School officials talk about impact of changes
To elaborate on this year's Report Card theme - Decade of Change - The Inquirer asked officials from public, private and charter schools who completed our annual survey to answer the following question: What change has impacted your district/school the most in the last decade?
Here are those responses, organized first by county and then alphabetically. Each county grouping includes public districts and private and charter schools (where applicable). The Philadelphia group includes city high schools.
Bucks
Dennis Jones, acting superintendent
"The increase in assessment and accountability as mandated by No Child Left Behind (NCLB)."
Broadus W. Davis
"No Child Left Behind."
Ellen Budman
"Influx of minority groups to our region."
David P. Blatt
"The Centennial schools annually celebrate the performing and visual arts in the Annual Fine Arts Festival Week, where students across all grade levels come together in music performances, art exhibitions, and demonstrations of technology competencies for parents and the community."
N. Robert Laws
"Increase in student enrollment, new buildings, focus on authentic assessments, and staff development for new and veteran staff."
Mark Klein
"The change that has impacted our district the most in the last decade is No Child Left Behind. Our schools in Council Rock make very intentional and comprehensive efforts to serve the diverse learning needs of our students. Full-time classes, resource rooms, and adapted programs in regular classrooms are provided at all levels for students with learning disabilities and students with emotional and social adjustment difficulties. We also work to foster exceptional abilities and talents of our students through enrichment programs and offerings. With experienced and talented staff in place throughout the district, our classrooms are alive with learning and exploration!
"In Council Rock School District, we work consistently to maintain the proper balance between the need to have our students do well on state tests and the recognition that students have unique abilities, talents, and limitations. We hope this highlights some of the outstanding achievements of our students across a variety of formal and informal measures.
"We welcome and encourage each parent's participation in their child's education. For those who may not have children in school, it is critical for them to know that Council Rock plays a vital role in the economic development and viability of our entire community. We encourage their interaction with our schools in ways that are meaningful to them. It is our hope and expectation that each of us will support, by our words and actions, the importance of education for all of our students."
Elizabeth Hammond Yonson
"The federal government has enacted No Child Left Behind Act without providing school districts the funds to help all students reach proficiency by 2014."
Paul J. Kadri
"No Child Left Behind, rising fuel costs and special-education mandates."
Barbara Burke-Stevenson
"Growth in population."
Francis V. Barnes
"The No Child Left Behind Act has had the greatest impact on our district in the last decade. While our staff has always worked hard to ensure that students achieve, the emphasis on continual progress for all students as measured by state assessments in math, language arts and now science has intensified our efforts in these areas."
Robert S. Kish
"Pennridge has been impacted by consistent growth, increased utilization of technology, and a commitment to professional development. Reductions in federal and state funding, the impact of Act 1, and increased intrusion by the state resulting in loss of local control make it increasingly difficult to pursue our objectives."
Paul B. Long
"No Child Left Behind Act; increased unfunded state mandates; increased use of technology; major building renovations."
David R. Landis
"Population growth; challenges of standards-based achievement expectations; increased need for special education; increasing reliance on local real-estate taxes."
John Funston
Bucks County Montessori Charter School
"Standards based education has resulted in the integration and alignment of state standards and the Montessori curriculum."
Karen A Schade
School Lane Charter School
"As a school that has been in existence for only eight years, our change has come from initial growing/establishment. We now find ourselves greatly influenced by NCLB, state standards and meeting achievement targets."
Connie Rinker
Bucks County Tech. School
"BCTHS transitioned from a shared-time, vocational-technical school to a full-time comprehensive technical high school in 2000. This, along with the NCLB legislation, has fostered improved student achievements, both technically and academically, as highlighted by the school making AYP in 2006."
Kathryn Strouse
Middle Bucks Institute of Tech.
"The use of technology in the classroom has impacted MBIT the most over the last decade. New and emerging technology has influenced not only our computer-related programs, but has even changed the way paint compounds are mixed in auto collision and emissions testing is done in auto technology. There is greater emphasis on CNC programming in the precision machining program. Now available is an online academic remediation system called Plato to provide students the opportunity to reinforce their math and reading skills from anywhere they have Internet access."
David Abruzzi
Upper Bucks Area Voc. Tech.
"Our programming has changed over the past 10 years to reflect the needs of the local economy, business and industries. New courses have been added, and existing courses have been updated with competencies to reflect today's job requirements and equipment to reflect today's job skills."
