15NJH05AE -School Code

U.S. Department of Education
1997 - 1998 Blue Ribbon Schools Program for Secondary Schools
Review Panel Instrument - Stage II

Justification for Decision:  Overall Summary

Kittatinny Regional High School is exemplary in every rated category.   Its goal of providing its graduates "with the confidence to create a successful life for themselves ... to adapt to the challenges they may face..." is clearly supported by the leadership, curriculum, teaching, organization, and collaboration with parents and the community demonstrated at Kittatinny.

Overall Feedback: By Category

A. Student Focus and Support

Goals and objectives are linked to a vision of excellence and equity for all Kittatinny students. A network of programs and practices support student achievement Strategies to provide for a fluid entrance and matriculation through the school are in place. Kittatinny Regional appears committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure student success.

B. Challenging Standards and Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to ensure student engagement and success in significant academic arid social learning. It is informed by best practice, research, and continuous teacher inquiry for how best to meet students' needs.

 C. Active Teaching and Learning

Clear and compelling evidence, suggests that deliberative, innovative minds are at work at Kittatinny. Linking instructional strategies with student achievement, teaching is engaging, student-centered, informed by research, and well-supported by technology and the media center.

D. School Organization and Culture

Organization supports learning. The schedule and levels of courses, attention to moving lower achieving and special needs students to higher levels of academic attainment, pervasive engagement of all stakeholders in decision-making, development of positive relationships, and maintenance of a safe, orderly environment attest to the school's commitment that all students will meet high standards.

 

E. Professional Community

The school recognizes the role of sustained professional development It has developed a team-oriented, supportive culture that values inquiry. Growth opportunities are planned and informed by data on student and faculty needs. Formal and informal support is offered at every turn.

F. Leadership and Educational Vitality

Participative leadership engages the school in continuous improvement focused on student learning and driven by vision, information, knowledge of research and practice and continuous monitoring- Strategic planning has resulted 'm high levels of student achievement.

G. School, Family, and Community Partnerships

Kittatinny Regional recognizes and acts on the importance of the family and community. Parents' needs are formally and frequently addressed in multiple ways. The communitv and the school enjoy numerous mutuallv beneficial relationships.

H. Indicators of Success

Evidence from both standardized and authentic assessments portray a school achieving well beyond the norm. Illustrations show how results have been used to improve practice and to promote further learning. Distractions to learning have been minimized. Student performance data are shared widely in the community.

J. Special Emphasis Area (Optional)

Arts education is a priority at Kittatinny. Theoretical, historical, and performance aspects are taught in music, visual arts, drama, and dance, and most significantly, linked to the academic curriculum. Rates of participation and recognition of achievement are high. Community resources are optimized.