THE REPORT OF THE PROJECT EVALUATION OF
Transcription
THE REPORT OF THE PROJECT EVALUATION OF
- -- -- --- -- - - -- -- THE REPORT OF THE PROJECT EVALUATION OF DASKALOSSCHOOL SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO By A visiting team of evaluators Appointed by THE COMMISSION ON ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools October, 2005 The contents of this report represent the judgments of the Visiting Team as interpreted and written by the chairperson. They do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Middle States Association or the Commission on Elementary Schools. - -- MIDDLE STATES ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS COMMISSION ON ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Using Technology to Enhance, Enrich and Extend the Curriculum Escoela Prescolar, Elemental e Intermedia Daskalos San Juan, Puerto Rico October 25-28, 2005 Chair Dr. JoAnne McAdams Principal S1.Patrick School 115 Channing Avenue Malvern, PA 19355 Team Members Mr. Will Leckie Director of Development 170 Estate Whim S1.Croix, USVI 00840 Ms. Mariely Velez Elementary School Teacher Colegio San Antonio P.O. Box 21350 Rio Piedras, PR 00928 Ms. Angela Navas Technology Coordinator Academia Bautista de Puerto Nuevo P.O. Box 10307 Caparra Heights, PR 00922 Mrs. Theresa Nicholson English, Grades 4-6 American Military Academy Box 7884 Guaynabo, PR 00970-7884 Ms. Dana Kennedy Elementary School Teacher Guamani Private School P.O. Box 3000 Guayama, PR 00785 - - -- -- -- - I. INTRODUCTION The members of the visiting team express their appreciation for the warm hospitality, the lovely accommodations and the courteous and considerate reception they received from the Daskalos School Community. The Director Dr. Rafael Cartagena, the administration Dr. Alicia Rivero, Mrs. Carmen Medina, Miss Lillian Diaz, and Dr. Pilar Belendez, the parents and the students warmly welcomed the team into their school community from the inception of the visit. A very special thank you to the Steering Committee for their tireless efforts and the extra responsibilities they assumed in undergoing the project. The school was established in 1994, by a group of university professors as an alternative to the elementary education in Puerto Rico. Presently the school is governed by a Board of Directors, a President and Executive Director, 2 school Psychologists, a Director, a Director of Administration and Financial Affairs and a Director of Academic Affairs, all of whom are deeply committed to the school. The administrative and teaching staffs are integrally involved in the educational process. The parents are enthusiastically supportive of and dedicated to the mission of the school. The team witnessed a warm and caring school community who exhibited great pride in their learning environment. The dedication and commitment of all involved in Daskalos is evident. II. PROJECT EVALUATION The Daskalos School community selected the Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools' project protocol for its reaccredidation. The purpose of the project ---- - - - protocol is to encourage schools to initiate significant projects that will enhance their improvement efforts. Schools are eligible to pursue project evaluation after successful completion of their initial accreditation and subsequent successful progress reports. The visiting team visualizes the entire school as it relates to the project. The team members examine the project trom its inception, through implementation and projected development. The team delivers to the school a critique of the project as well as an evaluation of the school's continued compliance with the Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools' standards. The evaluative judgments delivered in this report are presented in order to assist the school in developing the project to its ftuition and to help in its continuation of meeting the standards of the Middle States Commission. VISION OF THE PROJECT The mission statement of Daskalos School states they offer a student-centered, non-graded, personalized education utilizing advanced technology, hands on activities, integration of academic subjects with an emphasis on the relationship of subject matter to everyday life. The administration and faculty are dedicated to making learning a pleasurable experience and to instilling in their students a quest for knowledge. The administration and faculty in recognition of the importance of technology embarked upon this project; thus shifting the role of teachers to that of facilitator. Since its inception in 1994 Daskalos School has provided computer access to their students. During the academic year 2003-2004 they upgraded their hardware to provide universal access to their server and the internet using both cable connection and wireless technology. -- --- - - -- - - - The Daskalos School community developed their project proposal and sent this document to the Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools for their approval. The proposed project would put technology to optimal use by integrating the use of the internet in the curriculum. The proposal was approved by the Commission. The project design proposes utilizing technology in the curriculum, and in classroom instruction in order to prepare the students to successfully function in society. Teachers and administrators perceive this project as achieving competency in the use of computers, computer programs and the internet thus enhancing course content for both students and teachers. The faculty recognizes the importance of fostering a positive relationship between the family and schoo~ while also maintaining open communication with the community at large. The local academic community endorses this project and congratulates Daskalos School for undertaking this educational opportunity. