The BoardsCorner: Update from CCS – Proposed Measurable Outcomes
by Kristin Wright, Charlotte School Board Member,
October 6, 2011, page 6.....

The Charlotte School Board has been working on creating measurable outcomes for our students since January 2010. These outcomes are a series of expectations regarding the knowledge students should obtain, the skills they should possess, and the attributes they should develop for life-long learning as a result of having attended CCS.

The overarching goal of the outcomes is to ensure that students will graduate from CCS demonstrating readiness for future success in high school, as seen in the following areas: a robust academic foundation, citizenship and life skills. The specifics set forth for these three areas are below and can be found online at ccsvt.us by clicking on the Board tab, selecting the top tab (also labeled Board) and opening FinalOutcomes.pdf.

In April 2011, Board Chair Lynne Jaunich solicited input from staff regarding the outcomes. The board revised the draft to reflect this input. Our next step is to hold a community forum to allow us to hear input from the Charlotte community. At the forum, we are interested in hearing the community’s answers to the following questions:

* Do these outcomes reflect the most important skills our students need to obtain and master in order to be successful in high school? If not, what else should be included?

* Are there any outcomes that should not be included?

* Which outcomes need to be better defined?

* What other benefits should students receive as a result of attending CCS?

The community forum is scheduled for November 1, 2011, at 6 p.m. in the CCS library. If you would like to provide input or ask questions about the draft outcomes but are unable to attend the forum, please contact us by e-mail at schoolboard@ccsvt.us.

The board hopes to finalize the outcomes by the end of 2011. The administration will then begin to identify indicators to monitor progress toward meeting these outcomes.
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Draft Outcomes

Are these the desired outcomes for Charlotte students? Public comment is invited at a community forum on November 1 at 6 p.m. at CCS.
The mission of CCS is to provide an educational experience that promotes academic excellence and enables each student to develop confidence and the knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary to become a competent, caring, productive, and responsible citizen.

ENDS STATEMENT:
Students will graduate from CCS demonstrating readiness for future success as seen in the following areas:
 
Robust Academic Foundation
Students will be active and responsible learners.
Students will continuously acquire new knowledge and skills so that they are able to achieve their academic potential.
 
Citizenship
Students will be responsible and productive participants in their classrooms, school, local and global communities.
Students will respect people and property, and will respond to direction in a positive manner.
Students will be able to share, embrace diversity, and show respect for multiple viewpoints.

Students will demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of economic, political, environmental and cultural dynamics occurring on a local and global scale and how these are interrelated.
 
Life Skills
Students will demonstrate the skills to be successful in diverse groups and complex circumstances.
Students will articulate thoughts and ideas effectively using oral, written and nonverbal communication skills.
Students will deal positively with praise, setbacks and criticism.
Students will understand, negotiate and balance diverse views and beliefs to build relationships and reach workable solutions.
Students will be able to solve problems in innovative, collaborative and creative ways.
Students will demonstrate personal and social behaviors that will support their physical, emotional and mental well-being.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of how nutrition, exercise, athletics, creative expression, self reflection and personal relationships contribute to a healthy, balanced and positive life.
Students will develop an appreciation for beauty, aesthetics and the natural world.
Students will be self-directed, independent thinkers who are willing and able to accept challenges, be persistent, and take risks in learning.