• Advanced Academics
• Elementary Academics
• Gateway to College
• Graduation
• Kindergarten
• Middle School Academics
• Online Resources for Parents
• Report Cards/Progress Reports
• SAT Preparation
• Saturday Learning Center
• Scholarships
• Scientifica
• Secondary Academics
• Teaching and Testing

Balanced Literacy is an approach to language arts that honors the reciprocal relationship between reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Instruction in a Balanced Literacy classroom requires students to be actively engaged in learning. Lessons and activities are differentiated to teach similar skills at various levels. Students may choose reading materials from authentic literature in numerous genres. Teachers make this possible by making thoughtful selections which provide options to match students’ instructional reading level and interests. Guided reading is based on the individual student’s capability to build a bridge to a challenging area. In a Balanced Literacy classroom, children learn that reading and writing are closely linked together to form the same process. DPS has invested in additional reading teachers, extensive and in-depth staff development and implementation of the Balanced Literacy Framework. Teachers develop individualized success plans for each student who is having difficulty reading, and the “gateways” at grades 3, 5 and 8 ensure that students have mastered the skills they need to be successful at the next level before they are promoted.

Reading First

Reading programs in four Durham elementary schools benefit from federal Reading First funds. The Reading First initiative in North Carolina is designed to ensure that all children learn to read well by the end of the third grade. The program applies scientifically based reading research to reading instruction in all North Carolina schools. Participating schools are: Fayetteville Street, Glenn, Lakewood and Harris.

Discovery-Based Science

Science education is critical to the core knowledge of all children.  Science is learned best when students are given the opportunity to experience science.  We are moving toward using more of an inquiry approach to learning science and applying it to real life; to bolster our provision of quality materials for scientific investigations; to continue to provide professional development for teachers; and to increase our partnerships with the community.

Overview:
Gateway to College (GtC) is a nationally recognized education model that helps students experience success in an educational setting, under the guidance of a caring team of instructors and student support specialists with experience and interest in dropout youth. Students learn in a small learning community of their peers. This experience builds their academic and personal skills, preparing them to transition to college courses with the general student population. In addition to reading, writing and math, students take a college skills class to learn and practice the habits needed to transform themselves into successful college students.
 
Mission and History:
The mission of Gateway to College is to empower youth who have dropped out of high school or are not on track to graduate to earn a diploma and dual credit in a supportive college environment. This program was developed at Portland Community College (PCC) in 2000. Since 2003, Gateway to College has evolved from a single-site program into a national network of 24 colleges in 14 states partnering with 111 school districts.

Staff:
A specialized team will be formed to serve GtC students which will include a director, resource specialists and instructors. The GtC program will be led by a director who will be directly supervised by community college staff members and who will work collaboratively with both the school district and community to meet all district and state standards.

Student Profile:
Existing Gateway to College programs serve at-risk youth, between the ages of 16-20, who have dropped out of school. They are a diverse group facing a variety of challenges which include: foster youth, adjudicated youth, ESL students, teen parents, students who need a more flexible schedule to accommodate work or family responsibilities, students who feel they did not fit well in a traditional high school setting, and young people recovering from homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction and abuse. Many GtC students are African-American and Hispanic (58%), first generation college-goers (70%) and have an average of 59% of their high school credits completed. The average student enters GtC at the age of 17 with a GPA of 1.65 on a 4.0 scale. 

Funding:
GtC schools are based on a collaborative effort between a community college and the public school system. The school district will provide funds to support staffing, tuition and books. GtC schools also receive start-up grant funds through the Gateway to College Network. 

Essential Elements of the Model:

Results:
The Gateway to College network programs aim to achieve positive results in a number of key areas: improving attendance, reducing academic-related barriers, and increasing academic performance.  In addition, students will accumulate college credit.

