Raider Open Door Academy Nettleton Public Schools

Topics for Discussion What is a charter school? Rationale for RODA RODA mission statement/goals RODA profile/principles RODA structure/differences/staff At the end of year one… In the beginning… The last piece of the puzzle—TAP The future for RODA

What is a Charter School? Charter schools are public schools that are free from most of the restrictive laws that govern traditional public schools. The allows charter schools more flexibility to implement creative and innovative programs and policies. In return for this freedom, charter schools are held more accountable for student success. Funded like other public schools, they operate under contracts detailing the school’s mission, program, goals, students served, methods of assessment and ways to measure success. Two types = conversion and open-enrollment

Rationale for RODA Identified 10% of students entering 5 th and 6 th grade annually as having severe deficits in either reading and/or mathematics These students were at least two years below grade level and were not finding success in the classroom or performing well on standardized tests High absenteeism, discipline referrals, mobility Initiated pilot program in 1999 Results outstanding, but still not enough Charter proposed

RODA Mission Statement The mission of the Raider Open Door Academy is to prepare intermediate grade students (grades 5-8) for academic success in high school and beyond. After attending the school, students will enter ninth grade with the ability to identify life goals and the skills to achieve them.

RODA Profile Current Enrollment = 52 students (27-5 th graders, 13-6 th graders, 3-7 th graders, 9-8 th graders) Percentages = 44% Female, 56% Male 35% Black, 57% White, 8% Hispanic 23% Special Education 54% Free lunch/Reduced, 46% Paid 6% ESL 8% Freedom of Choice 4% Homeless Staff to pupil ratio = 1:13 All of our students are two or more years behind grade level in reading and/or math

RODA Principles There are no shortcuts. There are no excuses. BE committed, DO what it takes, HAVE what you want. Work hard. Be nice. Take pride in your tribe.

RODA Structure School day = 8:00 am-4:00 pm School year = 188 days (10 days longer than traditional schools) Three-1 1/2 hour blocks (Math, Reading, Writing) Three-40 minute blocks (Science, Social Studies, Word Work) Students are grouped according to skill level not grade level 2.5 hours of extracurricular activity per week 2.5 hours of computer assessment per week Regular assessments

Other obvious differences: Contracts (teacher, student, and parent) Discipline Constant School/Home Connection –Cell phones –Agendas –Home visits Collaborative teaching Paychecks/End of Year trips Technology Report cards –Mastery learning

Staff Nicole Covey, Principal/Master Teacher –9 years experience –BSE in Secondary Social Science, MSE in Special Education-Gifted, Talented, and Creative Education –Certified in Secondary Social Science 7-12 and Gifted, Talented, and Creative P-8 and 7-12 Cindy Barnhardt, Career Teacher –Literacy Specialist –10 years experience –BSE in Elementary Education, MSE in Reading –Certified in Elementary Education P-8, Middle School English, High School English, and Reading Specialist Patti Jo Clark, Career Teacher –Literacy Specialist –13 years experience –BSE in Elementary Education, MSE in Reading –Certified in Elementary Education P-8, Reading Specialist, and Administration Kyle Helms, Career Teacher –Math Specialist –2 years experience –BS in Engineering –Alternative Licensure in 7-12 Math

The future for RODA Reach the measurable goals set forth by the charter Add extracurricular programs such as art and music Increase student enrollment Continue working hard every day to ensure success for our students