Learning
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Measuring What Matters: A First Look at TCAPS’ Progress Toward the 2030 Vision
One of the commitments we made in our new 2030 Vision* was to measure what matters—and to share our progress along the way. At yesterday’s Curriculum Committee meeting, we reviewed our latest elementary reading and math outcomes using the NWEA, our district’s benchmark assessment. Unlike the state assessment (M-STEP), which won’t be publicly released until…
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What Does Success After Graduation Look Like?
As we get ready to celebrate our graduates this Friday and Sunday, what does success after graduation really look like? Our Portrait of a Graduate helps answer that question. More than a list of academic requirements, it reflects the knowledge, skills, character, and dispositions we want every student to develop before they leave our schools…
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National Headlines, Local Data: Continuing the Conversation About Screens in Classrooms
Following the recent conversation around the Wall Street Journal’s reporting* on YouTube, Chromebooks, and screen use in American classrooms, I wanted to share some information presented at last week’s Curriculum Committee meeting. One finding that stood out: among 127 of our elementary classrooms reporting, the most common Chromebook usage in math, reading, science, and social…
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Are Our Classroom Devices Helping Students Learn?
It’s hard to read stories like this one from Thursday’s Wall Street Journal and not feel a mix of concern – and responsibility. A recent report on the role of YouTube in schools highlights something many families and educators are noticing: students spending large parts of the school day on screens – sometimes learning, and…
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April’s Newsletter
April’s newsletter is out: • A new chapter in early literacy – raising outcomes and closing opportunity gaps • Parker’s Story – Finding her voice at Central High School • Curriculum Committee Snapshot: Creativity, Opportunity, and Pathways for All • School board meeting agenda highlights • Where are our future surgical techs? • Back to…
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TCAPS Curriculum Committee Snapshot: Creativity, Opportunity, and Pathways for All
The TCAPS Curriculum Committee meets to guide and oversee teaching and learning across the district. These meetings bring together school board members, staff, and district leaders to review programs, monitor student progress, and discuss instructional strategies. The Curriculum Committee Snapshot is a monthly series designed to increase awareness and understanding of how this work supports…
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Courtade and Willow Hill Elementary: Brights Spots
There’s a national conversation happening right now about early literacy—and which schools are helping students succeed as readers, regardless of family income. Right here in our community, two schools have been recognized as part of that story. Courtade Elementary and Willow Hill Elementary have both been identified as “Bright Spots” by The 74*, a national…
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Virtual Learning Is Growing — But Who Is It Serving?
I don’t yet know the percentage of economically disadvantaged students enrolled in our virtual programs. I do know we’ve expanded our virtual program at Traverse City High School and launched a new middle school option at East Middle School – with built-in adult support and check-ins. That’s a positive step. At the same time, our…
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From Steadying the Ship to Full Speed Ahead: A New Vision for Early Literacy at TCAPS
Our most recent third-grade reading outcomes certainly make clear the work ahead: • All third graders: 49% proficient • Economically disadvantaged third graders: 38% • Not economically disadvantaged third graders: 53% These numbers show why it’s time to move from steadying the ship to full speed ahead. That’s why, for the first time, our district’s…
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Partnership Schools: Surrounding TCAPS Students with Support
At our recent Curriculum Committee meeting*, we learned about the “Partnership School” model and explored ways in which trained and vetted community members could provide additional academic tutoring in reading and math—especially for students who need extra practice to build literacy and numeracy fluency. This isn’t about replacing teachers – it’s about surrounding students with…
TY FOR TCAPS 