Staff
at James Weldon Johnson take extra steps to ensure students are
prepared for the challenges that face them in this college preparatory
magnet school. Student placement and progress are determined using
teacher made tests. Students that need extra assistance for the
advanced curriculum are placed in an "Enrichment Camp"
that is offered in the summer and runs for three weeks before the
start of school. Camp students are provided intensive tutoring and
evaluated for placement on a team best meeting their needs, improving
the chance they will be successful. Teachers are knowledgeable and
eager to challenge their students. Goals are set high with cooperation
between all stakeholders contributing to their success. Expressions
of cultural diversity are encouraged throughout the year as 47%
of students are from minority cultures.
Results: School Grade: 2001 A; 2002 A; 2003
A.
Practices that Promote High Performance:
- "Enrichment Camp" to provide support for academic
success
- High expectations for all students regardless of entry level
- Individualized placement of students on a team best suited for
their success
Incoming students and their parents are invited to attend a spring
orientation to learn about the policies and expectations of the
school, with a second orientation session held in the fall before
classes start. Parents are very connected with the school and eager
to support the efforts of students and staff. Parents are also actively
involved in the decision-making processes throughout the year, embracing
and sharing the philosophy of high expectations. Conferences, reports,
and phone calls provide significant communication links with parents.
The principal has an open door policy and is readily available to
students, parents and staff. Each incoming sixth grade class is
assigned its own administrator who stays with his or her group of
students until they complete eighth grade. There are three teams
for each grade level, two being advanced track teams and one being
gifted. The emphasis is on making sure each student has the proper
placement to will ensure academic success.
Results: FCAT norm referenced tests are higher
than district and state across all categories.
Practices that Promote High
Performance:
- Parents and staff that share high expectations for all aspects
of the program and student achievement
- Orientations that promote communication and support for high
academic standards
- Continuity in progress monitoring by assigning class administrators
to monitor student performance from grade 6 to grade 8
The spirit
at James Weldon Johnson is to raise the bar and expect more. Reaching
for this standard, students participate in a research program that
involves setting aside one period each day for students to consult
with teachers for extending the instructional process with questions
and additional guidance in any particular subject. All students
participate in the Science Fair, which includes a heavy emphasis
on scientific research methodologies. Instruction is geared for
students who are motivated to learn and the principal seeks teachers
who will reach out and support the academic needs of these students.
Teachers and parents believe that communication and teamwork are
key components to academic success for students. Test performance
goals are also set high and are aligned with the Sunshine State
Standards.
Results: Student Performance:
98% of students scored 3.5 or high on FCAT Writing assessment with
an average score of 4.6; 84% (rdg) and 90% (math) of eighth grade
students scored 3 or higher on FCAT.
Practices that Promote High Performance:
- Programs designed to extend learning and answer student questions
- Highest standards set for performance
- Aligning school goals with state and national standards
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