2008 "Quality Review Report" Gives PS8 Thumbs-Up
Those parents who were able to join the last "Conversations With The Principal" had an opportunity to hear Seth Phillips talk about the favorable results PS8 achieved in the latest Department of Education Quality Review Report on our school. For those unable to attend this meeting we thought you might find it helpful to read an overview of the report.
Quality Reviews, it says on the DoE website, "assess how well a school is organized to improve the achievement of every student. Reviews are conducted by experienced educators and draw upon each school's collaborative self evaluation as well as conversations with the principal, teachers, staff, students, and parents. The reviewers assess student performance results and talk to principals, teachers, students, and parents to find out how schools use information about outcomes to guide teaching and learning and set goals for improvement.
"The review includes observations of classroom teaching, use of data, planning, programs, design and implementation, and collaborative interaction among school professionals around academic improvement. Case studies of students making exemplary progress and of students failing to make progress are conducted. The goal of Quality Reviews is to ensure that schools are using information to help accelerate each child's learning on every day of the school year.
"Each school receives a Quality Review report that provides feedback to the school community. The report includes an overall Quality Score, which is reported on the Progress Report."
The DoE has just issued the latest Quality Review for PS8. Here it is. The report rates "proficient" or "well developed" on all attributes and says in the summary:
"This school continues its impressive transformation from a school which was failing its students to one which is vibrant, popular with parents and growing in number. The principal's personal passion and commitment mean that his vision for the school is shared by students, faculty and parents alike. There is now a strong administration, whose strengths complement one another well. Together, they have successfully overseen this improvement. While placing due emphasis upon students' attainments in literacy and math, many enrichment activities engage students' interest and encourage their natural talents to flourish.
"The collection and use of data is evident throughout the school and is especially effective in the younger grades. Senior staff work well together and provide strong support for the high proportion of enthusiastic, but relatively inexperienced, teachers, who require further training in the use of data. The school shows concern for the welfare of all its students. It has made distinct improvements in providing for those with particular needs, but does not always challenge the highest achievers. The collegial nature of the staff ensures students enjoy learning in a mutually respectful and trusting environment. Well-established procedures help the school to run smoothly as a harmonious learning community.
"Relationships across the whole school are further strengthened by the impressive commitment and support of parents, who provide valuable information about their children and become active partners in their learning.
"Staff collaborate together well in setting goals for student outcomes based on data. The measurement of progress against these is not always systematic or consistent, with more effective practice in the younger classes. Senior leaders have clear aims for school improvement, but do not always modify these sufficiently based on careful analysis of progress towards interim goals. Most issues raised in the previous report have been
addressed well. Assessment data is used more effectively, pupil support has improved and leadership responsibilities have been delegated. The inquiry team made a slow start due to the principal's absence to have an operation, but its composition has been determined, and its target group of 18 grade 3 and 4 students performing at Level 2 has been identified."
For a more comprehensive picture, read the full report...
Posted on: March 10, 2008
