Dr. Paul E. Stanton, Jr., ETSU President,

Dr. Hal Knight, Dean, Claudius G. Clemmer College of Education,

Dr. Jack Rhoton, Executive Director, Center of Excellence in Mathematics
and Science Education,

Dr. Deborah DeFrieze, Director, University School,  

Dr. Scott Eddins, Mathematics Consultant, Tennessee Department of Education,

all joined with our University School family on Wednesday, July 11th, for a Roundtable Discussion as we begin Year 1 as a Mathematics and Science Signature School. 

This is the 3^rd year of the revisioning process.  The first year was a large committee of 30 people made up of parents, students, teachers, community members and college of education faculty.  This committee developed the mission statement and strategic initiatives that will be addressed by our school.  During the 2006-07 school-year the committee consisted of teachers, parents and students.  The guiding questions were developed which will help us decide on any programs or instructional strategies which we will consider on this journey to become a Mathematics and Science Signature School. 

In July we officially begin our first year as a mathematics and science signature school . 

Some of the things that will be different about our school beginning July 11, 2007 are:

High School 

• One of the most significant differences beginning in July will be the requirement that all incoming freshmen will have to complete four credits of math and science (instead of three each) to receive a diploma from University School.  Although Tennessee is moving in this direction as part of the American Diploma Project, we will be one of the first schools to do so.
   
• High School students will also have the opportunity to take dual enrollment classes from ETSU right here at University School instead of leaving the building to go to class and we will work diligently with students to identify other dual enrollment courses.  This means that our high school students can be college students at the same time they finish up their high school years. 
   
• Our math and science departments met in May to discuss ways to integrate the math and science curriculum in order to accelerate student learning pathways.

 Middle School 

• We will institute a required math support class for students who need extra attention in math.  This class will be during 7^th period and help as we work to prepare all students for Algebra I in 9^th grade.
   
• Our middle school math and science teachers are developing lessons to integrate math and science in our curriculum. 
   
• The Middle School will pilot a high school challenge program.  This program will allow advanced 8^th grade students to enroll in selected high school courses during exploratory periods.  The eighth grade science class will use a 9^th grade text to cover the physical science content of 8^th grade science.

 Elementary School

• The elementary school faculty is developing multi-age exploratory classes which will combine groups of K-2 students and 3-5 students to investigate topics that integrate science and math. 
   
• The elementary students and faculty are leading the building to pursue Green School status. We will be investigating environmental issues within our school community and beyond.  As we look at these environmental issues we will be pursuing environmental activities that will help our school reach Tennessee Green School status through the TP3 program.  The entire school will later join us with this endeavor as we move towards Green School status.  We will look at global environmental issues as we continue to look towards a possible green school for our new building.
   
• The teachers in the elementary will be working with Lester Laminack to learn more about technical writing to prepare our students for those kinds of writing very different from creative writing. 
   
• They continue to work with Dr. Jack Rhoton from The Center of Excellence in Math and Science Education at ETSU to develop a curriculum in math and science which will meet national standards.

 School Wide 

• We are also examining the possibility of instituting an assessment program, using nationally normed assessments of aptitude and achievement, for selected grades so we can determine how our student achievement compares nationally since TCAPs and Gateways do not provide that information.  We will be instituting the PLAN and EXPLORE assessment program in 2007-2008 as a part of the ACT testing program.
   
• As you can see all of these initiatives take a lot of dialogue and research so that parents, students, and faculty members can make informed and educated decisions as we move towards our mission.
   
• More Revisioning news to follow in the coming newsletter.  Attend the USAC meetings so you can help us move towards a brighter future for all of our University School students.

Mission

As a model K-12 school, we are committed to an integrated academic curriculum emphasizing mathematics and science, which prepares all students and future educators to contribute to and succeed in a technologically oriented and global society.

 Strategic Initiatives

1. Develop a set of guiding principles for a model K-12 educational program that crosses traditional barriers in teaching/learning through a challenging curriculum in an environment that encourages innovation, engagement and interaction. 
2. Create and implement a development plan that enables the creation and ongoing support of a model K-12 school
3. Determine the number and characteristics of the students the school will serve, including abilities, interests and educational objectives, and develop a strategy to recruit and admit those students.
4. Develop and implement mechanisms and strategies for enhancing student and faculty knowledge and experiences so that they contribute to and succeed in a global society.
5. Construct a seamless integration of curriculum (k-12 post) using benchmarks that will foster scientific and mathematical innovation through technology.
6. Create a plan to recruit, retain, and develop highly qualified instructors (faculty) who reflect our philosophy and prepare students to achieve our school’s mission.

Guiding Principles

University School:  A Mathematics and Science Signature School

 In order to enhance mathematics and science education, University School encourages and supports sound educational practices.  In accordance with the National Science Education Standards and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics’ Curriculum and Educational Standards and Professional Standards, University School believes that:

1. mathematics and science be taught in context with other academic areas and real world experiences and not in isolation.
2. excellence in mathematics and science education requires equity—high expectations and strong support for all students.
3. inquiry and hands-on, minds-on mathematics and science education is a natural vehicle for the development of students’ reasoning and problem solving skills.
4. a curriculum is more important than a collection of activates; It must e coherent, focused on important mathematics ands science, and well articulated across the grades.
5. students should learn mathematics and science with understanding, activity building new knowledge from experience and prior knowledge.
6. the use of appropriate technology and teacher pedagogy must be promoted to allow students to take an active role in the learning process;  it influences the mathematics ands science that re taught and enhances students’ learning.
7. solutions for the future will require, more than ever before, groups of people working together to solve problems.
8. it is imperative for students and teachers to become life-long learners as well as active contributors to an increasingly scientific and technological world.
9. effective mathematics and science teaching requires understanding what students know and need to learn and then challenging and supporting them to lean it well.
10. assessment should support the learning of important mathematics and science and furnish useful information to both teaches and students.

Guiding Questions

The following questions were developed as a focusing set for actions and planning guidelines for University School as the faculty and staff embark on a school plan to develop a model signature school beginning in July of 2007.

1. Will this improve the achievement of each learner?
2. Will this promote quality innovation, engagement and interaction?
3. Will this lead to a challenging curriculum that uses reflective, research-based practices?
4. Will this enrich mathematics and science integration and/or instruction?
5. Will this prepare students to contribute to and succeed in a technologically oriented and global society?