Mary M. Harkins
Archbishop Wood
"Growth of technology: Use of technology as a teaching tool; impact of technology on the lives of teenagers; costs of maintaining and updating technology and training faculty."
Maryjane McHugh
Conwell-Egan
"The growth of technology and its integration into the curriculum."
Nancy Starmer
George School
"We have observed a greater interest among students in participating in George School's International Baccalaureate diploma program, a rigorous pre-university course of study with a global focus offered through the International Baccalaureate Organization. Established in 1968 in Geneva, Switzerland, the International Baccalaureate Organization has grown to include 1,895 schools in 124 countries. George School began offering the diploma program in 1985 and enrollment has tripled in size since 1995. In addition, recent discoveries about the human brain have deepened our understanding of learning and pedagogy and have begun to transform both our course offerings and the way we teach."
The Rev. Jeffrey Duaime
Holy Ghost Preparatory
"Shifting metropolitan demographics have made the question of accessibility crucial to fulfilling the school mission. Financial aid has become even more mission-critical."
Dawn Miller
Plumstead Christian Academy
"Technology has impacted our school the most in the last decade. Parents and students assess their grades online, Palms are utilized as the students study the ecosystem, interactive smart boards are found in many of the classrooms, and much more. The enhancements to the classrooms itself and the utilization of various mediums help to deliver information to the students."
John Brown
Solebury School
"Because of the impact and importance of computer education, Solebury School has invested in state-of-the-art technology in its classrooms."
Diana Koopman
Villa Joseph Marie
"Technology has had a huge impact on our school. Our teachers are now able to develop new and exciting lessons on the Web, research methods have changed, etc."
Chester
Augustus J. Massaro
Avon Grove
"Two changes that have had the greatest impact on our district in the past decade are the standards-based education movement and the current information age in which our children live. Because of this, our district has become focused on ensuring that there is alignment among the written, taught, and tested curriculum so that all students are provided with the opportunity to meet the high academic standards that have been established. The integration of technology across all curricular areas has been essential to ensuring that our students have the technological skills to be successful in the 21sth century. We have aligned all systems so that students in the Avon Grove School District are provided with a rigorous K-12 education that well-prepares them to be competitive in college and other post-secondary experiences."
Richard W. Como
Coatesville Area
"The change that has impacted our district the most in the last decade would, of course, be No Child Left Behind. Along with accountability, the law has brought districtwide formative assessments, standards-based curriculum, and data-driven instruction, with the goal of increasing student achievement, to our district.
In order to achieve the standards set by the state, our district has instituted extended-day programs of after-school tutoring at each elementary and middle school to give our students more time to master math and literacy skills. At the high school, students who have not tested proficient have additional classes focusing on math and literacy built into their schedules.
To enhance these measures, the district has made a commitment to support professional development. The district in-service schedule was adjusted to include time for teachers to meet in professional learning communities to examine assessment data and adjust instruction. A Continuing Education calendar with over 40 sessions was developed to provide additional training for new and experienced teachers.
Overall, the law has made it necessary for our district, and all districts, to evaluate the efficacy of our programs and to make the changes necessary to meet the needs of all of our students.
Another issue - school safety - has brought change to our district during the last 10 years. Given the events appearing in the news, our district has a greater awareness of security needs and has taken measures to make each school in the district a safe and secure environment for the students."
Sandra Griffin
Downingtown Area
"This district is faced with historic growth. More than 5,000 new homes are planned for or under construction in our eight municipalities. Meeting the needs of a growing student enrollment has been and will continue to be one of our biggest priorities."
Rita Jones
Great Valley
"NCLB mandates that focus on improving student achievement, service learning, community service, and volunteerism permeate our culture."
Rudolph Karkosak
Kennett Consolidated
"School district enrollment has grown almost 20 percent over the past 10 years due to new development, economic growth, and the expansion of our agricultural industry"
Thomas L. Newcome II
Octorara Area
"Growth and No Child Left Behind"
Myra G. Forrest
Owen J. Roberts
"Unfunded mandates from the state, a tremendous rise in the cost of special education, No Child Left Behind, and the new Act 1 have had the most impact."
Mary Jane Gales
Oxford Area
"In the past decade, the Oxford Area School District has experienced a tremendous increase in new home construction. This has resulted in new, larger high school and middle school facilities, with the planned addition of two new elementary buildings. The next 10 years will continue to see new school construction as a result of this growth."
