Thomas Jefferson High School's mission is to prepare students academically and for life. Currently, 85% exceed math standards but the school aims to raise this to 90% by 2013. The average AP Calculus score is 3.1 but the goal is 3.7 by 2013. To achieve this, 9th and 10th grade math periods will be lengthened to 55 minutes daily to introduce key concepts earlier. While 82% exceed reading standards, some students struggle with English. The school plans to form reading and ESL focus groups to help more students exceed standards by 2013.

1. Thomas Jefferson
High School
By Daniel Ranalli

2. Mission Statement
 To develop students who are
actively involved in the school
community and who are
prepared for the opportunities
and challenges they will face
throughout their lives.

3. The Big Question
 In actuality, is the academic
performance of our students in
line with the academic goals of
our mission statement?

4. Actual Math Scores
 85% of students exceed or greatly exceed
the state standards for mathematics.
 The school’s collective score on the AP
Calculus AB examination for the past few
years has remained steady at
approximately 3.1 (out of 5).

5. Goals
 Raise the percentage of students who
exceed or greatly exceed expectations in
math from 85% to 90% by 2013.
 Increase the average AP score on the AP
Calculus AB examination to 3.7 by 2013.

6. Our plan for improvement
 Increase the duration of each math period in
grades 9 and 10 from 45 to 55 minutes. All
math classes will meet everyday.
 The abovementioned action should also
improve the AP scores. Given the increased
time, certain key concepts will be introduced
in the formative years of math.

7. Reading Scores
 82% of students exceed or greatly exceed
the state standards for reading
comprehension.
 10% of students are uncomfortable or
very uncomfortable using English as their
primary language.

8. Goals
 Raise the percentage of students who
exceed or greatly exceed expectations in
math from 82% to 92% by 2013.
 Reduce the percentage of students who
feel less comfortable communicating in
English from 10% to 4% by 2013.

9. Our plan for improvement
 Form a special focus group for those students
who have most difficulty with reading.
Students will replace two gym periods per
week with two class periods dedicated to
reading.
 An afterschool ESL program has been formed
to aid students whose native/primary
language is not English.

10. Comments?
Please feel free to include your
comments below!
Thanks for your time!