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROJECT Daskalos School has budgeted resources for computers, servers, transmission links, internet fees, software and teacher training. Revenue for this project will come from the internal school budget and IToma $50.00 per month fee that students will pay for the use of the laptops. Students will start to pay the fee upon receiving their laptops. The school is using a Dell Power Edge 400 SC server located in one of the computer laboratories. The internet signal comes from a satellite link supplied by Ayustar Company in San Juan. The signal goes through a firewall (Microsoft ISA server) in the server and then it is distributed to the entire school by way of hubs (Netgear GFS-524:24 ports) or wireless access points (CISCO AP Aeronet, DI-784-DWL-G810). -- - The net speed is 100 MPS via cable and 54 MPS via wireless. The wireless net has an encryption of 128 M bits. The Daskalos School has contracted with Microsoft for licenses for aU Microsoft software including internet explorer. Many educational programs are installed in the servers such as: Math Blaster, Math Arena, Phonics Express English Level A and Level B. The school has two computer laboratories with 44 computers with monitors, speakers and CD-Rom drives. There are printers in the laboratories. In August, 2004 the ninth grade students received their Toshiba Satellite A 455130 wireless laptops. The faculty received their laptops during the spring of 2004. The project anticipates the acquisition of laptops with wireless capacity for students in grades four to nine following the timeline: School year 2004-2005 Ninth grade School year 2005-2006 Seventh and Eighth grades School year 2006-2007 Fourth, Fifth and Sixth grades The projection states first to third grade pupils will share two wireless carts and the preschool students will use the laptop computers in the computer laboratories. The faculty has participated in staff development programs under the direction of the part-time technician, who was hired to complete the purchase and installation of communication equipment and laptops and act as the basic trainer for faculty and students on computer skills and programs. The training will be ongoing throughout the course of the project. In summary, the project implementation was on course as an enhancement, an enrichment and an extension of the curriculum through the use of technology. The faculty embraced the project wholeheartedly and met the challenge of learning new material. EVALUATIVE JUDGMENTS The visiting team assessed the faculty's and administration's commitment to the comprehensive project. The team observed the presentation of the project during the colloquium and classroom visits. The school has implemented the project as outlined in the proposal. The team congratulates the faculty and administration for having the vision to embark upon this technologically challenging endeavor. They also demonstrate an acute awareness of the need for their students to be prepared to meet future challenges. The administration, faculty and parents exhibit a true partnership in working together to enhance the teachingllearning experience. The team offers a few commendations and recommendations for consideration. COMMENDATIONS The visiting team commends the staff and school community for: . . Implementing an integrated technology curriculum Utilizing strategic planning to continuously improve the school's educational programs . Demonstrating dedication and enthusiasm on the part of the administration, faculty and students for the project - -- . Providing the necessary financial resources in order to purchase the hardware and software necessary to complete the project . Presenting a well-planned and executed colloquium which clearly demonstrated the project's objectives RECOMMENDATIONS The visiting team recommends that the staff and school community: . Consider the use of funds available for technology to include additional personnel . Continue to remain vigilant in monitoring student's use of the internet . Maintain and expand their level of expertise through additional in-service training and staff development . Create meaningful and varied lessons that integrate technology with all curriculum areas IMPLICATIONS AND GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS The Daskalos School community invested a considerable amount of time, energy and resources in their re-accreditation project. The administration, faculty, parents and students enthusiastically undertook and supported the implementation of