Timeline:
 August 2010  -GtC at DTCC opens

Contact:
Gateway to College
Durham Technical Community College
1637 Lawson Street
Durham, NC 27703
Phone: 919-536-7248
Fax: 919-536-7283
Email: gateway@durhamtech.edu
 Brendon Comer (Director)
comerb@durhamtech.edu 
919-536-7231, ext. 2420

http://www.durhamtech.edu/gateway/

2012 Graduation Calendar

Graduation Requirements

North Carolina high school students are expected to meet specific state requirements in order to receive a high school diploma. These requirements apply to all students across the state and help ensure that all graduates have met certain standards. These standards for achievement and courses are designed to prepare students for higher education and for work as adults.

DPS Graduate Profile

In addition to state standards, Durham Public Schools Board of Education has set additional standards to graduate.

Over the past several years, graduation requirements have changed.

The date a student enters ninth grade determines the requirements that must be met.

• 2003-2005
• 2006-2008
• 2009

• High School Program of Studies

Click to view the DPS Kindergarten Website

Contact Information

If you have questions about DPS kindergarten, please contact your elementary school Principal or Kate MacDonell, Kindergarten Specialist, at 560-9403 or Kate.MacDonell@dpsnc.net

Thank you for choosing DPS for your Kindergartener. We look forward to many years of learning together.

Web Links

• Curriculum, NC Department of Public Instruction
• Early Childhood Educators' and Family Web Corner
• National Association for the Education of Young Children
• National PTA
• North Carolina PTA
• ReadyWeb

Visit your school library media center from any computer, anywhere, anytime!  Durham Public Schools’ web-based library system, Destiny, provides access to library media resources with just the click of a mouse.  Features include:

• Access to all library media resources in the district 24/7 through a web interface
• Keyword, author, title, and subject searching
• A view of the book cover next to the catalog record through TitlePeek
• Quality links related to specific topics and curriculum areas through WebPath Express
• Lexile levels on most materials
• Ability to search for materials by Lexile level
• A personal log-in feature that allows students and teachers to check their library records, create personal lists and other customized features
• Visual searching for primary grades

NC WiseOwl - www.ncwiseowl.com

NC WiseOwl provides a wide selection of reference databases for students as well as resources for parents and teachers.  Conttact your school media coordinator for password
Included are:

• Briatannica Online
• Grolier Online:  Thousands of full-text, Lexiled articles from magazines and encyclopedias
• Junior Reference Collection: Focuses on the needs of middle school and upper elementary students
• Gale Infobits: A database designed for easy browsing and searching at the   elementary school level
• Lands and Peoples: Supports the social studies curriculum with articles, data, maps, and flag images
• Amazing Animals: Articles and spectacular photographs of all types of animals
• NoveList and NoveList Plus: A database that provides reviews and annotations for thousands of fiction titles, plus Author Read-Alikes, Book Discussion Guides, BookTalks, and Annotated Book Lists. NoveList Plus provides similar features for non-fiction books.

Worldbook Online  Reference Center - www.worldbookonline.com/wb/home

Worldbook Online  Reference Center includes  thousands of articles, multimedia, editor-reviewed  websites, periodical content, an atlas, over 1.3 million pages of primary source documents, timelines, and a citation builder.  World Book Kids, based on World Book Student Discovery Encyclopedia, offers a simpler navigation, thousands of colorful illustrations, diagrams, maps, and activities tied to the NC Standard Course of study.  An intermediate level Spanish language encyclopedia is available for elementary and middle grades or beginning Spanish students.  Remote passwords for home use are available from your media specialist.

• DPS SAT Preparation Classes (PDF)

