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testing. Every department and every school must have an accountability plan that is designed
to be monitored regularly. This also includes professional development focus areas.
Our school system has a strong professional development program and many of the courses
are based on that data. Dr. Boone is quick to point out that the best opportunity for improving
student achievement is quality teachers and providing quality professional development is
crucial in ensuring that excellence of teaching continues.
Partnerships with area colleges continue to flourish with the major benefactors being our
students. Next year, I would like to see us expand our dual enrollment program with our
college partners, consider ways of identifying and serving our gifted students and consider
exploring the possibility of an International Baccalaureate program.
I would also like to see our system continue to improve in the teaching of writing for as Dr.
Douglas Reeves has stated writing is a “power strategy” for student achievement. A more
consistent approach across the school system in the teaching of writing needs to take place. As
a district we must also work on making sure our students are reading on grade level by the end
of grade three. It all starts with strong early learning programs and if we are to narrow the
achievement gap we must have a plan in place. I strongly recommend come next year that this
be given the highest academic priority.
Goal two… welcoming, safe, and secure schools – strategies to develop and maintain
welcoming, safe and secure schools… As a system we take very seriously the importance of
having schools that are safe and orderly. There is a protocol in place that addresses disruption
in our schools and we have an effective alternative education program for those students who
are unable to be educated in the main stream. In addition we have a strong policy that
supports safety in our schools. We have a well developed anti-­‐bullying program and
administration has put forth a strong comprehensive plan, a whole school approach with
training for all staff members continuing annually. Parents have been given a copy of the policy
and the schools have had meetings on bullying.
The district has continued to add security measures at many of our schools including cameras
and has worked closely with the Worcester Police Department gang unit to develop other
preventative measures.
In the near future, I would like to recommend that we consider security cameras similar to what
we have done at the Alternative site on Waverly Street at other schools in our district.
The district continues to reach out to parents in need of service with our wraparound
coordinators at seven of our schools. Their job is to guide teachers and principals in support of
high-­‐quality and learning. These efforts are coordinated by the Project Manager of the district
Wraparound Zone (WAZ). Our district participates in the state network of WAZ programs
sharing and learning best practices.