The challenge of bridging the gap between high-performing and lower-performing schools

By Barbara R. Kilponen

Every district has higher and lower performing schools and the challenge should be to close that gap. The Fullerton Joint Union High School District has set as a high priority strategies to provide world-class education to all students at all schools.

• Every school has more than enough class offerings to encourage a student to pursue a college education at his/her achievement level or to enter the work force/career of choice upon graduation.
• The District has set high expectations for all students in all schools. For example, Buena Park raised its state scores 124 points over six years, more than any other school in our district. The District's state scores had the highest growth numerically in the county this year.
• The District provides resources that may include additional staffing, specialized curriculum, equipment, etc. AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), for example, is designed to increase the number of students qualified for admission to college. This program is offered at four high schools as a four-year supplement to a student's curriculum.
• Open enrollment among our high schools allows students placement in coursework that meets their individual skills and goals for increased success. There are magnet programs in academics, agriculture, medical arts, JROTC, ROP, fine arts, and culinary arts, to name a few.
• Best practices from within and outside the District are encouraged. Implementing school wide programs such as Small Learning Communities enhances teacher/student interaction and raises achievement.
• Deans of Attendance monitor and increase student attendance, the best indicator of academic achievement. Currently, the District has the 2nd highest attendance rate in the county.
• Instructional methods are updated for specific effectiveness for various student groups.
• Parent Institutes are available for parents to strengthen their involvement in their students' high school life, be it academics, sports, volunteer activities, or work experience.