Academic Overview

Bellevue Community School District Learning Criteria

Core Academic Learning

Learning in English/Mathematics/Science…What is the core learning we stand behind for each/every student?

• Problem Based Learning in all curricular areas, with an emphasis on Rigor, Relevance & Relationships Framework (RRR)

• Concurrent Credit/PSEO/On-Line Courses and Enrollment – 60+ courses/140 students (325+ total enrollments)
• Grade Point Average Improvements – Failure Rate in classes at BHS has been declining based upon “Doing Whatever it Takes” to allow students opportunities to show their learning and expecting students to show their learning
• ACT Required for Graduation @ BHS in 2014 (given to all Juniors through school staff)
• ACT Scores/Results (College Readiness Score & Trends) – 44/63 (69%) of 2010 Graduates took the ACT; 34/47 (72%) of 2011 graduates took the ACT; 37/57 (65%) of 2012 graduates took the ACT; 33/50 (66%) of 2013 graduates took the ACT; 100% of 2014/2015 graduates were required to take the ACT
• Co-Teaching in Math, Science & Literacy @ MS and/or HS Level
• Literacy (Reading and Writing) component in each classroom, each day…no excuses!
• Writing “Every Day, Every Class, Every Block, Every Teacher, Every Student”
• FAST Assessment for all elementary students – Measuring student learning, and offering learning interventions
• PLAN Assessment for Academic Standing and Career Pathways – All sophomores take the PLAN
• Post-Secondary Enrollment (Longitudinal & Yearly Trends) – 84.2% of 2015 graduates; 83.1% of 2014 graduates; 86.6% of 2013 graduates; 85.9% of 2012 graduates; 87.2% of 2011 graduates 82.8% of 2010 graduates; 70.3% of 2009 graduates;
• Multiple Assessment Measures – Iowa Testing, MAP, ACT ASPIRE, School Climate Survey (staff/students), PLATO, EXPLORE, PLAN, ACT & ASPIRE, ASVAB, Cognitive Tutor, MyOn Reader, FAST

Stretch Learning

Rigorous & Relevant learning beyond minimum requirements…How do we insure that we stretch each/every learner?

• 1:1 Initiative for all high school students (grades 3-12 computers; grades 1 & 2 iPads); 4 Labs - One PC business lab with 20 computers; Two labs at the elementary
• Wireless Campus – Internet access in each building and on the entire school campus
• Student Technology Access - Ratio of MS/HS students to computers - All students 5-12 have their own laptop computer (Chromebook or Macbook) to use in school and at home;
• Common Core Graduation Requirements & Enrollment in Second Language Course – Over 92% of students enrolled in a foreign language (Spanish) at some level; Enrollment in Second-Language Courses – An average of 70% of graduates each year take 4 years of Spanish in HS
• “Real-Life” experiences for students – “Real Life Class” for all students required for graduation (Financial Literacy, Cooking/Home Life, Health/Wellness, Auto/Home Repair; Spanish Trip to Spain on a regular basis for students; Job Shadowing and Career Opportunities; Relevant Learning Curriculum for students; Community Engagement opportunities for students and a Community Learning Coordinator in the future
• ACT Preparation Tests to All Students – ACT Study Nights offered during the school year in Literacy, Math & Science
• Graduation Requirements – Geometry and Biology required for all graduates; All 8th Grade students take Algebra; Online course required for graduation, along with “Real Life” course
• MS courses that are “beyond the norm” – Technology application courses, Documentaries, “Critical Thinking”, “Creative Thinking”, and other 21st Century Skill classes that prepare students for HS and the application of learning
• Technology “Application of Learning” – “Web 2.0” replacing “Web 1.0 – Sharing information outside of the walls of the Bellevue Community School District – Flipped Learning/Blended Learning, websites, on-line resources for creativity and knowledge, etc.
• High Standards/High Expectations/No Excuses for all students @ all times

Student Engagement

The extent students are motivated/committed to learning, have a sense of belonging and accomplishment, and have relationships with adults, peers and parents that support learning; How do we know our students are motivated, committed, and engaged in learning?

