June 14, 2010
CONTACT: Chris Bennett, Assistant Superintendent Secondary Curriculum and Instruction, 560-2597
DURHAM—Strong course selection, innovative character education for students, and a zest for overall academic excellence are among the reasons that Carrington Middle School and Shepard Magnet Middle School have been redesignated Schools to Watch by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform.
Carrington and Shepard initially were named Schools to Watch in 2007 due to academic excellence, responsiveness to the needs and interests of young adolescents and their commitment to helping all students achieve at high levels. In addition, each school has strong leadership, teachers who work together to improve curriculum and instruction, and a commitment to assessment and accountability in order to bring about continuous improvement.
Criteria for redesignation included sustained academic growth over the last three years, plus continuation of programs and curricula that fulfill the guidelines for original designation. The schools submitted narrative reflection of their progress and programs since 2007.
Rogers-Herr Year-Round Middle School also is a national School to Watch, having been initially designated in 2008. DPS boasts three of the state’s 34 middle schools with this designation.
“We are excited and proud that Carrington and Shepard have retained their status as national Schools to Watch,” said Chris Bennett, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. “This is a testament to the continuation of their success, the dedication of their staff, and the support of their parents. It also is another indication that the middle-school improvement plans begun several years ago are resulting in better outcomes for our students.”
Launched in 1999, Schools to Watch began as a program to identify middle grades schools across the country that were meeting or exceeding a set of strict criteria for excellence. The Forum developed a Website (http://www.schoolstowatch.org) featuring online tours of schools, as well as detailed information about the selection criteria used in the recognition program.
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The National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform is an alliance of 65 educators, researchers, national associations and officers of professional organizations and foundations dedicated to improving education in the middle grades.
