August

2001

Accelerated Schools Project

INSIDE

Page 1 Greetings from the Director, Center Information

Page 2 Centers by Region, Training Schedule, "Network on Display " exhibit ideas, Welcome

Page 3 Introduction to Accelerated Schools Process

Inserts Powerful Learning Lab Information, Powerful Learning Lab Application, 1st Annual Network Conference Application, National Conference "Call for Proposals" Application

Greetings from the Director

Welcome to the 2001-2002 School Year!

What an exciting year this will be! There are some new things for our network to experience this year -- like our First Annual Network Conference in November and our monthly external coaches' training beginning September 17 (read more about both events later on in this newsletter). We also have some first year members in our network. Kristi Bachman, formerly a teacher at Kinder Elementary in Miamisburg, joins our staff as a Center Associate. She will serve primarily as an external coach to schools in Middletown and Cincinnati. We also extend a warm welcome to two new schools, Ely Elementary and McKinley Elementary, both in Elyria, Ohio! Welcome all!

As we begin this year I encourage each of you to commit yourselves to working to create learning communities in your schools. We know that our most successful schools do this. A recent publication from the National Staff Development Council suggests that the "Best Schools" have:

v A curriculum aligned with state standards and a staff that knows these standards;

v A staff that analyzes state test results and makes needed changes and improvements;

v A focus on high academic standards for all students;

v A "no-excuses" attitude of teachers and administrators;

v Careful experimentation with instruction;

v Involvement of all adults (including custodians, cafeteria workers, secretaries, and parents) to achieve school goals;

v A sense of belonging;

v Collaboration focused on instruction, including time teachers need for planning, and learning from each other;

v A passion for improvement; and

v No "down time" in classrooms.

These points are appropriate for us to consider as Accelerated Schools since our work is to create schools where all children learn, where our focus is on continuous improvement, and where we are passionate about the work we do.

Have a great year and I look forward to working with you all this year.

Dayton Satellite Center for Accelerated Schools

Dr. Julie K. Biddle, Director (julie.biddle@notes.udayton.edu) (937/229-4517)

University of Dayton

The ASP Newsletter is published three times a year by the Dayton Satellite Center for Accelerated Schools at the University of Dayton. Vickie Hodges, Communications Coordinator (vickie.hodges@notes.udayton.edu) (937/229-3870)

Dayton Satellite Center for Accelerated Schools by region

North East South Central

Bellevue (Detroit, MI) Bester (Hagerstown, MD) Bloom (Cincinnati, OH)

Ely Elementary (Elyria, OH) Henry Longfellow (Cleveland, OH) Corpus Christi (Dayton, OH)

Howe Elementary (Detroit, MI) Dayton Catholic (Dayton, OH)

Hutchinson (Detroit, MI) Jefferson (Middletown, OH)

James Madison (South Bend, IN) Kinder (Miamisburg, OH)

McKinley (Elyria, OH) Mayfield (Middletown, OH)

McKinley (Middletown, OH)

Mt. Airy (Cincinnati, OH)

Oakdale (Cincinnati, OH)

Oneida (Middletown, OH)

Taft (Middletown, OH)

World of Wonder (Dayton, OH)

Update on Training/Networking Opportunities for 2001-2002

Initial coaches' training -- October 1-5,2001(Monday - Friday)

Powerful Learning -- November 5-6, 2001 (Monday and Tuesday)

Inquiry -- February 4-5, 2002 (Monday and Tuesday)

Additional Training/Networking Opportunities

Leadership Institute -- August 9-10, 2001, January 10-11 &, May6-7, 2002

Coaches' Training -- September 17 (Monday)

Introduction to ASP -- September 20-21, 2001 (Thursday and Friday)

Network Conference -- November 2-3,2001

Powerful Learning Lab -- November 12-16, 2001

National ASP Conference -- January 20-23, 2002 (Austin, Texas) (all expenses encumbered by schools)

Powerful Learning and Inquiry -- May 1-3, 2002(Wednesday - Friday)

1^st Annual Network Conference

November 2 & 3, 2001- University of Dayton

"Network on Display" exhibit ideas

· photos of school launch, vision celebration, other important school events

· copies of school vision

· powerful learning portfolio

· examples of students writing about what an accelerated school is all about

· examples from school life demonstrating the three principles of accelerated schools

· highlights of key accomplishments from cadre work

Welcome!!

