Conversations on Excellence in Education. the 1983-84 Secondary School Recognition Program

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TITLE Conversations on Excellence in Education. The 1983-84 Secondary School Recognition Program. A Regional Leadership Conference (Rosemont, Pennsylvania, May 11, 1985). INSTITUTION Research for Better Schools, Inc., Philadelphia, Pa. SPONS AGENCY National Inst. of Education (ED), Washington, DC. PUB DATE 11 May 85 NOTE 50p. PUB TYPE Reports Descriptive (141)

EDRS PRICE MF01/PCO2 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS *Educational Improvement; Educational Quality; *Excellence in Education; Outcomes of Education; *Program Effectiveness; *School Effectiveness; *Secondary Education IDENTIFIERS *Secondary School Recognition Program

ABSTRACT This document provides descriptions of 23 exemplary schools chosen for recognition by the Secondary School Recognition Program (SSRP) in 1985. The schools, from the mid-Atlantic region of the United States (District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania), were featured at the 1985 conference, "Conversations on Excellence in Education," organized by Research for Better Schools (RBS). The 23 schools demonstrated high levels of success in meeting their students' needs and exhibited achievement in the following areas: leadership, staff relationships, communications, school climate, curricula, instruction, parent involvement, program consistency, and coordination. The highlights and future plans of each school's program are described. (LMI)

********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ***********************************************************************. U S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Once 0 f ducaironip Research and improvement EDUCATIONAL RE SOURCES INFORMATION GEN .`ER IERIGI

. nis document nas been reproduced as receivedtern tee parson or organrzarion origmaring C' Minor changes nave Deco made IC improve reproduction duality

Pools 01 view or oCrm.ons staled .n His do( The 1983-84 rnenl do nol neCeSNArris represent plric.al Secondary School OE RIposoon Or poiicy Recognition Program Conversations onExcellence in Education

A Regional Leadership Conference

Presented by Secretary William J. Bennett United States Department of Education

Funded by the National Institute of Education

Sponsored by Research for Better Schools, Inc.

Rosemont, Pennsylvania May 11, 1985

2 BEST COPY AVAILABLE MESSAGE TO CONFERENCE

Education has come under close scrutiny over the last two years from various national, state, and citizen groups, all concerned with helping schools identify ways of achieving "educational excellence." In support of this concern, the Secretary of Educa- tion initiated the Secondary Schools Recognition Program.

This is the second year that exemplary schools across the nation have been chosen for recognition. The 23 schools featured at this "Conversations on Excellence in

Education" conference are examples of outstanding schools. They have demonstrated high levels of success in meeting the needs of their students. They have also exhibited the attributes of success leadership, staff relationships, communications, school climate, curricula, instruction, parent involvement, program consistency and coordination which the research suggests are characteristics of effective schools.

Research for Better Schools (RBS) is pleased to act as the organizer of the conference at the request of the U.S. Department of Education and the National Institute of

Education. As one of seven federally-supported regional educational laboratories, RBS has had as its mission for the past 19 years conducting research, development, and assistance programs which help educators in the Mid-Atlantic region improve the effectiveness of their schools and classrooms. RBS wishes to extend its congratulations to the 23 recognized schools.

3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Our special thanks to the Lower Merion School District, especially to Superinten- dent James Pugh, who agreed to host the conference, Mrs. Adeline Cortese, for her assistance with logistics, and Mr. Jack Koser, Food Service Director, who made the ar-

rangements required for using the facility and for preparing the luncheon. To Bala

Cynwyd Middle School staff, especially Dr. Robert Cummings, Principal, for his assistance with preparations at Academy Building. To Harriton High School staff, especially Dr. Ellis Hirshman, Principal and Dr. William Loue, Assistant Principal, we also extend thanks for their assistance in making the school available to us and in helping us with the countless arrangements for the day.

Special thanks are offered to the following RBS staff and staff associates who

diligently wrote/edited profiles, and assisted with conference arrangements and produc- tion: Diane Goldstein, Doris Harris, John Hopkins, Loretta Margulies, Gretchen McCann,

Richard McCann, Malachi O'Connor, Sally Peterson, and Ullik Rouk.

Finally, our thanks to Appalachia Educational Laboratory for the camera-ready

profile cover design and headers, to Theresa Booth for all other graphics and layout,

and to Graphic Impressions of America, Inc. for excellent service in typesetting and

printing on a tight deadline.

Linda M. Lange

Conference Coordinatr THE 1983-84 SECONDARY SCHOOL RECOGNITION PROGRAM ConversationsonExcellence inEducation A Regional Leadership Conference Presented by Secretary William J. Bennett, United States Department of Education May 11, 1985 Rosemont, Pennsylvania

ALICE DEAL JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Washington, D.C.

"Deal has established its reputation* sitive to the varying needs and abilities of as an institution which offers academic th sir students. They set high expectations preparation at all levels, extra-curricular consistent with their students' achieve- activitiesfordiverseinterestsand ment levels and encourage them to ob- abilities, and a clean, safe, comfortable tain the maximum benefit from the many environment. Students from the neigh- cultures represented in the school com- borhood community who used to enter munity. The students learn to work and private schools after sixth grade now play together by accepting differences enroll at Deal. The number of applica- and exploring similarities. tions from around the District for special permissiontoattendDeal hasin- Instructional Program creased." Principal Alice Deal is unique among District junior high schools in that its students, as Alice Deal Junior High School is a whole, traditionally score above national part of the District of Columbia counselors. The staffis supported by normsinreading and mathematics. Public Schools and serves stu- three teacher aides, one security officer, Nevertheless, a significant segment of its dents from the northwest Washington, four clerical staff, and 10 food service per- student body needs substantial remedial D.C. community, students bused in from sonnel. There are three administrators: work. An interdisciplinary team of ad- the Mt. Pleasant area, and students from the principal and two assistants. ministrators, counselors, and support staff throughout the city who attend by special meets once a month to ensure students permission.Itis one of 16 junior high Respect and High Expectations are taking the most appropriate program. schools in the D.C. school system, which The premise atAlice Dealisthat The school's instructional program is also has 11middle schools, 23 high everyone in the building has worth as a based on theD.C.PublicSchools' schools, and 121 elementary schools. person and has something to offer. With competency-basedinstructionalpro-. Deal's enrollment of 953 students in such a diverse school population, the key gram,whichincludesactivitiesand grades 7-9 is characterized by racial, ingredient in the school's atmosphere is assessments for a hierarchy of learning cultural, and socio-econorrt diversity. respect. The school's success is built on objectives. The Deal faculty developed a Students come from 36 different elemen- four elements: policy, order, consistency, course description booklet for each grade tary schools and over 20 foreign coun- and high expectations. Everyone works and a syllabus for each class which are tries. Approximately 50% of the students to foster feelings of loyalty and belonging. used by students and parents in deciding are black, 300/c are white, 15% are Theadministrationrespectsthe on a course of study. Guides similar to Hispanic, and 5% are Asian. About 230/c abilities,integrity, and opinions of the these have now been adopted by the of the students come from low-income school staff and provides the leadership D.C. Public Schools. families. to insure that every phase of program All students are required to take English, The Deal faculty includes 53 classroom responsibilityiscarriedout. Teachers math, social studies, science, physical teachers, two subject specialists, one recognize and understand the problems education, art, and music. Electives in- library/mediaspecialist,andfour faced by the administration and are sen- cludeforeignlanguage,instrumental

5 music, woodshop/mechanical drawing, the council holds an overnight leadership afterschool, and duringtheirlunch foods/clothing,typing, consumer fun- training seminar for both old and newly periods to offer assistance to students. damentals, and minorities. Accelerated elected council members to evaluate the They take every opportunity to improve classesareofferedinallrequired previous year's programs and activities. the school program. Examples of im- courses.Approximately 34% ofthe Over the summer, the next year's calen- provements growing out of initially infor- studentsareenrolledinaccelerated dar of activities is planned. mal meetings include the creation of an English, 28% in math, 26% in foreign Deal offers over 30 co-curricular ac- 8th grade English/History Team; an ac- language, 180/o in science, and 11% in tivities, including such sports as basket- celerated three-year course for unusually social studies. ball,volleyball, and soccer; clubs,in- gifted 7th grade math students; additional The D.C. Public Schools has an inten- cluding Latin, chess, physical science, in- unitsin general math to support the sive remedial program for students who ternational affairs and culture, computers, general science curriculum; the incor- need to work on reading and mathemat- photography, math, skiing, and horse- poration of a test-taking skills program in ics skills. Deal has expanded its remedial back riding; publications, including the all curricular areas; and a staff develop- program to include 7th grade geography school newspaper and yearbook; and ident workshop on stress. and 8th grade U.S. history. In addition, drama and music activities, such as the Parent participation and support has five days a week, it operates reading and chorus and the music makers. These ac- been an essential part of Deal's progress math laboratories which are staffed by tivities meet before and after school, and toward excellence. The PTA raises up to former elementary school teachers offer- during a regularly scheduled activity $10,000 a year for school and classroom ing an individualized program. period. The activity period was estab- needs such as microscopes and other All students are encouraged to exceed lished to allow students who live outside science equipment, books, audio-visual the basic requirements by completing the attendance area to participate in more materials,uniforms, the school news- special projects related to unit objectives activities and to develop a greater sense paper, and improvements to the auoi- and by participating in special activities. of identification with the school. torium. The PTA also pays for classified Examples of such activities include Deal's Students also participate in the com- ads for open faculty positions and lobbies Science Fair, which involves nearly half of munity by electing representatives to the for full funding of public education. the students; Deal's History Fair, which in- neighborhood planning council and serv- volves about 15% of the students; the in- ing on its board; testifying at city council The Fuiture terscholastic Latin Bowl; and the Shake- hearings; contributing to community hor- Deal believes success breeds success. spearean Festival, a performing arts com- ticulture projects; and working with senior The school's initial goals were attractive petition with other schools. citizens, the handicapped, and elemen- classrooms and uniformityinwhatit tary school students. taught. The staff would like to see 80% of Involved Students its students master 80% of the instruc- Deal has an active student council Administration-Faculty- tional objectives. The school will continue which consists of officers elected on a Parent Teamwork to give equal emphasis to the constant school-wide basis and representatives Deal's success may be attributed to a task of developing a climate of mutual elected from each of the homerooms. The desire on the part of administrators, staff, respect among all students. council plans assemblies, maintains the and parents to provide students with the student store, produces an annual talent best possible educational experiences, show, conducts holiday fooddrives, and on their willingness to put forth the For More Information Contact: sponsors sports tournaments, arranges necessary effort to accomplish that goal. Alice Deal Junior High School "garden parties" to plant and maintain The administration uses a team ap- Fort Drive & Nebraska Avenue, N.W. the grounds ir1 front of the school, offers proach. Though each has specific re- Washington, D.C. 20016 trips to special events and recreational sponsibilitiesforcertainadministrative 202/282-0100 facilities, and holds dances. tunctioi is, the assistant principals share in During the school year, the council of- planning and implementing programs, ficers meet one morning a week. All monitoring and soliciting teacher feed- students are invited to weekly after-school back, and teacher evaluations. meetings of the entire council. Minutes of The dedication of Deal teachers and these meetings are distributed to the staff goes beyond traditionalrequire- faculty and administration. Each June, ments. Teachers are available before and

This profile was prepared by Research for Better Schools, Inc. (RBS), 444 North Third Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123. using information supplied by the subject school, and using the written comments and observations made by the Department of Education site observer who visited the school. This conference was conducted by RBS and funded through a grant from the National Institute of Education.

6 THE 1983-84 SECONDARY SCHOOL RECOGNITION PROGRAM ConversationsonExcellence inEducation A Regional Leadership Conference Presented by Secretary William J. Bennett, United States Department of Education May 11, 1985 Rosemont, Pennsylvania

ALLENTOWN CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Allentown, Pennsylvania

"This school has at its roots the prin- critical thinking, fostering a spirit of in- ciples of the Catholic faith. They strive to quiry, and promoting a creative attitude prepare youth for the world by rooting which relishes the struggle for under- them in their faith. They do. They voice standing and discovers the limitlessness that they are concerned about the per- of truth. sonal worth of each student. They are. This philosophy was developed by They indicate that they are there to sup- CentralCatholic'sadministrationand port the gifted and the weak. They do. faculty and is re-examined periodically as They want to share the limitlessness of part of the school's yearly evaluation pro- truth.Itis shared. The evidence is cess. In addition, the staff and students everywhere. In the classes, in conversa- select a theme to guide the school each tions,inwriting,inhallways,in yearfor example, "Faith, Love. Spirit. unspoken words!" Site Visit Report Service"and develop specific goals and objectives to which all are committed. AIlentown Central Catholic High Central Catholic also has a calling card for parents.It reads, "Your most precious School isa co-educational, library/media specialists, and two special private school in the Catholic services personnel. They are supported possession is also oursyour child." Diocese of Allentown, Pennsylvania. It is by three foodservice workers,four anurban,inner-cityschoolserving clericalstaff,and13buildings and Positive Spirit families with a median income of $15,000 grounds personnel (10 part-time). There The positive spirit fostered at Central a year. Tuition at Central Catholic is $960 are three administrators, the principal and Catholic is based on the Roman Catholic a year. Tuition income covers only 60% of two assistants. Despite a starting salary of tradition of Christian faith. The doctrinal the annual budget and the school must $9,750 for lay teachers, the staff is stable, traditionistaught through mandatory raise an additional $250,000 a year to meets statecertificationrequirements, theologicalcourses.Annual day-long cover its operating costs. and most have Master's degrees. retreats are built into the school calendar Central Catholic has a student popula- to allow students to reflect on their faith tion of 900 in grades 9-12. Over 86.5% of Sense of Mission anditsdailypractice. Sevenpriest- the students are white, 5% are black, 5% CentralCatholic'smissionisto teachers provide sacramental reconcilia- are Hispanic, .5% are Asian, and 3% are challenge each student to develop to tion and counsel to students who wish to other minorities. Approximately 20% of his/her fullest potential in a stable school address their moral status, problems, and thestudents come from low-income environment which is based on Christian growth. Each week a faculty member ad- families and 10% receive financial aid for principles as clarified by the teaching of dresses the student body over the PA tuition. Over 80% of Central Catholic's the Catholic Church. It seeks to create system on a theme guided by the school graduates enter a two or four-year college relationships among faculty and students goal. program, 12% enter the military or other which enable each individual to realize Central Catholic students visibly value vocational training program, and 7% find his/her own dignity as a free, responsible, their faith. They are attentive and reverent full-time employment. valued child of God and a productive, at school religious services and a large Central Catholic maintains a teacher/ worthwhile, caring member of society. percentage receive Holy Communion at pupil ratio of 1:16. Its faculty includes 54 The faculty endeavors to develop genu- school masses. Students requested and classroom teachers, two counselors, four ine scholarship at all levels by stimulating now have more penance services during

7 school year. Classes begin with awhole new appearance andat- their only free time is during the lunch dent-ledprayers andadditional mosphere. modulea period of twenty-two minutes. iool-wide prayers are held every morn- The entire building was painted, floors Under the new schedule, each depart- and afternoon. and roofs repaired, the chemistry lab ment is released from classroom instruc- he students demonstrate this positive renovated andoutfitted,theheating tion once every seven days so teachers [-Itin many ways. Honesty, respect, system modernized, and sprinkler can meet with individual students. This i good will permeate the school. In- systems, sound systems, and a burglar day is also used for curriculum planning ents of theft and cheating are rare, and alarm system were installed. In all, over 15 and department staff meetings There is a cule, harassment, and excessive teas- major categories of repairs were made. typed agenda for department meetings are all but non-existent. Students also and minutes are distributed to all other )v., a willingness to serve. About 100 Enriching the Program departments in the school. The effective dents work with an adjacent hospital, use of these planning days has created The faculty recently completed a two- students head the annual Thanksgiv- an informed flexibility that pervades the year intensive revision of the complete and Christmas drives. Even more operation of the school. course ofstudies. Each course was dentsserverightattheschool, Monthly faculty meetings are now used analyzed and all objectives were totally re- iecially in one-to-one tutoring. strictly for in-service. The nitty-gritty details written. Faculty commitment to this effort Ehe faculty displays the same spirit. In of school operation and general policy is evident in that the work was completed "Adopt a Student" program, each issues are discussed at the administra- withoutadditionalrecompense even cher makes a concerted effort to get to tion's monthly meeting with the Advisory though much out-of-school time was )w six students with whom he or she Board.This Boardiscomposed of necessary. Dht not otherwise have contact. The department heads, the director of the The Enriched Program, a series of ad- .ultyisavailabletostudentsafter library/mediacenter,guidance vanced courses for gifted students. was fool. Whenever possible they com- counselors, and the curriculum specialist. developedtoenhance theschool's md their students publicly. They live in Teachers are welcome to attend these academic program. As part of the cur- same neighborhoods as the students meetings. riculum, Allentown College of St. Francis d welcome them into their homes. provides instructors for six semester-long Central Catholic has a formal Code of The Future courses in the building during the school )nr-Jct which stresses social respon- At the end of the year. the faculty day. It is now possible for seniors in the fatty and provides direction for the small evaluates the performance of the prin- program to earn 18 college credits by the !rcentage of students who requireit. cipal and the administrative staff. The Stu- time they graduate. Approximately 16% scipline is handled primarily through the dent Council solicits criticisms and sug- of Central Catholic students are enrolled rector of Student Affairs who strives to gestions from the students, develops a in honors English, 22% in math, 12% in "firm, fond, frank, and fair." When critical assessment of the year, and offers social studies, 8% in science, and 18% in icessary, students "progress" through suggestions for improvement. At the final foreign language. nous disciplinary levels invoi,-ng man- faculty meeting, the entire group deter- On the Riverside Tests of Achievement itory guidance and behavior modifica- mines the school goal and objectives for andProficiency,CentralCatholic n contracts. the next year. The principal considers this students score at the 88th to the 98th year-endevaluationbyfacultyand percentile. In the last three years, Central students to be the catalyst for all the good hallenge The Catholic has had two NationalMerit things that happen at Central Catholic. finalists, five semi-finalists, and 18 com- Aedifice Complex" He says, "We must try harder if we are mended scholars as well as numerous One of the biggest challenges Central to accomplish even part of our lofty atholic faced in recent years was the other awards. goals .. Any inferior effort on our part is .hoof's decaying buildings ir, an inner not satisfactory. Problems we have. Ex- y location with limited funds available More Effective Use of Time cuses are not offered. Mistakes are made. rrenovation. This challenge became When the school adopted modular Effort, however, is the rule, not the excep- town as the "aedifice complex." scheduling several years ago, unsuper- tion." The school embarked upon a fund - vised students were free to go anywhere Lising effort for renovations in addition to in the building during their study modules. regular fund-raisingfor operational As a result, an undisciplined atmosphere )sts, enlisting the assistance of parents developed. Central Catholic now has a For More Information Contact: id community groups. The result was format which schedules students into Allentown Central Catholic High School )veral hundred thousand dollarsin classes or resource centers for each 4th & Chew Streets ioney,material, and donated time period of the day. Students may select Allentown, PA 18102 hich enabled Central Catholic to take on where they will do individual work, but 215/437-4601

THE 1983-84 SECONDARY SCHOOL RECOGNITION PROGRAM ConversationsonExcellence in Education A Regional Leadership Conference Presented by Secretary William J. Bennett, United States Department of Education May 11, 1985 Rosemont, Pennsylvania

BALA CYNWYD MIDDLE SCHOOL Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania

"The climate of the Bata Cynwyd Mid- science, and social studies. Each team dle School is one of purposeful teaching providesinstructionatthreelevels, and learning. Teachers go about the enriched, regular, and remedial. All levels purpose of educating youngsters with cover the same basic course content, but the friendly diligence and caring that is differ in the amount of enrichment and expected of them from a highly moti- stress on basic skills. Very few students vated and educated community, The are in the same level in all subjects. A stu- students respond to this motivation by dent may be in a regular science course, striving for excellence in their academic a remedial English course, and an en- work, as well as in all of their other ac- riched history course. Students may also tivities. The efforts of teachers and move from one level to another during a students arereflectedinthe high school year. achievement test results, as well as in Bala Cynwyd emphasizes enrichment the many honors that have been be- rather than acceleration for high achiev- stowed upon our school." Principal ing students. About 16% of the school's students are enrolled in enrichment level Bala Cynwyd Middle School is tors: the principal and two assistant prin- classes in English, social studies, and located in Bala Cynwyd, Penn- cipals. The majority of the teachers have science. Accelerated classes are provid- sylvania, a "Main Line" suburb master's degrees, and five staff members ed in math (23% of the students) and of Philadelphia.Itis one of two middle have doctorates. foreign language (61%). In addition, men- schools inthe Lower Merion School tally gifted students (12.50/0) are schedul- District, which also has five elementary High Quality ed for small classes two periods a week to schools, two high schools, and serves a Academic Program work on a variety of challenging projects. community of 64,147, Bala Cynwyd was Bala Cynwyd maintains a high quality Students with learning disabilities or restructured as a middle school, and academic program while meeting the social and emotional problems (12.5% of greatly enlarged as a result of a 1980 needs of a diverse student population the students) are assigned to the guided district reorganization. representing a range of abilities, interests, learning program which provides instruc- Bala Cynwyd now serves a student levels of achievement, and maturity. tion in the basic subjects in classes of 7 to population of 800 in grades 6-8. Approx- The program requires studentsto 12 students. These students are assigned imately 91% of the students are wh'te, develop competence inthe basics individually and may take a portion of their 6.4% are black, 2.3% are Asian, and a mathematics,English,history,and program in regular classes. Most are also small number are Hispanic and Native scienceand in music, art, wood and assigned to a resource room, where they American.Slightlyunder 4% ofthe metal shop, sewing, cooking, typing, can get additional help. students come from low-income families. study and library skills, writing, and com- The primary purpose of every remedial Bala Cynwyd's faculty includes 58 puter literacy. Every student also takes and special education class is to remedy classroom teachers (one part-time), four either one of four foreign languages skill deficiencies so that a student can subject specialists (one part-time), one (French, German, Spanish, or Latin), or move to a regular level class. The school library/mediaspecialist,and three reading. has been remarkablysuccessfulin counselors. The faculty is supported by Bala Cynwyd deals with the varying achieving this purpose. While 180/0 of sixteacheraides, apart-timesocial needs of students by assigning them in- sixth graders are scheduled into remedial worker, six clerical staff, and six food ser- dividually. Each student is assigned to an or guided learning classes, this number vice workers. There are three administra- interdisciplinary team for English, math, drops to 8% by grade eight.