David R. Noyes
Phoenixville Area
"The revitalization of the Phoenixville Area School District has been in concert with the renaissance of the Borough of Phoenixville, renewed respect for traditions, and history and community organizations and institutions working together for the benefit of all of its citizens."
Daniel Waters
Tredyffrin/Easttown
"NCLB legislation."
Judith A. Funk
Twin Valley
"Our community as well as the school district is growing in size. During the last 10 years, the Twin Valley School Board has had little change. This stability has contributed to many changes in curriculum, personnel and facilities. The district prides itself on meeting the needs of all students as well as the many new families moving into the district. The largest planned community in Pennsylvania is scheduled to begin construction in the Twin Valley School District in 2008."
Sharon E. Parker
Unionville-Chadds Ford
"Increasing housing development is redefining the district from rural to suburban. Act 1 and No Child Left Behind have had significant impacts on curriculum, instruction, and fiscal management."
Alan G. Elko
West Chester Area
"The federal No Child Left Behind Law."
Jon Marsh
21st Century Cyber Charter School
"Online education is growing at a phenomenal rate, and our cyber school is part of that growth. With classes available 24/7 and our own Pennsylvania-certified teachers available at hours that are out of the ordinary, we are moving kids into the 21st century. Charter schools are changing the way schools do their business. We are a charter school that was formed in partnership with, not against, school districts to better serve the students of Pennsylvania. Our online charter school is part of two of the biggest changes in education in the past 10, if not 50, years."
Lorraine Andersen
Chester County Family Academy Charter School
"Low-income population growth and lack of affordable housing."
William D. Winters
Collegium Charter School
"The Pennsylvania charter school law that permitted Collegium to operate and provide families with a choice in public education."
Linda Portlock
Graystone Academy Charter School
"Population growth in the community due to new residential developments. This growth has increased the desire for school choice."
James Hanak
Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School
"Our school uses cutting-edge Internet technology to deliver curriculum and communicate with our students. Without the dawning of the Internet age, cyber schools would not be able to exist. Consequently, thousands of children across Pennsylvania would not have access to the high quality of education that we provide.
Many of our students come to us with unique needs that were not being fulfilled by their home districts. Others come to us from failing schools. Many of our students, especially at the high school level, would not have completed their education without our school.
The Internet has enabled us to communicate with our students with text, voice and video. We can have a live classroom with whiteboard sessions that is at least as engaging and informative as a traditional setting. Students can complete their schoolwork anywhere, at any time, at their own pace, without distractions. They have the world at their fingertips."
Gina Guarino Buli
Renaissance Academy-Edison Charter School
"Legislation which has allowed the creation of Charter Schools in Pa. along with strong support of school choice in the surrounding area."
Richard Saylor
Chester Co. Arts/Tech.-Brandywine
"The implementation of a very strict attendance policy requiring all students to attend 95 percent of the time in order to receive credit and return the following year."
Ronald E. Husband
Chester Co. Arts/Tech.-Pickering
"Without a doubt, the greatest influence on the school has been the statewide PSSA testing initiative. It has reshaped curriculum and instructional practices. A similar accountability testing system is in place for the career and technical education programs. This, along with the move to seek national certificaton in career-technical education programs has raised performance standards."
Sister Maureen L. McDermott
Bishop Shanahan
"In 1998, Bishop Shanahan moved from a much smaller facility in West Chester to an 85-acre state-of-the art facility in Downingtown"
Charles W. Shreiner III
CFS: School at Church Farm
"The proliferation of educational technology. At CFS, all students have their own school-issued laptop computers, which they use every day."
Katherine Schantz
Delaware Valley Friends
"Move to our own facilities."
The Rev. James J. Shea
Devon Preparatory
"The 62 percent increase in Devon Prep's enrollment over the past 10 years has been the biggest impact on the school, necessitating an expansion of facilities as well as programs."
The Rev. James R. Flynn
Malvern Preparatory
"While changes in demographics have made an impact on Malvern Prep in the past 10 years, technology needs, specifically Internet access, fiber-optic connections from building to building, electronic communication and new computer labs, have made the biggest impact at our school."
Sandra M. Hurst
Upattinas
"Development around our school has moved us into the suburbs now, whereas we used to be in a rural setting."
Sister Marita Carmel
Villa Maria Academy
"In the last decade we have seen a push for smaller classes, which has created the need for more teachers; the expansion of technology, which has caused the entire campus to be networked; the need for safety edcation with regard to proper and safe use of the Internet."
