Nova High
School programs meet the needs of a diverse group of students. Black,
Hispanic, and Asian students comprise over 42% of the total student
population. Teachers are hired to reflect this student body increasing
responsiveness to students' needs. Multicultural and bilingual plans
also reflect this sensitivity to diversity and promote positive
experiences for students from all backgrounds. FCAT and ESOL camps
providing tutoring are held on Saturdays supported by community
donations and parent/teacher volunteers. In addition, the principal
makes sure that each teacher on campus teaches at least one regular
class to ensure that all students have access to the best teachers.
Curriculum is analyzed and adjusted throughout the year based on
student performance at all levels.
Results: 91% of students graduated in four
years in 2002 compared to 65% at the district and 68% at the state
levels.
Practices that Promote High Performance:
- Teacher demographics tied to student body demographics
- Specific attention to diversity through multicultural and bilingual
planning teaching and learning with recommendations to the administrative
team
- Teachers teaching at least one regular level course to allow
all students to experience the best
- Extra curricular opportunities for academic enhancement through
Saturday "camps"
High expectations for teachers are reflected in student achievement
and evident in the administration's focus on faculty at Nova High
School. Administrators are in classrooms on a regular basis. The
principal's philosophy of "inspected is respected and respected
is expected" reinforces the value he places on what teachers
do. Staff development dollars are given to department chairpersons
to be used to best meet the professional development needs of the
particular department. Being knowledgeable, passionate, and flexible
are characteristics emphasized in hiring again reflecting high expectations.
All staff are involved in decision-making and empowered to make
instructional decisions as long as student outcomes are high. Money
donated by Coca-Cola is used to recognize teacher efforts through
luncheons and incentives. There are very few people on staff who
do not have direct contact with students.
Results: School Grade: 2002 A; 2003 A.
Practices that Promote High
Performance:
- Empowering departments and teachers to make decisions reflecting
instructional needs
- High expectations for teachers
- Formal recognition of teacher accomplishments
Nova
staff has developed an "Academic Prep Program" to make
sure resources are allocated to students who need them most. Students
scoring in the bottom 25 percentile on the FCAT in reading or math
are in smaller classes and work with the same team of teachers throughout
the day. Students are helped to develop skills allowing them to
set academic goals and monitor their own progress. Fifty computers
equipped with Compass Learning have been provided to assist with
remediation for students in this program. The Academic Prep Program
also encourages reading across the curriculum and is supported in
part by additional reading materials provided by Barnes and Noble
for use by all students. A vocational/career grant funds an additional
counselor position to support students in the program.
Results: FCAT reading, math,
and writing scores considerably above district and state levels.
Practices that Promote High Performance:
- Allocation of resources including additional support staff reflecting
identified student needs
- Team teaching of students needing additional support to further
align needs and curriculum
- Emphasizing reading across the curriculum
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