FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thurs., Oct. 21, 2004

CONTACT: John Schuster Miami-Dade County Public Schools 305-995-1126

M-DCPS TARGETS 28 SCHOOLS AS
STELLAR SCHOOLS FOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

MIAMI &endash; Miami-Dade County schools teetering close to low academic performance will get additional support, particularly around literacy and reading, through a plan passed by the School Board Wednesday.

The schools chosen have received low school performance grades by the Florida Department of Education at least once in the past four years; have a pattern of not meeting Adequate Yearly Progress as required by the No Child Left Behind Act; and have a large number of retained students in third grade or have consistently low performance in reading and/or mathematics at all grade levels.

Identified as STELLAR (Schools Targeting Excellence in Literacy, Learning, and Reading) schools, these schools will promote high achievement while eliminating low student performance and improving literacy. Among the targeted 28 schools are 11 elementaries, eight middle schools and nine senior highs that enroll 43,400 students.

A strong focus on literacy is the core component of the STELLAR instructional program. Curriculum will be heavily monitored and focus on the Sunshine State Standards and Competency-Based Curriculum. Strategies will be determined by frequent review and analysis of student achievement data. Professional development will compliment and support the instructional elements. Special academies will ensure student success in the transition to middle and high school.

Additionally, STELLAR schools will provide personal and character development and after-school tutoring for low-performing students, as well as career and job portfolios.

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04-LJG/053/DF

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