9 Bala Cynwyd puts emphasis on mak- sponsors a public speaking contest and a Parent Involvement ng maximum use of the school day. spelling bee which involves the entire stu- Bala Cynwyd serves a community (here are no study halls or "activity dent body each year. Other activities in- where academic performance is highly clude the yearbook, the newspaper, the periods" in any grade. in addition, the prized and parents are very demanding order of classes is rotated each week to literary magazine, and the school store. of the school system. Parents have ex- nsure that students involved in activities Over 80% of the students participate in pressed their support of the team struc- away from the school will not repeatedly an intramural program which pits home- ture that enables teachers to focus on in- rooms against each other in flag football, miss the same classes. dividual student needs. They also feel the Planning for the middle school pro- gymnastics, floor hockey, and chess. In school'sco-curricularprogram con- gram prompted a review of the entire cur- addition,Bala Cynwydhas 22in- tributestotheirchildren'ssenseof riculum. Half the school staff visited other terscholastic sports teams for seventh responsibility and self-concept. middle schools, and many worked on and eighth graders. The Home and School Association Bala Cynwyd has a yearly gymnastics paid summer committees. Plans which contributes to the school by assisting with outline goals, objectives, content, and show, talent show, and awards assem- public relations and grade level activities, resources have been developed for each blies to recognize students for their par- organizing volunteer resource people, course in the school. Course content is ticular contributions. There is an Arts publishing a newsletter and a school reviewed annually by the teachers and Festival each year in which projects made directory,enlistinglibraryvolunteers, administrators. An in-depth evaluation of in the fine and practical arts classes are holding a new parents tea and an open each program area is performed on a displayedforparents,teachers, and house, and by raising funds. The Associa- five-year cycle to ensure proper se- students. tion also organizes a teacher appreciation quence and distribution of content among dinner and an eighth grade recognition various courses. Interdisciplinary Teams ceremony. Once a year, the Association On the Metropolitan Achievement Test, Bala Cynwyd's interdisciplinary teams holds a dinner for the senior citizens who Bala Cynwyd sixth graders scored a have been especially important in en- help to introduce students who are new mean grade equivalent 2.2 years above abling the school to match the individual American citizens to Thanksgiving tradi- tnenationalnorm;seventh grade needs of students with appropriate pro- tions. students scored 3.1 years above; and grams. Working with the counselors, the Parents also serve on long-range plan- eighth grade students scored 4 years reading specialists, and the teachers of ning committees, as well as on commit- above. gifted and learning disabled students, the tees for caring parents, special education, teams provide a networking structure for school board, interschool council, and Extensive Co-Curricular focusing upon individual students. fine arts. Individual parents serve as tutors Program The interdisciplinary teams meet week- in the school's English as a second Bala Cynwyd's co-curricular program ly to discuss instructional strategies for in- language program, and as resource peo- provides the opportunity for students to dividual students and groups. Grade level ple in classrooms. explore their interests through a range of departments meet weekly to exchange in- activities. structional ideas and coordinate the cur- The Future The student government, composed of riculum both within the grade and with the Bala Cynwyd willcontinue to face electedrepresentatives from each rest of the school. School-wide depart- declining enrollment. The administration Homeroom, plans dances, a spirit week, ments meet on in-service days to discuss is committed to maintaining curriculum of- apparel sales, a yearbook signing party, curriculum, instruction, and materials in ferings, especially foreign language, and fund-raising drives, and some assem- their subject areas. to curriculum improvement, especially in blies. Each year the sixth grade represen- There is also an elected faculty advisory mathematics. tatives plan an orientation program for in council which meets bi-weekly with the coming fifth graders and their parents. principal to discuss all aspects of the The instrumental music program has school. These meetings are open to all For More Information Contact: seven different groups involving about staff members. Bala Cynwyd Middle School 25% of the school's students who per- The entire staff was involved in Project 510 Bryn Mawr Avenue form in over 40 programs a year. The jazz IMPACT for two years followingthe Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 band has been honored by invitations to reorganization. This federally-funded pro- 215/664-4500 perform at local and national conventions, gram was designed to increase the skill and has toured Romania. The vocal and sensitivity of the staff in working with music program involves over 15% of all students who have learning disabilities. students in two choirs and two barber- The project began a method of com- shop octets. munication between support staff and Bala Cynwyd students produce one or teamteachersthathasfacilitated two plays a year which they perform for mainstreaming and changed attitudes the community. The English department toward special education students.

10 THE 1983-84 SECONDARY SCHOOL RECOGNITION PROGRAM ConversationsonExcellence inEducation A Regional Leadership Conference Presented by Secretary William J. Bennett, United States Department of Education May 11, 1985 Rosemont, Pennsylvania

CAESAR RODNEY SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Camden, Delaware

"The school climate fosters concentra- to be on time. This system has created an tion on the academic tasks through gen- atmosphere where "teachers can teach uine concern, mutual respect, and con- and students can learn." scious effort. There is a relaxed sense of order, a minimum of disruption, a well- Cooperative Environment organized and academically focused Caesar Rodney seeks to create a curriculum. There is a delicate balance "large school with a small school atmo- that works for us because we want it to sphere." Its informal motto is "Everybody work, because we work together toward is somebody," and the administration common goals in a cordial, unified rela- works to bond staff, students, and com- tionship. The atmosphere of respect munity in a common effort. among the students and staff creates a The administrative staff is highly visible climate where dedication and concern throughout the day. The principals spend flow; expectations are clear and well- 80% of their time in the classrooms, the defined; and academic learning takes halls, the cafeteria, the gymnasium, and place in a comfortable, well-disciplined The facultyincludes84 classroom on the athletic fields, providing accessibil- environment." Principal teachers (three part-time), two subject ityand support tobothfaculty and areaspecialists,onelibrary/media students. The desire by all to do well is CaesarRodneySeniorHigh specialist, and six counselors. The faculty highlightedand sharpened bytheir School serves the rural com- is supported by four teacher aides (one presence. munity of Camden, Delaware part-time), 17 food service personnel, and A good relationship between adminis- (pop. 30,000), and is part of the Caesar six clerks/secretaries. There are five ad- tration and faculty is an ongoing concern. Rodney School District which also in- ministrators: the principal, and four assis- Foreseeing potential problems and ad- cludes two junior high schools and nine tant principals. dressing them before they materialize is a elementary schools. In an effort to deal priority. The administration meets regular- with the problems of declining enrollment, Business-Like Atmosphere lywiththeLiaisonCommittee,with Caesar Rodney students were recently Caesar Rodney has developed a department chairpersons, and with in- merged with students and staff of Dover business-like atmosphere. Expectations dividual teachers to discuss instructional Air Force Base High School. are clear; students are to dress and and disciplinary needs, both immediate Caesar Rodney has an enrollment of behave as "ladies and gentlemen," and and long term. The school has had only 1,536ingrades 9-12. Approximately teachers are to be reliable and en- one grievance filed in five years. The ad- 77% of the students are white, 17.5% are thusiastic as they help to set and achieve ministrationattributesthistomutual black, 3% are As;an, 1.5% are Hispanic, a tone of excellence in the school. In- understanding and a genuine coopera- and fewer than 1% are Native American. dependence and responsibility are en- tive effort by all involved in the decision- Fifteen percent of the students come from couraged.Respectforallstudents, making process. low-incomefamilies.About 60% of teachers, visitors, and school property is Counselors are integral to the school Caesar Rodney graduates go on to some emphasized. There is a mutual under- program and see it as directed toward form of post-secondary education and standing of the role each must play to be total human development. They spend 40% move into the working world. Thus, successful. 70% of their time with students and work theschoolprovidesbothcollege There are no bells; teachers begin and especially with disruptive students. The preparatory andvocationaltraining dismiss classes in a way to promote a crisis counselor's role is to build student programs. smooth operation. Everyone is expected self-esteem, self-respect, and a positive >elf-image to maximize student potential. center assists students who need reme- and students assist in each vocational -ie supervises the Peer Counseling Pro- dial work to meet the state's competency education area. The mentor program for gram, which involves students in helping requirements in the basic skills; provides gifted and talented students involves in- )they students. a self-tutoring program for SAT prepara- numerable business and community peo- The studentcouncil,consistingof tion; tutors handicapped, foreign born, ple. The senior awards assembly is coor- Nected representatives from each class, and exchange students; trains teachers dinated by both the school and the com- he president of each class, and a faculty on the use of computers; and teaches munity. adviser, functions as a bridge between programmingtoupperlevelmath The community also helps individual he staff and the student body. Each class students. students with service activities, Students las its own council to handle class affairs. Caesar Rodney also provides main- devote countless hours to the Special streamingformentally handicapped Olympics,Mothers AgainstDrunk Academic Program students. A staff team, which includes the Drivers, the Governor's Fair, the Gover- Caesar Rodney provides both a strong student, evaluates potential on an in- nor's Prayer Breakfast, the Toys for Tots academic program for college-bound stu- dividual basis. The main aim is to provide program, Kent General Hospital, and the dents and a basic skills/vocational training those skills necessary for employment KentCountyParks andRecreation program for students who plan to enter and basic living. The program has been Department. Student groups also visit the job market after graduation. Post successful in mainstreaming students into shut-ins, tutor students, collect and repair graduate follow-up surveys, as well as business, agriculture, home economics, `urniture and toys, and deliverfood local advisory councils of business and mathematics, and social studies classes. baskets to the needy. community members, provide input in Teachers of mainstreamed students have The school facility is used for the Gover- planning course content. The results of continuous in-service as the staff works nor'sPrayerBreakfast,civicclub annual standardized tests provide addi- together to improve the education of meetings, conventions and shareholders' tional information for curricular decisions. special needs students. meetings, and classes given by various Each department reviews its own pro- Student achievement is recognized in groups. The athletic fields are used by gram, goats, and materials on a five-year many ways at Caesar Rodney. All teach- local baseball leagues and the Special cycle. After this comprehensive study, erssetaside special areasintheir Olympics, as well as by other groups. teachers present their proposals to the classrooms to display students' outstand- school hoard. When the proposals are ing academic work. The Hall of Fame, The Future -iopted, teachers write guides which located in a main corridor outside the Despite the merger with Dover Air contain objectives, content, materials/ac- library, displays the pictures of outstand- Force Base High School, Caesar Rodney tivities, and statements covering grading ing students in each of 90 categories. continues to be faced with a decline in and minimum expectations. All of this Honor Rolls are posted quarterly in the enrollment. In addition, increasing costs work is done on a voluntary basis outside front lobby on the Honor Board. Honor have resulted in cutbacks in materials, of regular school hours, and 100% of the Roll letters are sent to qualified students. supplies, and money forsubstitutes; teachers participate. Results of the Delaware Educational larger classes in some instances; and an Many special programs have resulted Assessment Program show that Caesar inability to provide salaries comparable from this work. The talented and gifted Rodney students scoreconsistently with other districts in the state. School and programfor grades 10.12is anin- above national norms and are among the district leadership are seeking to address dividualized mentor program. Students top students in the state. In 1983, the these problems in ways which do not work under contractual agreements with graduating class won 92 scholarships detrimentally affect the staff and the pro- professionals in their chosen field of in- totalling $718,700, and claimed two Na- gram. For example, teachers now pro- terest. Students have organized a video tional Merit Scholar finalists, a Presidential vide substitute coverage for one another company and made original video tapes; Scholar, eight military academy appoint- when substitute money is low, bring in organized and managed the children's ments, and five students in the Perform- their own materials and supplies, and Section of the Governor's Open House; ing Arts Division of the Governor's School share textbooks. Students take care to formed crafts and computer companies for Excellence. Caesar Rodney students conserve the materials that are available and marketed their products; written ar- routinely garner awards in music,in- and have initiated fund-raising activities to ticles on local history and folklore; and in- dustrialarts,agriculture,foreign maintain activities which would otherwise terned in state offices. languages, and the Special Olympics. be discontinued. The peer teaching program enables students interested in a teaching career to Community Support gainfirst-handexperience under the Caesar Rodney is the focal point of For More Information Contact: guidance of a classroom teacher at a community activities. The school and the Caesar Rodney Senior High School school in the district. Peer teachers also community aremutuallysupportive. 239 Old North Road organize and assist in special education Athletics and music have active booster Camden, DE 19934 activities. associations which raise money for these 302/697-2161 The school's Basic Skills Center serves programs,plantrips,andprovide as a model throughout the state. The chaperones. Advisory councils of parents

This profile was prepared by Research for Better Schools, Inc. (RBS). 444 North Third Street, Philadelphia. PA 19123. using information supplied by the subject school, and using the written comments and observations made by the Department of Education site observer who visited the school. This conference was conducted by RBS and funded through a grant from the National Institute of Education.

12 BEST COPY AVAILABLE THE 1983-84 SECONDARY SCHOOL RECOGNITION PROGRAM ConversationsonExcellence inEducation A Regional Leadership Conference Presented by Secretary William J. Bennett, United States Department of Education May 11, 1985 Rosemont, Pennsylvania

CHRISTIANA HIGH SCHOOL Newark, Delaware

"Christiana is a turn-around school school for a week. During that time, he f rorn great social upheaval to a school brought the staff together to hear and intent on reaching toward educational resolve their concerns, and together they excellence." Site Visit Report brought each grade back a day at a time "After five years of court-ordered to work in small groups, and hear and desegregation, the school can point resolve their concerns. One evening was with pride to a considerable number of 4°16Alb devotedtothe same processwith accomplishments. Those associated parents. with this school and community iden- 46.1 Since then, Christiana has worked to tified problems and worked out solu- TO- create a warm and responsive environ- tions in a cooperative, peaceful fashion, ment where teachers are expected to keeping in mind that the only purpose CV-4FZIST-14INA teach and students are expected to learn, for this school's existence is to serve where everyone is accepted and respec- students." Principal ted, but inappropriate behavior is not, A great commitment of time, energy, and training has been made by the entire staff Christiana High School originally federal lunch program data, about 16% toward this end. served the primarily white subur- of the students come from low-income ban community ofNewark, families. Over half its graduates go on to a The human relations staff, working joint- Delaware. Then, under a 1978 court- two or four year college after graduation, ly with the National Council of Christians ordered desegregation plan, the public and about 40% seek full-time employ- and Jews, developed the Socio-Drama school systems of Wilmington and 10 ment. Program to train students through im- contiguous suburbandistrictswere Christiana'sfacultyincludes 79 provisationaldramatohelpothers dissolved and reorganized into the New classroomteachers, twobasicskills understand the process of peaceful prob- Castle County School System. specialists, one educational diagnosti- lem resolution. The students involved Followingthisreorganization,Chris- cian, two library/media specialists (one representallacademic,social,and tiana faced a series of crisesa six-week part-time), four counselors, two student economic backgrounds and arebal- to ;cher strike, student disruptions rooted advisors, and a part-time psychologist anced as to race and sex. In one year in racial tensions, and a high turnover of and speech therapist. The faculty is sup- they made presentations to all the English administrative leaders. The district was ported by one teacher aide, two human classes, a neighboring school, shoppers reorganized again, this time establishing relations/social workers, six clerical staff, at a mall, employees of the Internal four smaller districts, but continuing the and 14 food service workers (10 part- Revenue Service, and a group of cor- mandate of integration. Christiana is now time). There are five administrators, a prin- porate executives and state legislators. part of the Christina School District which cipal and four assistants. Through a peer counseling program, serves 14,166 homes and has two other student volunteers representing a cross high schools, three junior highs, and 15 Building a Sense of Community section of the student body have been elementary schools. In 1980, a number of serious incidents trained to work with other students who Christiana has a student population of involving students brought about a poten- are experiencing difficulties. They act in 1,358in grades 9-12. Approximately tially explosive level of anxiety and hostility crisis situations to resolve conflicts and 75% of the students are white, 24% are between black and white students. The holddiscussionsessionstoexplore black, and 1% are Hispanic. Based on principal received permission to close the home, drug, or other problems.

13 The PLUS program (Personal Learning science. Students are also expected to Emphasis on Career Education Jnder Supervision) was designedto take two or more yearsofforeign Christiana High School promotes the educe out-of-school suspensions and to language and two semesters of computer aspirations of non-college bound stu- ielp students modify negative behavior courses. Each year, the students organ- dents through several programs that and attitudes, improve basic skills, keep ize a science symposium involving local prepare young adults to be productive up with classwork, and develop a positive university and community experts. In the members of the work force. Many stu- self - image. In the 1982.83 school year, culminating activity, students select and dents gain entry level positions in the PLUS served 420 students. Out-of-school develop an original project under the private sector suspensions were reduced by 50% and direction of a faculty advisor. Approx- The school's business education de- 70% of the students assigned to PLUS imately 5% of Christiana students are partment has long been recognized in the were not involved in any disciplinary in- enrolled in honors English, 10% in math, state for its strong clerical and secretarial cidents for the remainder of the year. 4% in social studies, 6% in science, and curriculum which now includes word pro- 4% in foreign language. In 1984, Chris- cessing. The home economics depart- Cooperative Planning/ tiana had its first National Merit finalist in ment operates a nursery school as part of Involvement five years and four semi-finalists. its child development program. Students Christiana's leadership has now sta- Each department and responsible ad- work directly with preschool children and bilized and its administrative team is con- ministrator now review curriculum content gain experience and understanding in the sidered the strongest in the district. To and course offerings each year. The art of parenting. provide greater accessibility, more im- district chairpersons for instruction meet In the Jobs for Delaware Graduates mediate decision-making, and greater three times a year with each department, program, two full-time staff work with 75 efficiency, each of the four assistant prin- and one inservice day a year is devoted to seniors each year to provide work ex- cipals is directly responsible for supervi- articulation of the academic program. ploration, job placement assistance, and sion of specific departments and deals referral services. This joint venture be- directly with their staffs. tween the private sector and the public Total school community participation is Special Assistance schools has placed 82% of the students encouraged. The principal sets yearly Delawarerequiresallstudentsto in full-time jobs after graduation. goals for the school and communicates master specific minimum competencies them. He promotes professional growth, to receive a high school diploma. Stu- The Future supports innovative ideas, and acknowl- dents at Christiana who have not mas- Christiana looks to maintain and ex- edgesstaffcontributions.Faculty tered these skills are recommended for pand its services to students as needs are meetings and working committees are the basics courses specifically developed to determined. Currently, they are evalu- primary vehicles for staff input. Leaders of teach and 6 certify these skills. Approx- ating the math and writing skills pro- the Student Government Association, imately 14% of the students are enrolled grams. They have added a QUEST pro- elected on a school-wide basis, meet reg- in basic English, 8% in basic math, 14% gram for students with a high interest in ularly with the principal to present student inbasicsocialstudies, and 3% in engineering as well as peer tutoring to opinion on issues. A standing committee remedial reading.All students are re- assist students having problems with their of administrators, teachers, support staff, viewed annually and threestaffare course work. and parents study suggestions from assignedtoprovide concentrated every source and draft recommendations assistance to students who continue to for faculty consideration. lack mastery. A mentor program was developed to For More Information Contact: Strengthening the identify and provide support to potential Christiana High School Academic Program drop-outs from Christiana.Thirty-eight Salem Church Road In preparation for the Middle States staff members have volunteered to work Newark, DE 19713 evaluation and a Department of Public In- with 60 students and their parents to try to 302/454-2123 struction visit, a committee of staff, ad- keep these students in school. A drop- ministrators, students, and parents con- out/return program, developed by stu- ducted a self-evaluation and developed dent services staff, provides an organized school and instructional goals. plan of recruitment, support, supervision, Christiana has modified and added and contact with students who have new dimensions to its Honors Program. It already dropped out. In two years, the now provides an inter-disciplinary, three- program has achieved the return of 68 year sequence (grades 10-12) of courses students and two-thirds of them have re- inEnglish, math, socialstudies, and mained in school.

This profile was prepared by Research for Better Schools. Inc. (RBS), 444 North Third Street, Philadelphia. PA 19123, using intimation supplied by the subject school, and using the written comments and observations made by the Department of Education site observer who visited the school. This conference was conducted by RBS and funded through a grant from the National Institute of Education.