Free SAT Resources

• www.cfnc.org - College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) is a free service of the State of North Carolina that helps students plan, apply, and pay for college. CFNC is a partnership of Pathways, the N.C. State Education Assistance Authority, and College Foundation, Inc.
• www.collegeboard.com – College Board is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. College Board promote excellence and equity in education through programs for K–12 and higher education institutions, and by providing students a path to college opportunities, including financial support and scholarships. Through work in middle schools, high schools and colleges, they serve more than seven million students and parents.
• www.sat.collegeboard.com/practice/sat-study-plan – College Board provides free and affordable practice strategies online for student preparing for the SAT. Some of the free resources are helpful to students by assisting with developing a SAT Study Plan online, SAT Question of the Day, Sample Practice Questions, Free Practice Test and more.
• www.ineedapencil.com – INeedAPencil.com provide free and innovative SAT prep. Students will prepare for the SAT with 60 engaging lessons in math, reading, and writing that infuse pop culture into learning to make prep accessible, 800+ challenging practice exam questions that simulate the SAT and provide full explanations, and unique features like a score projector to show you how you are predicted to score on the real exam.
• www.satexamprep.com – Satexamprep.com offers a completely free online SAT study guide, with practice tests, all designed to help you gain the confidence you need to score high on your official SAT test.
• www.number2.com - Number2.com's online test preparation courses are totally free! By creating an account you can access a customized course that includes user-friendly tutorials, practice sessions that dynamically adapt to each student's ability level, a vocabulary builder, and more...

Scientifica Brochure

Getting Involved

Students who would like to participate in Scientifica must demonstrate interest and motivation in science and exhibit high academic achievement in science and mathematics. Parents/guardians support is encouraged. Students must complete an application to be considered.

Applications for the coming school year

• High School Students
• 8th Grade Students
• Teacher Recommendation Form
  

Program Activities

The level of support and involvement by the student will vary depending on grade level:

• Grade 8: Students will be encouraged and supported in the development of a science project.
  There will be a two-day research workshop for students in grades 8 and 9.
• Grades 9 and 10: Students will work on team projects with a mentor and will be prepared for future individual or team research projects.
  
• Grade 11 and 12: Students will receive guidance and support in the selection of a research opportunity, will be supported as they conduct research projects and will showcase their projects in a variety of competitions and/or venues. Students also will learn about the many career options in science. 

Benefits

• Reports show that students involved in scientific research while in high school are more prepared for rigorous post-secondary study, and are better qualified for university admission and scholarships.
• Students will have opportunities to present their projects in prestigious science competitions via participation in Scientifica.
• Scientifica projects can serve to fulfill the graduation project requirement.
• The program will allow students to explore careers in science.
• Students will have opportunities to network with scientists and college faculty.
• Students will form friendships and study groups with other students in the district who share a passion for science.
• Durham Public Schools will recognize all participants in an annual science gala.

Vision

To create a culture within Durham Public Schools that supports and promotes student involvement and leadership in the field of science.

Mission

To establish a cohort of motivated students and to provide the students with:

• Access to experiences and professionals in the field of science
• Resources to assist them in their projects
• Research opportunities
• Guidance and support through the process
• Support for advanced science courses
• Exposure to a variety of careers in science

Advanced Academics

Superintendent Carl Harris is committed to involving a greater number of students in more rigorous courses and in enrichment efforts that enhance learning. Enriched programs are available to all students while there are accelerated programs for advanced students.

For more information and program applications contact:

• Linda Dimmick, DPS Science Director, Grades K-12,  560-3677  email: linda.dimmick@dpsnc.net
• Dr. Jeffrey LaCosse, Scientifica Coordinator, 560-3926, ext. 23248  email: jeffrey.lacosse@dpsnc.net

Middle School:

• By 2009, 95 percent of students will exit eighth grade on grade level in reading, mathematics and science (as measured by NCLB’s Adequate Yearly Progress standard).
• By 2007, the Achievement Gap will be eliminated in reading and mathematics in grades 6-8.
• Each year, all middle schools will meet or exceed their growth targets set by the State Board of Education and measured by North Carolina tests.

High School:

• By 2013, 100 percent of students will graduate from high school (as measured by the No Child Left Behind Adequate Yearly Progress standard).
• By 2009, 90 percent of graduating students will complete a college tech prep or college university prep course of study.
• By 2009, 80 percent of graduating students will meet the course requirements for admission to the University of North Carolina system.

