Read and reflect on the accomplishments of this school as they overcome some of the difficulties that are very real and similar to many schools.

Glencliff High: Success through Partnerships

Story posted June 22, 2011
Results
Between 2007-08 and 2010-2011, Glencliff has had an:

• Increase in graduation rate - 66.4% to 81.2%
• Increase in student enrollment in Honors and/or AP courses - 20% to 33.3%
• Increase in student performance on writing assessment - 58% to 93% scored proficient or advanced
• Increase in students receiving Dual Enrollment credit with a community college +12%

Four years ago Glencliff High School in Nashville, TN rewrote their vision statement in order to create a profound change in the culture of the school. The first sentence reads, “Our vision is to make Glencliff High School a truly comprehensive place of learning and the central focus of the community.” Glencliff strives every day to bring that vision to reality, and has been successful in many ways.

a section of the artilce ..
Aligning Curriculum and Instruction with the Supports Students Need
When Glencliff began implementing the community school strategy, the school was faced with multiple challenges; low 9th grade promotion rates, attendance, discipline, and school climate problems, inadequate academic performance and lack of relevance in the curriculum for students. To combat this, Glencliff created multiple arenas of community participation and programming that are available during the day, evening, and weekends. They formed partnerships with community-based organizations (CBO’s) that provide programs for students during the school day. Many of these opportunities are based in the classroom and have an intentional focus on instruction and curriculum.
The high school instructional reform initiative focuses on Career Academies, which are aligned with the philosophy of community schools. Each academy (Engineering, Health, Business, Hospitality and Marketing, and Freshman Academy) has partners that engage the students and teachers in meaningful ways. Business partners offer opportunities to experience the world of work. Youth development partners offer clubs and organizations that specialize in leadership, service, and arts programs. In the afternoon there is an alternative academic setting for students who do not at- tend during the day, or who need remediation, enrichment, or ELL support. University partners arrive after the regular dismissal and work with these students, who are the most at-risk on their dual enrollment courses.
Four years ago when the school was experiencing high levels of gang activity and high levels of discipline incidents, Glencliff implemented an advisory period, which is a 30 minute homeroom that meets at 7 am every day. Students stay with their advisor and advisees throughout their four years in high school, and advisory has become an important way for students to connect with an adult and for adults to become advocates for their advisees. The advisory curriculum provides whole child support and addresses issues of conflict resolution, communication skills, study skills, time management, career exploration, and more.

For full story  go to  http://www.learningfirst.org/glencliff-high-success-through-partnerships