John W. Baird
Westtown
"Geopolitcal changes (including new realities of the post 9/11 era, economic globalization, and environmental challenges) have reinforced Westtown's mission of teaching young people how to live and work within a diverse community. Westtown offers exciting new curricular options, including courses such as Hiroshima to 9/11, a GreenEd program, student exchange and travel opportunities, and an expanded program for international students with the goal of preparing its students to be stewards and leaders of a better world."
Hench Murray
Woodlynde
"The expansion of research into learning differences and the advancements in technology allow us to serve our students more effectively."
Delaware
Gloria J. Grantham
Chester Upland
"The major impact to the education of children in the Chester Upland School District over the past decade has been the proliferation of charter schools. Thirty-seven percent of Chester Upland students attend charter schools, with the enrollment expected to rise in the coming years. The financial impact with the loss of this many students has decimated the yearly budget for the Chester Upland School District. Academically, the charter school students have not outperformed the Chester Upland students to any significantly greater degree than had they remained with the district. In many instances, CUSD students outperformed their counterparts in the charter schools."
Michael T. Golde
Chichester
"Integration of technology into the curriculum; additional reading specialists at all levels; full-day kindergarten; extended school year programs."
Anthony Costello
Garnet Valley
"Garnet Valley School District has had tremendous growth over the past 10 years. Ten years ago, GVSD was educating just over 2,000 students. Currently there is over twice that number. In order to accommodate that growth, the current superintendent has overseen the construction of three elementary schools, two additions to the high school, two additions to the middle school and an addition to one of the new elementary schools."
William S. Keilbaugh
Haverford
"The challenge of renovating and reconstructing an aging infrastructure led school directors to adopt a facilities plan six years ago. This fall, the first new school, the Chestnutwold Elementary School, was completed and a second school, the new Manoa School, will be completed in 2008. The district will begin to renovate and reconstruct Haverford Middle School very soon.
Unfunded mandates as well as No Child Left Behind and other financial issues such as the budget restrictions imposed by Act 1 will impact the delivery of quality education."
Lois Snyder
Interboro
"Method for funding public education."
Merle Horowitz
Marple Newtown
"Increasing demand for technology - infrastructure, connectivity, hardware, software, Web-based programs."
Leslye Abrutyn
Penn-Delco
"Advances in technology have allowed us to:
1. Individualize education for our students.
2. Communicate more effectively with parents through teacher Web pages, electronic grading, etc.
3. Be more data-driven in decision making and continual improvement."
Gary R. Cooper
Radnor
"Increased student population, accountability measures, and demands of the 21st-century job market have influenced course offerings and expectations on staff and students."
Nicholas Ignatuk
Ridley
"Our focus on early-childhood education, brain-based research, integrated mathematics, and reading and writing across the curriculum has resulted in increased student achievement."
Denise C. Kerr
Rose Tree Media
"The accountability movement under the No Child Left Behind legislation"
Trudie Bennett
Southeast Delco
"1) The increasing gap in spending between rich and poor districts and the resulting tax effort required by homeowners to keep basic programs intact. 2) NCLB and the related mandates."
James P. Capolupo
Springfield
"Our interpretation of No Child Left Behind means that we will have 100 percent of our children reading on grade level. We don't want to wait until 2014, when it is required. We want success for our students now. If you can read, you can be successful. We are building a K-1 literacy center to support our students at the most critical time of their development. In Springfield School District, our passion is centered around "literacy for life.""
Joseph A. Galli Sr.
Upper Darby
"No Child Left Behind legislation and special-education regulations equally impacted budget needs."
George H. Slick
Wallingford-Swarthmore
"The most significant change during the past 10 years involves the delivery of services to children with special needs. During the past decade, we have become more focused and effective in our efforts to understand and address the needs of special-education students. In an effort to better meet the needs of this population, we have devoted a significantly larger portion of our district's budget to fund special education."
Dana T. Bedden
William Penn
"No Child Left Behind mandates."
Steven E. Lee
Chester Community Charter School
"No Child Left Behind."
Darla J. Glantz
Delaware County Tech. High School-Folcroft
"The need for our students to receive industry certifications has driven our school to keep up with the technology demands of the workplace. Furthermore, more students go on to postsecondary education, realizing the need for continued training. A shift from students immediately entering the workforce to entering two-year technical training or four-year college preparation has been evident in our follow-up studies in the past 10 years."