using technology to enhance, enrich and extend the curriculum. In order for this project to continue to move forward consideration should be given to an increase in resources. These resources could be additional personnel, continued in-service training, professional development and consultants. Considering the level of commitment and the dedication of the administration and faculty in partnership with the parents this should be attainable. REVIEW OF MIDDLE STATES STANDARDS The visiting team assessed the school's adherence to the Middle States Commission on Elementary School's twelve standards. Standard #1 PlllLOSOPHY, MISSION, BELIEFS/OBJECTIVES Daskalos is a private preschool, elementary and middle school servicing a middle to high income, big expectations community. They offer a student centered, personalized education utilizing advanced technology, hands on activities, integration of academic subjects with an emphasis on the relationship of subject matter to daily life. The main goal is to make the learning process a pleasurable experience and to develop in the students a thirst for knowledge which fosters the acquisition of high level academic skills, individual initiative and self-discipline. The philosophy and goals of the school are appropriate for preschool, elementary and middle school students, also the general operations of the school are in the educational interest of both family and the school staff. Daskalos School's main goal in education is to make it pleasurable. Through innovativeness and ambition they have reached this goal. The communication between students and teachers is enhanced by the advanced technology, integrating academic subjects, giving the student a thirst for knowledge. All of the Philosophy, Mission, Beliefs and/or Objectives are totally student centered and integrated throughout the curriculum bringing the students all the knowledge and preparation they need to complete their studies and create a well balanced, prepared human being for this competitive society. Standard 1 is met. - -- Standard #2 GOVERNANCE AND LEADERSHIP The governance of the school is a for profit corporation, 1000.10 of the shares are held by its President, Executive Director, and founder, Dr. Rafael Cartagena. The integrity, effectiveness, and reputation of the organization have been contingent, since the school's founding, on his enthusiasm for and commitment to the project. There is in evidence an atmosphere of mutual respect and purposeful effort to the mission by both the administrative leaders and the faculty, as well as a timely, open communication between the administration, faculty and families necessary for the day-to-day operations of the school. The school is chartered and licensed by the General Educational Council of Puerto Rico, with which it is in good standing. Standard 2 is met. Standard #3 ORGANIZATIONAL DESIGN AND STAFF Daskalos is composed of 13 administrative employees, 23 full time teachers, one part-time teacher, eight teacher's assistants, five aides for Day Care and After School, two maintenance personne~ two psychologists and two technology coordinators. All teachers have bachelor degrees and teaching certificates in the level and field of teaching. Some teachers hold master degrees and are working toward their doctoral degree. Teachers at Daskalos are provided with half their cost of tuition when working toward an advanced degree. The hierarchy of command commences with the President and Executive Director, Dr. Rafael Cartagena, who daily delegates responsibilities to the three directors. The Director of Academic Affairs, Dr. Pilar Belendez, evaluates teachers, curriculum design and revision, the quality of teaching, and the selection and use of resources. Miss --- -- -- - - - -- Lillian Diaz, the Director of Administration and Financial Affairs, conducts all administrative activities, including accounting, human resources, disbursements, purchases, physical plant, transportation and communications. The Director, Carmen Medina, is in charge of the daily life of the school, discipline, and communication with parents. She also supervises the after school program and extracurricular activities. Our visiting team sensed a strong sense of unity and enthusiasm about the school and the project. The faculty works cooperatively to create a climate for learning. Standard 3 is met. Sttuulard #4 EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS The integrated curriculum at Daskalos is student-centered. While it was originally created by experts in each subject area, further development and revision by the faculty has adapted the curriculum to meet the individual student's needs. The curriculum integrates educational activities with life experiences; the educational program is consistent with the school's philosophy and mission. The students in pre-K to grade 2 are taught in a self-contained learning environment, the students in grades 3 to 9 are instructed in a departmental system. The curriculum is based on a monthly theme. Based on the students'/ parents' grade contract agreement made at the beginning of the semester, each student knows what he or she must accomplish daily, weekly and throughout the term to