14 THE 1983-84 SECONDARY SCHOOL RECOGNITION PROGRAM ConversationsonExcellence inEducation A Regional Leadership Conference Presented by Secretary William J. Bennett, United States Department of Education May 11, 1985 Rosemont, Pennsylvania

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY Lincroft, New Jersey

"We strive to treat each student as an students' talents, freedom, and respon- individual, with unique talents and an sibilityin their personal lives and as unequaled purpose inlife. Our fun- members of the familial, religious, civic, damental obligation is the education of and world communities. It endeavors to our students in the principles of good instill an appreciation of America's history, and Christian behavior. . . the faculty and democratic ideals and processes to seeks to help each student realize his enable students to make an intelligent potential and to discover how the prin- and serious commitment to democracy. ciples of Christian behavior apply. This As a private school, it has the prerogative is done inthe classroom, through of accepting and retaining only those who private counseling, liturgies, and the are able and willing to participate inits retreat program." Principal curriculum and abide by its code of conduct. Christian Brothers Academy is a privateCatholicpreparatory vice persons, five clerical staff, and five Spiritual Program school for boys in the suburban buildings and grounds personnel. There Moraldevelopment andChristian communityofLincroft,New Jersey. are three administrators, the principal and values are central to the mission of Chris- Foundedin1959,the Academyis two assistants, one in charge of counsel- tianBrothers Academy and are em- operated by the Brothers of the Christian ing and discipline, the other curriculum phasized in both the classroom and the Schools, a religious order devoted to the and school planning. The Academy's activities sponsored by the Office of Cam- work of education, in collaboration with salary scale exceeds that of many public pus Ministry. Academy strives to treat lay faculty. Students are selected on the schools, and 73% of the faculty have at each student as an individual and to help basis of an admissions test, and on ele- least a Master's degree. him to realize his potential. mentary school grades and recommen- All students are required to take a four- dations. Tuition is $2,300 a year. Philosophy year course in religious studies which in- Christian Academy has an enrollment Academy's philosophy respects the cludes the history, doctrines, practices, of 903 in grades 9-12. About 94% of the young man as a person seeking his in- and ethics of the Roman Catholic Church students are white, 4% are Asian, 1.5% dividual and social growth through the and other religious traditions. Academy are Hispanic, and .5% are black. Approx- development of all his faculties in a world believes that prayer plays an important imately 2% of the students come from created and redeemed by God. As a part in the development of conscience, low-income families and the same per- Catholic school, Academy locates itself in and each day class begins with a prayer centage receive financial aid for tuition. the Judeo-Christian tradition and em- emphasizing key ideas from the Gospel. The facultyincludes 55 classroom phasizes thetotality and diversityof The Office of campus Ministry, which teachers (three part-time), four counsel- human lifephysical and spiritual,in- includes a full-time campus minister, pro- ors, three library/media specialists and tellectual and moral, and domestic and videsfurtheropportunitiesforthe one part-time special service specialist. social. students' spiritual development. Its pro- The faculty is supported by five food ser- The Academy seeks to develop the gram includes Liturgical planning and 15 assistance,learningandpracticing and foreign language; and one year of For More Information Contact: meditation, prayer groups, Bible study, arts and computer science. In addition, Christian Brothers Academy Christian leadership, Eucharistic ministry, with the approval of the Academic Dean, Newman Springs Road and sacramental preparation. Both staff Academy students may take courses at Lincroft, NJ 07738 and studentsparticipateinreligious the Brookdale Community College locat- 201/747-1959 retreats once a year. ed across from the school. Academy also provides a summer school course to in- Social Responsibility coming freshmen who need to work on basic skills in English and math, usually Whileeach studentatChristian 10-15 students a year. Brothers Academy is treated respectfully More than 95% of Academy students as an individual, in turn he is expected to exceed the school's requirements in math behave as a Christian gentleman. Both and computer science. In addition, ap- the religion department and the Office of Campus Ministry help the student to proximately 80% of Academy seniors are enrolled in honors or advanced place- develop personal freedom and respon- ment math, 60% in science, 55% in sibility and a greater concern for others. religion, 28% in social studies, 22% in The Campus Minister directs a variety foreign language, and 12% in English. of community service programs, involv- In addition to its academic program, ing students in peer ministry; Hand-in- Academy fosters a concern for physical Hand; MS Word Encounter: Crop Walk; and mental well-being through its four- Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas year requirement in physical education drives; and fund-raising for organizations and health classes and its extensive extra- such as St. Jude's Children's Hospital. curricular program which puts a major Academy seniors broaden their social emphasis onintramuralactivities. awareness through a class in Christian Academy also offers a number of cultural service. The course involves classroom activities to its students, including v1-s to preparation; service work inhospitals, New York for plays, concerts, nuseum retirement homes, and other organiza- exhibitions, and annual trips to Europe. tions: and analysis of the experience. An Nearly 100% of Academy's students elective course, it has recently been ex- are admitted to a college or university pro- panded to accommodate the number of gram upon graduation each year.In students who want to express their com- 1983, Academy had two National Merit mitment through volunteer work. finalists; in 1984 it had four semi-finalists and 23 commended students. Preparing for Further Education Through its academic program, the The Future Academy seeks to prepare its students Christian Brothers Academy's major for further education by inculcating a spirit challenge in the past few years has been ofintellectualinquiryandinitiative, thelimitationsofitsphysicalplant, developing competency inexpression resultingin scheduling difficulties and and understanding, developing discrimi- limited course offerings, especially in the nations in judgment, and encouraging a arts. To address this problem, Academy desire for continuing self-education. The has begun "Project 80's," a fund-raising curriculum is reviewed annually and a drive to expand school facilities. The major revision of the course of study was plans call for a new classroom wing, a completed in 1983. chapel, an auditorium, and the renovation All students are now required to take of one building into an Arts and Music four years of English and religion; three Center. years of math, social studies, science,

This profile was prewred iy P.,:search for Better Schools, Inc. (RBS), 444 North Third Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, using information supplied by the subjer.t school, and using the written comments and observations made by the Department of Education site observer who visited the school. This conference was conducted by RBS and funded through a grant from the National Institute of Education.

16 THE 1983-84 SECONDARY SCHOOL RECOGNITION PROGRAM ConversationsonExcellence in Education A Regional Leadership Conference Presented by Secretary William J. Bennett, United States Department of Education May 11, 1985 Rosemont, Pennsylvania

CONESTOGA SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Berwyn, Pennsylvania

"Conestoga High School has made a experience. As a measure of success, strong commitment to providing quality students inthis program have shown education to students with a variety of marked improvement in academic perfor- academic needs. To that end, the direc- mance, social development, and self- tion of administrative leadership has esteem. Consequently, the drop-out rate been to"open" the schooltoits has traditionally been below 5%. publicto provide teachers, students, Conestoga also offers a variety of parents, and community members op- remediation programs for students with portunities for personal involvement in specific problemsinthe basicskills. all aspects of the design and develop- Special sequential courses have been ment of its educational policies, pro- developed in English, reading, and math- grams, and practices. .. An awareness ematics, and class sizeislimited so of the magnitude and significance of students can receive individualized inthis involvement is important in under- struction. In addition, the school provides standing the success of Conestoga professionally staffed resource rooms in High School." Principal languagearts,mathematics,social Academic Program studies, and foreign language. Students Conestoga serves an educationally-ori- may be referred to these resource rooms Conestoga Senior High School is ented community, and approximately by their teachers or they may seek help located in the suburban com- 85% of its graduates enroll in college or on their own. A resource room for main- munity of Berwyn, Pennsylvania university programs. The school has a streamed learning Cisabled students also (pop. 32.083) on the "Main Line" of strong academic curriculum and en- serves 25 students. Philadelphia.Itispart of the Tredyf- courages students to engage in challeng- At Conestoga there are honor rolls and frin/Eastown SchoolDistrict whichin- ing coursework. Of its students enrolled in awards for scholastic excellence, honors cludes two junior high schools and five honors or advanced placement, 10% are an i awards for school activities and elementary schools. in English, 11% in mathematics, 7% in athletic achievements, a National Honor Conestoga has a student population of social studies/art, 8% in science, and Society, an academic competition team, 1,258 in grades 10-12, 94.80/0 of whom 12% in foreign language. These figures and the Pioneer of the Month service are white, 4% black, 1% Asian, and .2% do not include students in accelerated award, recognized over the public ad- Hispanic.Approximately 2% ofthe courses or independent study. dress system, in the school and local students are from low-income families Students' schedules are completely in- newspapers, and at award assemblies (based on applications accepted for free dividualized;inadditiontocollege and banquets. and reduced-price lunches). preparatory courses, students may select In 1982, Educational Quality Assess- The facultyincludes 83 classroom froma number ofspecializedpro- ment results showed that Conestoga teachers (three part-time), three subject gramsfor example, art and music, a bi- scored higher than 90% of the par- areaspecialists,threelibrary/media lingual and multi-cultural E.S.L. program, ticipating high schools throughout Penn- specialists, seven counselors, a psychol- and career education. The Cooperative sylvania on each of the seven cognitive ogist, and a part-time social worker. The Career Education (CCE) programis tests. Of the 84 candidates taking 141 Ad- staffis supported by seven part-time designed for students who plan to seek vanced Placement Examinations, 88% teacher aides, 22 clerical and food ser- jobs immediately upon graduation. They earned a grade of three or higher. Fifty- vice personnel, and a security officer. spend at least half of the school day in ninestudentsreceivednonathletic There are four administrators. class and the remainder gaining work scholarships and awards. 17 Communication and operates the volunteer program, and pro- works in home economics programs. Participation vides assistance with school activities. Other programs involve community mem- Over 45 parent volunteers are actively in- bers as resource persons tospecific The principal believes that "A school volved each week in tasks ranging from classes where they discuss topics rang- open to its constituents is not a school food purchasing for the Home Econom- ing from genetics to interior design. Com- devoid of problems. Rather, it is a school ics Department to tutoring. More than 40 munity members also participatein a where strong leadership, involvement, parents, certified by the American Red career series sponsored by the Guidance communication, and commitment com- Cross, instruct juniors in CPR as part of Department.Finally,thecommunity bine tofoster viable opportunities for the health curriculum, and 25 parents sponsors individually designed "extend- problem solution and personal success." work with the Guidance Department in ed experiences" and a number of school Conestoga is aware of the widespread operating the College and Career Re- clubs, for example, Rotary Interact, the criticismofpublic education and the source Center which is available to both Lions' Leo Club, and Junior Achieve- significant shifts toward private schools. the school and the community. The ment. However, Conestoga believes it is an ex- center has extensive career information Perhaps the most dramatic example of ception to the national trend due largely to materials and provides a variety of career Conestoga's outreach was its decision to the administrative decision to communi- 4-.velopment activities. involve th.:: school with the community in a cate with parents regarding the school's onestoga students are quick to speak combined attempt to combat drug and program,confidentthatitcompares up for their school and appear happy, alcohol abuse. Out of this grew ARCH favorably with area private schools, Com- relaxed, and involved; they feelthat (Area Residents Cari, ,g and Helping), an munication and involvement are the key teachers really care about them. Teach- organizationofschool,police.civic, factors in its success. ers feel that the involvement of parents, religious, and business groups and in- Conestoga seeks to operate on the students, and teachers in everyday affairs dividuals. ARCH sponsors community basis of trust, and believes that trust is isthe reason that the school excels. meetings, provides speakers for parent fostered through open communication Parents feel communication at the school and student groups, publishes an infor- and participationindecision making. is outstanding and they are proud to be mation newsletter, and organizes recrea- Students, school staff, and parents work part of it. The Educational Quality Assess- tional activities for students. In addition, together inall aspects of the school ment placed Conestoga atthe 99th Conestoga has revised the health cur- program. percentile in student perception of parer'. riculum, conductedstaff development Studentsnotonly make decisions interest in school as well as in teacher programs, and instigated a mandatory regardingtheir educational schedules satisfactionwithrelationshipswith drug/alcoholeducationprogramfor and their co-curricular activities, they also parents. students involvedin drug or alcohol decide how they will use the unscheduled abuse/sales in school. time which is built into the school day. The Community Involvement student government is active, and student Conestoga has worked hard and suc- The Future representatives sit on the Board of School cessfully to involve the community in the The principal sees "only good things Directors, the district Curriculum Council, school. ...ahead for Conestoga. With the sup- the Guidance Advisory Committee, and In the Career Elective Program, ap- port and interest our community has, we the Discipline Committee. Students are proximately 225 community sponsors will have to do a quality job. We want to do proud of their part in decision making and provide month-long internships in their our best as educators and they are willing feel the administration "really listens." businessorprofessionalfieldsto to help. With parents, teachers, and Extensive opportunity exists for teacher members of the senior class. Working students working together we will be able participation in all facets of Conestoga's together, students and sponsors con- to realize our goals today and in the educational program. Teachers serve on struct a work plan which will give an over- future." Teachers suggest that one area thedistrict'sCurriculumCouncil;the view of the field. From 200 to 250 seniors to be targeted for more attention is the im- Discipline Committee; the Faculty Senate; (60%), their parents, and half the faculty provement of students' study skills across and numerous other committees which participate each year. the curriculum, and further development addresscurricular,professional,and Conestoga also works with the Bryn of programs andincentivesforthe evaluative issues.Inaddition, Cones- Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital in the Junior average, non-college bound student. toga's administration is committed to an Field Experience, a program to acquaint open-door policy, and staff is encouraged students with career opportunities in the to drop in to discuss concerns and ideas. health care field. For More Information Contact: Parents also participate on curriculum A number of programs involve the Conestoga Senior High School and discipline code committees. In addi- community regularly in the school day. In Conestoga and Irish Roads tion, each grade has a Class Parents the Retired Senior Citizens Volunteer Pro- Berwyn, PA 19312 Steering Committee which meets month- gram, older citizens visit classes and help 215/644-1440 ly, publishesquarterlynewsletters, withclericalwork. The Surrey Club, welcomes new families to the school, another organization of retired persons,

This profile was prepared by Research for Better Schools, Inc. (RBS). 444 North Third Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, using information supplied by the subject school, and using the written comments and observations made by the Department of Education site observer who visited the school. This conference was conducted by RBS and funded through a grant from the National Institute of Education. 18 a THE 1983-84 SECONDARY SCHOOL RECOGNITION PROGRAM ConversationsonExcellence in Education A Regional Leadership Conference Presented by Secretary William J. Bennett, United States Department of Education May 11, 1985 Rosemont, Pennsylvania

DELBARTON SCHOOL Morristown, New Jersey

"We are, and are becoming in char- In all of these areas, Delbarton offers ad- acter, precisely what we are striving to vanced placement courses. Eighty per- be: a challenging community in which, cent of its Eeniors enroll in them. because of the intensity of the challenge Delbarton requires students to take four and the support in the relationships, years of physical education. It offers, in people grow to their full potential. More addition, a wide range of intramural than that,people learn how to be sports. It also fields teams at three levels responsible and accountable and show (freshman, junior varsity, and varsity) in every likelihood of being that way in nine sports. These teams play com- their relationships once they leave." petitively in private, parochial, and public Headmaster school championships. They have won, since 1980, over 20 county, sectional, Delbartonis a private, indepen- and state championships. dent, college preparatory school, Inadditionto theseactivities,Del- administered by the Benedictine barton's extra curricular activities include monks ofSt. Mary's Abbey inthe music groups (the Abbey Orchestra, Ab- predominantly white, middle class, subur- bey Strings, Wind Ensemble, Brass En- ban community ofMorristown, New student is taught to place the highest semble, and Schola Cantorum; a drama Jersey. Delbarton has an enrollment of value on communion with God and group (The Abbey Players); teams in 487 boysingrades 7 through12, neighbor, and to pursue this with all his mathematics, biology, chemistry, phys- selected for admission by competitive ex- heart, soul, and mind. Each is encourag- ics, debating, chess, and backgammon; amination and SSAT scores. The ethnic ed to assume responsibility for gaining a student-directed newspaper and work- composition of the student body is 93% both knowledge and judgment, which will ing journal; and a wide variety of clubs. white, with a small percentage of Asian strengthen his faith, his contribution to the (3.5%), Hispanic (2.5%), black (10/0), and life of the school, and his later contribution Discipline Native American (.250/0) students. Four- to society. Delbarton'sdiscipline programis teen percent of the students receive The school's philosophy is reflected in based on its concept of community. The grants in aid. its demanding academic environment, its school's discipline policy expresses the Delbarton employs five full-time and discipline by conversation, its "Deanery" philosophy that moral vision occurs only four part-time administrators, 45 full-time program, its emphasis on guidance, its in a context where one is free to make and 12 part-time teachers, two media pro- campus ministry, and its extensive social choices, and where individuals can en- fessionals, and two full-time and four part- action program. gage in discussion about those choices. timecounselors.Delbartonhas an For this reason, the school has instituted average class size of fewer than 16 Demanding Program "discipline by conversation." Delbarton's students. Delbarton requires its students to com- values are stated in student and faculty plete four years of English, mathematics, handbooks, and are clarified, affirmed, Philosophy of Community andreligion(ifstudents are Roman and reinforced through adult modeling, Delbarton's philosophy and goals are Catholic), and three years of science, positive peer pressure, and through the rooted in the values of the Christian com- social studies, and foreign language. It system of conversation. Thn school has munity and the monastic traditionof alsoemphasizesthearts,requiring established a group of moderators who education.Itis a community where in- students to take courses in music and the lead students through conversation on dividuals are challenged to become all fine arts. Recently, Delbarton decided to moral issues and instruction regarding thattheycan becomeintellectually, require students in 7th, 9th, and 12th theirbehavior. Through confrontation spiritually, emotionally, and socially. Each grades to take computer-related courses. with moral dilemmas, in a supportive and

19 BEST COPY AVAILABLE affirming community, students gradually a psychologistspecializingingroup and orphanage support; adopt-a-grand- move from a lower to a higher level of dynamics, and has gradually doubled the parent program; a basketball clinic for the moral reasoning (c.f., Kohlberg). Through time spent training student leaders. retarded; tri-county scholarship support; thisapproachtostudentbehavior, leadership outreach programs; Harding Delbarton has avoided demerit systems, Guidance and Township youth corps; and ambulance detentions, and merely punitive measures Campus Ministry and first aid squads. of discipline. Central to Delbarton's concept of com- Since 1982, Delbarton has been in- munity is the establishment of an open volved in an ongoing social action pro- Student Governance and readily available support network. gram with the Christian Appalachian Pro- Since 1981, Delbarton has concen- This network is always expanding and jectinMartin, Kentucky. Through this trated on developing and improving a developing new systems, both formal and project, Delbarton students have traveled program in student government and stu- informal, for students to discuss their in- to Kentucky before and after Christmas. as dent relationships which is based on the terests,feelings,and problems. The well as during the summer to help the poor organization of monastic communities as school has eight Benedictine guidance residents of that Martin community.In outlined in the Rule of Benedict. The counselors, each responsible forthe 1983, with the opening of the Mountain "deanery" program incorporates every- guidance of 60 students. The counselors Christian Academy, the project expanded one in the school in a support network, hold several formal counseling sessions to include academic tutoring, camping ac- andprovidesleadershiptrainingfor daily as well as informal sessions with tivities, and construction work. Last July, a members of the student body. The pro- students who drop by the counseling of- computer camp was held at Delbarton for gram divides the students into thirty-six fices during their free time. Each class at able Appalachian children from Martin. support groups, and assigns two senior Delbarton has a faculty moderator who This camp was initiated and designed by deans to each group. Each of the deans also provides counseling, particularly on Delbarton student volunteers, and includ- receives leadership trainingin group discipline matters. The school is currently ed transporting six or seven Appalachian dynamics and school values, and is given developing a system where each student children to Morristown for a week. During responsibility over 13 7th through 11th deanery would have a faculty advisor. this time, Martin children stayed in the grade students. The deans meet weekly Through the development and training of homes of Delbarton students, attended withtheirstudents and helpthem, student leaders, a peer counseling pro- computer instruction in the mornings, and through peer modeling and leadership, to gram is also evolving. traveled to various sites in the afternoons develop school spirit and to succeed in Delbarton's campus ministry program and evenings. The purpose of Delbarton's the programs offered by the school. has a full-time campus minister, as well as work was to tutor the Martin children and The student governing body, the Coun- six adults who work part-time, and over motivate them so that they could be better cilof Seniors,is made up of officers 150 students who assist in ministry ac- prepared for college. Later they might elected by the entire student body, the tivities. The students have established an return to Appalachia with the skills to effect class presidents, and five deans which extensive freshman retreat program, con- a positive and permanent impact on the they select. The Council of Seniors has ducted evenings ofrecollection,run economy there. Participation in all of these responsibility for every aspect of school many of the community service activities, programs is voluntary; the school, how- life, including advising on the curriculum and are responsible for liturgy and wor- ever, believes that students should par- and discipline. The students run the social ship, as well as the ongoing establishment ticipate at some point in community ser- life of the school, clubs, social action pro- of discussion and prayer groups. In addi- vice,leadershiptraining,orreligious grams, retreats and spiritual programs of tion,students involvedinDelbarton's leadership activity. the campus ministry, elections, and many campus ministry often assume leadership The Future other areas of student life. For example, roles in their own parish youth programs. during one school year, the Council or- The centrality of the campus ministry in Delbarton's headmaster and staff are ganized and conducted a "spirit week," school life is evident in the use of its offices committed to ongoing improvement. Cur- the school's annual prejudice reduction at all hours of the school day. The campus rently, the school's Academic Council is workshop (in collaboration with the social ministry program provides a major link in completing a two-yearreview ofthe action committee and the B'nai B'rith Anti- Delbarton's community support network. school'scurriculum.Projectsbeing Defamation League); a two-week work- planned will seek to integrate future cam- shop for all students on stress and alco- Social Action Programs pus ministry programs into the total life of holism; and an ongoing program in the In keeping with the Benedictine faith, the school, develop further the school's development of trust among students, Delbarton has emphasized and pro- counselling program, determine how tech- which is currently encouraging students moted social responsibility among the nology can best be integrated into the in- to take the locks off their lockers. students. Because of the well-to-do nature structional programs, and begin a capital Delbarton's commitment to providing ofitsstudent body, the school has expansion program. its students with leadership' training has deliberately worked to increase student For More Information Contact: resulted in the school establishing its own awareness and sensitivity to others who Delbarton School on-campus program. This program be- may be lass fortunate. The school has a Mendharn Road gan by bringing in training personnel from varied an.-J wide-reaching community ser- Morristown, NJ 07960 other institutions. In 1983, Delbarton hired vice pro Tam which includes: hospital 201/538-3231

This profile was prepared by Research for Better Schools, Inc. (RBS), 444 North Third Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, using information supplied by the subject school. and using the written comments and observations made by the Department of Education site observer who visited the school. This conference was conducted by RBS and funded through a grant from the National Institute of Education.

