By: Steve Patterson
Submitted: 2011-05-14 10:46:50 | Word Count: 486
If you're considering a move to Indiana and are planning to send your children to Indianapolis Schools, this is the article for you. With numerous magnet programs, a clear instructional framework, and 5 district initiatives to improve learning, Indianapolis Schools are highly organized and are the place to learn.
Mission:
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The mission of Indianapolis Schools is to increase student achievement for all within a safe environment resulting in graduates who are knowledgeable, responsible, productive, employable citizens.
Vision:
By the year 2010 the Indianapolis Schools will be widely recognized as a model urban school system that is guided by high expectations and standards of excellence. Indianapolis Schools can offer your child a unique experience where their learning is of utmost importance to all faculty and staff.
In the 2006-2007 school year, the student population consisted of 36,957 who attended 80 different Indianapolis Schools. 50 of which are K-6 elementary schools, 9 Middle Schools (7-8), and 5 high schools, serving grades 9-12. There are also 4 alternative schools. Indianapolis Schools have a graduation rate of 50%, and the district-wide attendance rate is 93.5%.
Indianapolis Schools employ 3,003 teachers, 2,435 support staff, and 238 administrators.
Indianapolis Schools are the only schools in central Indiana that offers magnet programs in the areas of:
Business and Finance Environmental Studies Foreign Language Immersion
Health Professions Humanities Inquiry-Based Learning
International Baccalaureate International Studies Life Science and Wellness
Math, Science & Engineering Medical Multiple Intelligences
Montessori Performing and Visual Arts Science and Technology of Agriculture & its Resources Teacher Preparation Telecommunications
Indianapolis Schools have adopted an "Instructional Framework". This framework, which incorporates the "Best Teaching Strategies", has four priorities:
1. Preparing the learning environment
2. Connecting with the learner
3. Engaging the learner
4. Assessing the learning
The leaders of the Indianapolis Schools have instituted 5 "District Initiatives to Improve Learning":
Small Schools – In contrast to traditional high schools, Small Schools offer a more intimate learning environment than large high schools. This model is better able to address the needs of students, staff and parents. Each small Indianapolis School has an enrollment of no more than 400 students. The purpose of Small Schools is to improve students' academic, performance, to reduce the dropout rate, and to connect to students in a more personal way.
Literacy Improvement – Indianapolis Schools are involved in a multi-year partnership
with the National Urban Alliance to increase reading achievement in all schools by providing on-site professional development training for teachers and principals. This training will help faculty improve the quality of instruction.
Technology – Indianapolis Schools are leaders of large school districts across the nation in access to technology. The district has implemented IPS Online, a web portal that engages students in accessing online resources and homework assignments remotely. Parents also can log in to check grades, attendance, discipline, homework assignments, school newsletters and other pertinent info.
Full-day Kindergarten – Indianapolis Schools offer full-day kindergarten in each elementary school. Some of these programs are available thanks to grants and federal funding, while others are made possible by community partners.
