October 2002

Smaller Learning Communities Grant Facts

1. We have received three grants thus far: a grant from the U.S. Department of Education for $50,000 that allowed us to put together a plan; and a Gates Grant for approximately $850,000 that provided funds to implement our plan and to purchase some technology to improve the teaching and learning in our building, and a U.S. Department of Education Implementation Grant for approximately $460,000.

2. Our timeline had us planning and preparing during 2002-03 and implementing for grades 9-11 in 2003-04. During our first implementation year, seniors took their required courses from all of the small schools. This structure existed for one year and this year (04-05) we will have 9-12 grade small schools..

3. The foundation for these changes is based on a significant amount of research about quality schools and school environments. The Gates Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education, and many other foundations are putting millions of dollars behind this effort because of this research base.

4. Our primary goal for this project is that all students will learn, achieve, and meet high standards and every student will become engaged in and succeed in a challenging course of study. To accomplish this goal we will be focusing on a variety of tools over the next few years: including creating a personalized environment, developing a common intellectual focus for our school, and finding time for staff to collaborate on teaching and learning. This project can benefit everyone at Terrace by elevating student performance to new levels.

5. We conducted parent outreach sessions this this past year and plan to continue this year. We want to make sure that Terrace is meeting the needs of all students and that we offer an excellent education; therefore, we want to partner with our community to ensure that this takes place. Parents were also involved in the planning of the small schools. Additionally, parents can call us at any time to ask questions and to find new avenues in which to participate.

6. Almost all of our after school activities, student government options, and clubs will remain unchanged. Students will still be able to access these programs just as they currently do. However, we are hoping to add additional activities and opportunities for students to participate at Terrace.