Jane Belmore, Interim Superintendent (PDF):

Background Information: The Model School concept, to develop culturally relevant teaching practices, was approved as part of the Achievement Gap Plan.
The recommendation for a Cultural Practices that are Relevant (CPR) Model School addresses three primary needs:

  • The need for the creation of better programs and services to increase achievement for underserved students. The need to create better support for teachers around implementing Response to Intervention (RtI) with cultural relevance at the core, according to the state and national RtI models, and
  • The need for a school-based professional development environment on culturally and linguistically responsive practices, with an emphasis on promoting rigor in the content areas–beginning with literacy.

Additionally, the CPR model school’s combination of culturally responsive instruction, high expectations for achievement, early and extended learning, character development, and strong community partnerships will serve as an incubator for instructional improvement efforts in the district.