FCS Parent Forums Expanding Choice Options January 26, 27, 28, 29 & February 2, 2015.

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Slide 2 FCS Parent Forums Expanding Choice Options January 26, 27, 28, 29 & February 2, 2015 Slide 3 Goals for Todays Forum Educate families on FCS choice options and what expansion may involve Engage and partner with families in the Districts work 2 Collect input from families to inform expansion of choice options Slide 4 Our schools have diverse challenges Programs customized to unique needs of FCS students Decisions made as close to students as possible Given our unique context, the District believes empowering local school communities will best serve FCS students Increased school decision-making will provide a stable, long-term framework for improving student achievement. Local school autonomy 3 Slide 5 4 Strategic Plan 2017: Building Our Future Five key areas to drive improvements in student achievement Instruction Continuous Achievement & Customized Learning Effective Assessment of Learning & Feedback Tailored Instruction & Supports Challenging & Innovative Instruction Application of Learning People Supportive Culture Accountability Support & Development Top Talent Effective Employees Technology Student Access Data-Driven Decision Making Stakeholder Skills Effective Schools School Governance Strong School Support Promote Choice Options Resources Resource Flexibility Operational Efficiency Financial Stability Graduation Rate College Readiness Work Readiness Improving Student Achievement 4 Slide 6 What do we mean by Choice Options? The concept of allowing families to choose the best education option for themselves, given their unique needs Common choice offerings: Charter schools, magnet programs, alternative programs, hardship placements, open enrollment 5 Slide 7 What is NOT envisioned today as part of the Initiative? Adding Private School Vouchers Removing Attendance Boundaries County-Wide Transportation Changes to Employee Hardships 6 Slide 8 1.Improve student achievement by offering more choice options to meet student needs 2.Provide equitable access to choice options across the District 3. Ensure the efficient use of District facilities and resources Goals of Expanded Choice Options 7 Slide 9 Note: NCLB Choice and Re-districting Retention non-reoccurring programs not included. 8 OptionNumberLearning CommunityExample Start Up Charters7 SchoolsNorthwest (3) Central (2) South (2) Amana Academy Conversion Charters2 SchoolsCentral (2)North Springs High School Open Enrollment Schools 2 SchoolsNorthwest (1) Central (1) McClarin High School Independence High School Family Hardships/ Open Enrollment 5 CategoriesAllMedical need Childcare Curriculum Employee Hardships1 CategorySchool nearest to employee work Varies by work location Magnet Programs4 ProgramsCentral (3) South (1) Math/Science Visual/Performing Arts International Baccalaureate Current Choice Alternatives Slide 10 600 Seats FCS is currently expanding options in the South and Central communities Choice Option Additional Seats 400 Seats 300 Seats Potential HS at Jo Wells 400 Seats Total1,700 Seats 9 Timing August, 2015 August, 2016 Slide 11 June 14 Jan 15Feb 15 July 15July 15 Ongoing 10 Research other systems Research student needs and goals Research parent values and priorities To identify gaps between current offerings and needs To prioritize these opportunities To implement development of choice options We are identifying our values, strengths and opportunities Slide 12 Weve been gathering information from our community I hoped high school would be a place where there was a sense of unity and we celebrated each others experiences. -FCS high school student I put my child on a bus to North Springs for hours each day to experience a better culture than the one in her zoned South Fulton high school. - FCS community member / former parent I chose this school because of the teachers ability to teach and connect with students, staff that is there for the students, readiness for my student to succeed in college, the overall feel of school and a good academic reputation. -Open Enrollment Parent 11 Slide 13 Next Steps 12 Gather and analyze input from all five forums as well as a follow on survey Share with district leadership and the Board of Education Synthesize data from all stakeholders to build FCS Choice Implementation Plan Slide 14 Activities 1 and 2 Please take the next few minutes to work through our activities regarding choice options and provide your input. 13 The remaining slides will guide you through two activities Click here to open the input form and beginhere Slide 15 ACTIVITY 1 14 Slide 16 Activity 1: Question Imagine your child has just completed his or her time at the best school you can imagine. Describe the results you see and the impacts it has had on your child. 15 Click here to open the input form and beginhere Slide 17 Activity 1: Question Imagine your child has just completed his or her time at the best school you can imagine. Describe the results you see and the impacts it has had on your child. 16 Slide 18 Activity 1: Example Imagine your child has just completed his or her time at the best school you can imagine. Describe the results you see and the impacts it has had on your child. Because my daughter attended this school: She learned how to work well in teams as well as independently Shes reading at a 4 th grade level in 2 nd grade 17 Slide 19 ACTIVITY 2 18 Slide 20 Activity 2: Step 1 Generate a list of features that would exist at your ideal school. Imagine that everything on your list is feasible and could be implemented. Dream big and dont be afraid to write down features or ideas that wouldnt normally be possible. 19 Slide 21 Activity 2: Example (1) 20 Ideal Features There is a climbing wall in every classroom There is a 24-hour counselor hotline Brussels Sprouts and fish are served in the cafeteria at every meal Slide 22 Activity 2: Example (2) 21 Ideal FeaturesPotential Concept There is a climbing wall in every classroom There are regular, active breaks for students There is a 24-hour counselor hotline There are enough college readiness counselors to provide personalized advice and assistance to students Brussels Sprouts and fish are served in the cafeteria at every meal There are healthy food options to ensure students are energized for class Slide 23 Thank you for your time and participation!! 22 Slide 24 Resources 23 FCS Choice Options Website FCS Choice Options Fact Sheet National School Choice Week