20 THE 1983-84 SECONDARY SCHOOL RECOGNITION PROGRAM ConversationsonExcellence inEducation A Regional Leadership Conference Presented by Secretary William J. Bennett, United States Department of Education May 11, 1985 Rosemont, Pennsylvania

DeMATHA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Hyattsville, Maryland

"If education is to improve in our DeMatha's philosophy in building curricu- country, emphasis must change from lum is to provide courses for the students expenditures in hardware and facilities enrolled rather than to fit students into a to greater support for the people who pre-established curriculum. To organize a teach. DeMatha has an exciting story to secondary school around theseprin- tell,and I am anxioustohave ciples is very challenging. DeMatha's staff rewarded for a fantastic The entire school community partic- job and for other schools to see what ipates in creating the necessary atmo- can be accomplished when people are sphere, enthusiasm, and leadership. At willing to work, willing to sacrifice, and the beginning of each year, the faculty anxious to be educators." Principal spends a day in retreat to set the goals and the tone for the school year. The stu- DeMatha Catholic High School dent body has an identical retreat, with serves young men of varied faculty and seniors acting as leaders. backgrounds in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area who plan to con- Academic Program tinue their education beyond high school. member has been at DeMatha for eight DeMatha seeks to attract students of Located in the suburban community of years. varied talents and interests and to provide Hyattsville,Maryland,itisthe largest a program which challenges them to high private secondary school in the Arch- Philosophy levels of achievement. Because it has diocese of Washington, D.C. Tuition and DeMatha strives to offer an environ- always served students representative of fees at DeMatha are $1,950 a year. ment in which faith and knowledge com- the population, DeMatha has been called DeMatha has an enrollment of 900 plement each other in aiding the student's a "school of overachievers." boys in grades 9-12. Approximately 71% growth toward adulthood. By the time they are seniors, 76% of of the students are white, 24% black, 3% In its philosophy, the student grows in- students have taken advanced place- Hispanic and 2% Asian. Two percent of tellectually by acquirng the knowledge, ment or honors courses in math, 60% in thestudents come from low-income skills, and habits necessary to live effec- foreign language, 57% in science, 32% families, and 24% receive some financial tively in the modern world and to pursue incomputer science, 20% insocial aid, generally in grants of $100-300. formalinstructionafter graduation studies, and 9% in the arts. In most years, Thefaculty.composed bothof spiritually by increasing his awareness of over 90% of its students are admitted to members of the Trinitarian Order and the religious values which will shape and college programs upon graduation. laymen,includes 45 teachers,three transform his life; socially by increasing Despite limited space, DeMatha offers counselors, and three library/media his awareness of his responsibility to his a curriculum which has 285 sections of 97 specialists. They are supported by seven neighbor, his country and his national different courses and accommodates food service workers, six clerical staff, and heritage; and physically by learning to over 95% of student preferences, with an one buildings and grounds staff person. make the most of his natural health en- average of 25 students per class. Quali- There are three administrators, the prin- dowment. fied students may also take courses at cipal,hisassistant,and a business DeMatha's program undergoes con- three local colleges. manager; the latter two each carry a one- stant evaluation, but the basic goal re- class teaching responsibility. The prin- mains the same: to graduate a young Science and Technology cipal has been at the school for 29 years, adult who faces life with confidence in DeMatha's math, science, and com- 17 as principal. He is the first lay principal himself and with the human resources puter departments offer multi-level pro- appointed to a Catholic high school in the necessary for further understanding of grams within each course to meet the Washington area. The average faculty himself,hissociety andhisGod. needs of a wide range of students. The

21 result is a curriculum which surpasses in Athletics high school in the Archdiocese of Wash- breadth and depth the most sophisticated DeMatha's athletic program balances ington. The school now has three coun- magnet schools. Its program of computer the academic program, and provides an selors, with a ratio of 300 students per studies has been in place for more than opportunity for students to participate and counselor, who meet with small groups at eight years. A minimum of one computer to develop athletic skills, sound bodies, least once a month and with individual courseis now a pre-requisite forall and those values best nurtured by athletic students on request, The counselors students, and 30% of these students will competition. The school holds high citizen- assist students with course selection and have been introduced to at least four ship and academic standards for athletes, interview all seniors at the beginning of computer languages (BASIC, Fortran, each year regarding their post-graduation believing they are school citizens and 11 Pascal, Cobol). It has computer hardware students first. With only one small gymna- choices. valued at over $125,000; faculty and sium and no athletic fields, DeMatha spon- students have written over $75,000 in sors 23 teams, and 400 students par- Financial Management software programs. The computer lab ticipate in 12 interscholastic sports. Eight years ago, DeMatha assigned a now provides instruction to 400 students In the 1982-83 and 1983-84 academic faculty member working on his C.P.A. to a year, handles virtually all of the school's years, DeMatha teams won 30 con- theschoolbusinessoperation.The administrative needs, and provides report ference or tournament championships in school now has financial direction for suc- card, billing, and scheduling services to seven sports. The basketball team has cessful fund-raising, a balanced budget, several other schools. The lab is open all won 22 league, 16 city, and five national a reasonable benefit package for the fac- day, year round, operated b.. faculty and titlesin 28 years. Large numbers of ulty, and a realistic tuition for the clientele. paid student aides. The Maryland State DeMatha athletes win scholarships, a tes- Everyone participates in fund-raising. Department of Education has asked De- timony to their academic as well as All students help with two major fund Matha toassistinsetting up similar athletic achievement. In the past 24 years, drives which contribute $45,000 to the programs. every DeMatha senior ce the basketball school budget. In addition, band students team has won a scholarship. In five years raise $12,000 a year through a dance Music alone, 41 football players were awarded marathon and other fund-raisers. Parents Fifteen years ago, DeMatha estab- college scholarships. More significant help through the Band Booster Club lished a music program which now is con- than obtaining these scholarships is the which raises $22,000 a year (over 78% of sidered to be the finest of any Catholic fact that less than 10 of these students did the total music department budget) and high school in the U.S. and one of the not complete college. the DeMatha Senior Boosters (parents of finestinany secondary school. The To help support the athletic program, alumni) which has donated over $70,u00 school offers a wind ensemble, two con- all athletes must participate in team fund- in the past five years. DeMatha's largest cert bands, percussion ensemble, male raising. In addition, the athletic depart- fund-raiser, which results in an income of chorus, jazz laboratory, ja77 ensemble, ment promotes three fund-raisers and $180,000 a year,is a bingo program pep band, and academic music courses. gate receipts from basketball games help which is run by the faculty each Friday The wind ensemble was named the support all of the non-revenue sports. evening and Sunday afternoon through- outstanding Catholic band in the U.S. by out the year. the National Catholic Bandmasters' Asso- Religious Studies ciation in four of the last five years. Each DeMatha has worked for 15 years to The Future year, 12-15 DeMatha students are named develop a well-balanced religious studies DeMatha's commitment to ongoing to the Maryland All-State Band after com- curriculum which is now used as a model evaluation lays the foundation for future peting in auditions against 900 students by the Washington Archdiocesan Catho- improvement. Currently, the schoolis for 90 places. In 1983, 35 of 65 musicians lic Schools office. From a gradual in- undertaking activities aimed at strength- in the Archdiocesan Honors Band were troduction to the Judeo/Christian tradition ening articulation of itsprogram with DeMatha students. Four or five students andcontinuingthroughthespecific those of its feeder elementary schools win music scholarships each year. Catholic philosophy of morality, the stu- and at encouraging parental support of This success was accomplished in a dent is presented with the necessary tools appropriate student behavior outside of school building with no auditorium and no to discern what is moral. school. DeMatha is also laying plans to original band facilities. In addition, a fire in The Campus Ministry Office, estab- raise funds for a building program aimed July 1979 completely destroyed the band lished four years ago, has formalized all at expanding its limited facilities, room, band equipment, and $12,000 in liturgicalandsocialserviceefforts. sheet music. Even so, the music director Studentspracticesocialresponsibility For More Information Contact: had the program back inplace by through food drives for the poor, tutoring DeMatha Catholic High School September 1of that year. The former handicapped children, helping with the 4313 Madison Street band facilities were rebuilt into an arts Special Olympics, and working at a local Hyattsville, MD 20781 center for sculpture, ceramics, fine arts, soup kitchen. 301/864-3666 and archetectural drawing classes. The music program is now housed in two Counseling reconstructed temporary buildings ob- DeMatha established in 1957, the first tained from the public school system. formal guidance program of any Catholic

This profile was prepared by Research for Better Schools, Inc. (RBS), 444 North Third Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, using information supplied by the subject school, and using the written comments and observations made by the Department of Education site observer who visited the school. This conference was conducted by RBS and funded through a grant from the National Institute of Education. 22 THE 1983-84 SECONDARY SCHOOL RECOGNITION PROGRAM ConversationsonExcellence in Education A Regional Leadership Conference Presented by Secretary William J. Bennett, United States Department of Education May 11, 1985 Rosemont, Pennsylvania

HARRITON HIGH SCHOOL Rosemont, Pennsylvania

"A major contributor to the continued detrimental to the school. It was decided success of Harriton High School has to put a greater emphasis on order and been the willingness and ability of the discipline. In combination, these actions staff, administration, and community to createdsignificantmoraleproblems continue innovation and to progress among Harriton's staff and students, and toward excellence during a period of severely challenged its ability to continue retrenchment characterized by declin- to deliver a comprehensive educational ing enrollments." Principal program.

arriton High School serves the Meeting the Challenge suburban community of Lower Harriton's principal took a number of Merion,Pennsylvania (pop. steps to maintain a positive climate, to en- 64,147) on the "Main Line" outside of courage an institutional point of view, and Philadelphia. It is one of two high schools to meet the challenge to the educational in the district, which also has two middle program. schools and five elementary schools. The Approximately 70% of the staff hold ad- He established a faculty advisory coun- community is relatively homogenous and vanced degrees and more than 80% cil to provide teacher input into decision- affluent. have 10 or more years of teaching ex- making. Composed of six elected and Harriton has a student population of perience. two appointed teachers,thecouncil 855 in grades 9-12, winch represents a meets every two weeks and minutes are decline in enrollment of 25% since 1979 Programs, Practices, Policies distributed to the entire staff. In addition, when the school served only grades The greatest challenge to Harriton is he assigned the three assistant principals 10-12. Nearly 94% of the students are the decline in student enrollment. The to serve as department chairpersons, a white, 4% are black, 1% are Asian, and district as a whole has experienced a unique administrative organization which fewer than 1% are Hispanic. Approx- 50% reduction since the early 1970s. In enhanc-is communication among admin- imately 2% of the students come from 1979, the school board resolved to merge istrators and teachers. He maintains an low-incomefamilies(based onthe the two high schools if their combined open door policy to be readily accessible number of free or reduced price lunches). enrollment dropped below 1,600, orif to staff and students. Harriton's faculty includes 63 class- either school could no longer maintain a He revitalized the Parent Faculty Asso- room teachers(fivepart-time),a comprehensive program. It directed the ciation to provide a forum for community library/mediaspecialist,andfour schools to move from an eight to a seven input and serve as a communication link counselors. The staffis supported by period day and to standardize the cur- to parents. Officers meet frequent'y with three full-time teacher aides, and fifteen riculum. In addition, the board reorgan- administration and staff, and the Associa- clerical and food service personnel (one ized thedistrict,creating two middle tion holds monthly education programs part-time). There are four administrators, schools and sending the ninth grade to for parents, publishes a monthly newslet- the principal and three assistant prin- the high schools. ter, works with class councils to plan stu- cipals, who also serve as department During this same period Hai ton deter- dent activities, and participates on the In- chairpersons for English/social studies, mined thatitsopen campus policy, terschool Council where district issues are math/science/foreign language, and established in the 1960s, was no longer discussed. physical education/fine arts/practical arts. supported by the community and was He sought input through the Harriton

23 Student Assembly, monthly meetings of creases the amount and quality of instruc- tenure and close relationships with the allstudents run by classofficersto tional time students receive. Academically student body who are on special assign- discuss school-wide issues. In addition, gifted students enroll in the Challenge ment. the Student Advisory Council, composed Program to pursue long-term projects of The overall payoff of these changes has of leaders from both high schools, ad- personal interest. been increased attendance, reduction in vised the principals and the superinten- The commitment to student achieve- vandalism, and increased productivity. dent. ment is evident in the new athletic eligibil- However, there has also been a negative He also used the opportunities provid- ity policy which requires student athletes affect on student morale. The principal ed by the Middle States evaluation and to maintain a 2.0 average. The grades of has worked extensively withstudent the state's long-range planning require- student athletes are monitored weekly leaders and the Student Assembly to ment to involve teachers, parents, and and reported to the athletic director. The demonstrate that orderliness and disci- students in a reexamination of all cur- coaches have gained a new perspective pline establish a firm ground for granting ricular areas and an assessment of the regarding theirroleinthe academic privileges. organizational structure of the school. preparation of students and have organ- One result of this effort is the student- This process is now ongoing. Twice a ized study time before practice and peer genrated Campus Privilege Program year,students and parentsjoinwith tutoring to ensure athletes meet academic which allows qualified students to select school staffin reviewing each depart- requirements. The principal is consider- alternatives to study hall for their non- ment's course content and sequence ing a similar eligibility policy for all co- instructional time. Eligibility is based on across grade levels. curricular activities. grade level,parent permission, class Harriton has also addressed the special load, grades, and attendance. Maintaining a needs ofits small non-college bound Comprehensive Program clientele. As a result of new action plans The Future The hard work of staff, students, and for the vocational education curriculum, it The principal characterizes the current parents under the leadership of the prin- now participates in the County Vocational state of the school in positive terms. There cipal has paid off. Harriton has been able Technical School and the district has is a general agreement that major prob- to maintain its comprehensive program at created a Director of Vocational Educa- lems have been confronted and, for the four ability levels and even improve its tion. The Cooperative Work Experience most part, been solved or are being effec- staff/student ratio, providing greater indi- program provides a way for students to tively addressed. There is a good feeling vidualization of instruction. It has accomp- complement their basic academic pro- of accomplishment in having maintained lished this by reorganizing the curriculum gram with work experiences. They a broad program of studies in the face of into majors and minors, by offering some attend classes in the morning and work in serious declining enrollment, in having electives in alternate years, by increasing the afternoon. established a better sense of order and independent study in advanced subjects, discipline marked by clear, high expecta- and by refining the course selection pro- Emphasizing Order and Discipline tions of student behavior, and in begin. cess. ning to address issues of developing a Harmon continues to encourage its To increase order and discipline, Har- better sense of community among staff students to select academic courses well riton discontinued its open campus policy and students. beyond the minimum requirement. A new andreplaced"campusrights"with There is still a morale problem; further course selection meeting each spring in- It now "campusresponsibilities." declines in enrollment are expected and volves parents in planning their children's operates under a formal Code of Con- everyone is concerned about the impact. educational program. This meeting has duct,rigorously enforces school and However, there is a nascent feeling of not only enhanced parental respect for class attendance rules, provides an in- community and satisfaction with having the school and given the staff a better schoolsuspension programtodis- overcome problems and achieved signifi- sense of the community, it has also in- courage inappropriate behavior while cant improvements in the last five years creased student enrollment in academic maintaining continuity of instruction, and that leads to a feeling of optimism about courses. requires restitution from those who van- the ability to overcome problems in the dalize physical plant. For example, approximately 54% of the future. Harnton students are enrolled in honors Students participate in determining the or accelerated English, 29% in math, specific expectations, rules, and policies which govern student behavior. These 30% in social studies, 450/o in science, For More Information Contact: are published in a Student Guide which is and 20% in foreign language. The new Harriton High School Scholar's Program of Studies rewards reviewed at the beginning of each school 6Ct) North than Avenue year. Teachers are the primary source of students who pursue a vigorous four-year Rosemont, PA 19010 liberal arts program. Coupled with revised discipline, supported by two "school 215/525-1270 graduation requirements, this program in- disciplinarians,"teacherswithlong

This profile wa.s prepared by Research for Better Schools, Inc. (RBS), 444 North Third Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, using information supplied by the subject school, and using the written comments and observations made by the Department of Education site observer who visited the school. This conference was conducted by RBS and funded 0..ough a grant from the National Institute of Education.

2 4 BEST COPY AVAILABLE THE 1983-84 SECONDARY SCHOOL RECOGNITION PROGRAM ConversationsonExcellence inEducation A Regional Leadership Conference Presented by Secretary William J. Bennett, United States Department of Education May 11, 1985 Rosemont, Pennsylvania

JULIUS W. HOBSON SR. MIDDLE SCHOOL Washington, D.C.

"We believe that if excellence is not the team works to eliminate inappropriate the goal, why bother?" Principal school behaviors. "Our reward is the freedom to be able Hobson has initiated a pilot citizenship to do what we feel we should be doing." ZPI1S0+ program for all eighth grade students, in- Teacher tended to encourage self-discipline in all "This is a school unto itself.It does academic and non-academic activities. In not seemlikeoneofthepublic addition, the Hobson student council pro- schools." Parent cLE SCHOOL vides an opportunity for student governance. The council proposes ideas for school improvements and sponsors an- julius W. Hobson Senior Middle nual elections of officers. Students also School is located in the Capitol help formulate school policies at school Hill area of Washington, D.C. It is and team assemblies. one of 3 middle schools in the District of Columbia Public Schools, which also in- The Program cludes 27 junior high schools, 11 high Positive School Climate The District of Columbia Public Schools schools, and 119 elementary schools. The climate of Hobson Middle School is has adopted a competency-based cur- Hobson shares the facility of the Watkins pleasant, academic, orderly, and profes- riculum with published guides for each Elementary School. sional. There exists a philosophy of self- subject matter which include objectives in Hobson Middle School has an enroll- discipline which undergirds thetotal sequential order. The Hobson staff has rnent of 249 students in grades 4-8. About school. The staff models the behavior ex- developed aninstructionalprogram 80% of the students are black, 18% are pected of students, and expectations are guide which contains timelines for achiev- white, 2% are Asian, and a very small clearly communicated. All adults assume ing the specific objectives in each subject number are Hispanic. Twenty-five per- responsibilityformonitoringstudent matter area. Hobson's goal is that 85% of cent of the students come from low- behavior. its students will master at least 70% of the income families. More than 80% of the As a small school, with only ten full-time objectives of each course. students live outside the school's atten- classroom teachers, there is a great deal Students and parents receive course dance area. ofcommunication andcooperation descriptions at the beginning of each The Hobson faculty includes ten class- among the staff. semester which include content, objec- room teachers, five subject area special- Democratic decision-making and a tives, activities, and criteria for grading. ists,10 part-time professionals for ex- clear school philosophy contribute to the Teachers develop performance goals for ploratory courses, one counselor, and a school's climate and to the attainment of each student, and students are required library/media specialist. The facultyis Hobson's goals and objectives. to maintain a "mastery of objectives" log supported by one teacher aide, two social Hobson's student services team func- for each class. workers, a security officer, five food ser- tions to maintain and increase positive For students having difficulty in meeting vice personnel, and one clerk. The prin- behavior among the student body. Com- the program's objectives, the school of- cipal spends half of her time as principal posedofthe school counselor,the fersextrahelpoutsidetheregular of nearby Peabody Elementary School; resource teacher, the Dean of Students classrooms. There is a comprehensive theassistantprincipalisfull-timeat (who also teaches), the principal and service center and an after school tutoring Hobson. assistant principal, and the social worker, program, as well as individual assistance

25 lans.Thelatteraredeveloped in pates in charting the direction for the in the race and act as route monitors. ooperation with parents. Every summer, school. Team meetings provide the op- Hobson also participates in a Congres- team of Hobson and Peabody staff portunity to reevaluate, reschedule, plan sional Internship Program for students in aviews student achievement data and for enrichment, meet with parents, and grades 6-8. acommends curriculum changes for the analyze the overall needs of students Students participate in an on-site, in- oming year. within the team. Staff meetings are held dependent study project that provides ex- Theinstructionalprogramguide regularly to allow for teacher input regard- perience in the day-to-day operation of a asulted from this work, as did the pro- ing instruction,curriculum,discipline congressional office. iram for talented and gifted students and policy,teacher evaluation, and other le exploratory courses for all students. concerns. The Future 'he focus of the gifteditalented program The principal places great emphasis on In May 1985, Hobson will become in- enrichment rather than acceleration. competent teaching,believingthatif volved in a joint planning effort with the >tudents are identified for the program us- teachers know. what is expected, they will staff and community of a nearby junior multiple criteria. Currently, about 40% perform accordingly. She provides the high school which has excess space as a if Hobson students participate in the pro- staff with indicators of effective classroom result of declining enrollment. The task for ;ram. The program involves students in performance in communication, control, the planning effort is to determine the nusic, the visual arts, gymnastics, and and instruction.She uses classroom most educationally appropriate and cost- academics. observations as opportunities toraise effective program forthe adolescents The exploratory program provides the morale and stimulate the discovery and now being served by the two schools. )poortunity for all students to experience implementationof improved teaching Specifically, the planning effort will ex- variety of courses under the guidance of techniques. plore the feasibility and desirability of )rofessionals in a particular field. Hobson replacing the two existing instructional :onverted one teaching position into ten Community Support programs with a single program, to be )art-time specialist positions, to teach ex- housed in the junior high school in the fall The. Julius Hobson Middle School ex- )Ioratory courses which include crafting, of 1985. Jrawing and painting, basic carpentry, ists because people in the community dance, improvisational theater, dramat- work together to make it a reality. The principal, teachers, parents, and com- cs,banking,photography,creative munity members worked for years, using fvriting, gymnastics, and sculpture. For More Information Contact: their professional and political expertise, In addition, classroom teachers con- Julius W. Hobson Sr. Middle School to bring into being a unique school in an duct weekly activity periods in which 12th & E Streets, S.E. urban setting. This receptive, supportive ;tudents explore various interests, talents, Washington, D.C. 20003 relationship between Hobson and the and abilities. Activities are planned by 202/7244680 community continues, creating a school earn teachers at each grade level. Ex- amples include stamp collecting, video that is dynamic, caring, responsive, and .raining and producing, problem solving, alive. dramatics, arts and crafts, band, .and The PTA is very active, and there is calculator technology. Every eight weeks, strong parent involvement. Parents give students share their accomplishments in career and vocational workshops, serve :hese activities through exhibits and/or as homeroom parents and chaperones, performances. and participate on advisory committees The intramural sports program offers and in curriculum planning. The PTA coeducational competition in eight sports finances the entire enrichment program, and involves about 60% of the student raising over $37,000 a year to maintain it. body on a weekly basis. The National Capitol Park Service, the NortheastLibrary,andCapitolHill A large percentage of Hobson students Hospital provide financial and/or material are accepted by Banneker Model Aca- demic High School, the Duke Ellington resources to Hobson. The Washington School of the Performing Arts, and the Performing Arts Society and the Capitol HillArts Workshop providecultural Ballou Math-Science School. enrichment programs for students. Local businesses work with the PTA in co- Competent Teaching sponsoring the Capitol Hill Marathon, a The Hobsonstaffisdividedinto 10 kilometer race which is a major fund- teaching teams, and everyone partici- raiser for the school. Students participate