• Student Engagement and Application of their learning – Student products sharing learning outside of the building (Youtube downloads, Websites, etc.)
• Student Pep Rally -Student Recognition for Academic Achievements – Student Recognition Awards
• Pyramid of Interventions & “Zero-Block” & 9thBlock” Learning Opportunities – Tutoring as an aspect of this time to offer academic assistance and increase learning opportunities
• On-Track to Graduate with Cohort Group (after Junior Year) – 100% of the Class of 2015; 97.4% of the Class of 2014; 98.2% of the Class of 2013; 96.7% of the Class of 2012; 94% of the Class of 2011
• Career Planning Activities – 4-Year plans in place for all students in grades 9-12; 21st Century Career course for students in high school and middle school; Career Tech Workplace opportunities for students with credit for students; Regular Career Exploratory Trips for Students during the school year; “Real Life” course as a graduation requirement for the Class of 2015
• The “Power of I” – “Failure is not an “Option”
• Pre- & Post-Test Measurement for Learning – In all classes
• Problem-Based and Real-Life Learning Activities – Rigor and Relevance Framework; Application of Learning as a requirement for all staff in classrooms for students and their learning
• Attendance Rate – Consistently above state average and requirements
• Walk-Through Data – Measuring Student Learning Activities, Technology Use & Student Engagement
• Mentoring Groups – Staff (teachers, paraprofessionals, custodians, community members) serve as mentors to nearly 100 students in the district.

Personal Skill Development

Measures of personal, social, service, and leadership skills and demonstrations of positive behaviors and attitudes
What evidence supports the development of positive behaviors/attitudes; How do we measure personal/social/service/leadership skills?

• Opportunities for Students - School Sponsored “extra” activities for students in addition to the common extracurricular experiences that are life-long activities – Bowling, Archery, Envirothon, Yearbook, Agricultural-Related judging, etc.
• 94% of HS students involved in extracurricular activities of some type in each school year
• 72% of HS students involved in 2 or more extracurricular activities of some type each school year
• Web Design Connection with Businesses & Organizations – In place since 2008 school year
• Service Learning (in-school and in the community) – Expanding to various community organizations and businesses
• Application to 2- or 4-Year Colleges by All Students; Increase in college (training) attendance since 2007 (62%)
  • Class of 2015 - 85% attending college after graduation
  • Class of 2014 – 83% attending college after graduation
  • Class of 2013 – 86% attending college after graduation  
  • Class of 2012 – 86% attending college after graduation
  • Class of 2011 – 87% attending college after graduation
  • Class of 2010 - 83% attending college after graduation
  • Class of 2009 – 70% attending college after graduation
• Anti-Bullying Program – In place for MS and HS Students
• “We Survey”/School Survey focused on Rigor, Relevance, Relationships & Leadership – Taken yearly by all students/staff  
• Student Leadership Activities (Student Council, FBLA, Envirothon, athletic volunteering & others) – Various and Increasing numbers of opportunities for students

Graduates

Class of 2015 Graduates
Enrolled in 3 or more college courses - 85%
Earned an average of 18.8 credits
4.2% earned 50+ credits
13.1% earned 40-49 credits
17.8% earned 30-39 credits
23.4% earned 20-29 credits
29.7% earned 10-19 credits
11.8 earned 1-9 credits
 

Class of 2013 Graduates
Enrolled in 3 or more college courses – 40/55 (73%)
Earned an average of 18 credits while in high school
5.2% earned 50+ credits
12.2% earned 40+ credits
22.8% earned 30+ credits
33.3% earned 24+ credits
42.1% earned 20+ credits
59.6% earned 15+ credits

Class of 2011 Graduates
Earned an average of 17 credits while in high school
2% (1) earned 30+ credits
15% (7) earned 24+ credits
38% (18) earned 20+ credits
62% (29) earned 15+ credits