West Shore Jr./Sr. High School is Brevard County's first public
school of choice. Students are committed to learning and the curriculum
is designed for academic acceleration through dual enrollment, Advanced
Placement courses and Florida High School on-line. In addition to
standardized and teacher made tests, students develop extensive
portfolios representing what they can do with what they know. The
culminating Senior Project is rigorous, comprehensive and required
for graduation. Students are encouraged to build critical-thinking
skills and "think beyond the data given". Social studies
students are asked to fashion their own country, reflecting on trade,
taxes, laws and customs. All subjects incorporate opportunities
for self-reflection, introspection and higher-order thinking.
Results: School Grade: 2002 A
Practices that Promote High Performance:
- Incorporating self reflection into the challenging curriculum
to keep learning meaningful
- Portfolio assessment to supplement more traditional teacher
and standardized tests
- Providing opportunities for students to apply what they have
learned and "think beyond the data"
A
positive school environment is fostered by support from teachers,
administration and parents. The climate of the school is businesslike,
yet friendly. Everyone knows they have a job to do and is confident
they can do it well. Teachers are offered support through professional
development, especially in areas of FCAT and AP instruction, and
are encouraged to attend national conferences. Faculty is dedicated
and demonstrates a genuine interest in students, often staying extra
hours to avail themselves to students for tutoring. Students continue
in the same homeroom throughout their time at school fostering mentoring
relationships with teachers. The principal is shown a high degree
of respect for her comprehensive knowledge and interest in the faculty's
opinion's and ideas. Additionally, she is given considerable autonomy
by the district to lead her school. Parents understand that higher-order
academic skills and positive behavior will be the focus throughout
the six-year course of study.
Results: Students remain committed: West
Shore's graduation rate is 5% higher than the district and 18% higher
than the state for students who graduated within four years of entering
9th grade.
Practices that Promote High
Performance:
- Teachers, parents, and administrators with a common focus
- Teachers going the "extra mile" in providing supplemental
opportunities for students
- Faculty mentor the same group of students for four years
West Shore Jr./Sr. High has a clear mission and ensures that students
and teachers have what they need to fulfill that mission. Staff
spent valuable time developing the mission and strategic plan and
then clearly communicated that message to all stakeholders, taking
time to ensure understanding. Multiple grants have supported programs
that might not have otherwise been possible; they have also been
instrumental in providing dictionaries for all students and resources
for faculty to attend conferences. West Shore takes pride in the
efforts and accomplishments of its students. The school makes sure
to take time to celebrate successes along the way, recognizing outstanding
performance of students and teachers at school programs and elsewhere.
Social activities, including a pep rally and barbeque direct students
to focus on the importance of putting forth their best efforts.
Community support promotes activities such as career day and the
PTA provides resources for students to attend state and national
level conferences and academic competitions, helping students graduate
prepared to enter the workforce and post secondary education.
Results: High performance: Average
SAT score 1134.
Practices that Promote High Performance:
- All staff involved in the development of a clear mission and
plan
- Seeking funding sources beyond what is allocated to support
student and faculty needs
- Informally and formally celebrating efforts and successes of
students and faculty
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