Sister Mary Anne Broughton
Academy of Notre Dame de Namur
"The use of emerging technologies to enhance academic scholarship, promote creativity and foster learning outside of the classroom."
Martha C. Cutts
Agnes Irwin
"Enhanced security; increased emphasis on character development; more global perspective in curriculum and programming"
David R. Dickens
Archbishop John Carroll High School
"The increased use of technology in the classroom. In-service training for teachers and providing various technology resources for our student and staff. Creating computer labs, technology labs, science labs to improve student learning through various techniques."
William J. Miles
Cardinal O'Hara High School
"Transformation from a territorial high school to a regional high school that now includes students from four counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania."
Timothy Sierer
Christian Academy
"The transition to a classical model."
Sister Matthew Anita MacDonald
Country Day School of the Sacred Heart
"Our use of technology has increased where we now have three computer labs, smart boards, school-wide use of e-mail, etc. Security measures have been improved and now all doors are locked and we use a card-swipe system."
Stephen P. Dill
Delaware County Christian School
"Believing that there is 'no ordinary student,' D.C. is committed to developing the 'transformational leaders' of tomorrow through a rigorous holistic program to develop a biblical world view. To better develop the gifts of a wide range of students, D.C. has been blessed with enhanced facilities during the past 10 years that has included additional classrooms, a new auditorium for fine arts and worship, art building, expanded technology tools, additional athletic fields, and a new high school science wing (to be completed in Summer 2007)."
Mary H. Berner
Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School
"The increased use of technology."
Philip Walsh Townsend
Valley Forge Millitary Academy
"Our college has enrolled female boarding cadets for the first time in its history."
Montgomery
Amy F. Sichel
Abington
"Standards-based education, NCLB, Act 1, IDEA, technology, and full-day kindergarten; meeting the challenge to upgrade building facilities for the 21st century; providing a quality educational program in an environment where costs continue to escalate."
Harry W. Morgan
Boyertown Area
"All types of technology are now part of our everyday experiences, thus causing us to compete globally for jobs. Our goal has always been to educate students; however, because we now compete globally for employment, we must be more focused on helping all students succeed at high levels of performance."
Vincent F. Cotter
Colonial
"The implementation of the CSD Above and Beyond plan featuring the Colonial Pathways to Excellence. Multi-level goal-setting program empowers teachers and has resulted in significant increases in student achievement over the past five years. Colonial is becoming recognized as a leader in the public education reform movement. More than a dozen teachers and administrators presented lectures at national or regional staff development conferences during the 2005-2006 school year. More are expected to do the same this year. Colonial is on the cutting edge of technology and the use of technology to deliver curriculum. Colonial has been employing data analysis to drive curriculum and decision-making for a number of years and has been highlighted as a model district by AlterNet Performance during a visit by Michael Golden, deputy secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Education Office of Information and Educational Technology. Colonial is also included as a case study in an upcoming book."
William A. Lessa
Hatboro-Horsham
"No Child Left Behind legislation has changed the landscape of Pennsylvania schools.
Implementation of the PSSA and the Pa. Value-Added Assessment System has raised the bar for accountability and student performance. Data analysis as well as utilization of the data has become essential to the teaching and learning process.
The past 10 years in special education have been greatly impacted by NCLB. The No Child Left Behind Act has generated an increased ownership of the responsibility for educating all students, regardless of ability. The progress of all children is tracked with the focus being to provide research-based, scientific, peer-reviewed instructional strategies for all to enhance their rates of acquisition and retention of skills.
Over the last several years, Hatboro-Horsham has experienced an explosion of technology integration throughout the district. The momentum of technology integration followed the vision of the Digital School District Grant and the final installation of a fiber infrastructure in 2003 and an advanced regional network connection in 2005. With all of these puzzle pieces in place, the Hatboro-Horsham School District is able to provide new educational models enabled by technology and share resources around the county and the state by harnessing the speed of Internet 2.
One of the projects enabled by our fiber infrastructure is the ability to videoconference in every school building throughout the district. Hatboro-Horsham first introduced videoconferencing at the high school through a book discussion of Orwell's 1984 with Singaporean students. In the spring of 2006, fifth-grade students district-wide engaged in a live videoconference with Mattie McNair, the leader of the first-ever all-women's expedition to the geographic North Pole. This technology tool provides an opportunity for classrooms to connect with guest speakers and experts, experience multi-school project collaboration, and provide professional development activities.