This profile was prepared by Research for Better Schools, Inc. (RBS). 444 North Third Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, using information supplied by the subject school, and using the written comments and observations made by the Department of Education site observer who visited the school. This conference was conducted by RBS and funded through a grant from the National Institute of Education. 20 THE 1983-84 SECONDARY SCHOOL RECOGNITION PROGRAM ConversationsonExcellence in Education A Regional Leadership Conference Presented by Secretary William J. Bennett, United States Department of Education May 11, 1985 Rosemont, Pennsylvania

MERCY VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

"The moral climate of our school is the academic curriculum and all extra- one of a caring community. The lines of curricular activities. The school strives to communication existing between the give the students an appreciation of the home and school contribute to this. The dignity of work and to prepare them for dedication and moral strength of the economic independence and personal faculty are elements that create an at- fulfillment. mosphere of acceptance and caring. The students feel that they are accepted Basic Academic and and there exists a tangible relationship Vocational Program between them and the faculty. The Mercy Vocational serves the student school itself is a comfortable place to who is often not well served in other high learn, to grow, and, hopefully, to mature schools, The freshmen follow a straight into an adult Christian." Principal academic program. Students in grades "We saw achievements of students 10-12 alternate on a weekly basis be- whose past seemed pocked with the tween an academic program appropriate stigma of the bottom of the class.' The students come from low-income families. young people we met confirmed the to their abilities and a strong vocational The faculty includes 28 classroom and program. Academic classes are small, view of parents and teachers that: 'The shop teachers, three counselors, two students grow in confidence. They like with no more than 25 students, and usual- library/m -edig specialists (one part-time), to come to school.' We saw teachers ly less. andeightspecialservicepersonnel and students working well and e, sily In the academic program, all Mercy (se /en part-time). The faculty is supported students are required to take four years of together. We saw a gracious reverence, by four teacher aides, two food service one for the other, and even for the old English andreligion,threeofsocial personnel (one part-time), seven clerical building, which shows the care of those studies, two of math and science, and staff (one part-time), five buildings and who move happily there." Site Visit one in physical education and the arts. In grounds personnel (two part-time), two Report cooperation with the Philadelphia School security officers, and 13 volunteers. There District, Mercy provides a Chapter 1 pro- are four administrators and a treasurer. gram for ninth grade students who score Mercy Vocational High School is below the 26th percentile in reading, and aprivate,Catholic,co- A Unique Mission 'ditionalremedial reading and math educational secondary school Mercy Vocational is a school "where courses for students in grades 10-12 who administered by the Sisters of Mercy in achievement is handmade." The school continue to need help. the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Penn- was founded in 1950 to provide an In the ninth grade, the vocational pro- sylvania. Students from all over the city education within a Catholic atmosphere gramisexploratory,providingthe may apply for admission. for students whose abilities and/or in- students with an overview of all shop Mercy Vocational has an enrollment of terests lie in the learning of a skill rather courses including the skills required, job 573 students in grades 9-12. Approx- than in the pursuit of a straight academic opportunities, and financial advantages. imately 74% of the students are white, roster.Itis the only Catholic vocational In the remaining three years, the students 22% are black, 30/o are Hispanic, and high school of its kind in the United States. spend a great deal of their time in shops. fewer than 1% are Native American or The program is founded on Christian The shops include cosmetology, which Asian.Twenty-fourpercentofthe principles, and spiritual values pervade provides a minimum of 1,250 hours to 27 qualify students for the State Boards; smallest of the schools, l+,?ercy shows its andlimitedspace, Mercy Vocational carpentry, with courses in cabinet making spirit through generous participation in wants to expand its vocational offerings and construction which equip students to organized activities for children, the ag- andincreasethe numberofextra- take the test for entry to the union appren- ing, the hungry, the handicapped, and curricular activities. ticeship program; commercial baking; the lonely. The vocational character of the electricity and industrial electricity: elec- school shows initscreative services. tronics: and business. A recent Radio Bake shop students market their products For More Information Contact: Shack grant has provided Mercy with six at student lunches, and also provide Mercy Vocational High School computers to network all existing voca- baked goods for the school's many social 2900 W. Hunting Park Avenue tional programs and toinvolve more functions. Students in the carpentry shop Philadelphia, PA 19129 students in computer literacy. designed and executed many of the 215/226-1225 Mercy also offers a shared time pro- wood panels that beautify the school. The gramwiththePhiladelphiaPublic business shop makes flyers, brochures, Schools' Randolph Skills Center, where and booklets for various groups. students may take shop courses not of- Mercy welcomes and encourages fered at Mercy. These shops are ar- parent involvement. Some parents help to ranged in clusters and include health ser- sell baked goods in the cafeteria. Many vices,construction,distribution,com- parents volunteer to help with the school's munications. power mechanics, major fund raisers. They take an active manufacturing and maintenance, and part in socials, and in repairs and renova- personal services. Mercy students at the tions of the school facility. Skills Center have taken most of the first prize awards in regional competitions. In The Continuing Fiscal 1983, nine of the top ten seniors at the Challenge Skills Center were Mercy students. Mercy Vocational was almost phased Mercy students acquire marketable out in 1976 because of continued finan- skills that enable many to get jobs even cial difficulties. Through the combined ef- before they graduate. Over three-quarters forts of administration, faculty, parents, of its graduates find full-time employment and students, the situation was corrected or enter the military upon graduation, and within a year's time. Since then, the a growing number (23% in 1983) are school has operated on a balanced entering college or other post-secondary budget, expanded to a four-year pro- educational programs. gram, and enlarged both its student body and its curriculum. A Caring Community Even so, a vocational school is expen- Mercy Vocational is a caring communi- sive to operate. Any new shop program ty. There is a pervasive spirit of order- involves large initial costs for equipment liness,warmth, and friendliness. The aswellas ongoing expenses. And students look to the faculty and staff and salaries must attract qualified instructors. see honesty, fidelity, compassion, dedica- Tuition payments cover only 63% of the tion, and, in turn, they rise to calls in their operating costs of the school. Mercy tries own lives for these virtues. to keep its tuition on a par with other The Christian philosophy provides the Philadelphia diocesan high schools. moral bedrock of the school. Religious Although Mercy is not entitled to parish activities develop a sense of a personal contributions for the students who attend, God who loves all his creatures individual- ithas been recognized by the Arch- ly. A priest chaplain is available each day diocese for the tremendous need itfills for the sacraments of reconciliation and and for the quality of its program. The the Eucharist and for personal counsel- Archdiocese has provided a substantial ing. The discipline code is enforced as a money grant to extensively renovate and student's training in moral standards. repair the school buildings. Mercy students belong to a diocesan high school group known as the Com- The Future munity Service Corps (CSC). Among the Within the constraints of a tight budget

This profile %us prepared by Research for Better Schools. Inc. (RBS). 444 North Third Street. Philadelphia, PA 19121 using information supplied by the subject school. and using the written comments and observations made by the Department of Education site observer who visited the sch(x)I. This conference was conducted by RBS and funded through a grant from the National Institute of Education.

28 THE 1983-84 SECONDARY SCHOOL RECOGNITION PROGRAM ConversationsonExcellence in Education A Regional Leadership Conference Presented by Secretary William J. Bennett, United States Department of Education May 11, 1985 Rosemont, Pennsylvania

MT. LEBANON HIGH SCHOOL Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The most important element of our these courses, students are screened by school's success has beenits well a committee composed of the school psy- developed program of studies that ap- chologist, the department coordinator, propriately challenges students' abili- andthestudents'counselorsand ties ... The changes that have con- teachers. tributed the most to progress toward Eachcurriculardepartmenthas excellence are the changes in the ex- strengthened its prescriptions and looked pectations that we have of students to carefully at evaluation. To provide a com- attend to educational matters during the mon basis for instruction, teachers have school day." Principal developed a curriculum guide for each course which outlines objectives, content, achievement levels, and evaluation. In ad- Mt. Lebanon High School serves dition, each department meets monthly to the suburban community of Mt. discuss instruction and curriculum with its Lebanon (pop. 34,414) in the coordinator. The first meeting of each South Hills area of Pittsburgh, Pa. It is the school year is used to review newly devel- only high school in a district which has vice personnel. There are six administra- oped material. It is at these meetings that one junior high and seven elementary tors. The average teacher has a Master's the vast majority of instructional and cur- schools. On the average, at least one degree plus ten credits and 18 years of ricular decisions are made. parent in each student's home has a for- teaching experience, 10 in Mt. Lebanon. Other aspects of the school environ- mal education beyond the Bachelor's Mt. Lebanon has always been known ment have been tightened as well. Stu- degree. The community is dedicated to for the academic success of its students. dents no longer have unassigned time, supporting good education and holds However, in the 1960s it followed the na- but must report to a class or study hall high expectations for its children. tionaltrendtoward more "relevant" each period of the school day. And there Mt. Lebanon has a student population courses with a phasing of levels and is a new policy on attendance. If a student of 2.260 in grades 9-12. Over 97% of the "unassigned" time for students. By the is absent eight times in one semester, a students are white, with fewer than 1% late seventies, Mt. Lebanon determined letteris sent to the parents. After ten black, 1.5% Asian, and 10/0 Hispanic. that tightened expectations would more absences, the student must appeal to the About 3% of the students come from low- effectively meet the needs of its students. Attendance Committee, composed of income families. Over 80% of Mt. Leba- teachers and administrators, to receive non graduates go on to colleges or uni- credit for that semester's work. versities, 8% attend vocationalltechnical Tightening the Curriculum and schools, and the remainder enter the Learning Environment work force or the armed services. Mt. Lebanon began by moving toward Academic Challenge Mt. Lebanon's faculty includes 141 a more prescriptive curriculum. It now of- The administration and faculty actively classroomteachers(threepart-time), fers four levels of coursesadvanced encourage Mt. Lebanon students to en- seven counselors, and three library/me- placement, honors, regular, and "modi- gage in a challenging course of study. A dia specialists. The faculty is supported fied."Modifiedcourses have been courseofferingsbookletcontainsa by Three teacher aides, eight subject area adapted for students who need remedia- special section, "Choose to be Chal- specialists that serve as in-district coor- tion or reinforcement in a particular cur- lenged," which encourages students to dinators, 21 clerical staff, and 19 food ser- ricular area. Before being admitted to select a program which stretches them.

2 9 BEST COPY AVAILABLE Students themselves have organized a Everyone is Involved in to teacher interest, for example, writing Student Peer Assistance Program to pro- Decision-Making and computer literacy. In addition, teach- mote academic achievement. Over 200 All facets of the school population are ers are reimbursed by the district for students meet with homeroom classes to represented on advisory groups and graduate credits and the school spends sellstudents on challenging courses. have their own avenues of input into $10,000 per year to send teachers to con- They also arrange seminars on study school decisions. It is all based on respect ferences and workshops. skills, offer tutoring services, and reinforce for individual opinions aimed at improving The Cum Laude Society recognizes up vocational planning. the high school experience. to four teachers each year for their ac- The ''challenge" program is working! Students are involved through the Stu- complishments along with recognizing Over a two-year period, the number of dent Congress, composed of homeroom high school students with high academic seniors who elected six rather than five representatives, which meets monthly. achievements. The faculty receives an im- major subjects jumped from 16% to 68% Student Congress representatives sit on pressive number of awards from outside and Mt. Lebanon students far exceed the thePrincipal's Advisory Council with agencies. minimum staterequirementsoverall. Students, the Student Curriculum Coun- Ninety-five percent of the students now cil, the Parent-Teacher-Student Associa- The Future graduate with three years of mathematics, tion Council, and the PISA Advisory The area of most activity is the plan to 81% with three years of science, 68% Board, and speak at monthly school implement a thinking skills improvement with at least one computer course, and boardmeetings.Studentsare program that has been the center of a 58% with a foreign language. In addition, represented on every committee of the teacher committee activity for the past two 24% of the students take honors or ad- Middle States evaluation, Long Range years. The school is now ready to move to vanced placement courses inEnglish, Planning for School Improvement, and the training phase, at the secondary level, 33% in math, 23% in social studies, 24% Educational Quality Assessment. through a staff development program ex- in science, 120/0 in computers, and 8% in In addition to their leadership role in tending over a three-year period. To help foreign language. curriculum development, teachers ad- in teaching thinking skills, the program will Students are achieving. The Educa- dress instructional and school manage- include a review of affective teaching tion& Records Bureau Achievement Test ment issues through the Principal's Ad- techniques and skills. Battery, which is given each year, in- visory Council with Teachers which has dicates that Mt. Lebanon ninth graders representatives from each curriculum achieve at or above expectancy in every department. They are active in the PTSA For More Information Contact: measured area and significantly higher and an essential part of Middle States and Mt. Lebanon High School thannationalnorms. On the state's Long Range Planning activities. 155 Cochran Road Educational Quality Assessment instru- Mt. Lebanon enjoys an open and active Pittsburgh, PA 15228 ment, students scored at the 99th percen- interaction with the community. Commit- 412/344-2003 tile in all of the cognitive areas. In 1984, tees for any major change always include the school claimed fifteen National Merit parent and community members. The finalists and twenty-three commended High School Advisory Board for Planning students. and Change includes parent representatives from each of the seven neighbor- Keeping an Open School hood school areas in the district. The Mt. Lebanon never closes. The school Long Range Planning Committee seeks is open from 7:00 am. to 11:30 p.m. representatives from community organi- every day of the school week. The school zations. The PTSA works hand-in-hand calendar is alive with activities for students with the high school in supporting positive six-and-a-half days a week, including 57 changes, helping with school programs, clubs, 32 sports programs, seven perfor- and serving on a variety of committees ming music companies, and a theatre that give direction to the school. company. Approximately 85% of the student body is involved in one or more of Staff Development these activities. Each department works with the district The Student Activities Office keeps a Director of Staff Development to plan four record of each student's participation in staff development days to respond to school activities. Faculty sponsors eval- district,building,department,orin- uate each student and points are ac- dividual teacher needs. Mt. Lebanon also cumulated for later awards. arranges ongoing workshops in response

This profilewas prepared by Research for Better Schools, Inc. (RBS), 444 North Third Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, using information supplied by the subject school, and using the written comments and observations made by the Department of Education site observer who visited the school. This conference was conducted by RBS and funded through a grant from the National Institute of Education. 30 THE 1983-84 SECONDARY SCHOOL RECOGNITION PROGRAM ConversationsonExcellence inEducation A Regional Leadership Conference Presented by Secretary William J. Bennett, United States Department of Education May 11, 1985 Rosemont, Pennsylvania

PRINCETON CHILD DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE Princeton, New Jersey

"The prevailing attitude of the staff at Through all these subjects, teachers the Princeton Child Development In- work on such problems as language de- stitute is that children can learn and velopment, deficits in social skills, difficul- teachers can teach. Our staff has en- ties in following directions, and difficulties countered successes and setbacks. in controlling behavior. However, when a child fails to make the Each program includes a motivational anticipated progress, our assumption is system to reward appropriate behaviors always that the curriculum or treatment and academic success. The system program was wrong, not the child." varies depending on a student's interest Principal and skills. The staff provides immediate feedback for correct responses through The Princeton Child Development pats ontheback,behavior-specific Institute(PCDI),inPrinceton, praise,and otherpositiveactions. New Jersey, is an education and Students also earn tokens or point cards, treatment program for autistic youth who which may be exchanged for special are unable to be educated in the public snacks, leisure activities or materials, or school system due tolearning and environments where theyareoften specialprivileges. These actions and behavioral problems. The Institute has 21 physically restrained or heavily sedated earned privileges help students learn new students and employs three adminis- with drugs. skillsthat were previously difficultfor trators, four teachers, and seven teacher PCDI's primary goals are to enable its them, and make learning experiences aides. students to continue to live with their pleasant. PCDI, in addition to its programs for families, and to avoid institutionalization. It As the school begins work with a stu- autistic youth and their families, conducts also seeks to prepare them for enrollment dent, it usually schedules the student into research on the effectiveness of alter- in public school, for life in the community, one-on-oneinstructionalsessions. As native treatments, develops model pro- andforproductive employment. To students acquire academic skills and grams, and provides training a d techni- achieve these goals, the school offers in- learn to control problem behaviors, they cal assistance to other agencies inter- dividualizedinstructionalprograms, are placed in small classes of two to five ested in replicating those programs.It parent training, community entry pro- students. These classes, designed to alsooffers internshipsfor paraprofes- grams, and follow-up services. model public school classrooms, help sional child care workers, community students learn to work independently, volunteers, and students from nearby col- Individualized Treatment raise their hands for assistance, and work leges and universities. Since no two children are alike, and without disrupting others. behavior problems vary greatly from stu- Achievable Goals dent to student, PCDI designs an individ- Data-based Planning and Autistic children and youth have severe ualized program for each student. Most Decision-making language and conceptual deficits and ex- programs include traditional school sub- PCDI's individualized programs are hibit severe behavioral disorders (e.g., jects such as conversational language, data-based.Objective measures are self-abuse, self-stimulation, and aggres- reading,mathematics,introductory used daily to collect information on each sion). Historically, they have been des- science,pre-vocationalskills,physical student's academic and behavior pro- tined to spend their lives in institutional education, art, and music. gress. The staff meets weekly to review

31. this information, and they determine what accountability system to protect the rights for autistic youth who are no longer able changes and adjustments should be of those youngsters. Toward this end, toremainwiththeirfamilies.These made in each student's program. The they systematically monitor program ef- children would be institutionalized if these staff is governed in its work by the belief fects. homes did not exist. that when a child fails to make anticipated PCDI prepares an annual report which progress, it is the treatment that is wrong, presents detailed and objective data to The Future not the child. parents, governing and review boards, Currently, PCDI's Board of Trustees is The constant monitoring of student per- referral and funding agencies, potential involved in a campaign to raise funds for a formance creates among the staff an ex- consumers, and the community. The new education and research building with pectation for change. Even though the report is designed as a system for protect- the capacity to contain the instruction, ser- staff experiences setbacks, the informa- ing student rights, and includes: (1) a vice, research, and training activities of tioncollected demonstrates that their summary of the number and type of child the Institute. This new facility will enable students can make progress, and that individualized education and treatment PCDI to expand its research and training they can acquire the skills necessary to programs which were provided; (2) exter- activities. The emphasis of future research become productive members of the com- nal evaluators' ratings of these programs; activities will be the development of an in- munity. (3)childtest scores on standardized terventionmodelfortransitioning testinginstruments;(4)anecdotal ac- developmentally disabled youth to less Parent Involvement countsofchildprogress; and(5) restrictiveacademic,vocational,and Staff at PCDI feel that parent involve- measures of parent-training, community- residential placements. ment is essential in an autistic student's entry, and follow-up services. In addition, education and treatment. The school's PCDI has a monthly visitors day during system is to assign to every student a staff which parents, community members, and member who will bring training services to college students can visit and observe the For More Information Contact: the family. The "Home Programmer" programs. Finally, they conduct an an- Princeton Child Development Institute designs home education and treatment nual consumer evaluation survey through 527 Stockton Street programs, and trains the parents to both which they obtain feedback from parents, P.O. Box 2013 implement those programs and collect representatives of referral and funding Princeton, NJ 08540 dataregardingthestudent'sperfor- agencies, members of governing and 609/924-6280 mance. These home programsare review boards, student interns, and staff directedatacademic,self-care,and members on the extent to which their pro- leisure skills. gram is meeting student needs.

