All interventions will be regularly monitored and evaluated; as necessary, revisions will be made. To help the community monitor action, the superintendent will present an annual progress report. This report concludes with a discussion and outline of future steps to be taken as well as budget implications. [This Plan was produced by the staff of DCPS under the direction of Michelle J. Walker, Chief, Strategic Planning and Policy.].