Eda 577 Action Inquiry
The Big Picture: A Strategic Plan
Thomas Kordick
EDA 575
Grand Canyon University
October 12, 2010
To any prospective parent, a school needs to present all the facts about itself, so as the parent may make the choice that is best for their child. Thirty years ago, when I was in school. There was no concern about scores, diversity, etc. You just went to your local elementary, middle and high school. Today parents are much more informed and curious about where their child is going to go. To some parents, it is quite important to have their children attend a culturally diverse school. “There is a richness that comes from students working side by side with others who are not of the same cookie-cutter mold,” notes Jean Snell. (Great Schools Staff, 2009, P.123) This is why it is so important for a school to annually update their school profile. Davidson Middle School is doing this on an annual basis, offering prospective parents all the facts to make an informed decision. The school profile can also be used by staff to see the changes that occur from year to year and take this information to improve in the areas that it is needed in(Educational Testing Service, 2008). The purpose of this assignment, besides giving a profile of my school, is to describe the vision for our school and school improvement, stakeholders expectations and strategies for meeting those ends, improving curriculum and instructional programs, and the schools wider role in building a complete school community. The Davidson Middle School states:
It is the mission of Davidson Middle School to prepare students for adult life through a quality education which emphasizes academics, health, morals, diversity, hard work, cooperation and problem solving. (DMS Handbook, 2010)
The statement describes in detail how the main goal of DMS is to prepare students for high school and beyond in the academic and social sense. The school vision is as follows:
The vision of Davidson Middle
Thomas Kordick
EDA 575
Grand Canyon University
October 12, 2010
To any prospective parent, a school needs to present all the facts about itself, so as the parent may make the choice that is best for their child. Thirty years ago, when I was in school. There was no concern about scores, diversity, etc. You just went to your local elementary, middle and high school. Today parents are much more informed and curious about where their child is going to go. To some parents, it is quite important to have their children attend a culturally diverse school. “There is a richness that comes from students working side by side with others who are not of the same cookie-cutter mold,” notes Jean Snell. (Great Schools Staff, 2009, P.123) This is why it is so important for a school to annually update their school profile. Davidson Middle School is doing this on an annual basis, offering prospective parents all the facts to make an informed decision. The school profile can also be used by staff to see the changes that occur from year to year and take this information to improve in the areas that it is needed in(Educational Testing Service, 2008). The purpose of this assignment, besides giving a profile of my school, is to describe the vision for our school and school improvement, stakeholders expectations and strategies for meeting those ends, improving curriculum and instructional programs, and the schools wider role in building a complete school community. The Davidson Middle School states:
It is the mission of Davidson Middle School to prepare students for adult life through a quality education which emphasizes academics, health, morals, diversity, hard work, cooperation and problem solving. (DMS Handbook, 2010)
The statement describes in detail how the main goal of DMS is to prepare students for high school and beyond in the academic and social sense. The school vision is as follows:
The vision of Davidson Middle
References: Davidson Middle School Website Home Page, 2010 Parents ask about School Profiles. 2008. ets.org/media/about_ets_/pdf/title1-5.pdf Great Schools Staff. Schools: Involved Parents. Succesful kids. How important is cultural diversity at your school?. 2002. greatschools.org/find_a_school/defining_your_ideal