Transition to Less Restrictive Research and Development Settings PCDIisnationally knownforits One ofPCDI's main goalsisfor research in autism. The Institute's primary students to acquire the requisite skills to research objective is to create replicable enter public school classrooms and other models of treatment programs that will community settings. When a student benefit not only its own students, but, demonstrates readiness, staff members potentially,allautistic children. Current and administrators design an individual research and developmentactivities transition program that provides a general focusonlanguageacquisition,the introduction to the new setting. Once development of computer assisted cur- established in that setting, staff provide ricula, construction of systems to assure follow-up consultation services to parents, protection of the rights of autistic children school personnel, or supervisors, in order and youth, continuing development of an to ensure the student's continued suc- effectiveparent-trainingsystem, and cess. During the past nine years, 21% ongoing research onfamily-style of PCDI's students have successfully community-based models of residential moved to a less restrictive academic set- treatment. ting in the public or private sector. Family Focus was the first teaching family model group home for autistic Program Evaluation children and youth in the nation. This PCDIbelievesthatany program home, along with one recently founded in treating autistic youngsters must have an 1983, provides services around the clock

This profile was prepared by Research for Better Schools, Inc. (RBS). 444 North Third Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, using information supplied by the subject school, and using the written comments and observations made by the Department of Education site observer who visited the school. This conference was conducted by RBS and funded through a grant from the National Institute of Education. 32 THE 1983-84 SECONDARY SCHOOL RECOGNITION PROGRAM ConversationsonExcellence in Education A Regional Leadership Conference Presented by Secretary William J. Bennett, United States Department of Education May 11, 1985 Rosemont, Pennsylvania

RADNOR HIGH SCHOOL Radnor, Pennsylvania

"It would ... be hard to find any other TheLearningAssistanceProgram school in the state with such a diver- meetstheneedsofphysicallyor sified,well-rounded educational pro- HIGH neurologically handicapped, or socially or gram, with such a high achieving group emotionally disturbed students. The pro- of students, with an up-to-date facility gram provides a liaison teacher to work and equipment, with such a dedicated CD with the students when they are main- faculty ... and a set of traditions that 0 3 streamed, and two full-time special edu- carry on from class to class." Principal I cation instructors. Radnor High School is located in 0 Radnor also participates in A Better the suburban community of Rad- Chance (ABC), a national program for norTownship,Pennsylvania 0 educationally deprived but academically CC (pop., 29,000), on the "Main Line" out- talentedyouthfromcitiessuchas side of Philadelphia. The mostly profes- Chicago and New York. The students live sional, college-educated parents in this together in Radnor, in a home funded by community generouslysupportthe the community and become an integral district's two elementary, junior high, and university, and approximately 10% enter part of the community and the school. high schools. two-year college. However, the school This program, which has been at Radnor Radnor High School has a student also offers a vocational-technical and a for over 10 years, has a very positive ef- population of 1,021 in grades 9-12, 94% work-study program. Flexible scheduling fect onallstudents. ABC students of whom are white, 4% black, and 2% permits students to select a personal pro- motivate other students to do wellin Asian.Approximately 20% ofthe gram of study to fit future plans and in- school and develop a positive attitude students come from low-income families terests. about life. (based on estimated market value of All students are required to elect five Academic performance is recognized students' residences). The faculty, 85% major subjects every year as well as in a number of ways. High honor students of whom hold advanced degrees, in- healthandphysicaleducation.The are recognized for their achievements at cludes 81 classroom teachers (eight part- percentage of students in honors or ad- an annual banque! Outstanding Scholas- time),sixspecialists (reading, special vanced placement courses is highover tic Accomplishment Awards for students education, and gifted), two library/media 19% in English, 22% in math, 37% in not in the honors programs are presented specialists, five and one-half counselors social studies, 25% in science, and 22% atspecial ceremonies twice a year. (one part-time). The staff is supported by in foreign languages. Parents are invited to attend. four full-time aides, a full-time nurse, a Radnor monitors student skill develop- A variety of evidence attests to the suc- part-time athletic trainer, 10 secretaries, mentatalllevels.Studentsmust cess of Radnor's program. Over the past and 13 food service personnel. The ad- demonstrate basic skills before attempt- two years, S.A.T. scores increased by 42 ministration includes the principal, assis- ingelectivestudy. A reading/writing points. In 1984, the school claimed 29 tant principals for instruction and ad- workshop and a practical writing course National Merit Scholars, more than any ministration,and twopart-timeatten- provide intensive review and practice in school in Pennsylvania, and 18 National dance coordinators. these areas.All departments provide MeritScholarCommendations. One- remedialcourses,includingforeign hundred percent of the students who took Academic Program language. The Spanish Department of- Advanced Placement tests scored three Radnor students are primarily college fers a special program where students or higher in all but one subject area in preparatory; at least 80% of graduating can study Spanish while they work to im- both 1983 and 1984. In addition, students seniors enroll in a four-year college or prove their language arts skills. received a number of awards in jour-

,3 BEST COPY AVAILABLE nalism, photography, debate and foren- for each other and teachers. students on over 41 school committees. sics, the arts, mathematics, and science. Dedicated and Involved Staff The school has a strong Parent-Teacher- Student Association, parent councils at Student Participation Teachers at Radnor are involved in each grade level, and a Parent Volunteer and Programs policyoninstruction,curriculum, Program which manages 12 committees Students at Radnor are provided an op- discipline, and evaluation. for grade level activities, public relations, Department chairpersons and teachers portunity to participate in a wide variety of student recognition, drug and alcohol activities which complement the school's develop the entire curriculum, including abuse, fine arts, and college admissions. academic offerings and help to further a objectives, content, and evaluation. A Radnor fosters a strong relationship planned schedule of curricular revision majority of the school's overall goals. with community groups. In addition to The Student Activities Program offers occurs in each subject area every five ongoing work withlocal government more than 130 separate teams, clubs, years. The district provides release time agencies, churches, and businesses, the and organizations, including athletics (in- and summer employment for this pur- school has cooperative arrangements pose. The teachers also develop course terscholastic andintramural),govern- wan the local Teen Center, Senior Center, ment, music (vocal and instrumental), descriptions which are distributed annual- Rotary Club, Police Athletic League, and ly to parents. drama,speech,publications,service the community library. Under a policy clubs, and interest activities. Time is set The principal places a strong emphasis established in 1970, hundreds of com- aside each week during the school day on trust and recognizes his teachers as munity organizations have used school for these activities, though some meet professionals. He holds Open Office for classrooms, gyms, and swimming pool teachers one day each week so faculty after school or evenings. for their activities. Of particular note is can discuss a concern or drop in to talk. The programis administeredby Main Line School Night, a non-profi' members of the teaching staff who serve The FacultyForum, a committeeof privately administered organization which on a part time basis as intramural director, elected teacher representatives, meets bi- offers over 50 courses each semester. athletic director, and director of student monthly with the principal to work out With the strong support of the com- affairs. The director of student affairs con- mutual concerns. in addition, there are munity, Radnor's budgetary problems ducts regular leadership workshops and monthly faculty meetings on school-wide have been kept to a minimum and the activities to encourage student involve- instructionalissues, and the principal educational program has always been ment. By the time they have graduated, oftenattendsindividualdepartment well financed. The school has been able 100% of the students have participated in meetings. to maintain its staff-pupil ratio of 1:12. The one or more extra-curricular activities. Teachers at Radnor go out of their way school has improved building mainte- Students regularly participatein the to help students be all that they can be. nance and upgraded cafeteria, audito- school's decision-making process and The student orientation of the school is rium, and library facilities. As a result of a contribute to proposed rules and regula- reflected in the day-to-day relationship team effort between community booster tions. Two student representatives sit on between classroom instructors and the groups and the school board, a new the Board of School Directors. In addition, students. The students' exceptional pride athletic field complex is nearly complete. there is a 40-member student council, 16 in the school is attributed to the staff and The school leadership believes that the class officers, and 64 homeroom repre- the administration. unusually positive attitude of the student sentatives. Student leaders participate in There are many ways teachers are body can be directly attributed to com- monthly town meetings, the Principal's recognized and appreciated at Radnor. munity and parent support. Advisory Committee, and the Superinten- Teacher of the year awards are given. dent's Advisory Council. Both the principal and the superintendent The Future Radnor also offers an Alternatives to send special letters of commendation to Radnor believes strongly in maintaining Study program which grants students, excellent teachers all during the year. a program of continual improvement in all with parental permission, the opportunity Parents have monthly coffees and an an- areas.Thestaffbelievesthat itis to use the library, work with teachers, nual picnic to show appreciation. necessary to evaluate school offerings on socialize in specified areas, and meet with Teachers feel good about what is hap- a regular basis and to make appropriate counselors during unassigned time. Any pening at Radnor. Turnover of staff has changes. Radnor will continue to be a suspension automatically terminates been minimal; once employed, most pro- school where excellence is encouraged, fessionals AlternativestoStudyprivileges.The dedicatethemselvestoa where a positive learning environment is popularityofthisprogram promotes career in the school. maintained, and where trust and respect positive student behavior. In addition, are part of everyday life. students have negotiated an open cam- Parent/Community Support pusatlunchtime,withoff-campus and Participation For More Information Contact: privileges increasing with age. Students Both parents and the community are in- Radnor High School demonstrate a growing sense of respon- volved in Radnor High School life to an 130 King of Prussia Road sibility as they learn to manage unas- unusual degree. Radnor, PA 19087 signed time and demonstrate a respect Parents participate with teachers and 215/293-0855

This profile was prepared by Research for Better Schools. Inc. (RBS). 4.44 North Third Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, using information supplied by the subject school, and using the written comments and observations made by the Department of Education site observer who visited the school. This conference VMS conducted by RBS and funded through a grant from the National Institute of Education. 34 THE 1983-84 SECONDARY SCHOOL RECOGNITION PROGRAM ConversationsonExcellence inEducation A Regional Leadership Conference Presented by Secretary William J. Bennett, United States Department of Education May 11, 1985 Rosemont, Pennsylvania

SANDY RUN MIDDLE SCHOOL Dresher, Pennsylvania

"The unique climate of Sandy Run aged 10-14. Its goal is to help them to Middle School can best be described as matureintellectually,creatively,emo- cooperative, friendly, stimulating, and tionally, socially, ethically, and physically, spirited. These feelings are fostered by and to develop their unique attitudes, a combination of trust, mutuality of com- abilities, and interests. It seeks to provide mitment, and productive interaction. A an environment in which the student, great deal of forethought and planning rather than the program, is most impor- wentintothe creationofthisat- tant, and in which all students have the mosphere, although no one anticipated opportunity to succeed. how successful the results would be." To deliver a child-centered program, Principal the staff is organized into teams of three to five teachers who work with an estab- Sandy Run Middle Schoolis lished group of 75 to 100 students, their located in Dresher, Pennsylvania parents, and a guidance counselor. This (population 22,947), a suburb organizational format centers the guid- north of Philadelphia. It is part of the Up- decision left district and school leadership ance/discipline functions within the team per Dublin School District, which also in- eight months to plan and reorganize the and fosters close interpersonal relation- cludes three elementary schools and a district. An administrative team, with ex- ships among staff, students, and parents; senior high school. Sandy Run serves periencein planning the 1977 district provides opportunities for students to in- 775 students in grades 6-8. Approximate- reorganization, immediately developed a teract with other students ofdiffering ly 83% of the students are white, 11% are detailed calendar of critical decisions. backgrounds and abilities; and enhances black, and 6% are Asian. Slightly over This calendar was widely publicized to in- professional support and camaraderie 11% come from low-income families. form both the staff and the community of among team teachers. The team format Sandy Run'sfacultyincludes 47 the process which the district would follow also supports greater consistency in cur- classroom teachers (five part-time), two in planning the "new" schools. riculum, while providing flexibility in the subjectspecialists,onelibrary/media To clarify leadership responsibilities, schedulingoftime,and inplacing specialist, and two counselors. The facul- one of the first decisions was to assign the students in appropriate learning groups. ty is supported by three teacher aides, middle school principal. Of equal impor- All students are required to take three four clerical staff, and nine food service tance was the early assignment of school years of English, math, social studies, personnel (one part-time). There are two staff.Individual staff preferences were science, art, music, physical education, administrators, the principal and an assis- identified, and these received the highest and computerliteracy;two years of tant principal. consideration. Assignments were made health, practical arts, and reading; and rapidly, so that both the principal and the one year of study skills, library science, Building a Middle School staff were able to participate fully in the and spelling/vocabulary. Students are Faced with steadily declining enroll- planning process. aisorequiredtoparticipatein en- ment, a newly organized Upper Dublin vironmental/outdoor education and School Board voted in December 1981 to Delivering a Child-Centered planetarium programs. Foreign language close a secondary school building and Program is optional in the eighth grade. In addition, establish, by September 1982, a 6.8 mid- Sandy Run's program is rooted in the quarterly electives, scheduled twice a dle school and a 9-12 high school. This characteristics and needs of students week, allow students to select from a wide

35 variety of activities of special appeal to and the annual Law Day, when they serve been given at Sandy Run. The results of their age group. as township and district officials. Pennsylvania'sEducationalQuality Study skills are emphasized in all three A variety of evidence suggests that the Assessment show that 97% feel they grades. In sixth grade, all students learn Sandy Run programisworkingfor have input in solving administrative prob- libraryskills and practice a research students. Data from standardized tests lems, 97° /a feel that they have control over method known as "capsule reporting," and Pennsylvania's Educational Quality curriculum and instruction, and 100% feel which involves both language arts and Assessment demonstrate that the school they have the freedom to develop and socialstudies.Seventhandeighth is performing within or above its predicted use teaching techniques that enable them graders expandtheirresearchskills band, which is based on community char- to be effective with their students. through projects which emphasize organ- acteristics. The students have received ization, note taking, test taking, and work awards and recognition in a variety of Committed Parents/ habits,aswellas comprehension, academic, vocational, and co-curricular Supportive Community vocabulary, and critical thinking. areas. The school has won so many first The school's relationship with parents is Basic skills are taught through con- place prizes at the Montgomery County one of mutual respect and productive in- tinuous progress programs, and the Science Fair that the trophy was retired to terdependence. The strongparent- school uses a mastery testing program in the school. Represented by 130 students. teacher organization is regularly involved both reading and mathematics. Students Sandy Run was rated the number one inthe school's program, withideas, must perform successfully before they middle school inPennsylvania in the funds, and services. Parents actively par- progress to the nextlevel. Remedial Atlantic-Pacific Math League competition. ticipate as speakers for both enrichment classes are provided in math, reading, Students have also received awards for and regular classes, and for the school's and English at all grade levels, and in theliterary magazine, music competi- Interest Day. They serve as volunteers in social studies and science in 7th and 8th tions,art shows, and athleticperfor- the outdoor environmental program and grade. All teams are available before and mance. for a multi-ethnic foods day. They sponsor after school, and offer weekly clinics for The school's success is also apparent assembly programs and chaperone students who need individual help. in its scores on the affective sections of the dances. Parents also work behind the Sandy Run's comprehensive gifted state's Educational Quality Assessment. scenes to support new programs, to re- program serves 26% of the school's Over 80% of the students responded that spond to school concerns, and to pro- stude71ts. This program provides oppor- they were very interested in school and mote administrative policies. rhe principal tunities for students to work in enrichment learning, spend at least one hour on hosts a lunch for parents once a month, and accelerated classes in all basic sub- homework each night, and perceive that and arranges opportunities for parents to jectareas.Ineighth grade, students their parents believe that the school is meet with Board members and other choose one or two fields of interest for a doing a good job. educational decision-makers. year of specialized study. Sandy Run believes the school should Involved Staff The Future strike a balance between concern for the One of the major components of Sandy The principal sees declining enrollment students' academic development and Run's success is the warmth, commit- as a continuing problem for the next few concern for their social development. To ment, and multi-faceted talents of its pro- years. He also believes that a more exten- achieve this balance, the school offers a fessional staff. Considerable staff input sive effort to maintain the physical facility wealth of co-curricular activities. was instrumental in building the middle will be required. Of greatest interest is staff The student council, composed of school and the teaming concept. Staff development. He sees his continuing task elected representatives of each home- who were selected for Sandy Run wanted as stimulating and supporting his staff in room,plans school events such as to be part of what they felt would be a ways which will result in "everyone giving Teacher Appreciation Day, dances, and challenging and exciting experience. a 180-day effort." school spirit events; nominates activities The ninistration gives top priority to for Interest Day and Fun Nights; and maintaining the staff's high intensity. It in- operates the school store. All students volves staff in policy decisions, encour- For More Information Contact: participateinthe intramural program ages flexibility among teams, fosters in- Sandy Run Middle School where color-coded teams compete in a dividuality, and advocates innovation and 520 Twining Road variety of sports. Hundreds of students variety in instruction. Teams meet regular- Dresher, PA 19025 participateinthe annual school play. ly to plan curriculum, and staff from all 215/576-3251 There is a school newspaper, yearbook, levelsmeet tocoordinatecontent and literary magazine. Students also par- material. To a large degree, teachers plan ticipate in community activities, including their own staff development programs. special fund-raisers for specific causes, The teachers value the role they have

This profile was prepared by Research for Better Schools, Inc. (RBS), 444 North Third Street, Philadelphia. PA 19123. using information supplied by the subject school, and using the written comments and observations made by the Department of Education site observer who visited the school. This conference was conducted by RBS and funded through a grant from the National Institute of Education. 36 THE 1983-84 SECONDARY SCHOOL RECOGNITION PROGRAM ConversationsonExcellence inEducation A Regional Leadership Conference Presented by Secretary William J. Bennett, United States Department of Education May 11, 1985 Rosemont, Pennsylvania

THE BALDWIN SCHOOL Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania

"The belief that women have minds range of innovative courses and prac- just as logical, just as incisive, just as tices. For example, the English depart- profound, and just as creative as men's ment has instituted a system of individual minds with the concomitant belief that conferences at which students regularly women deserve a challenging, stimulat- meet with their teachers to address prob- ing education which will prepare them lems in their written work or to plan future for serious careers are convictions that papers. From the teachers' perspective, have become not less, but more com- these conferences are as intense as pelling, with the passage of time," private tutoring sessions, and provide an Principal opportunity to work closely on each stu- The Baldwin School is set on a dent's specific writing needs. In addition, twenty-five acre campus in the the department operates a writing labora- suburban community of Bryn tory for those students who need more Mawr, Pennsylvania. Baldwin is a college- time and assistance in acquiring critical preparatory, non-sectarian girls' school writing skills. organized on a K-12 basis. The Upper The school is housed in a Victorian The school's science program which School has an enrollment of 190 students building which was originally a resort includes physics, chemistry, biology and attending grades nine through twelve. hotel, later a boarding school, and now a environmental science, is taught primarily Students are selected primarily on the day school. The building conveys the throughlaboratoryinvestigation.All basisofindividualaptitudetests. character of the school: its concern for science classes emphasize discovery, Baldwin's student body is 92% white with history; its valuing of the individual, the participation, and problem solving, and 5% black, and 3% Asian. Fifteen percent idiosyncratic, the unusual; and its belief require a minimum of memorization and of the students receive school aid. that "wealth is not as important as ideas." library research. The success ofthis Baldwin employs two full-time and four method can be seen in the fact that 95% part-time administrators, 20 full-time and The Curriculum of the student body elect to take ad- 21part-time teachers, three part-time Baldwin. believes that the process of vanced science courses. counselors, three media professionals, building a fine school never stops. This Baldwin's efforts in multicultural educa- and four part-time special service person- beliefisreflectedinthe work of the tion have taken a similar approach. In nel. Most of the upper school's teachers school's curriculum committee which in- English classes, as well as two courses also serve Baldwin's middle school. cludes representatives of all departments entitled"IndividualinCultureand and the administration. The Committee Society" and"Religion and theIn- Strong Traditions meets twice a month to discuss instruc- dividual," students explore elements in BaldwinSchoolwillcelebrateits tional issues and policies. It also considers human experiences through role playing, centennial in 1988, For nearly 100 years, ideasandproposalsforprogram dramatic acting and examining personal it has aspired to create in each student the changes, which can be presented by any journals. Through such classes, Baldwin ability and the enthusiasm to continue member of the faculty. The committee in- students are able to investigate personally growing as a scholar, a woman, and a vestigates these proposals, and then similarities and differences in human ex- human being. Every teacher in every makes recommendations to the faculty at periences as manifest in different times classroom, every administrator, every ac- large. The faculty subsequently votes on and places. tivity the school supports, attempts to con- whether to accept them. Baldwin's curriculum includes a multi- vey to the student the school's belief in ex- Asa result,Baldwin'sfourteen level art program taught by practicing art- cellence. academic departments present a wide ists, a comprehensive theater program 37 taught by a professional dramatist and in- dresses, phone numbers, and job infor- which were followed by master classes volving two major productions each year, mationofallparticipantsandare and four weekend workshops. Guests at and a music program in which 60% of the encouraged to make further contact as the assemblies have included a radio in- studentsparticipateand whichhas professionalinterestsdevelop.These terviewer,a composerofelectronic resultedinperformancesatPhiladel- booklets are often used at the end of the music, a playwrite-author, a painter, a phia's Academy of Music and Haver- senior year, when students are required Nobel prize-winning nuclear physicist, a ford's Centennial Hall. to develop and conduct projects in par- judge, an authority on sharks, a woman Baldwin requires all students to take ticular fields of employment, and then pre- who workswithautisticchildren,a physical education each of the trimesters. sent the findings orally to the entire school psychologist concerned with boo- medical Its interscholastic program is exceptional on a day set aside for that purpose. ethics, and a Baldwin graduate who has in that itis a participation-based, no-cut authored several books on Italy. Work- program. Girls are ranked by athletic abil- Co-Curricular Programs shops have included sessions on drama, ity and placed on corresponding squads. Baldwin students have a great deal of drawing,clay,peacemaking,dance, As many squads are created as there are autonomy in creating co-curricular pro- creativewriting,fabric,filmmaking. interested girls. grams. Students discuss their interests chamber music, religion, ecology, and Baldwin also provides college oppor- among themselves, then seek a faculty the art of storytelling. The final spring tunities for students who have completed advisor, then finally see the directo' of weekend workshop included sessions on sequential offerings in math, language studies for approval. Through this pro- architecture and cooking as well as the and science, or who have requested fur- cess, student interests which cannot be performance of a six-minute piece com- ther enrichment. College programs are accommodated into the classroom struc- missioned from a composer for Baldwin's available to Baldwin students at Bryn ture can be met in smaller group situa- chorus and ensemble. As a final part of Mawr College (across the street), Moore tions. For example, recently, several 10th the program, students designed and College ofArt, and the University of grade students realized that they could created a clay wall relief for the library and Pennsylvania. not fit a Modern European History course produced a fifteen minute video for local into their busy grade schedule and re- cable television on Women Creating. Community Service quested to meet as a group on a monthly To enhance educational activities pres- basis; these students formed MESH, The Future ent in Baldwin's regular curriculum, the Modern European SpecialHistory, Baldwin is proud of the success of its school has developed opportunities for designed to allow students to discuss program. One hundred percent of its stu- students to participate in learning ex- selected readings in this area. Another dents go on to four-year colleges, many periences outside of the classroom. All group of students have begun the Inter- with scholarships and other academic members of Baldwin's student body be- national Foods Club, which conducts a awards. Yet, Baldwin believes that the long to the Service League, a program spring food festival. The Contemporary businessofeducation iscontinuous which urges each ste.lent to provide ser- Club sponsors debates and round table development. It is currently implementing vices to the school or community as aides discussions on topics of current interest to a five-year plan for improvemerq which in hospitals, old age homes, or tutoring the student body such as nuclear war, will culminate in its centennial celebration programs. Last year, Baldwin students American policy and the Soviet Union, or in 1988. That plan addresses the ongoing worked a total of 4,518 hours for the Ser- vvolution versus creation. This year, an search for talented girls of diverse back- vice League. In addition, a work program active model U.N. will have 20 students grounds,theneedtoincreasethe includes services to the school library and representing five countries; Afghanistan, school's endowment, and the continuing bookstore,workinBaldwin'slower Cuba, Brazil, Israel and Japan. Through challenge of making the physical plant such clubs, Baldwin students develop school, or work outside the school in hos- energy efficient. pitals, old age homes, or tutoring pro- skillsinorganization,delegation, and grams. follow-throughand leadership,while simultaneously investigating topics of current interest and importance. For More Information Contact: Career Education The Baldwin School Baldwin makes use of its extensive Special Programs Morris and Montgomery Avenues alumnae network to provide career infor- Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 mation and experiences for the student Baldwin has designed several special 215/525-2700 body.Biennially, alumnae sponsor a programs which allow students to expand Career Day when graduates return to the their interests. A two-year program, en- campus to discuss their professions. In titled "Women Creating," has been fund- addition to the formal presentation, Bald- ed by a grant from Glenmede Trust and is win students can search out at lunch designedtointroducetheBaldwin alumnae employed in fields of particular students and community to outstanding interest. During the conference, students women in creative endeavors. The pro- are given a booklet containing the ad- grams consisted of ten assemblies, six of