achieve the grade they desire, an ongoing assessment that serves as the basis for continuing, individualized instructional development. ..... Spanish The Spanish cumculum is created, modified and implemented by the teaching team. They follow the cuniculum with the monthly theme. Weekly meetings are arranged to choose and discuss theme ideas and content. They follow the standards and objectives according to the cuniculum. Integration of all content areas is apparent in every classroom. The focus of evaluation is student performance on projects. A variety of resources are used such as: textbooks, newspapers, the media and the internet. Social Studies The Social Science cumculum is created, modified and implemented by the teaching team. Weekly meetings are arranged to chose and discuss themes, ideas and content. They follow the standards and objectives according to the cuniculum. Integration of all content areas is apparent in every classroom. The focus of evaluation is student performance on projects. A variety of resources are used. Mathematics The Mathematics cumculum is perceived as an important subject utilized in everyday life. The teaching team uses computers as well as traditional pencil and paper exercises to present concepts. Students have the opportunity to design and develop mathematical games which are then incorporated into the classroom activities. Through the study of Mathematics the students learn the importance of and the practical application of graphics. The Science and Mathematics cumcula are closely aligned and the math teachers also teach science in the elementary school. '---- Science Science is taught utilizing multi-modal rubrics so that students may progress at their own pace. Students have access to course requirements, curricula, examinations, class notes and projects via the Blackboard program which the faculty uses consistently. Students appear to be enthusiastic and inquisitive learners of science, easily engaging the visiting team with their current class work. The department meets regularly to integrate the curriculum and their expectations are clearly communicated to the parents who have their own access to Blackboard. English English is taught as a Second Language, using the whole language approach. Oral and written communication is emphasized at all levels. Students read different sources such as newspapers, magazines and chapter books to produce oral and written reports. They create news stories based on real life global situations. Grammar is taught in context with the reading and writing production. The internet is used as an informational tool to create oral presentations such as a mock trial and news cast reporting on natural disasters. These activities foster the production of oral language. They also help students enhance their self esteem and become comfortable with public speaking. Standard 4 is met. StIlndord #5 LEARNING MEDIA AND TECHNOLOGY The following are general observations on Learning Media Service and Technology. There are two computer laboratories. They have a shared printer in the laboratories. There is a schedule for the use of the laboratories computer time per grade. For administrative use they have computers, printers and scanners. The school's software is plentiful and appropriate to the curriculum. Classes are assigned a specific time-slot for computer instruction. Teachers are fTeeto use the labs for lessons when other classes are not assigned to use it. The school started the integrated technology project with wireless laptops in ninth grade. The students have access to Blackboard platform, wireless internet is in all of the school facilities. In using Blackboard they have organized discussion groups, classes, chat rooms, e-mail and the parents have pin numbers to oversee the students work. For the project they have two technicians to teach computer skills to faculty and students. Teachers have been trained in computer skills and have been given a laptop. In other classrooms the teachers use computers for searching the internet, composing presentations and for developing writing skills. In the library there are videos and DVDs for class use. They have a virtual library and agreements with local universities to use library resources on-line for journals, reports and borrowing books. The school also subscribes to encyclopedias and other materials on-line. Audiovisual equipment is used in classes; projection equipment is also available. For safety in the use of the Internet they have Net Nanny and Microsoft firewall. At Daskalos School there is a policy of communication systems and a policy for the use of the laptops that the parents have to read and sign. Standard 5 is met. - - Standard #6 Student Services The first descriptor of the educational nature of Daskalos School is that of personalized teaching. This concept implies special attention to the individual child. The students are evaluated upon entrance to school to determine their specific educational needs. An individual educational plan is drawn up for each child. Teaching at Daskalos is play centered, a method which employs play for teaching purposes by combining the children's natural inclinations for having fun with learning as a pleasurable experience. Manipulatives, educational materials for elementary schools and Blackboard and laptops in middle school are part of the every day educational process. To optimize the preparation for learning, the school provides cafeteria services. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are provided as subcontracted services. Some students mentioned that the menus could provide a little more variety and nutritional food; however, parents are very pleased with the services. For parents that work, there is a day care service and an after school program which provides a study program where students can complete their assignments or read. They may also enroll in extracurricular activities, after schoo~ such as cooking, dance, martial arts and arts and crafts. There are two school psychologists that monitor the personal growth of students, parents and teachers. They provide assistance to teachers and students in classroom management and organize workshops to optimize the learning atmosphere. There are also two college interns trom the Inter American University doing observations and conducting workshops for students in topics suggested by the teachers or the school psychologists. The school psychologists offer an elective adolescence course to the -- ------- Middle School students once a week, where they can discuss developmentally appropriate topics that pertain to their personality. Standard 6 is met. Standard #7 STUDENT LIFE AND STUDENT ACTIVITIES The student activity program is an extension of the philosophy and educational programs. The student life and student activities provide a healthy atmosphere for all pupils. At all levels, there are non-discriminatory, appropriate student activities that supplement classroom experience. The relationship between teachers and students is one of respect, fairness and understanding. The student academic life involves an integrated planning system under thematic contents following the curriculum guidelines. The homeroom routine is to make the students aware of what is happening in other parts of the world by reading the newspaper and daily events posted on the internet. The student life is organized in a manner that provides students with the opportunity to experience responsibility, initiative and leadership competencies. Some of the activities are: math bowls, spelling bees, and a science fair. Field trips are frequently provided. There is a cheerleading team, volleyball team and a choir in process. Middle school students participate in a work-study program where they earn vouchers in exchange for their services in the cafeteria and homeroom. Middle school students also visit hospitals and homes for the elderly thus providing community service. Standard 7 is met. --- Standard #8 FACILITIES Daskalos is located in the outer suburban section ofCupey. The school provides a safe environment with secure fences around the school and procedures to secure it after the school day begins. The entrances and exits from the street are marked with a clear series of yellow arrows directing the public to the correct route. The parking lot for the faculty is located in a fenced-in lot directly across trom the entrance to the school. Daskalos is a multi-level, multipurpose building. It was constructed in three phases with the school's constructivist philosophy in mind. It consists of 29 classrooms, a library, two computer laboratories, a science laboratory, and indoor court. They were constructed to be as flexible as the people using them, including classrooms with dividers and movable shelves. The campus is aesthetically pleasing due to the open space, painting, and grounds landscaped with trees and plants that are native to the Caribbean. Another important factor of Daskalos is the attractive exhibition of student work around the school. Daskalos has two outside areas for play. The pre-kindergarten area is enclosed by cement directly next to these students' classroom. It has numerous climbers developmentally appropriate for the age group; however there is no padding beneath the structures to break a potential fall. kindergarten students. There is a second area for the pre-kinder and It is a small grassy area located between a fence and the elementary classrooms Standard 8 is met. Standard #9 HEALTH AND SAFETY The leadership at Daskalos School shows genuine concern for the health and safety of the students. Students' arrival and dismissal were conducted in a safe manner. The school has the services of a crossing guard and a school safety patrol. A safe and healthy environment for teaching and learning is provided. Both preventive and emergency health and safety procedure are clear and are documented. The school environment is productive and orderly. They have adequate written procedure programs that are established to maintain the health and safety of the students. A clear defined written code of student conduct supports a safe and orderly environment that is conductive to learning and is understood by students, teachers and parents. The school makes provisions for fire and other crisis plans, including emergency health care at school functions. The school has written a students' health