Foster City Islander Article - 07-18-2007
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Charter Public |
Phyllis Moore, President, Foster City High School Foundation |
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Rigor + Relationships + Relevance = Results
This “equation” stands as the hallmark of Envision Schools, which will operate the “Arts & Technology High School” in our Community Education Center. These three components work together to engage and motivate students. Here’s how:
Rigor: Envision high schools enable all students to attain the high standards of a rigorous curriculum that meets or exceeds UC and CSU entrance requirements. At Envision Schools, all classes are college-prep; there is no lesser track.
Relationships: Envision teachers work with the same small group of students (27 or fewer) for two consecutive years. They also guide students academically and socially in small advisory groups (15-20) throughout their high school career.
Relevance: Envision focuses on interdisciplinary, project-based school work that includes field studies and internships. Integration of art and technology into the curriculum gets students excited about school and motivates them to excel.
Results: To graduate, students must pass all required state tests, meet all UC/CSU entrance requirements, defend a large portfolio of their school work, and win acceptance to college.
Envision’s educational approach is exactly what major high school reform groups – like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (www.gatesfoundation.org) and the National High School Alliance (www.hsalliance.org) – see as the solution to America’s educational crisis.
Does this approach work? Check out the data:
- Academic Performance Index (API) scores for the Marin School of Arts & Technology (MSAT) passed the 800 mark, the California Department of Education’s “gold standard” for high school achievement. MSAT’s growth in API scores was the 5th highest of California’s 500 charter schools.
- The George Lucas Educational Foundation selected an MSAT student project as a national “best practice” example.
- The US Department of Education honored Envision’s City Arts and Technology High School (CAT) as one of 12 exemplary charter schools in California.
- CAT sophomores (not seniors!) passed the High School Exit Exam at impressive rates: 86% in English and 76% in math.
- CAT was one of only two Bay Area charter schools to receive a state School Facilities Fund awards.
These inspiring results should remove any conjecture or controversy about the success of the Arts & Technology High School that will occupy our Community Education Center.
Contact me at phyllismoore1@comcast.net or 650-349-5676
