Turnaround schools named

MEDIA RELEASE

HURON-SUPERIOR CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

**************** Schools join provincial project to boost achievement

Three schools in the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board are participating in the Ministry of Education's Turnaround Teams Program aimed at raising student achievement.

The initiative is part of the Educational Foundations project, whose goal is increasing the number of Ontario students reading the provincial standard on province-wide testing from an average of 50 percent two years ago to 75 percent in 2008.

Our Lady of Fatima School in Elliot Lake is in its third and final year of participation. It has received Ministry support of $287,800 since joining the project.

St. Mary's School in Blind River became a Turnaround School in September 2004 and received $110,000 in its first year.

Holy Family School in Sault Ste. Marie joined the initiative in September.

"The project is based on improving schools by developing professional learning communities and we can anticipate higher student achievement with better teaching practices," says Superintendent Maria Esposito.

"Experienced teachers, principals and literacy experts provide tailored supports to help improve student achievement."

Schools are participating on the basis of province-wide test results and on the advice of the Director of Education.

Involvement is voluntary.

Funding may be used for a literacy coach who can work directly with teachers, purchasing literacy resources or providing school staff with literacy focused professional development opportunities.

The Turnaround School program involves more than 100 schools across Ontario.

"Our schools are excited about being involved in this initiative as it represents a significant opportunity to help our students enjoy greater success," says Esposito.

Ministry Turnaround Teams composed of diagnosticians, principals, and teachers work with participating schools to ensure support provided to the principal and teachers is aligned with the students' needs.

As well, each Turnaround Team works closely with the School Improvement Team, consisting of the school principal, junior kindergarten to Grade 3 teachers, and support personnel, such as the special education resource teacher, the enhanced learning strategies teacher, educational assistants, and the school superintendent.

The Turnaround Team and the School Improvement Team develop a school improvement plan to identify school-based strategies and actions needed.

It also outlines the funding required for each strategy and the indicators that will measure success.

"With the right support, schools can improve their results," Esposito says.

"This initiative gives teachers a boost because they have additional tools at their fingertips to help students succeed. It builds optimism and helps teachers focus on what they can do to foster student success."

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