2008-2009 Goals of the Cambridge School Committee and Administration
(Adopted October 7, 2008)

The School Committee and the administration have jointly developed goals for the Cambridge Public Schools that are accompanied by measures of progress. The goals are intended to provide improvement targets and guidance for teaching/learning and school district operations. The goals are focused on the challenges of providing a creative and rewarding high-quality education, accelerating and increasing achievement for all students, and surpassing state and federal requirements.

The goals will be carried out through a creative approach based upon:

• Excellent teaching
• High standards of performance for all staff and all students
• A diverse workforce fully engaged with students
• Supportive, effective and demanding professional development for all staff.
• A culture of learning that requires of students full engagement, authentic assessment, citizenship development, active appreciation of the arts, and full participation in school, the community and city

Families and community partnerships are vital to successful education. We recognize the necessity of committed staff and involved community to help students develop as thinkers, doers, appreciators, and contributing citizens of the school, community and society.

Cambridge Public Schools Goals for 2008-2009

1. Accelerate achievement for all students.
2. Students will demonstrate skills in critical thinking, collaboration, problem solving, global awareness and communication.
3. Establish and implement a system for longitudinal assessment of student growth over time.
4. Utilize strategic planning process/documents to guide decision making for the next 3 to 5 year period.
5. Ensure a safe, nurturing and healthy school environment.

Cambridge Public Schools Goals and Metrics for 2008 - 2009

Goal 1: Accelerate achievement for all students.

1. District wide performance will meet and exceed the state targets in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics MCAS.

1. There will be an annual increase in CPI in Math and ELA. There will be an increase in the percentage of students performing proficient and advanced. There will be a decrease in the percentage of students failing MCAS.
2. Students and sub-groups not meeting target growth rates will show an accelerated rate of improvement.

2. All students will read at grade level by third grade based on the 3rd grade literacy assessment.

3. All schools will make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP).

1. School AYP results will continue to improve each year in ELA and Math in the aggregate and by subgroups.
2. All School Improvement Plans will include measurable MCAS improvement targets for the aggregate and the subgroups as calculated by the state.
3. The School Improvement Plans will include quantified performance goals for the percentage of students falling into the Proficient and Advanced categories

4. All students graduating from elementary school will demonstrate the skills necessary to successfully transition to high school and will represent their work through an exit portfolio.

5. All CRLS students will graduate and have the skills necessary to succeed post-graduation.

1. The 5 year cohort graduation rate will continue to increase each year.
2. The percentage of students attending college, as indicated by the National Student Clearinghouse and internal measures, or trade school or the military, will increase and be more than 90%.
3. All students will have a post-graduation transition plan created prior to graduation.
4. Increase the percentage of students in the aggregate and by sub-group successfully completing AP courses.

Goal 2: Students will demonstrate skills in critical thinking, collaboration, problem solving, global awareness and communication.

1. Increase participation in student independent/service projects.
2. 2008-09 Review and evaluate current practices pertaining to these skills.

Goal 3: Establish and implement a system for longitudinal assessment of student growth over time.

1. Integrate Star Base and E-Scholar with a third party reporting tool to implement the longitudinal assessment program.
2. Implement a cohort measurement system on a pilot basis in 08-09 school year.

Goal 4: Utilize strategic planning process/documents to guide decision making for the next 3 to 5 year period.

1. Complete Action Team work on the SPED Strategic Plan and prepare for limited implementation in the 08-09 school year.
2. Utilize information and outcomes garnered from the Blue Ribbon Commission to develop and adopt a plan for middle school education.
3. District wide outcomes-based evaluations clearly outlining goals, costs and benefits will be used to guide decisions on expansions, phase-outs, and continuation of all programs.

Goal 5: Ensure a safe, nurturing and healthy school environment.

1. Each school will increase family participation and improve family/school communication.
2. Discipline reports will show a decrease in student incidents.
3. Students, family and teacher surveys will indicate improved school climate.
4. Incidents of bullying will continue to decrease.

Adopted October 7, 2008 (C08-373)