This profile was prepared by Research for Better Schools, Inc. (RBS), 444 North Third Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, using informationsup- plied by the subject school, and using the written comments and observations made by the Department of Education site observer who visited the school. This conference was conducted by RBS and funded through a grant from the National Institute of Education. 38 THE 1983-84 SECONDARY SCHOOL RECOGNITION PROGRAM ConversationsonExcellence in Education A Regional Leadership Conference Presented by Secretary William J. Bennett, United States Department of Education May 11, 1985 Rosemont, Pennsylvania

THE BRYN MAWR SCHOOL Baltimore, Maryland

"It is almost a given that a part of our classical and pioneeringspiritofits ethos comes from our historical and founders. It seeks to foster the develop- present commitment to girls. Our belief ment of the intellect in the humanistic that anything is possible for our girls tradition, the appreciation of diversity in that they can and will change their world people, and the importance of physical for the better is the basis of that ethos. and spiritual well-being.It offers girls a More particularly, the ethos of Bryn Mawr rigorous education characterized by at- stems from a classical balance between tention to the individual in a lively, suppor- high standards of academic excellence tive environment.It encourages critical and a deep caring for each individual stu- thinking, creative expression, a sense of dent. As in any balance, the two weigh discovery, and community involvement. against one another and are therefore Bryn Mawr expectsitsstudentsto sometimes in conflict. It is this conflict, or become responsible, confident, happy creative tension, that makes the Bryn participants in their pursuits, and to seek Mawr School a vital and growing institu- truth, beauty, and wisdom. tion." Headmistress classroom teachers (four part-time), two library/media personnel (one part-time), Ethos of Excellence he Bryn Mawr School was found- three part-time educational specialists, One of Bryn Mawr's greatest strengths ed in 1885 as the nation's first in- and five part-time counselors. The faculty has been and continues to be the ex- dependent college preparatory is supported by four food service staff (for cellence of its academic program. Both school for girls.Located in suburban the entire school), one clerical staff per- the school and individual students have Baltimore, Maryland, it now serves 582 son. and 13 buildings and grounds per- been recognized in areas such as foreign girls in kindergarten through grade 12 sonnel who care for the entire school. The language, science, music, and writing. In and provides an individualized day care administration includes the Headmistress the past six years, 62 Bryn Mawr students program for 58 preschoolers through its of Bryn Mawr School, the Director of the have been cited in the National Merit Little School. Its student body is drawn Upper School, and the Director of Stu- Scholar program. One-hundred percent from the diverse communities of the dent Activities. of Bryn Mawr students are accepted into greater Baltimore region. four-year college or university programs Bryn Mawr's Upper School has an Historical Tradition upon graduation. enrollment of 216 students in grades The Bryn Mawr School was founded by Foreign language study beginsin 9-12.Admissionisbased on tests, fiveyoungfeminist women as a kindergarten with French, and eighth previous school records, interviews, and preparatory school for Bryn Mawr Col- grade students are required to take Latin recommendations. Tuition is $4,950 per lege. The mission of the College was to of- and a modern language. Upper School year.About 89% ofUpper School fer young women a program of study students are required to complete three students are white, 5% are black, 5% are more rigorous than that of the most years of one language or two years of two Asian, and 1% are Hispanic. Two percent prestigious men's colleges. The mission languages.OfferingsincludeLatin, of the students come from low-income of the Bryn Mawr School was to prove Greek, French, Spanish, and German. families and 18% receive some form of that girls could be taught as much or Inthe sciences,Bryn Mawr offers financial aid for tuition. more than boys. honors and regular courses in physical The Upper School faculty includes 25 Bryn Mawr School today reflects the science, chemistry, physics, and biology.

39 wo years of science are required, but trative positions: a Director of the Upper necessities. All school service activities in- IO% of the students elect one or more ad- School, to provide one administrator with clude conducting walk-a-thons for chari- litional courses. The school assists the primary responsibility for Upper School ties,serving as huggers and score- iblest students to secure science intern - people and programs; and a part-time keepers for the Special Olympics, and hips at local universities or in the private Director of Student Life, to give attention fund-raising. ,ector. to that aspect of the school. Bryn Mawr is widely known for the With the support of the faculty, the new Faculty ;cope of its computer program. Corn- Director of the Upper School instituted a The Bryn Mawr faculty uphold the )utereducation is included inthe faculty adviser system. Each student is academic standards of the school and nathematics curriculum, and electives in assigned a faculty adviser who serves as daily administer care and attention to in- advanced BASIC and Pascal are avail- her advocate and acts as liaison between dividual students intheir keeping. The able.The schoolmaintainsafully the school and home. The advisers also faculty can be identified by their intellec- :quipped computer laboratory and a assist with peer support groups where tual excitement, both individually and as a mall humanities computer center in the students share problems and solutions in group. They regularly question them- ibrary. Many students use this center for informal settings. Chief advisers for each selves and one another about the mean- ()reign language projects as well as to grade meet once a week with the director ing and methods of their teaching and the develop writing and editing skills in word to discuss student progress. material they are presenting. They sup- DrocessIng. Bryn Mawr involves the students in port one another professionally and per- To encourage the study of mathemat- decisions which affect their lives at the sonally. They are a closelyknit and cs, Bryn Mawr has established the Math school. Every student is a member of the cohesive group. Mentor Program with Goucher College. Student Government Association. Rep- Bryn Mawr recognizes the importance Voucher math and computer science resentatives elected from each grade of supporting and encouraging faculty to majors visit the campus daily to act as role plan student activities, monitor school continue their education. The school has models for Bryn Mawr girls. They super- rules, and serve on Board of Trustee com- received a substantial grant earmarked vise computer clubs and math study hall, mittees. Town Meetings, held with the for faculty development which is used for work on individual projects with students, Middle School, give students an oppor- in-service meetings as well as to support and act as informal career advisers. tunity to voice their opinions on issues individual faculty in course work and con- Bryn Mawr's arts and humanities cur- such as the honor system, alcohol abuse, ferences. Faculty members are also en- riculumcontinuestobestrong.All and program changes. couraged to make presentations both at students are required to take art and Bryn Mawr believes that rituals are im- the school and outside. music, and may perform in the choir, an portant to the spirit of school life.All- The Future acapella singing group, and a string school convocations are held to reinforce Bryn Mawr faces three major chal- ensemble. Private lessons on eight in- the feeling of belonging and to heighten lenges. The first is fiscal and involves ob- struments are available. All students par- students'awarenessoftheirsocial taining sufficient funds to fulfill its commit- ticipate in European folk dancing, a tradi- responsibility. Convocation programs ad- ment to racial and socioeconomic diver- tion at the school. Dramatic productions dress moral and ethical issues such as sity, to keep faculty salaries competitive, are produced in cooperation with neigh- hunger, the environment, nuclear policy, and to continue improvements of the boring Gilman School for boys. the ERA, and racial justice. physical plant. The second challenge is to A program of cross registration with All students are encouraged to serve maintain its place in the crowded market Gilman School has increased the variety the school community. Upper School of Baltimore independent schools. The of course offerings at both schools. For students have an on-campus work as- final challenge is the need to define con- example, Spanish is taught at Gilman; signment each year to enhance their tinuallythemosteffectivecollege German is taught at Bryn Mawr. Qualified sense of responsibility. These jobs range preparatory curriculum for its students. Bryn Mawr students also take classes at from helping with younger students in the Here, Bryn Mawr seeks to give young Johns Hopkins University and the Pea- Little School to washing blackboards. women the skills they need to go out into body Institute. Bryn Mawr students also participate in an increasingly complex and dangerous community service. Individual students world to lead happy and fruitful lives and Ethos of Caring spend one school afternoon each week to change that world for the better. In recent years, Bryn Mawr has taken tutoringinthe Baltimore City School specific steps to meet its students' per- District, visiting nursing home residents, For More information Contact: sonal and character development needs or working in recreational programs at The Bryn Mawr School and to establish itself as a caring com- neighborhood hospitals. Each class has 109 W. Melrose Avenue munity. adopted an emergency food center or Baltimore, MD 21210 It began by creating two new adminis- shelter for which it collects food and other 301/323-8800

40 THE 1983-84 SECONDARY SCHOOL RECOGNITION PROGRAM ConversationsonExcellence in Education A Regional Leadership Conference Presented by Secretary William J. Bennett, United States Department of Education May 11, 1985 Rosemont, Pennsylvania

THE GILMAN SCHOOL Baltimore, Maryland

"To the extent that an organization the skills and knowledge necessary to strives to be the best that it can be, to thinkrationally,critically,andin- the extent that an educational institution dependently. Its extra-curricular activities appreciates thequalityof the raw promote self-expression,responsibility, materials it has to work with and tries to and cultivation of aesthetic tastes and ac- develop all aspects of each student's complishment. The athletic program is potentialthroughchallengingaca- designed to promote physical fitness and demic, athletic, extracurricular, com- enjoyment, self-discipline, and, above all, munity service, and human develop- sportsmanship. ment programs that stress integrity, Through a diverse student body and morality, service, and dedication to faculty,Gilman seekstoexposeits these extents we try to be second to no students to broad intellectual and cultural other school in our efforts." Assistant opportunities, and to promote positive Headmaster human relationships as well as an understanding and appreciation of human dif- The Gilman School is a private day approximately 120 parent volunteers. The ferences. school for boys inBaltimore, administration includes five full-time and Maryland. Founded in 1897, the 3.5 part-time personnel, many of whom Academic Achievement school is set on a 67 acre campus on the are shared with Gilman's Lower and Mid- Gilman's program requires all students northern edge of the city. The campus in- dle schools. All chief administrators teach to take four years of English and physical cludes seven school and maintenance part-time. The head of the Upper School education; three years of mathematics, buildings, over 20 faculty residences, and and all teachers are coaches. In addition, foreign language, and computer literacy; extensive playing fields. Tuition is $4,950 each teacher serves as a counselor to and two years of social studies, science, per year. 10-12 boys. the arts, and religion. To enlarge the Giiman's Upper School enrolls 410 scope and variety of course offerings, boys in grades 9-12. Approximately 78% Gilman's Philosophy Gilman shares some classes with nearby of the students are white, 10% are black, The Gilman School is dedicated to Bryn Mawr School. 9% are Asian, and 3% are Hispanic. Five helping students prepare for college, and Approximately 75% of Gilman students percent of the students come from low- for a life of involvement and service.It are enrolled in honors or advanced place- income families. Fifteen percent ..the subscribes to the spiritual and ethical ment English, 65% in social studies, 30% students receive some form of financial values of the Judeo-Christian tradition, to in mathematics, 25% in foreign language, aid for tuition. a belief in God, and to the dignity and 18% in the arts, and 15% in science. In Gilrnan's faculty includes 45 classroom worth of each individual. Gilman con- addition,qualified students may take teachers (seven part-time), four library/ siders character, integrity,self-respect, courses at Johns Hopkins and Towson mediaspecialists,one counseling and concern for others to be of central im- State Universities, Loyola College, and specialist, and one special service per- portance. Peabody Conservatory. son. The instructional staff is supported by Gilman's prams seek to encourage Each department at Gilman reviews its 14 clerical staff, 10 buildings and grounds students to develop a self-motivating in- curriculum and instruction on a yearly personnel, four food service workers, and terest in learning and to help them acquire basis. Changes are discussed at faculty 41 meetings and at meetings of the Ex- The goals of the program are to help The Future ecutive Committee of department heads the students become conscious of people In the past few years, Gilman has in- andadministrators.Thefacultyalso in need: to realize the complexity of their creased its financial aid to students by meets daily for Chambers, a 15-minute problems: and to begin the process of 56%. However, because of tuitionin- session which allows for continuous com- evaluating their own values, perceptions, creases during this same period, real aid munication across grades and subject attitudes, and feelings towards those in has increased much less. Gilman is com- matters. These exchanges have resulted need. mitted to not merely staying even, but in joint ventures in History-English, in Art All students are required to commit a meeting more fully the financial needs of Music and Music-English, and inex- minimum of one trimester to work in one families who want to send their sons to the panded art, music, and industrial arts of more than 60 different agencies and school. programs. programs, including hospitals, disease Though the school has experienced Nearly 100% of Gilman's students research and assistance foundations, considerable success in attracting highly enroll in college or university programs nursing homes, service organizations, qualified minority students from the city, it upon graduation. Over the past 15 years, libraries, and historical societies. Each has been less successful inrecruiting Gilman students have scored an average student keeps a journal during his period qualified minority teachers. Nevertheless, of 551 in verbal and 619 in mathematics of service and meets every three weeks itis continuing to work with agencies on the SAT. Gilman's students traditional- with the director of the program to discuss which may helpitidentify and attract ly do well on Advanced Placement Exam- his experiences. From 60 to 70 students strong minority candidates to the school. inationsfor example,in 1983,its are involved in community service work at The school has made progress in im- graduating seniors took 144 examina- any one time. proving its salary and benefits structure, tions, and 86% of them received a score Many students are involved in Green- yet cost of living increases require that of 3 or higher. Similarly, Gilman's seniors grass, a project which brings inner city regular campaigns be conducted to sus- have performed well in national competi- youngsters to the Gilman campus for tain current gains. tions. In 1983, nearly 14°N of them (13 recreational activities. Gilman also works students) were National Merit Scholars. with the Special Olympics and Upward Bound. Moral Development and Finally, all students are considered part Social Responsibility of the school's work force. Every student For More Information Contact: The development of moral judgment, is assigned to a job having to do with The Gilman School values, ethics, and social responsibility maintaining and/or operating the school 5407 Roland Avenue, pervades every aspect of Gilman's pro- during the course of a school year. Baltimore, MD 21210 grams. Of particular significance is the 301/323-3800 school's human and moral values program. The program involves students, Community School faculty, trustees, parents, and alumni in a Over the past 25 years. Gilman has series of events around a chosen theme. placed increasing emphasis on becom- The Human Relations Program has ad- ing a true community school by working dressed issues in race relationships, the toattract a school population thatis climate that allowed the Holocaust to oc- representative of the Baltimore communi- cur, and Ghandi's philosophy of non- ty.Admissionspersonnel,teachers, violent resistance to correct socialin- parents, alumni, trustees, and friends of justices. the school have all worked to inform an increasingly larger proportion of the com- Community Service munity about the school. The campaign Gilman's ethos revolves around the in- includes personal interviews, testing pro- terdependence ofallpeople, around cedures,visitstopotential"feeder" respect for and understanding of dif- schools, advertising, open houses, and ferences between religions and races, drives to raise money for financial aid. and around the importance of integrity, Cilman now has a minority enrollment of self-respect, compassion, and discipline. 22%, anditsstudentsrepresenta The school's community service program broader range ofsocio-economic, provides opportunities to put these con- religious, and ethnic groups than at any cepts into practice. other time in the school's 88 years.

This profile was prepared by Research for Better Schools, Inc. (RI3S), 444 North Third Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, using information supplied by the subject school, and using the written comments and observations made by the Department of Educatic.site observer who visited the school. This confercncr conducted by RBS and funded through a grant from the National Institute of Education.

42 THE 1983-84 SECONDARY SCHOOL RECOGNITION PROGRAM ConversationsonExcellence in Education A Regional Leadership Conference Presented by Secretary William J. Bennett, United States Department of Education May 11, 1985 Rosemont, Pennsylvania

THE PARK SCHOOL OF BALTIMORE Brooklandville, Maryland

-Park School does not so much try the skills, opportunities, challenges, and harder as try differently. What we offer is the encouragement that brings about re- a clear and coherent philosophy which sponsible freedom in students. focuses on the needs and abilities of the Park School's objective is to offer a flex- individual student in a most positive and ible curriculum and a rich, varied pro- supportive manner ... the primary gram of studies and activities which teach ethos of the school is trust between skillsand encourage charactertraits adults and students. However, spirit which enable successful achievement in does not test well in the market place; a constantly changing society. The school myth is of value only to those on the in- seeks tofosterindividualityand en- side. It needs success of the institution courages students to strike a balance be- by the standards of others. Our success tween competition for success and learn- in conventional terms strengthens and ing as a lifelong, fulfilling process preserves our distinctiveethos." These values reflect the aspirations of Principal the original founders of Park School. To- (one part-time) and two buildings and day. they remain at the center ofits program andallowthe The Park School of Baltimore is a grounds personnel. Four teachers also educational school to serve as a community of those private,coeducational school serve aspart-timeadministrators, who understand and endorse its philos- founded in 1912 and located on assisting the Headmaster and Upper ophy as a basis for the education of their wooded acreage in suburban Brookland- School Principal as class advisers. All children. ville,Maryland.Itaccepts students of faculty members serve as advisers to in- strong academicability,personal dividual students. strengths, commitment, and creativity Fostering Independence and whose families understand and support Ethos of Trust Social Responsibility Park's philosophy. Tuition is $5,095 for In both its tradition and its daily prac- Park School believes that if students are 9th grade, and $5,195 for grades 10-12. tice,the Park School embodies two valued, trusted, and respected, they will Park's Upper School serves 213 stu- assumptions:that human beings are mature with the ability to value, trust, and dents in grades 9-12. Approximately 94% capableofrationalself-discipline, respect others.It seeks to develop in- of the students are white, 5% are black, generosity, kindness, moral conviction, dependence and encourage social re- and fewer than 10/0 are Hispanic, Native and concern for others; and that learning sponsibility by fostering students'self- American, and Asian. Slightly more than is an expression of positive energies and esteem and by providing them with op- 30/0 of the students come from low in- fulfills natural curiosity and impulse. portunities to make responsible choices. come families, but 23% receive partial or This philosophy suggests or requires The basic rules at Park are few and sim- full scholarships. nosingleeducationaltechniqueor ple: regular class attendance, no drugs or Park's Upper School faculty includes methodology. The work of Park School is alcohol during school or at school func- 25 full-time and six part-time classroom sustained by thefaiththatthe child tions, and conformity to driving regula- teachers, two library/media personnel possesses inner strength, talents, and tions. For the rest, Park urges responsible (one part-time), a half-time special ser- powers which can be liberated and nur- choice based on the principles of honesty vices person, and one counselor. The tured. The teacher's authority as an adult and integrity, respect for the rights of faculty is supported by two clerical staff and a scholar should be used to provide others, and responsibility to the commu- 43 nity. Park students choose their own ad- of trust derive from its tradition and define To promote global awareness, Park visers, work out their own programs, con- its distinctiveness. However, Park realizes has established two foreign exchange trol the use of their own time during free that it must also succeed in conventional programs in which students and faculty periods, and choose whether or not to terms, through empirical measures of per- spend three weeks in a foreign country, participate in activities, teams, and com- formance. Park has such empirical mea- living and going to school withhost mittees. sures.Its students routinely achieve a families. Students from those countries All students participate in the Com- mean of 525 or higher on both the verbal then spend three weeks at Park School. munity Service program which requires and math portions of the SAT, and the Park has a long tradition of strength in 40 hours of service to the school com- school has 10 or more commended or itsguidanceservices.Everyfaculty munity before graduation and involves semi-finalist National Merit Scholars each Member serves as an adviser to students. everyone in 20 minutes of clean-up in the year. All Park students are admitted to a This relationship is frequently one of the school each day. The Learner-Teacher four-year college or university program more importantinthestudent'sex- program encourages leadership and re- upon graduation. perience. The four class principals work sponsibility by providing students with the All students at Park are required to take closely with both teachers and students to opportunity to serve as lab assistants, four years of English and physical educa- develop organization and group interac- tutors, and physical education assistants. tion, three years of social studies, two tion skills and to support the advisers. Col- A number of students are involved in a years of math, science, and foreign lan- lege guidance is handled by a special variety of outreach activities. The Care guage, and four trimesters in the arts. The counselor. Centers committee gives parties for resi- arts curriculum includes both academic dents of a home for the mentally handi- and performing courses in music, drama, The Future capped and visits hospitals. The Saturday dance, photography, painting, drawing, Park School's modern physical plant Enrichment committee provides tutoring ceramics, and so forth. Very talented Park and sylvansettingcontributetothe in the basic skills to inner-city elementary students may take advanced mathemat- welfare and well-being of students and students. The Outdoor Education pro- ics courses at a nearby college and faculty, allow concentration on academic gram offers local public school classes an dance or instrumental music at Peabody work, and strengthen the school's sense opportunity to spend a day on the Chal- Conservatory. of community. These advantages, how- lenge Course, built and maintained by Park is attempting to introduce more in- ever, also challenge the school to avoid Park School students who also serve as terdisciplinarycoursesintothecur- isolation from the realities of the outside instructors. riculum. The science department has in- world. To meet this challenge, the school The School Council, composed of both troducedcoursesinthebehavioral is continuing its effort to diversify its stu- students and faculty, oversees these and sciences, along with several which ex- dent body and faculty so that it reflects the other activities, including program review, plore the impact of scientific discoveries variety of classes and groups which make assemblies, ecology, community involve- on society. The 9th grade is experimen- up the outside world. The school is also ment, and house and ground. In addition, tingwith a coordinated curriculum in working to broaden its academic pro- each class elects officers and plans ser- history, English, and science. Math and gram so thatitaddresses the social. vice, social, and fund-raising activities. science are incorporating the computer economic, and political realities of that Students appointed by the Council to the as a problem-solving tool and English world, and leaves the students confident program review committee attend all de- composition classes are using word pro- in their power to live in that world and partmental meetings and serve on the cessing. make a difference. Faculty Curriculum Committee. The presi- Park is also working to involve students dent of the School Council is an ex-officio more directly with the world beyond the member of the Board of Trustees. school walls. Tenth graders spend a Many academic courses attend directly "Day in the World of Work," observing For More Information Contact: to ethical and moral concerns and ways and interviewing people at work in a varie- The Park School of Baltimore of thinking about them: atoms to atom ty of settings. A junior work program ex- Old Court Road bombs, sexual health and decision mak- tending over several weeks is in the plan- Brooklandville, MD 21011 ing, philosophy, literature of minorities. ning stages. The firmly established Senior 301/825-2351 and literature of the Holocaust among Term provides a culmination of intellec- others. These courses are guided by tual, academic, and community activities. respect for the views of others and Seniors plan and execute an individual recognition of complexity rather than easy program which involves five weeks of full- polarization. time internship in the community and con- cludes with six weeks of study and service Success in Conventional Terms at Park, including a presentation to the en- Park School's philosophy and its ethos tire student body.

