Academic Excellence

Transform the curriculum for pre-K through grade 12 to ensure alignment to the Henrico Learner Profile and Deeper Learning model using the lens of the Culturally Responsive Education model.

Objective:
Students will have LifeReady experiences during their educational careers that lead to college or career readiness.

Evidence:

• Following two years of focused work, HCPS transformed to a fully digital platform with access to variety of resources for learning. Having more digital resources available, students have greater choice and voice in how they are learning.
• In April 2020, while all 72 schools and program centers were closed to combat the spread of coronavirus – Henrico County Public Schools continues to provide families with distance learning options through the “Henrico Edflix” learning plan. Playing off of a popular streaming service, Henrico Edflix included a colorful online interface that allowed students to pick and choose within “seasons” of learning content and engage with on-demand material. HCPS teachers used Henrico Edflix to work hand in hand with their classes through targeted review, enrichment and application of key content and skills.
• For the 2021-2022 school year, HCPS launched a fully online virtual academy for students K-12. Students attend classes virtually with a mix of synchronous classes — learning online in a group with a teacher — and asynchronous, or independent, learning. The school is designed for students who benefited from the flexibility, individualized environment and focus of virtual learning amid the pandemic. Henrico Virtual Academy
• New specialty center at Varina
• The HCPS aligned curriculum defines “the what” for teaching and learning to ensure the preK-12 articulation of the knowledge, skills, and attributes students need to be LifeReady. The Deeper Learning Model is integrated into the Instructional Model.
• Education Specialists and Curriculum Designers complete CREM training before engaging in Curriculum Design, Ongoing.
• Specific staff participated in the Virginia is for Learners Innovation network to continue to develop resources, progressions, and assessments that support the integration of the 6Cs into the curriculum with peers from across the Commonwealth.

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Develop and maintain a teaching and learning framework based on the Henrico Learner Profile and Deeper Learning model, using the lens of the Culturally Responsive Education model to articulate the instructional design and delivery expectations for all classrooms (teachers/students).

Objective:
Students will have LifeReady experiences during their educational careers that lead to college or career readiness.

Evidence:

• For students to be successful, Henrico developed a common vision for teaching and learning that includes an aligned curriculum, instructional model and meaningful, ongoing professional learning for teachers. To that end, all HCPS teachers will use a Teaching and Learning Framework based on the HCPS Learner Profile (Framework, instructional Model and Learner Profile graphics from April)

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Design and deliver professional learning relevant to the teaching and learning framework.

Objective:
Students will have LifeReady experiences during their educational careers that lead to college or career readiness.

Evidence:

• HCPS U, our online professional learning platform that was recognized by the National Association of Counties.

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Provide instructional leadership and feedback to support teachers as they implement the instructional framework.

Objective:
Students will have LifeReady experiences during their educational careers that lead to college or career readiness.

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Support schools with developing and implementing school improvement plans to address accreditation and other goals through deep understanding of school data and by choosing approved best practices for instruction and progress monitoring.

Objective:
Students will have LifeReady experiences during their educational careers that lead to college or career readiness.

Evidence 2020 – 2021

• Each HCPS school is required to create an annual School Quality plan that is aligned with HCPS’ Destination 2025 and serves the academic and social-emotional learning of all students within the school.
• Principals were trained to create a vision and mission that aligns with their school’s core values and is specific to the needs of their school.
• The Office of School Quality partners with other HCPS departments each quarter to provide training to principals around best practices to implement and monitor their School Quality Plan.
• Schools identified as level 2 and 3 by state accreditation standards meet with the Office of School Quality staff monthly for support.
• School Quality coaches are assigned to schools based on highest needs and receive training monthly on the HCPS School Quality process and best practices.
  

  
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Develop an annual Instructional Technology plan to support learner centered instruction in order to ensure that students can use a variety of technologies in a responsible manner, and develop the information literacy of all learners.

Objective:
Students will have LifeReady experiences during their educational careers that lead to college or career readiness.

Evidence:

• Following two years of focused work, HCPS transformed to a fully digital platform with access to variety of resources for learning. Having more digital resources available, students have greater choice and voice in how they are learning.
• Every school now has an Innovative Learning Coach to provide teachers with professional learning as well as instructional technology supports for students, staff and families to ensure they have what they need for success.
• To assist families in becoming familiar with online platforms and resources for virtual learning, HCPS Hosted a six-part learning series called HCPC Help Chats.
• The most fundamental technology for learning is the device in the hands of students, teachers, and staff. Since March of 2020, every HCPS student (PreK-12) has a dedicated HCPS to use for in-person and virtual learning. This includes iPads, Chromebooks, and laptops.
• HCPS purchased of over 1,400 Promethean smart panels for classrooms at all grade levels and in every school. This is the first, significant effort in many years to address deficiencies of display technology in about 35% of classrooms. The first phase of the project is planned to run through the beginning of 2022, with ongoing efforts continuing for years to come.
• HCPS continues to invest millions of dollars to refresh all school-based network cabling and infrastructure. The school division is also committed to providing internet access solutions in the home to student families in need to bridge the ‘digital divide’ for anytime, anywhere learning.

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Develop and implement a balanced assessment system with an emphasis on performance-based assessments and student-driven portfolios

Objective:
Students will have LifeReady experiences during their educational careers that lead to college or career readiness.

Evidence 2020 – 2021

• The HCPS Instructional Model includes the components of Instructional Design, Delivery, and Assessment. The Assessment component essential to providing feedback, informing instruction, and monitoring student progress. Through the model, teachers are encouraged to assess students in a variety of ways, including the use of formative and summative assessments, performance tasks, student self-assessment, and reflection.
• Beginning in 2021-22, starting with students enrolled in English 9, students will submit the first of three performance task writing samples to earn a verified credit required for graduation. They will complete the other two tasks when enrolled in English 10 the following year. The use of performance tasks, in addition to traditional assessment methods, further prepares students for college or career readiness. In preparation for these types of assessments, the writing curriculum across elementary, middle, and high school has been enhanced to provide students with authentic writing opportunities and feedback throughout their academic career.
  

  
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