Ely Elementary in Elyria, Ohio is steeped in tradition and academic excellence. We are celebrating our 80^th birthday this year and continue to foster a strong community-family sense of pride. Our 500 K-6 students, along with a staff of 55, are privileged to be supported by 60 regular weekly volunteers from local businesses as well as alumni. We continue to be a neighborhood school and the "hub" of many social activities.

We spent the last year researching current reform models and came to consensus on the Accelerated Schools model because we will be building on our strengths and will retain the unique characteristics that have made Ely successful in the past.

McKinley Elementary in Elyria, Ohio has 400 students. On any given day, one can find 50 staff members here. We have grades K-6 with 2 multiple handicapped classes supported by a half-time guidance counselor, a part-time nurse, a 40 per cent media specialist, and a part-time adaptive PE, OT, and PT. We are the oldest elementary building in Elyria. We originally opened in 1908. McKinley has a reputation for excellence as evidenced by several 5^th generation families in attendance. It still remains a neighborhood school.

We investigated several reform models, visited selected sites, and chose the accelerated schools model because it best fits our perception of McKinley and what we want to offer to students.

Also, please WELCOME our newest Dayton Satellite Center associate -- Kristi Bachman.

I'm very excited to be joining the Accelerated Schools team! I have taught 5^th grade at Kinder Elementary for seven years, five which have been under the Accelerated Schools model. I was on the initial committee which researched the Accelerated Schools model and attended coaches training the fall of 97'. I received my undergraduate BS degree from Bowling Green State University and my Masters in Educational Administration at the University of Dayton. I helped instruct a summer science enrichment learning lab which was funded by a Powerful Learning grant and I took part in the joint partnership with Middletown City Schools in the Kinder Learning Lab that was held last fall. I am currently on maternity leave after giving birth to my son this past December and am looking forward to working with schools that have adopted the Accelerated Schools model.

Web addresses:

Dayton Satellite Center for Accelerated Schools: soeap.udayton.edu/support/accel/oasn.html

National Accelerated Schools Project: www.acceleratedschools.net

Dayton Satellite Center for Accelerated Schools

University of Dayton

300 College Park Drive

Dayton, OH 45469-0510

Pre-Registration Form

Ohio Accelerated Schools

1^st Annual Network Conference

November 2-3, 2001

at the University of Dayton

Name___________________________________ Job Title_____________________________________________

School_________________________________________________________________________________________

Our school will need a 6' table for the November 3 "Network on Display" exhibit

(One table per school -- wall space will be available for all) ______Yes _______No

Address________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone___________________________________________ FAX_________________________________________

Email__________________________________________________________________________________________

Pre-Registration for:

v Full Day Pre-Conference Sessions on November 2, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm (Space is limited to 25 participants/session and only pre-registration is permitted). Check the session you wish to attend:

___Grant Writing "or"

___Introduction to Accelerated Schools

Fee: $100.00 (includes breakfast, lunch & materials)

v November 2 (5:00 - 8:00 p.m.) Reception & November 3 (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) Sessions

Early Bird Fee: $75.00/person or $60.00/person for a team of 5 or

more from same school (fees and 1 completed form for each pre-registering team member must be received no later than October 15, 2001).

On-Site Fee: $100.00/person.

November 3 bag lunch choices (select one per person):

___Turkey on Kaiser Roll "or"

___Ham on Kaiser Roll "or"

___Veggie on Kaiser Roll

Total amount enclosed $___________

Payment instructions: Make check payable to:

The Learning Community Project

Send payment and completed forms to:

The Learning Community Project

Dayton Satellite Center for Accelerated Schools

331 East Schantz Avenue

Dayton, OH 45409

INFORMATION IS FORTHCOMING

WITH SPECIFIC DETAILS

Call for Presentations

Fifth National Accelerated Schools Conference l Austin, TX l January 19-23, 2002

PRESENTER INFORMATION: (Please type information)

Mr.

