Annual Report 2006-2007 - Farmington Public Schools

InstructionalHighlights from the Instructional Services Department• Comprehensive curriculum maps ingrades K-12 that align with the GradeLevel Content Expectations (GLCEs)were developed and posted on theDistrict’s web site. Each map identifiesanchor readings and writings, as wellas power standards. Common unitassessments will be developed duringthe 2007-2008 school year.• Farmington continues to increasinglyuse data for decision making in itsclassrooms, in Professional LearningCommunities (PLCs), in schoolimprovement plans, in departmentmeetings and in direction setting andplanning. Feedback in the form ofsurveys, discussions, reflection andtest results help to guide the Districtas it looks for ways to positivelyimpact student achievement.• The Department continues toincrease the use of technology forkey stakeholders in data collection,analysis, and reporting in support ofdepartment, building and Districtgoals and to meet State and federalmandates. The District introducedPearson Inform, which providesteachers access to create intuitivereports on student and school performance.Powerful graphs and chartsmake it easy to target assistance,measure progress and make informeddecisions. Data collection for variousassessments was set up in PearsonInform where teachersdirectly input assessmentresults.• The District ScienceResource Center continuesto fully support K-12science instructionthrough efficient andcost-effective practicesregarding materialsdistribution, usage,refurbishment, andreplenishment whilecontinually exploringopportunities forproductive consortiaand partnerships withbusiness, industry tradegroups, and other schooldistricts and educationalorganizations. More than1,500 kits were refurbishedin 2006-2007.The Center continues todevelop and support educationaldisplays and core science curriculuminstruction at the Farmington DiscoveryNature Center in partnership with theCity of Farmington Hills SpecialServices staff.• The District continues to look atways to provide appropriatelychallenging instruction for high-abilityexceptional students. The middleschool DELTA (talented and gifted)Fact:Community Education served1,759 families, 1,510 adults and763 children with classes duringthe 2006-2007 school year.They participated in tuition-basedenrichment programs for adultsand children that met weekdays,evenings and Saturdays.coordinator works with teachers in allfour middle schools to create lessonplans, facilitate independent studiesand model lessons to benefit the giftedstudents in their classrooms whilethree DELTA coordinators work toserve the needs of students in our13 elementary schools. A variety ofprograms are in place throughout theDistrict including Junior Great Books,Word Masters, Math Olympiads,Destination Imagination, Robotics,Page 10