This profile was prepared by Research for Better Schools, Inc. (RBS), 444 North Third Street. Philadelphia, PA 19(23. using information supplied by the subject school, and using the written comments and observations made by the Department of Education site observer who visited the school. This conference was conducted by RBS and funded through a grant from the National Institute of Education. 44 THE 1983-84 SECONDARY SCHOOL RECOGNITION PROGRAM ConversationsonExcellence inEducation A Regional Leadership Conference Presented by Secretary William J. Bennett, United States Department of Education May 11, 1985 Rosemont, Pennsylvania

UPPER ST. CLAIR HIGH SCHOOL Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

"We have used the elements of open- to keep parents informed, operates a ness and participatory management to "communiphone/hotline," and assists in create in our school community a sense schoolactivities.The schoolalso of ownership . . It has been our belief established a parents' advisory council to and has been our experience that once enlist all segments of the school com- people participate in a decision, they munity in addressing educational prob- feel more a part of it and 'own' it." lems and issues. Principal School staff encouraged the community to observe the school in action. Com- munity Day, initiated by the student council, provides an opportunity for adults to pper St.Clair High School is interact with students in a positive man- located in suburban Pittsburgh, ner. Swap Day provides a chance for par- Pennsylvania, and serves a com- ents to trade places with their children and munity of 19,043. It is part of the Upper St. become students for a day. In addition, a Clair School District, which also has two "private school expectations" for its pub- businessadvisorycommittee was middle schools and three elementary lic schools. These expectations create an established to involve Pittsburgh area schools. environment which fosters school im- business and corporate leaders in the Upper St. Clair has 1,556 students in provement efforts. It was not always so. In businesseducationprogramofthe grades 9-12. Approximately 98% of the the late 1970s, support for the high school school. students are white, slightly under 2% are was very low. The community blamed the The involvement of the community in Asian, and a small number are black and school for all of the students' problems, the school has allowed Upper St. Clair to Hispanic. Less than 3% come from low- particularly problems related to the use of monitor community concerns and expec- income families. Nearly 90% of Upper St. drugs and alcohol.In addition, many tations, and to solicit new ideas and direc- Clair students enroll in a two or four-year were opposed to the school's policy of tions. It has provided parents with a realis- college program after graduation, and off-campus privileges for 11th and 12th tic perception of what the school can do, another 4% enroll in some form of voca- graders. A crisis point was reached when should do, and is doing. It has also re- tional training. a group of 10th graders, truant from sulted in a dramatic shift in community at- The school'sfacultyincludes 89 school, was involved in a traffic accident titudes. Parents are especially supportive classroom teachers (eight part-time), two which resulted in a fatality. of the school, and their attitude has a subject specialists,three library/media In September 1979, the principal and positive effect on the students' perception specialists (one part-time), and six coun- the newly-appointed superintendent re- of the 'xnool and its purposes. selors (one part-time). The faculty is sup- sponded by establishing programs to in- Upper St. Clair attacked the problem of ported by17 teacher aides (one part-time), volve the community in the high school drug and alcohol abuse through a variety 10 clerical staff, 11 food service personnel and its programs, and by initiating a pro- of activities. To increase community and (one part-time), and two security officers. gram to attack drug and alcohol abuse staffawareness of the problem, the There are five administrators. directly. school hosted public meetings, organ- To provide a forum for parent involve- ized parent groups, and conducted in- Responding to the Community ment, the high school established a service seminars for teachers and coun- Upper St. Clair serves an aggressively Parent-Teacher-Student-Organization selors. To discourage drug and alcohol upward-mobile community which holds (PTSO). The PTSO publishes a newsletter use on campus, two school police officers 45 were employed and the school estab- and publicized in the student newspaper, the most National Merit semi-finalists of lished a working relationship with the the district newsletter, and in the local any school in Pennsylvania, a Presidential municipal police. In addition, the school papers. "Congratulation-grams" are sent Scholar, and three finalists out of ten in a provided group and peer counseling sea to students from both teachers and ad- state writing contest. As of 1982 Upper St. suns for students. An annual survey of ministrators. A victory flagisunfurled Clair has had a higher percentage of its drug and alcohol use among the students when a varsity team wins or when a group graduates (86%) attend college than any has become part of the school's ongoing or an individual attains an honor. The other public high school in Pennsylvania. evaluationofitsimprovement efforts. school board presents recognition certifi- Upper St. Clair now has little, if any, drug cates at its monthly meetings. There is an Developing Staff use on campus, and the community annual awards night for academic and Upper St. Clair has adopted a profes- recognizes the leadership role the school extra-curricular accomplishments. sional growth program which operates on has played in combatting the problem. a three-year cycle. The staff is divided into Strengthening the Academic three clusters, each focusing on one topic Increasing Student Program for one school year. Each clusteris Self-Esteem Upper St. Clair constantly reviews its chaired by a teacher who plans and de- Upper St. Clair has worked to inc7ease academic program to strengthen the cur- velops in-service programs on that topic students'self-esteemand,thereby, riculum and insure that it meets new col- for all the teachers in the cluster. At the lessen the likelihood of their becoming in- lege entrance requirements. Courses of end of each year, the clusters exchange volved with drugs and alcohol. This effort study are reviewed annually as part of the topics. In the first cycle, clusters focused has addressed the school's climate, stu- district'scurriculum/instructionrecom- on drug and alcohol abuse, student dent involvement, discipline, and recogni- mendationprocess.Inthisprocess, motivation and achievement, and teacher tion of student achievement. teachers meet bi-monthly by department performance throughself-analysis. The school has worked to establish a with a curriculum leader, who submits Teachers are also released from regular climate where students are assumed to their recommendations to a panel of K-12 assignments to attend special workshops be trustworthy, responsible, and impor- curriculum supervisors. The panel reports and other in-service programs. tant, and are treated accordingly.Stu- to the district administration which then dents have access to most school facili- makes recommendations to the school The Future ties when they are not scheduled for a board. Upper St. Clair has a dedicated and ex- class: these include resource centers, a All students are required to take four perienced teaching staff, a strong and student commons, and talk-and-study years of English, three years of social receptive administration, highly motivated areas. studies, and two years of mathematics students, a successful academic pro- Students participate in all aspects of the and science.Approximately 17% of gram, a wide range of extra-curricular ac- school and influence school policies and Upper St. Clair students are enrolled in tivities, and strong parent support. The decisions that affect them. The student honors or advanced placement English school will continue to build on these council president reports monthly to the and science, 16% in social studies, and strengths, striving to maintain educational school board. Students serve on the 130/0 in math. Six percent of the students excellence and to build on the community board of the PTSO, and on the pupils ad- take a fifth year of foreign language study. support which has been the key to its visorycouncil which meets withthe Resource centers are provided, in lieu success. principal. Students are also invitedto of study halls, in all academic areas, in- department meetings to offer input on the cluding English, math, social studies, selection, evaluation, and development of science, computers, foreign language, curricular programs and serve on long- business education, and industrial arts. For More Information Contact: range planning committees. The centersarestaffedby certified Upper St. Clair High School Upper St. Clair has established a firm teachers who help any student who 185 McLaughlin Run Road discipline code which blends student sup- needs direction or enrichment. Remediai Pittsburgh, PA 15241 port and punitive measures. A team of courses are provided for students (ap- 412/833-1600 counselors, administrators, the school proximately 8%) who need to work on nurse, and the director of psychological basic skills. services reviews severe discipline prob- On the Sequential Tests of Educational lems. The school also has a peer counsel- Progress, Upper St. Clair sophomores' ing service in which students help others mean score gives the school a national in their own age group. percentile rank of 95. On the state's Recognition of student performance is EducationalQualityAssessment,stu- continuous.Student accomplishments dents scored at the 99th percentile in all are announced on classroom intercoms cognitive areas. In 1983, the school had

THE 1983-84 SECONDARY SCHOOL RECOGNITION PROGRAM ConversationsonExcellence inEducation A Regional Leadership Conference Presented by Secretary William J. Bennett, United States Department of Education May 11, 1985 Rosemont, Pennsylvania

WELSH VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL Narberth, Pennsylvania

"There is a strong bond between understanding of the history of our nation, teachers and students . ." Teachers includingitspoliticaland economic

"The teachers treat us as adults.. ." systems, and the values necessary for

"Teachers make sure we learn . ." responsible citizenship. The program also "They teach us, but in a way we teach includes thefine and practicalarts; them ..." "We respect each other. physical education and health; computer You are respected for what you are, not literacy; and foreign language study in just what you do." "One of the biggest French, Spanish, German, and Latin. thingsinthisschoolisrespect!" Welsh Valley uses standardized tests, Students past performance, and teacher recommendations toidentify above-average (Level 1) students. The school expects Welsh Valley Middle School is these students to complete more than the locatedinNarberth,Penn- basic course requirements or toac- sylvania, a "Main Line" suburb celerate into more advanced courses. of Philadelphia.Itis composed of five Welsh Valley has identified four ele- Approximately 39% of the students are buildings connected by covered walk- ments which contribute to its success: a doing Level 1 work in English, 36% in ways, set on a 32-acre campus. The learning climate which fosters intellectual social studies and science, 35% in math, school is one of two middle schools in the achievement; a dedicated, caring, profes- and 31% in foreign language. Lower Merion School District, which also sional staff; parental support and con- For students falling below grade level, has five elementary schools and two high fidence; and enthusiastic student involve- Welsh Valley provides remedial classes in schools. Altogether, the district serves a ment. reading and mathematics. For students community of 64,000. who are significantly below grade level, Welsh Valley was converted from a Climate for Intellectual the school provides multi-grade classes. junior high to a middle school in 1980 as Achievement These classes range in size from 8 to 12 part of the district's response to declining Welsh Valley challenges each child to students and employ both a teacher and enrollment. It now serves 560 students in achieve maximum learning, whether the a teacher aide. All of these classes are grades 6-8. Approximately 89% of the student is in the gifted program or in a taught using an individualized program. students are white, 8% are black, 2% are special education resource room. The The staffis organized into teams of Asian, and 1% are Hispanic. Six percent basic operating premise of the school is, teachers and counselors who work with come from low-income families. "kids can achieve." specificgroupsofstudents. Team The Welsh Valley faculty includes 44 Welsh Valley seeks to foster each stu- teachers plan together daily and are able classroom teachers (two part-time), two dent'sgreatestpossibleintellectual to develop interdisciplinaryunits and subject specialists, two counselors (one growth through a well-rounded program. team activities as well as to address the part time), and one librarylmedia special- The program emphasizes continued de- needsofindividualstudents.Their ist. The staff is supported by two teacher velopment of communication skills; un- meetings frequentlyinvolvespecialist aides, five clerical staff, and six food ser- derstanding and mastery of mathematics; teachers who contribute to the develop- vice personnel. There are three adminis- increasedknowledge,understanding, ment of coordinated plans for specific trators (one part-time).Forty-four staff and appreciation of science and tech- students. members hold post-graduate degrees. nology; and increased knowledge and On the Metropolitan Achievement Test, 47 Welsh Valley students consistently score schools,toattendprofessionalcon- archery,basketball,flagfootball,field mean grade equivalents two years above ferences, and to report back at faculty hockey, gymnastics,lacrosse, soccer. the national norms. Their achievements meetings. The district and school also softball, tennis, and volleyball. are recognized in other ways as well. provide ongoing inservice. Recently, all The student governmentinvolves Thirty-one eighth graders participate in teachers participatedina ten-session studentsin decision-making at Welsh the Montgomery County Mathematically computer literacy course and inservice Valley. The student council, composed of Precocious Youth Program. Welsh Valley programs dealing with reading in the con- elected officers and representatives from students placed third in the Pennsylvania tent areas, and the emotional and social the homerooms, holds monthly meetings Math League contest three years in a row. development of the middle school child. plannedandrunbythestudents Twenty-two students were selected to The level of teacher involvement at themselves.The councilraisesand submitprojectsforthe Montgomery Welsh Valley was reflected by the high distributes funds, plans school activities. County Science Fair, six of these received rating they received on such Educational and recognizes special student or faculty awards. and two were invitedto the Quality Assessment items as: "the ability contributions to the school community. In Delaware Valley Science Fair. ofthestaffto work together," and addition, they raise funds for equipment "teacher input into matters of curriculum and organize student volunteers to work Dedicated Staff and instruction." at nearby Royer Greaves School for the Welsh Valley has a staff of professionals Blind. The faculty and parent representatives to the council participate only if who representbothelementary and Parent/Community Support secondary perspectives on education. Parents of Welsh Valley students have they are on the agenda. They are dedicated totf e educational high expectations for their children. They program and to the students. demand quality education. The school The Future The teachers give freely of their time to works to insure that parents are kept in- Welsh Valley will continue to face the meet with children and parents. In addi- formed of general happenings within the problem of maintaining the high quality of tion. over half of the staff serve as coaches school as well as the progress of their the programs despite declining enroll- or sponsor extra-curricular programs. children. It maintains an open door policy, ment. The administration feels it has made Teachers participate activelyinthe holds "coffee and conversation'' ses- long-range plans which project ways lo planning and management of the school sions for teachers and parents, and has handle the decline and which will keep all and its programs. They elect represen- an annual ail-school picnic which en- of the school's programs at their current tatives to a faculty advisory council which courages families to meet teachers and level. meets weekly with the principal to discuss enjoy leisure time together. issues and concerns related to all aspects The Home and School Association is of schoollife.Recently,for example, an active, positive force in the school. For More Information Contact: council deliberations led to a three-year Association committees work on pro- Welsh Valley Middle School effort to develop a grade 6 through 8 inter- grams such as book fairs, assemblies, 1320 Hagy's Ford Road disciplinary curriculum on writing as well fine arts, hospitality, and human relations; Narberth, PA 19072 as a series of inservice workshops to help publishabi-rnonthlynewsletterto 215/664-3112 teachers implement it. parents;recruitvolunteersfromthe Teachers are involved in curriculum im- business and cultural community to share provement throughtheirteams and theirtime,talents, and expertise with departments. Courses are reviewed both Welsh Valley students; and sit in on stu- quarterly and annually by teachers and dent council meetings. the administration. An in-depth evaluation of each program area is performed on a Involved Students five-year cycleto ensure proper se- Welsh Valley believes its high atten- quence and distribution of content among dance record (97%) is a positive indicator various courses. To facilitate curriculum that its students feel something important and other improvement activities,the happens at school and want to be there. school district calendar provides six days In addition, over 75% of the students take when secondary schools open two hours part in after-school co-curricular activities. later than usual for students. These activities include concert choir, The Lower Merion district's support for dramatics, and stage crew; newspaper teachers'professional growth and and yearbook; weather station;brain development is generous and ongoing. games; science and pep clubs; and in- Staffareencouragedtovisitother tramural and interscholastic sportsin

This profile $Aus prepared by Research for Better Schools, Inc. (RBS). 444 North Third Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123. using intkirmation supplied by the subject school, and using the written comments and observations made by the Department of Education site observer who visited the school. This conference was conducted by RBS and funded through a grant from the National Institute of Education.

48 THE 1983-84 SECONDARY SCHOOL RECOGNITION PROGRAM ConversationsonExcellence inEducation A Regional Leadership Conference Presented by Secretary William J. Bennett, United States Department of Education May 11, 1985 Rosemont, Pennsylvania

WEST CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL FOR BOYS Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

At our school you have totry students cope with their very real prob- harder...Rarely does a teacher apply for lems. The staff works closely with parents a job here if he is not a strong teacher and puts them in touch with social and and a solid professional. Neither the medical agencies. However, except in religious Brothers nor the members of the most dire circumstances, it also tries to the lay teachers union are knocking the insist that a student must do his school doors down to get on our faculty. Many work while he is working out his problem, of them are afraid to come into our or in spite of his problem ifit cannot be neighborhood. The teachers, who are worked out. here, are here because they like our Because West Catholic is a multi-racial students. They like the challenge that school where all are welcomed and ac- teaching in a city school presents." cepted, students from different back- Principai grounds must learn how to deal with each other. The elementary schools which feed est Catholic High School for into West Catholic are generally all white specialists. .The faculty is supported by Boys is one of 29 Catholic high or all black. The student council and the schools in the Archdiocese of two teacher aides, two school ministers, administration work together on an orien- one security officer, five clerical staff, 10 Philadelphia. It serves 20 parishes in the tation program each fall which helps food service workers, and five buildings prepare incoming students for lifein a neighborhoods of West Philadelphia.It and grounds personnel. There are four has an enrollment of 1,070 boys in grades multi-racial school. administrators.Thirty-twoof 9-12. Approximately 62% of the students the 39 are white, 33% black, 2% Hispanic, and teachers are lay, and are members of the Building Morale Association of Catholic Teachers union. 3% are Asian, including many recent Viet- During the 1960s and 70s, as the Theprincipalandvice-principalare namese immigrants. Approximately 25% neighborhoods around it declined, West Brothers of the Christian Schools. oftheboys come from low-income Catholic suffered a decline in morale. families and 17% receive financial aid for Students no longer felt "West is Best," tuition. The School as "Oasis" and teachers were frustrated by the Tuition at West Catholic supports 85% West Catholic is "an oasis" in an area students' lack of academic success. The of the operating budget of the school. of Philadelphia characterized by aban- principal theorized' that the teachers' low Catholic students pay over $1,000 tuition, aoned buildings, graffiti, and other signs morale reinforced the students' view, and while non-Catholics, over $1,200 tuition. of economic depression. Many of the the students' low morale fed the teachers' Gifts from the school's parishes make up students come toschool withsuch frustrations. the difference. The Archdiocese provides serious personal problems that the staff To break this cycle, the principal worked support for major capital improvements must continually remind itself that West first with the faculty. He believed the staff like a new roof, new lighting system, Catholic is a school and not a hospital. to be both skilled and dedicated and told renovated heating system, and computer Even so, West Catholic has managed to them so. He supported them in conflicts equipment. retain a relaxed orderliness and an at- withstudents and parents.Religious The average class size at West Catholic mosphere which is both businesslike and brothers were urged to treat lay teachers is 34. The faculty includes 39 teachers, caring. with great respect. The change in mood four counselors, and two library/media West Catholic works very hard to help came quickly and was directed toward

49 improving the attitude of students. The yet produced miracles, but the teachers participated in a recent hand-in-hand day slogan "West is Best" is back in style. are approaching their job of motivating forthe handicapped childrenatSt. the students with greater enthusiasm. Joseph's University. This spirit has been reinforced by the Strengthening the Program unique student retreat program which West Catholic's curriculum is overseen Shared vision, Unique Spirit sends the boys to their own parishes and by the Academic Council, composed of West Catholic seeks toprovide an brings the parish priests to the school on the chairpersons of all the departments, education derived from the vision and occasion to minister to the boys. Through which meets monthly with the administra- values of the best thinkers and artists of this effort, West Catholic tries to broaden tion to review course offerings and the the world at large. It believes that such an the concept of Church. quality of instruction. Department chair- education takes place in a spirited Chris- persons, in turn, meet with their depart- tian school community in which' adults ments monthly. The curriculum is offered and adolescents share attitudes of mutual The Future infourtracks:honors,college respect, acceptance ofindividualdif- West Catholic is proud of the school preparatory, track 3, and remedial. ferences, openness to the daily oppor- community it has built.It believes that it The remedial track, called Operation In- tunities of learning from each other, and a has made substantialprogressin dividual (0.1.), is a two-year program for commitment to striving together for ex- developing programs effective with both students who score below the 25th per- cellence in all facets of school life. the brightest and the slowest students. it is centile on a standardized reading test. Teachers at West Catholic exemplify now working hard to achieve similar suc- Approximately 40-50 ninth graders are this spirit. Many spend extra time with cesswiththeaveragestudent. It enrolled each year. 0.1. is highly struc- their students, tutoring or coaching them. recognizes the continual challengeit tured, with specific learning goals for No matter how much trouble a student faces given thelackof home and each lesson inreligion, English, social gets into, there is always someone on the neighborhoodsupportforserious studies,mathematics,andreading. staff who knows him and who will act as academic learning.Nevertheless,the Classes are small, 8-10 for reading, 20-25 his "lawyer" when the chips are down. school's leadership and staff are commit- forothers. The reading teachers are Teachers encourage; they chide; they ted to meeting that challenge. The school specialists provided by the Philadelphia treat their students like their own sons. is characterized by ongoing improvement SchoolDistrict's Chapter 1 program. In the course of a school year, the con- withintheconstraintsofthelimited Each reading teacher also has a parapro- tract between the union and the Arch- resources it has. fessional aide paid by the program. diocese israrely referred to by either Students who still need remedial work in teachers or the administration. When For More Information Contact: their junior year continue in small classes, teachers are asked to do something, they West Catholic High Schools for Boys but no longer receive instruction in read- do not quibble about legalities. They trust 4909 Chestnut Street ing. It is the school's expectation that all the administration, and they want to do Philadelphia, PA 19139 students move to track 3 or higher by their what they can to make West Catholic bet- 215/472-2700 senior year. ter. They do much more than the contract To recruit and retainthebrightest imposes without complaint and without studentsinWestPhiladelphia,West remuneration. Catholic established an honors program. The students respond to thisspirit. Approximately 10% of its students are They are motivated to good, not by fear of now enrolled in honors math and social punishment, but by positive reinforce- studies. This program has significantly im- ment. Older students work with younger proved West Catholic's image as a good students to help them learn that all people place for bright students to go. should be treated with dignity, fairness, Most recently, however, West Catholic and respect. has focused on track 3 students, previ- The school's spiritisreflected inits ously the most troublesome in the school. community service work. West Catholic Track 3 students score between the 26th led the 29 diocesan schools in a food and 60th percentiles on standardized drive,collectingover 21,000 canned tests and represent nearly half the student goods, despite the fact that it is one of the body. Track 3 teachers now meet on a smallest and poorest schoolsinthe regular basis with the administration to diocese. This spirit of compassion spills discuss the curriculum, and in-service over into activities which are neither spon- sessions are devoted to sharing instruc- sored nor advertised by the school. For tional techniques. These efforts have not example, at least 40 West Catholic boys

This profile was prepared by Research for Better Schools, Inc. (RBS), 444 North Third Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, using intOrrnation supplied by the subject school, and using the written comments and observations made by the Department of Education site observer who visited the school. This conference was conducted by RBS and funded through a grant from the National Institute of Education. 50