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Test Scores Soar, Dropout Rates Decline, Teachers are Motivated…Chugach School District Creates a Plan that US Department of Commerce Finds Exceptional ANCHORAGE, ALASKA - December 6, 2001 - Chugach School District today announced it has received the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation's premier award for performance excellence and quality achievement. With 30 faculty and staff, Chugach School District (CSD) is the smallest organization to win this award. In addition, it is one of the first-ever winners in the education category. Chugach's 214 students are scattered throughout 22,000 square miles of mostly isolated and remote areas of South Central Alaska accessible only by air and water. Half of the students are Native Alaskans. Plagued by high dropout rates, low test scores and a heavy reliance on social services upon departure from the school system, CSD officials implemented the Chugach Reinventing Schools Model. With the responsibility of educating students from preschool up to age 21, CSD formed a partnership between school, community, home and business focusing on improving the education, motivation and pride of Chugach students. Through the development of performance standards in 10 content areas and the implementation of Individual Learning Plans (ILP) for all students, the criteria is clear for every student, teacher and parent. CSD applied and received a waiver from the Alaska Department of Education to use a performance-based system in place of the traditional Carnegie Units. Traditional grades are no longer given. In addition to changing the grading and typical educational system, CSD created a comprehensive transition program to empower students with the necessary life skills to be economically self-sufficient after their departure from high school. This short-term residential program prepares students for the transition from traditional school-based environments to independent life in higher education and/or work. Students participate in relevant work experience, personal and social skills education, health and community service opportunities. CSD teachers are visionary instructors. They are facilitators rather than lecturers who use technology more than outdated textbooks and perhaps the most non-traditional of their practices; they are given performance-based compensation reflecting their level of effectiveness. The results of this highly praised and successful program speaks volumes. Results on the standardized California Achievement Tests (CAT) show composite scores soared from the 28th percentile to the 72nd percentile in five years. Reading scores rose from 28th in 1995 to 71st in 1999. Language arts from 26th to 72nd, math from 54th to 78th and spelling from 22nd to 65th. The percentage of CSD students who take college entrance exams has increased from zero to 70 percent. "This is a culmination of years of work with the common goal of seeing children reach their full educational, social and life potential through a system that truly caters to their needs," stated Richard DeLorenzo, superintendent of Chugach School District. "With what some may consider an irrational sense of hope, our goal is to transform 1,000 school systems. We want to thank the Malcolm Baldrige committee for recognizing the importance of performance excellence and quality control in the educational system." About Chugach School District and the Reinventing Schools Model Created in 1994 by the Chugach School District, the Chugach Reinventing Schools Model is a comprehensive collection of educational research synthesized into one system. It is a system that educates all kids to the full potential regardless of ethnicity or social economic status. Currently, 12 districts are replicating this model and have received or are pursuing a waiver to move away from the Carnegie Unit System. With support from the GATES Foundation and the Reinventing Schools Coalition, the Chugach School District has set the goal of implementing this model in 1000 school districts throughout America. For more information on the Chugach Education Model please visit our website at www.chugachschools.com. Press Contact: Click
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MODEL
FOR REINVENTING AMERICAN SCHOOLS WINS PRESTIGIOUS MALCOLM
BALDRIGE NATIONAL QUALITY AWARD