Posts by Jessica Christy — Contributor
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Schools combine to extend language immersion
Thanks to a unique collaboration, students from some of DC’s most popular charter schools will join together to continue their Chinese, Spanish, or French immersion instruction through high school. Next fall, students from the 5 feeder schools will become part of the inaugural 6th- and 7th-grade classes at DC International School (DCI). For the first year the school… Keep reading…
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Morning Bell: Scores go up, but why and where?
DC test scores rise: DC leads the nation in test score growth for both reading and math. All racial groups made gains, although a large achievement gap still exists between white students and those who are black or Hispanic. DCPS Chancellor Kaya Henderson, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, and others attributed the higher scores to school reforms and higher expectations for teachers… Keep reading…
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Morning bell: Boundary and feeder patterns get a facelift
Task force re-evaluates lines drawn in the 1970’s: A committee of education officials and other stakeholders has begun the process of changing the way DCPS assigns students to schools. Other residents can participate through focus and working groups. Some are concerned that a proposal to include charters in feeder patterns will limit choice. (Post, DME, Examiner)… Keep reading…
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Morning bell: Are DC schools getting better?
Have DC’s school reforms worked?: Although DC schools have a long way to go, the Post concludes DCPS Chancellor Kaya Henderson is on the right track in implementing test-based teacher evaluations and other reforms pioneered by former Chancellor Michelle Rhee. But others take a dimmer view, even calling DC’s proficiency rates for high-poverty students “disgusting.”… Keep reading…
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Morning bell: DCPS celebrates trajectory and IMPACT
DCPS is “on the right track:” In her address on the state of DC public schools, Chancellor Kaya Henderson stressed investing in great educators, rigorous academic content, motivated students, and engaged families. Some were unconvinced by the lack of specifics for improvements east of the river. (Post) IMPACT is having an impact: Henderson has also hailed a new… Keep reading…
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Morning bell: Funding woes and hopes for DC schools
Government shutdown threatens school funding: Both charter schools and DCPS may suffer if the impasse in Congress isn’t resolved soon. Charter schools won’t get the quarterly payments scheduled to go out today, which they rely on for operating expenses. And at DCPS, teachers may not get their salaries at the end of the month. (Washington Informer, DCist)… Keep reading…
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Morning bell: Money isn’t flowing to students who need it
District accuses charter managers of self-dealing: DC’s attorney general has filed a lawsuit against three former officials at Options PCS alleging they diverted millions of dollars meant to help the school’s at-risk students. Also indicted were WUSA9 anchor J.C. Haywood and former CFO of the DC Public Charter School Board Jeremy Williams. The defendants deny any… Keep reading…
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Morning bell: DC CAS scores are questioned, but SAT is up
Test scoring method creates controversy: The Post revealed that DC’s Office of the State Superintendent of Education quietly chose a scoring method for last year’s standardized tests that resulted in a higher overall proficiency rate. Councilmember David Catania claims OSSE’s decision amounts to “cheating.” But OSSE defends its scoring choice… Keep reading…
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Morning Bell: Kids learn to garden, adults to use computers
School gardens grow more than food: Almost half of all schools in DC have school gardens, which encourage healthier eating habits and provide a chance to learn new skills. DC also gives schools incentives to use ingredients from local farms in school lunches. (Elevation DC) Will technology help adults learn?: Community College Preparatory Academy, which serves adult learners,… Keep reading…
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New superintendent of education is not new to DC
Last week the Mayor appointed Jesús Aguirre, the current director of the Department of Parks and Recreation, to the position of state superintendent of education. Aguirre does have a background in education, but will it be enough to positively affect education policy in the district? Aguirre has worked as a science teacher in Los Angeles, a charter school operator in Arizona,… Keep reading…