| ? The core program is what students are guaranteed to receive at every community high school. It includes classes, such as advanced math and theater, and student support services. A core program helps ensure that students have equal access to rigorous and engaging coursework no matter where they go. |
In a presentation to the Portland School Board on April 11, district representatives described staff work to develop the core program.
They noted schools' current offerings and spoke about the factors, especially money, that will affect its rollout districtwide.
In fall 2011, community comprehensive high schools will begin implementing a core academic program for incoming freshmen — with full implementation for all grades by fall 2014.
Equity is the goal, says Chief Academic Officer Carla Randall. "You will be able to live anywhere in the district and know that your child will be challenged and supported," Randall says.
What is changing?
Implementation of the core program will effect schools in different ways, depending on what they already offer.
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Franklin High School, for example, already provides all parts of the core program.
"We've done a good job providing a broad-based educational experience," says Jeff Hammond, a Franklin parent and PTA co-president. "It's important to provide breadth so that students can decide what they want to do in the future."
Across the school district, support classes such as AVID are the elements most often lacking in community high schools. (Read a recent Portland Tribune article about AVID.)
This chart shows current offerings at all high schools. Yellow shading indicates what will be changing once the core program takes effect. Focus high schools are shaded blue.
