Schools

Recommendations Presented to GP School Board

A committee created to review and analyze learning opportunities that would help Grosse Pointe Public Schools continue to compete with other like districts presented several recommendations Monday to the school board for their consideration.

The 21st Century High School Review committee suggested Monday to the Grosse Pointe Public School Board a variety of changes that they believe could enhance the learning opportunities of students to ensure they are competitive with students from like districts post graduation.

The committee was created in the fall and tasked with evaluating areas the district could grow, change or adapt to ensure the district's high schoolers are competitive beyond the district and the program is benefitting all students. They were specifically not considering finances, adult needs or to seek change simply to make change--points highlighted Monday night.

The need for the review comes in light of state and federal mandate changes, the evolving expectations of parents and the heightened requriements of post-secondary institutions, according to a powerpoint presentation shown Monday.

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Headed up by Jon Dean, the district's assistant superintendent of educational services and human resources, the committee included five additional administrators, seven parents or community members, 20 teachers and four students. 

Dean and other administrators presented the recommendations the group has reached thus far in the review process.

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The recommendations include:

  • infusing consistent classroom technology across the district/curriculum
  • infusing consistent and more experiential learning into the curriculum
  • piloting hybrid course options in the 2013/14 school year with seat time
  • create dual enrollment opportunities where students may earn college credits during high school
  • increase the minimum credits required for graduation from 21 to 23 for the graduating class of 2016/17
  • implement an additional option for seniors who need to recover credits through offering make up courses online within the district versus the external resources currently available

The committee has been working at a quick pace to do a variety of research related to like districts, their policies, schedules and learning opportunities. Monday's presentation of preliminary recommendations was the first given since the group was formed in September. It was intended to inform the school board about the group's progress as well as the ideas that are being discussed.

The committee is set to continue the behind-the-scenes work and will review high school schedules and the most optimal option for students next. Meanwhile, the powerpoint presentation will be posted on the district's website, distributed throughout the district to staff and to parents for feedback.

School board members provided some questions and feedback Monday to Dean and the other administrators with the goal of narrowing the focus or considering alternative options for some of the suggestions.


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