System Reform Proposal FAQ:

Why are reforms needed in the Tuscaloosa City Schools?

In recent years, the Tuscaloosa City Schools has implemented several initiatives that focused on improving student achievement. These initiatives have realized uneven results at some schools, as determined by the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT), the state’s assessment. Further, some student subgroups have done very well, while others have not. For instance, the school division has always had a number of schools whose student have met and have exceeded academic content standards in all courses/assessments.

What schools are proposed for these reforms?

Central Elementary School, Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School, Oakdale Elementary School, Westlawn Middle School and Central High School. We are also considering other schools.

Why are other schools not being included in this reform effort?

Other schools may be included in the reform measures in the future. In fact, principals of four other schools have expressed interest in seeing reforms implemented in their respective schools. Those schools include: Alberta Elementary School, Northington Elementary School, Skyland Elementary School and Southview Elementary School.

When would the proposals go into effect?

Following board approval, the reforms would go into effect for the 2012-2013 academic year.

How were schools selected for these reform measures?

A comparison of the state assessment data led to this reform proposal.

What did the data show?

The data showed that not all schools have experienced similar achievement gains, or student achievement has been uneven. Although there is improvement from the 2009-2010 school year until the 2010-2011 school year, the data show that some subgroups, particularly African American students, free/reduced lunch students and students with disabilities, as subgroups, reported much lower passing rates:

Mathematics: Percent Passing the Third Grade ARMT

Reading: Percent Passing the Third Grade ARMT

What does the data reflect on the individual school levels?

An assessment of the data per school shows uneven successes, particularly at four of the school system’s most needy schools: Central Elementary School, Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School, Oakdale Elementary School and Westlawn Middle School. Moreover, a review of the data below confirms the view that the school system has not witnessed successes for all subgroups and at all schools, and thus the need to assess programs, and/or possible initiatives in an attempt to further improve student achievement. For that reason, then, the school administration proposes a series of reform strategies initiatives for the aforementioned schools.

Reading: Percent Passing the Third Grade ARMT

* MLK Elementary scores are fourth grade scores, for it was a 4-5 grade school during this testing period
**WMS scores are sixth grade ARMT scores

Mathematics: Percent Passing the Third Grade ARMT

* MLK Elementary scores are fourth grade scores, for it was a 4-5 grade school during this testing period
**WMS scores are sixth grade ARMT scores

What will the proposed reforms look like in the Tuscaloosa City Schools?

The superintendent is proposing a series of reforms aimed at closing the achievement gap among students in the system. The reforms include: an extended/year-round calendar; changes in the implementation of Westlawn Middle School’s School Improvement Grant (SIG), acceleration of students, enrichment, remediation and advanced programs for students.

What benefits does an extended/year-round calendar provide?

Expanded learning time for students; provide more time to review, analyze and use achievement data per child; provide more time to remediate students; afford schools the opportunities to expose students to the world outside of their communities; allow school to provide more challenging academic programs, beyond minimum standards; give schools opportunities to build strong cultures within and outside of schools and assist in providing staff with relevant and meaning professional development.

How does an extended/year-round calendar work?

Typically, students would attend school for a period of time (e.g. 45 days), to be followed by a short break (e.g. 15 days). Students would then have the opportunity to further their learning by attending intersession days during the short break, during which Child Nutrition Programs will be offered. Therefore, students could be in school for as many 210 days rather than 180.

What are acceleration programs?

Acceleration programs would allow students to be placed in more challenging courses (i.e. mathematics and reading) if they have demonstrated the ability for success. The proposal is to start accelerating students beginning in the second grade.

What will the proposal for reform look like at Central Elementary School, Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School and Oakdale Elementary School?

Extended/year-round calendar; enrichment program; character education and leadership programs; after-school or intersession days and school nutrition; remediation program/efforts; review and use data to develop plans per child; additional planning time for teachers and the use of extra days (with an emphasis on reading and math; remediation).

What will the proposal for reform look like at Westlawn Middle School?

Extended/year-round calendar; remediation periods in reading and writing; review and use data to develop plans per child; use of social workers, family and mental health services; building relationships with the community; accelerating students in mathematics, reading and rewriting of the School Improvement Grant (SIG) and community outreach.

I have heard that the system proposes to hire additional employees at Westlawn to meet these challenges. In this tight economy, from where will the money come?

The reform proposal includes the addition of a Turnaround Specialist and a Social Worker for Westlawn. These positions will be funded by WMS’ School Improvement Grant.

What will a Turnaround Specialist do for Westlawn?

The main task of this position would be to assist the principal in assessing teachers’ classroom performances. These assessments could lead to more professional development for the teacher.

How does a social worker fit into the reform for Westlawn?

The proposed social worker would help identify and address issues by working with students and families. In so doing, the social worker could help families address issues that may confront WMS students as he/she works with families.

What will the proposal for reform look like at Central High School?

Accelerated math offerings (block math—Algebra, Geometry); reading offerings; ultimately increased enrollment in Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses; credit recovery.

Is teacher/principal input being collected on this topic?

Yes, the superintendent has met with schools and their faculties about these proposals for discussion on the topic. The majority of employees are in favor of these measures.

For the employees that aren’t in favor of participating in the reforms, what will happen?

No punitive actions will be taken against employees. If they do not want to participate in the reform measures, they may seek reassignment to other schools as space is available.

Will parental input be sought on these measures?

Yes, parents and interested citizens will have the opportunity to voice their opinions at a community meeting to be held December 12, 2011 at 6 p.m. in the Westlawn Middle School gymnasium. Also, the December 15, 2011 Open Work Session and at the December 20, 2011 Regular Board Meeting will provide the public additional opportunity to speak to this issue. Those wishing to comment on this topic must sign up the night of the meeting, per board policy. Look for announcements of additional community meetings in early 2012.

When will this item go before the Board of Education for a vote?

This item will likely be on the December 20, 2011 Regular Board Meeting agenda, which are published in advance and on the system’s website at www.tuscaloosacityschools.com The board will meet at 6 p.m. in the Regions Room at the Tuscaloosa City Schools Board of Education building, located at 1210 21st Avenue in Tuscaloosa.

Does the superintendent have experience and success with implementing changes such as the proposal?

Yes, the superintendent implemented reforms with success at his previous school system.