With so many new programs and initiatives already effectively at work, the current school year also marks the launch of “Cornerstones,” an initiative that builds upon the DCPS college-and-career-ready curriculum to ensure that every student has shared learning experiences.
Cornerstones are lesson experiences that are being taught within the school system’s core curriculum units of study, providing an opportunity for every student in every grade level, from Kindergarten to 12th-grade, across English language-arts, math, science, art, music, physical education, health, and world language subjects, to experience Cornerstone lessons.
“Challenging curriculum has always been part of DCPS’ strategy, but going forward, students will receive the same high-quality learning experience, no matter where they live or go to school,” said Chancellor Kaya Henderson.
Student Achiever
Maria Carranza, a sophomore at Columbia Heights Education Campus in Northwest, is always pushing herself to achieve more. An honor roll student who attends Dual-Enrollment courses at the University of the District of Columbia, Maria believes that her studies through the CHEC Hospitality Career Academy are preparing her for a post-college career. “DCPS is a place where they want you to have a future,” said Maria, who also plans on attending Georgetown University.
“I came to the United States from Colombia when I was five. My mother stopped going to school after 6th grade and my father dropped out to work. I want to make my parents proud by preparing myself to be somebody.”
Learning Center for Students with Disabilities
KIPP DC, a Tier 1 network of public charter schools, has opened a Learning Center at its Douglass Campus in Ward 8, serving approximately 60 students with disabilities in grades PK4 through 8. Students are enrolled in KIPP DC public charter schools that require specialized instruction and related services in a full-time setting outside of general education.
Adult Public Charter Schools, School Board Testify
The DC Public Charter School Board and representatives from the eight adult public charter schools in the District, serving more than 4,000 students from every ward in the city, testified last month before the DC Council.
Nearly 70 percent of the charter system’s adult students are over the age of 24 and nearly half participate in English as a Second Language programs.
With a growing adult population, school officials believe it’s important that all of their adult education programs are being held to the highest standards and that only quality programs need to be replicated.
School Board members have taken significant strides toward this goal with implementation of the Adult Education Performance Management Framework, of which the results will be released later this school year.