The mission of Morris Community High School is to “provide each student the opportunity to achieve academically, personally, and socially to his/her fullest potential.” An important part of improving students college and career readiness is exposing them to a viable and varied curriculum. The board of education, administration, faculty and staff are committed to providing a well-rounded and challenging high school experience.
“Rising Star”
The Rising Star leadership team is made up of administrators, teachers, board members and community representatives. It serves as the main school improvement structure at MCHS. The group prioritizes improvement targets, develops action plans, and assists Principal Hussey in leading improvement activities that will increase student achievement. Various team members take on leadership roles in such areas as the implementation of our Response-to-Intervention program. This program is designed to provide targeted assistance to struggling students.
Staff development opportunities are designed to help teachers improve their skills in delivering effective lessons. The team has recently spent a great deal of time reviewing student achievement data on a variety of standardized tests. The group is using this baseline data to establish improvement targets. The district is working on closing the achievement gaps that exist within our student population. For more information about Rising Star visit www.centerii.org and use guestDIL2061 for both the login and password.
“Under Review”
I recall as a young social studies teacher at Coal City High School working on the development of “learner objectives” in response to 1985 legislation that required school districts to commit to paper what they were trying to accomplish. Under the solid leadership of Mrs. Sharon Bunton and others, we completed this task designed to guide our instruction. The assessment systems and requirements have changed over time, but the lasting value can be summed up in one word: accountability.
Illinois joined the ranks of nearly every State in the Union by adopting the common core standards. These standards outline the competencies and skills students should be able to demonstrate throughout their years of schooling. We have adjusted our three- year curriculum review cycle accordingly so our teachers can examine and unpack the standards and align our courses accordingly.
The assessment system starting in 2014 will change so the next several years will be challenging as we continue to prepare students for the Prairie State Achievement Exam (PSAE) while monitoring the introduction of a new system. We have implemented a review cycle that will allow us to make curricular adjustments when needed and use achievement data to guide our decisions. For more information on the common core standards visit http://www.isbe.state.il.us/common_core/default.htm
“Opportunities Unlimited”
I included a section with the same title in last year’s curriculum article. I think it is important to remember a main goal of most public high schools is to provide students with a well- rounded education. This includes programs that prepare them for college, technical training, the military, or workforce. MCHS offers a variety of advanced placement classes, Junior College, college prep, and vocational programming designed to prepare students for the future. The Grundy Area Vocational Center continues to produce students that are employable and leaders in their respective areas at the State and National levels.
Technology implementation continues to be a priority as tools such as the IPad help make opportunities available to students. Earlier this month, our students were able to witness open- heart bypass surgery via a live feed from Christ Advocate Hospital as part of a Museum of Science and Industry program. The students were able to ask questions and interact with classes from the Chicago area and Canada. Teachers are searching for ways to implement technology in an effort to improve student achievement.
We continue to work with our feeder districts so that our curriculum is well articulated between grade levels. The Parent School Improvement Panel is developing a “parent university” in an effort to help students and parents with the transition from middle school to high school. The principals in the community meet regularly to discuss curriculum and various departments meet in an effort to share information and make sure standards are being met. This will be particularly important as the common core standards are implemented.
If you have any questions related to curriculum or our improvement efforts contact Mr. Kelly Hussey at khussey@morrishs.org or at 815-942-1294 or Dr. Pat Halloran at phalloran@morrishs.org or at 815-941-5327. Visit us at www.mchs.org or follow us on Facebook or Twitter at mchsdistrict#101.
