NC New Schools is highlighting four schools within its statewide network as “schools of innovation and excellence” for making strides toward student-centered learning and solid progress toward high achievement for all students.
Winning the recognition are:
• Caldwell Early College High School
• Henderson County Early College High School
• Johnston County Early College Academy
• Wake Early College of Health and Sciences
All 140 schools within the NC New Schools network in 2013-2014 academic year were eligible to seek the special recognition, intended to promote innovative education that helps all students succeed. With additional support from NC New Schools, the four schools will serve as models of innovation for educators, policy makers and community leaders from North Carolina and other states.
The schools were singled out not only for strong performance on conventional measures such as the ACT and other test-score gains, but also for the progress they’re making towards student-centered approaches that NC New Schools advances as key elements for highly effective education. These approaches are defined by a set of six evidence-based “design principles” that the network schools are asked to adopt to create a culture of high expectations and strong support.
The winning schools were selected from schools that sought the award in addition to a yearly planning process with NC New Schools designed to set clear goals aimed at successful outcomes for all students. All of the schools deemed to be eligible to seek the recognition received an on-site review from NC New Schools staff in addition to an extensive evaluation of data and other materials.
Innovation in the schools was judged according to the six design principles that NC New Schools uses with schools in their efforts to reach the goal of graduating all students well prepared for college, careers and life. The design principles are ready for college, powerful teaching and learning, personalization, redefined professionalism, leadership, and purposeful design. Schools follow a guide or rubric that outlines specific behaviors and characteristics that map their progress on each of the design principles leading from “beginning” to “new paradigms.”
NC New Schools President Tony Habit said the four schools are demonstrating the power of innovation that leads to better outcomes for students.
“These schools are proving that when every teacher in every classroom applies common, proven approaches to teaching and learning, students benefit,” Habit said. “The schools have developed a culture in which students are held to high expectations but also nurtured and supported in ways that help them achieve ambitious goals. Relationships among students and teachers are strong and meaningful.”
In particular, the team of educators visiting the schools listed such strengths as:
• A positive, supportive culture in which teachers, students and school leadership all contribute.
• Staff working together to make decisions to support the success of students and school.
• A consistent implementation of instructional strategies, ensuring that students read, write, think, and talk daily in all classes.
• A proactive system of academic and affective supports where struggling students are provided with the support necessary for academic success.
• Purposeful design of curricula, instruction and assessment to scaffold rigor with support that is evident throughout the school.
• School leadership and staff have built positive relationships and collaborate with community, school district and higher education partners.