policy that includes medical examinations for all entering students, immunization against common diseases, and the maintenance of a comprehensive health record. The school has satisfactory procedures for evacuating the school building, for summoning assistance in case of fire or other emergency, and for accounting for all students and staff during drills and emergencies. All teachers have CPR and First Aid training in order to respond effectively to emergency situations. The teachers have emergency care kits in the classrooms. They also have fire extinguishers, a satisfactory monitoring camera system and intercom for emergencies. Standard 9 is met. Standord #10 FINANCES The financial resources of the organization appear to be currently sufficient to provide for the educational opportunities defined in the school's philosophy and mission - - - - - -- as well as for the current Project Proposal. The business practices of this wholly-owned corporation promote confidence in the organization's ability to manage its fiscal resources in a responsible manner, and follow prescribed budgeting and accounting principles. Under the President's and the Finance Director's sole scrutiny, prudent - including cost analyses and independent audits of both the school and the controls Project Proposal - have been developed to insure the short and long-term fmancial success of the organization and its programs. Faculty are involved in determining the priorities for instructional needs but it is the organization's administrative Directors, guided by the President, who make all budgetary recommendations. Expectations of parents' obligations for attendance are clearly communicated and maintained. Standard #11 ASSESSMENT OF S1VDENT LEARNING An essential portion of the learning process is student assessment. Daskalos recognizes the uniqueness of each student in the assessment process. From pre-school to sixth grade assessment includes formative, summative, anecdotal and performance evaluation processes. It is an ongoing process consisting of pencil and paper examinations, observation reports, homework assignments, oral and written reports, research work, audio video assignments and portfolios. Students select the work to be included in the portfolios. The Evaluation Document and Progress Reports contain the varied forms of assessment. In mid semester, the Progress Reports are issued, the Evaluation Documents are issued to and shared with the parents; the process is interactive and parents' are encouraged to respond. In the middle school the students sign a contract for their grades; the parents must approve the document. - - - -- - - - --- Once a year the students take the Learn Aid Examination, a skills oriented standardized test that is administered in the private schools on the island. These test results are discussed with the parents and utilized by the teachers to formulate future plans. Evaluation is perceived as assessing a particular student's mastery of material, at his/her own rate of progress rather than an accumulation of grades. Standard 11 is met. StIIndard#12 PLANNING This process is the tool to keep the mission and practices informed in the classroom, continuously improving its education program service. The plans are focused on the student performance and organizational growth, integrating the technology in the classroom and continuous improvement across all aspects of the school. The academic planning is done via weekly faculty meetings or via specific curriculum meetings of the faculty who teach that subject. During the meetings the goals are set and activities determined to implement those goals. The teachers write their plans based upon a monthly theme which includes the objectives, activities, assessment and evaluating processes. In terms of technology the teachers plan their goals and course activities using the internet. The tests and materials are evaluated by the teachers and the director of academic affairs ITom the perspective of course objectives and students' experiences. Another element is the academic performance of the graduates in other schools; they are interviewed the first year after their graduation. Their input is communicated to teachers to make appropriate adjustments. The Faculty and Parent/Student handbooks are reviewed and updated yearly. - - Standard 12 is met. SUMMARY REMARKS The visiting team wholeheartedly expresses their approval of the school's vision and their desire to enhance and enrich the curriculum through the use of technology. The school has demonstrated outstanding leadership and has affirmed its reputation as a school of excellence. The team is confident that the school will continue to exhibit consistency in its adherence to the Commission's standards. The visitors leave you with several challenges which we believe will advance the excellence that we observed. 1. Continue to utilize strategic planning and make the necessary adjustments in order to insure the fulfillment of the technology project. 2. Reassess the technology budget and consider including additional personnel to direct staff development and train new staff to insure the continuity of technology implementation in the curriculum. - - -