Ms.

Dr.

Last Name First Name Title

School and District Names

Mailing Address (OWork or OHome) City State Zip

( ) ( )

Work Telephone Number Fax Number Email Address

If team presentation, list co-presenters with mailing addresses. Additional names may be submitted on separate page.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION: Please use the following format to describe your presentation. All descriptions must be typed or computer generated.

TITLE OF PRESENTATION: (10 words or less)

SESSION OBJECTIVES: (Please list up to 5)

RELEVANCE TO ASP:

DESCRIPTION: In the box below, write a 40-word summary of your session for the conference program. It is important that your description be concise and jargon-free.

What is your preferred presentation format: O Breakout O Roundtable O Pockets of Success

EXPERIENCE AND GRADE LEVELS: (Check all that apply)

O BEGINNING O INTERMEDIATE O ADVANCED

For those with one year For those with 2-3 years For those with 4 or more years

experience in ASP experience in ASP experience in ASP

O Primary O Intermediate OJunior High/Middle O Senior high O Parents/Community

AUDIO VISUAL NEEDS: The following items will be provided without cost if requested at the time of proposal submission. All other equipment must be arranged for by the presenter through the hotel and the cost is the responsibility of the presenter.

O Overhead Projector and Screen O TV/VCR

STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING: If I decide to take part in this program, I agree to 1) register for the conference and pay the registration fee; 2) provide 50 copies of presentation handouts; 3) to appear at the date and time scheduled. As a lead presenter it is my responsibility to notify each of my co-presenters (if applicable) regarding the status of the proposal as well as the date and time of the presentation.

LEAD PRESENTER NAME____________________________SIGNATURE_____________________________

Proposals must be received by September 1, 2001

Southwest Center for Accelerated Schools

10100 Burnet Road, PRC-CMS 1.143, Austin, TX 78758

(fax) 512-232-7028 (email) hamill@mail.utexas.edu

Introduction to Accelerated Schools Process

(An overview of the ASP philosophy & process.

Participants will become familiar with ASP terminology).

DATES: September 20-21, 2001 -- 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

WHERE: Middletown Women's Center

23 Domman Plaza

Middletown, OH 45042

FOR: Newly Hired Personnel (not for coaches)

FEES: $500.00 for 1 person, $400.00 for 2 people, $300.00 each for 3 or more people.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: September 7, 2001

To REGISTER, contact Julie Biddle (937/229-4517) (julie.biddle@notes.udayton.edu)

or Vickie Hodges (937/229-3870) (vickie.hodges@notes.udayton.edu)

POWERFUL LEARNING

GRANT APPLICATION

INSTRUCTIONS

In 2-3 pages please:

v Describe completely how $1,000.00 will be used to enhance powerful learning opportunities for all students (include objectives of plan, implementation strategies, and timeline for implementation).

v Explain how your project fits with your prescribed course of study and your school's vision.

v Explain how the five components of powerful learning are woven into the proposed project.

Awardees must agree to:

v Submit well-produced videotape documenting the powerful learning project described above (tape becomes property of Satellite Center).

v Agree to participate in a follow-up interview with Satellite Center personnel.

v Agree to complete an evaluation of project.

v Agree to submit a proposal to the national Accelerated Schools Conference and if accepted, to present the work accomplished through the powerful learning grant.

Complete the application and mail to:

Julie K. Biddle, Director

Dayton Satellite Center for Accelerated Schools

University of Dayton Satellite Center for Accelerated Schools

300 College Park Drive

Dayton, OH 45469-0510

TIMELINE

v Application Deadline: (strictly adhered to)

v Notification of Winners:

v Implementation of Grant: 2001-2002 school year

v Videotape due @ Satellite Center: June 30, 2002

v Interview and evaluation: June/July 2002

Questions?

Contact Julie K. Biddle at 937/229-4517 or julie.biddle@notes.udayton.edu