PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS 1 New Small Schools John E. Deasy Superintendent of Schools January 11, 2007
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS 2 Prince George’s County Board of Education R. Owen Johnson, Jr., Chair Verjeana M. Jacobs, Esq., Vice Chair Donna Hathaway Beck Pat J. Fletcher Heather Iliff Rosalind A. Johnson Linda Thornton Thomas Nathaniel B. Thomas Ron L. Watson, Ph.D. Leslie D. Hall, Student Member John E. Deasy, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools and Secretary/Treasurer
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS 3 Current State One style of public schools in Prince George’s County We have lost students to non-public schools Students are struggling to achieve in our system Not all students learn in the same way, yet we only have one type of school to serve them Options and choices for parents and students are clearly needed
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS 4 Advantages of Choice-Based System Increase learning opportunities for all pupils, especially those we have lost Create new professional opportunities for teachers and other school leaders Provide parents and pupils with expanded choices in education opportunities Stimulate continuous improvement in all public schools
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS 5 New Small Schools Concept Allow Board of Education to propose new school concepts based on needs of the district and students PGCPS will assist with facility location and staffing Schools are public schools, but have independent contracts for delivery of education High autonomy in exchange for a high degree of accountability
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS 6 New Small Schools Contract schools vs. charter schools Our public schools Our faculty Our administration District determines needs/desire for partnership District seeks partners who are entrepreneurial and awards contracts to those who meet our RFP Students required to meet requirements on graduation, HSAs, MSAs Many options for program style/method of teaching and learning
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS 7 Examples of Potential New Small Schools KIPP Aspire Habitat for Humanity Language-based schools MET High-Tech High
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS 8 Office of New Small Schools Community-based group to carry a wide variety of incentives and support Ensure focus on district’s interests, methods and mission Advisory board consisting of representatives from: Board of Education County government Business community School district partners Community-based organizations Goal to open new stand-alone schools in 2009 school year
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS 9 Next Steps Board approves concept Deliver scope, timeline and budget Staff Office of New Small Schools Seek school district partners