DDM Self-study results

The results of the self-study demonstrated some areas that needed to be worked on as follows. I have divided them into the same categories as presented by NYSED. Ultimately, it was recommended proceed to the external review.

Curriculum -

"This program is a true asset to our school, and the driving factor in why some students choose to come here."

"Curriculum Increased ability to learn proficiently"

"Scope and sequence various for the different courses. Each course has rigor built into the work that will be completed. Students have the ability to gather more credits through the CTE program."

"The programs are very organized and prepare students for college and careers."

"The unchecked area does not apply" (This one refers to the integrated coursework. We do not do that formally though connections across other curricula are stressed.)

"Only individual lessons are repeated to ensure knowledge and understanding of previous concepts" (Though this would technically be a problem as it is presented by NYSED, it is a necessity for various reasons. One major reason is that we need to reinforce many skills throughout the class. Many times these are simple review exercises. Another is that we have a huge attendance issue and without doing this we would not ever get students caught up. We also have a huge transient population with students coming in and out of classes. Unlike a BOCES we have to take them.)

"I did not check "Documentation of integrated and specialized credit" because it does not apply."

"Documentation of integrated and specialized credit"

"Question number four does not apply No mention of Career & Financial Management" (I would bet that this person did not look at both sections curriculum. Because the program is a hybrid of business and technology, the curriculum is listed on the business section.)

"Integrated / specialized credit not applicable."

"none"

Teacher Certification -

"None"

"Teacher holds appropriate license and teacher certification, instructs thoroughly efficiently."

"All teachers, teaching the course are NYS certified and have continual PD opportunities that they take advantage of."

"I do not have a comment"

"Teachers have certifications"

"additional certifications and licensures are not required of this program"

"I have no extra comments."

"looks good!"

"All requirements met"

"N/A"

"none"

(Though it did not come up as a problem in this, there is one teacher listed that does not have her certification yet, though she has applied through NYSED. All of the classes have other teachers listed that could teach them though.)

Technical Assessments -

"none"

"None"

"System developed accurately measures student performance"

"All testing is linked to NYS standards with extensions to other standards as well. Assessment data is used to see fi (sic) students reached benchmarks on standards and is reported promptly to planning and accountability."

"I know the programs are run very well. Students have multiple opportunities to succeed."

"Scheduled appropriately"

"I have no extra comments."

"good exams"

"All requirements met"

"N/a"

(One recurring issue is related to our trauma sensitive practices coming into conflict with having an outside evaluator proctor an exam. It is a lot to expect someone to take time out to do this, set up the room and materials for this, and then have the other students doing something else during the testing. Kids in crisis or perceived crisis can destroy many others ability to take the exam in a proper setting. Often it is not possible to 'redo' this opportunity.)

Post-Secondary Agreement -

"None"

"N/A"

"An agreement has been made with an institution after reviewing our coursework that will allow students to gain credits at the postsecondary level."

"I do not have a comment."

"Gain college credit for zero cost."

"The agreement will include all necessary components as it has in years past but is currently being negotiated."

"I have no extra comments."

"looks good"

"All requirements met"

"Unchecked items are reported to be in process."

"none"

(At the time the self-study was completed we did not have our current letter from SUNY Schenectady. We now do.)

Work-Based Learning -

"none"

"None"

"Work based learning tasks make the curriculum more efficient"

"Credits are given to students for completion of courses that are led by certified CTE teachers at SCLA. SCLA coordinates work experiences through CEIP which pairs students with professionals. Students with disabilities attend CTE classes and are active participants. All students involved in work experiences have their working papers." (This is not really true as written by the evaluator. It is true that students that are placed at outside employers or even ones that get their jobs on their own do have their working papers, the students within the classes do not necessarily. So for instance the ones that work at events for the school district do not have to have their working papers.)

"Work based learning weaves theory with practice which provides a valuable hands-on experience for all our students."

"Putting the information to real life applications"

"I have no extra comments."

"all set"

"All requirements met"

"N/a"

Employability Profile -

"none"

"This is a tremendous help to students to bridge the gap to the next step in their careers."

"School prompts the creation of employee profile ,fully prepares student for the work force"

"All students have a portfolio that is maintained by themselves and their instructor. Student achievement is reviewed by school counselors and the instructor in tandem. Students with IEP's have their programming regularly reviewed in compliance with State and federal mandates."

"Ours students graduate with essential skills. They can seek employment or further their education in their field."

"Meetings held to update what industry wants to see"

"I have no extra comments."

"looks good"

"All requirements met"

"N/a"

(This is an area that we feel we need to always work on. It is a balance between getting enough information and having a quick and easy form for the students to go through each year. We currently have what we consider to be a good one, but it takes about 15 minutes to go through with each student. That adds up and takes too long. We will continue to refine it as we can.)