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Lincoln Park Academy is a well-disciplined
academic magnet, with intensive instruction in the core subjects
building the foundation of a sound, quality education. The school
has a mission that is well communicated and realized. Parents understand
that higher-order academic skills will be the focus throughout the
four-year course of study. Parents and teachers are involved in
the development of the strategic plan supporting the school's mission.
Staff at Lincoln Park Academy conduct forums and have open discussions
to secure ongoing feedback for the plan. This plan is linked to
state standards with assessment data being considered as the plan
is reviewed. The curriculum, the purchase of materials and supplies,
and teacher training, all focus where they should be - on student
achievement outcomes. Instruction is made relevant through connection
to real world careers and concerns. A job fair and career day program
also help to make the academic to work transfer more readily understood.
Results: School Grade: 2002 A.
Practices that Promote High Performance:
- A mission and plan that is well communicated, with ongoing feedback
about the effectiveness of the plan
- Higher-order academic skills are the focus throughout the four-year
course of study
- A job fair and career day program are used to make academic
to work transfers
Cultural sensitivity
is embedded within each academic discipline and encouraged in various
extra-curricular activities. While math is considered "universal",
language arts is used to include multicultural enhancement. Respect
for every student's contribution is encouraged, as diversity is
celebrated throughout the school. Contributions of scholars in each
academic field are also viewed through a lens of diversity and emphasized
in cultural fair programs. There is an orientation for new 6th grade
students and families, providing insight into the culture of Lincoln
Park Academy. Student handbooks are provided and a website communicates
matters of importance regarding programs. Parents are encouraged
to get involved through opportunities to volunteer and become active
in the Parent Teacher Organization and the School Improvement Team.
The School Advisory Council is active in management, including budget,
academic and behavior decisions.
Results: Students Stay Connected: Drop out
rate reported as 0.
Practices that Promote High
Performance:
- Cultural sensitivity embedded in the curriculum and encouraged
through extra-curricular activities
- Diversity celebrated school wide and within each academic discipline
- New parents and students provided an orientation and given insight
into the culture of LPA
Achievement
is measured in several ways. Student portfolios are commonly used
and students are asked to defend their work through public speaking
fairs. Long-term research projects are part of the curriculum, including
application of academic concepts to everyday problems. Higher-order
thinking skills are monitored through lesson plans and are reviewed
by the department chair and administration. Analysis and synthesis
go beyond the "right answer" and are part of all content
areas, including students assessing their own behavior. Teacher
made tests, in addition to FCAT practice tests, are to provide FCAT
practice opportunities. School goals reflect longer-range views
of achievement, addressing skills necessary for work and higher
education. Increases in FCAT performance, IB diplomas and number
Bright Futures Scholarship recipients are also seen as important
measures of academic achievement.
Results: Recognized by Newsweek,
and the Washington Post as one of the most challenging secondary
schools in the nation.
Practices that Promote High Performance:
- Students given an opportunity to talk about their work through
speaking fairs
- Curriculum that emphasizes higher-order thinking skills
- Setting short and long term academic achievement goals
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