PARENT MEETING OCTOBER 11, 2010 The Dalles Wahtonka High School

Pathways to Success TDW SPIRIT CREDIT for Proficiency

Building an Environment of Excellence At The Dalles Wahtonka High School we are working to create an environment that truly promotes academic success Staff and Students have developed the acronym; S.P.I.R.I.T to describe the positive changes they are creating at the school “Whatever it Takes”

S.P.I.R.I.T S uccess P ride I ntegrity R espect I nvolvement T eamwork Strive for Excellence Represent and support myself and my school positively Take responsibility for my actions Value myself and others Be an active participant in all that our school has to offer Positively support and encourage one another

SPIRIT Conduct Guidelines SPIRIT groups have developed these guidelines to describe what staff and student conduct should look like at The Dalles Wahtonka High School.

Credit for Proficiency Credit for Proficiency simply means that High School credit is awarded when a student has shown that they know and understand the course material and/or they can demonstrate a specific skill. WHAT Does it Mean?

Credit for Proficiency and Graduation The Oregon Department of Education has set new graduation requirements Beginning with the class of 2012, students will have to demonstrate that they possess essential skills (are proficient) in several of the Core Areas of Learning. (reading, writing, math, science) in order to earn a high school diploma By awarding credit for proficiency, the school ensures that each student can in fact demonstrate the essential skills that they will need in order to earn their diploma upon graduation Why?

Credit for Proficiency Oregon Dept. of Education and the National Academic Association set the standards that determine what students must know at each grade level. Teaching staff work in groups to develop common methods for assessing student progress in Core Areas. How does it work?

Credit for Proficiency Students know and understand the course content and what they need to learn up front. Students demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities through assignments, projects, and assessments. Students receive regular feedback about their progress.

Credit for Proficiency Grades are based on how well student’s know the material. Students may receive a grade of A, B, C to receive High School Credit for the course. Rather than a grade of “D” or “F” students would receive an “I” indicating “In Progress” How are students graded?

Credit for Proficiency Students who receive an “I” at the end of the term will have opportunities to continue working in the specific area of study during the following term in order to learn the material. This ensures that students have the knowledge they need to move on to the next level successfully. What happens if you get an “I”

Credit for Proficiency TDWHS is currently implementing testing this process in some math and science classes. The goal is to have the process and guidelines fully developed and implemented by September 2011 for the 2011/2012 school year. When will this happen?

SPIRIT and Credit for Proficiency The Dalles Wahtonka High School is striving for excellence, whatever it takes. By creating an environment that promotes success, and realigning curriculum and assessment to ensure that students have every opportunity to master the materials before moving on to the next level we will ensure that students are fully prepared for the next stage in life.