Patrick J Maguire 9020 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy Portland, OR 97225-2436 Document Generated On October 9, 2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 1 Description of the School 2 School's Purpose 3 Notable Achievements and Areas of Improvement 4 Additional Information 5
Introduction Every school has its own story to tell. The context in which teaching and learning takes place influences the processes and procedures by which the school makes decisions around curriculum, instruction, and assessment. The context also impacts the way a school stays faithful to its vision. Many factors contribute to the overall narrative such as an identification of stakeholders, a description of stakeholder engagement, the trends and issues affecting the school, and the kinds of programs and services that a school implements to support student learning. <br><br> The purpose of the Executive Summary (ES) is to provide a school with an opportunity to describe in narrative form the strengths and challenges it encounters. By doing so, the public and members of the school community will have a more complete picture of how the school perceives itself and the process of self-reflection for continuous improvement. This summary is structured for the school to reflect on how it provides teaching and learning on a day to day basis. Page 1
Description of the School Describe the school's size, community/communities, location, and changes it has experienced in the last three years. Include demographic information about the students, staff, and community at large. What unique features and challenges are associated with the community/communities the school serves? Thomas A. Edison, the only high school in Oregon and Southwest Washington dedicated to serving students with complex learning differences. Our work here is powerful and profound: helping every student reach his or her full potential. As a small, private high school, Thomas A. Edison offers an individualized curriculum that meets each student's special needs, and maximizes the ability to learn. We also provide the emotional support that builds confidence and maturity. By empowering students with learning differences to experience academic success and personal growth, Edison does more than prepare teens for the future. Our teaching staff consists of 17 credentialed faculty members, including three counselors and a transition specialist. Enrollment is capped at 85 students, and class size averages eight. The school is located on the Jesuit High School Campus, which is a private school of approximately 1300 students. The relationship between Jesuit and Thomas Edison is no technical affiliation, but Edison students are welcome to take classes their and Jesuit students are welcome to classes here at Edison. The community embraces our school and participates in several fundraising events. Edison offers services to anyone who meets the admittance qualifications regardless of financial status. We currently have several students on scholarship. Page 2
School's Purpose Provide the school's purpose statement and ancillary content such as mission, vision, values, and/or beliefs. Describe how the school embodies its purpose through its program offerings and expectations for students. MISSION: empowers students with learning differences to experience academic success and personal growth, while preparing them for the future. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM: Edison's academically rigorous curriculum prepares students for the challenges after graduation. Students receive instruction that allows for individual success. Enrollment is capped at 85 students, and class size averages eight. STUDENTS: Edison is open to students in the greater Portland area who have learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADD, ADHD, and/or nonverbal learning disorders. We are unable to serve students whose primary disability is not of an academic nature. Students are referred by parents, public and private schools, counselors, and medical professionals. Opportunities for social interaction exist through Advisory groups, Student Council, counseling groups, excursions and field trips, as well as Jesuit High School drama and music programs, athletic teams, games, clubs, and dances. PARENT INVOLVEMENT: Our success is built on effective partnerships with parents. Communication with parents is fostered through weekly mailings and frequent phone calls. Parents are expected to assist the school in a volunteer capacity. RESULTS: Edison has a strong record of academic success. In addition to earning their high school diploma, the vast majority of Edison students continue their education at a four-year colleges, two-year colleges, or trade schools. All students who earn their diplomas from Edison receive career awareness and guidance through our transition program. Page 3
Notable Achievements and Areas of Improvement Describe the school's notable achievements and areas of improvement in the last three years. Additionally, describe areas for improvement that the school is striving to achieve in the next three years. Thomas Edison has held true to its mission statement over the past three years. When the accreditation committee was they noted that several students stated "Thomas Edison is a place where students come and feel like they're family." The writing across curriculum program is very effective. Student in health class conduct research and work in English class to write up their reports and develop proper writing mechanics. The administration and staff have made it a priority goal to provide all staff with professional development in the area of technology through all curricula. Freshmen are required to have ipads and take a training to course for effective use. Over the next three years Thomas Edison High School will focus on the following: Using testing data to inform instruction and differentiate instruction to divers learning styles, increase transition services to our students and plan for expansion. The building is currently getting crowded and we are looking at future housing options for our school. Page 4
Additional Information Provide any additional information you would like to share with the public and community that were not prompted in the previous sections. Thomas Edison is working with people at the Department of Education in order to align our state testing with the testing conducted in public schools. This should help data alignment with incoming students. Page 5