After several months of study and seeking input from the community, the Norfolk Public Schools board approved on a 6-0 vote its definition of a “top-performing school.”
Creating this definition is part of the district’s plan to stay on its path to providing the education, experience and training students will need as they move into adulthood. It also helps the district focus on what the Norfolk community wants and needs its students to be.
At Monday’s school board meeting, Supt. Jami Jo Thompson, reading from a synopsis she posted on the district’s website, said that based on hundreds of survey results from teachers, students, parents, and community members, the school board concluded that a “top-performing school” must be multi- faceted and it must focus on student growth.
Survey respondents said they wanted a well-balanced school, where students are performing well in academics and extra-curricular activities. And, they want a school that values the importance of preparing students for life outside the classroom and for a future career and/or positive college experience.
So, the school board approved unanimously a goal that “all students will demonstrate improved academic performance on grade level achievement tests.”
It also approved a “top-performing school” definition as one that maintains a culture of high expectations and prepares students for their future through:
— A belief that all students can and will learn at high levels
— A focus on student growth and success
— Engaging learning opportunities for all students, and
— High-quality professional educators.
And, the school must prepare students for their futures evidenced by high levels of continuous improvement in the areas of:
— Academic achievement (NeSA, MAP, and ACT)
— Graduation rates
— Student participation in dual credit classes, articulated courses, and career academy courses
— Student participation in extracurricular and community activities, and
— Post-secondary outcomes, such as employment, college attendance, or military service.
— Specific performance levels set annually via Building School Improvement Goals, which will be presented both to the superintendent and the Board of Education.