High Five Regional Partnership

High Five: Regional Partnership for High School Excellence is designed to improve the quality of education in the Triangle region, with a special focus on excellence in the region’s high schools. Education and business leaders intend to ensure that all students graduate with a high school diploma, well prepared to pursue higher education and a career of their choice. Durham, Wake, Orange, Chapel Hill-Carrboro and Johnston school districts are participating. Five area companies are funding the project at $100,000 a year for five years. They are: The News and Observer, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation, Capitol Broadcasting, Progress Energy and SAS.

• Hillside: Pick up at 7:50 a.m. - - Drop off at 12:05 p.m.
• Jordan: Pick up at 8:05 a.m. - - Drop off at 11:50 a.m.

Southern Shuttle (Pick up in bus parking area)

• Southern: Pick up at 8:00 a.m. - - Drop off at 11:50 a.m. 

Northern/Riverside Shuttle (Pick up in bus parking area)

• Northern: Pick up at 7:55 a.m. - - Drop off at Noon
• Riverside: Pick up at 8:10 a.m. - - Drop off at 11:45 a.m.

Local Benchmark Testing

• local assessment calendar

DPS administers benchmark tests in certain grades to ensure that students are ready for the state’s tests.  These tests mirror the state tests in content, format, and time limit.  Teachers use the results as a tool to determine students’ strengths and weaknesses.

Grade 2 students participate in benchmark testing two times.  Grades 3-8 students take benchmark test quarterly in reading, math, science and social studies.  High school students will take benchmark tests in end-of-course test subjects at mid-term and before finals. 

State Testing

• state assessment calendar

Grades K-2  
Teachers in kindergarten, first and second grades use a portfolio approach based on curricular goals and objectives, in addition to the K-2 State Assessment, to keep track of children’s progress during the year.  

Grades 3-8 End-of-Grade (EOG) tests
Students in grades 3-8 take reading comprehension and mathematics tests, referred to as the End-of-Grade tests, at the end of the school year. These multiple-choice tests can affect student promotion and serve as the basis for the state’s accountability program. Students are scored using four levels of proficiency:

• Level 1 performance means insufficient mastery;
• Level 2 is inconsistent mastery;
• Level 3 is consistent mastery (at grade level); and
• Level 4 is superior mastery.

Students in grades 3 and 5 are allowed to retake the tests if they do not pass on the first administration. If they do not pass on the retest, they must attend School Year Plus, a summer school program focusing on reading and math. At the end of School Year Plus, students take the test a third time. It’s important for parents to be aware that the school principal makes all final decisions regarding promotion and retention of students.

There are testing accommodations available for some children with disabilities and some students who speak English as a second language. The need for the accommodations must be documented in the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), LEP Plan, or Section 504 Plan.

Grades 9-12,  End-of-Course (EOC) Tests
End-of-Course tests are designed to assess the competencies in the curriculum for certain high school-level courses. These tests are administered within the final 10 days (or the equivalent for alternative schedules) of the school term in which the courses are taught. End-of-Course tests are given in seven subjects: Algebra I, Algebra II, Biology, Civics and Economics, English I, Physical Science, and U.S. History.

Writing Assessment

For the North Carolina Writing Assessment, students in grades 4, 7 and 10 write an essay that responds to a state-selected prompt. The test takes approximately one hour. Writing outcomes are scored using four levels of proficiency: Level 1 performance means insufficient mastery; Level 2 is inconsistent mastery; Level 3 is consistent mastery (at grade level); and Level 4 is superior mastery.

Computer Skills Test

Eighth-graders take the Online Computer Skills Test. This test includes multiple-choice and performance components. Students must pass both parts of the Computer Skills Test in order to graduate from high school.

Competency Test

Students must achieve Level 3 on the North Carolina Competency Test in reading and mathematics. If students do not reach this level at the end of the eighth grade (on the End-of-Grade test), they must do so on the Competency Test before receiving a high school diploma.     

SAT/ACT

Students who plan to attend college also take the SAT or the ACT. These tests are administered outside of the school day. These are not state-required tests, but many universities require these tests for admission. More information is available from school guidance counselors.