The Hatboro-Horsham School District is committed to providing sudents with every opportunity to learn by providing technology instruction for all students K-12. Innovative technologies continue to be immersed in the learning environment at all levels. By the end of eighth grade, students have gained experience working with a variety of software and hardware, including smart boards, laptops, handhelds, digital cameras, scanners, video cameras, handhelds and probes.
The district also rolled out the final phase of their Web-based Student Information System, the Parent Access module, which focused on providing electronic access to student data for parents and families. This, in turn, promotes family involvement in students' education to ensure student achievement.
Recently, the district was awarded a $278,126 grant from the state Department of Education as part of its "Classrooms for the Future" initiative, which was designed to promote the integration of technology into high school classrooms. Through the grant, several smart classrooms will be furnished with the tools necessary to promote 21st-century skills.
Today, continual effort is being made at all levels to integrate technology into the curriculum and to make effective use of technology innovation in our schools. Through clear vision and leadership, technology is being utilized K-12 to improve and ultimately, transform teaching and learning."
Raymond J. Boccuti
Jenkintown
"The Internet and technology integration."
Jamie Savedoff
Lower Merion
"Classrooms are a microcosm of our society and the growing number of students with unique and special needs has greatly impacted our district. In turn, Lower Merion has provided professional development to staff focusing on differentiating instruction and has added programs and new professional staff to meet the range of student needs."
Marykay Feeley
Lower Moreland
"Technology - Lower Moreland's students benefit from technology-rich classrooms and highly skilled teachers. All classrooms contain computers; most have large-group projection devices or large-screen monitors. Our state-of-the art math classrooms have computers, LCD projectors, smart boards, and appropriate software such as Geometer's Sketch Pad, Fathom, TI Interactive, and IT 84+ calculators for use in instruction of geometry, algebra, pre-calculus and A.P. calculus. Teachers use these resources on a daily basis to instruct students and enrich their learning experience. Using math tools, the smart board, software and simulations, students are able to better visualize and learn abstract concepts. Science students use PASCO interface devices to monitor inquiry-based lab experiments. As part of a district-wide healthy-living initiative, physical education students are provided PDAs with which they monitor heart rate during exercise and daily food intake, and study the relationship to calories burned."
Jeffrey A. Miller
Methacton
"The decrease in the share of our budget provided by state and federal contributions combined with ever-increasing costs associated with regulations for special education and No Child Left Behind -- in addition to greater than 20 percent enrollment growth in Methacton -- have had the greatest impact on our district in the past decade."
Lisa Andrejko
Norristown Area
"Increased expectations for student achievement with a decrease in revenues, combined with rising costs."
Robert D. Hassler
North Penn
"Technological advances of the last 10 years have not only changed what we teach, but how we teach it. Information is a mouse-click away 24/7 and educators must adapt their teaching styles and materials to meet the demands of students with a different learning style than those of 10 years ago. NPSD began to address the demands of technology in 1998 with a comprehensive technology plan that placed computers in every classroom. Since then, the plan has been revised and expanded to include such things as mobile laptops, virtual classes and Smartboards, and countless hours of professional development for our staff."
Priscilla Feir
Perkiomen Valley
"Between 1993-2006, there has been approximately 100 percent increase in student K-12 population (2,685 to 5,522) and ranked second in the state for percentage of enrollment growth. Construction of additional buildings provided opportunities for district and community to create the quality of schools by attracting outstanding faculty and staff to complement the existing faculty and staff."
Sharon Richardson
Pottsgrove
"The No Child Left Behind legislation."
David P. Krem
Pottstown
"No Child Left Behind legislation has driven schools to a more systematic standards-based system. The design of curriculum, assessment and instruction is becoming more dynamic, more readily adjusted to meet student needs within each classroom. We are developing an instructional system that is not driven by the calendar but by student needs. Clarity of vision will continue to emerge as we learn together."
William N. Kiefer
Cheltenham
"No Child Left Behind and advances in technology ."
Charles D. Amuso
Souderton Area
"Increasing enrollment and the impact that has upon staffing, facilities, new construction, and the budget."
Roseann B. Nyiri
Springfield Township
"Over the last decade, the unfunded state and federal mandates have placed an extreme burden on the district and the taxpayers. With the recent passage of Act 1, the timelines alone are taking the focus away from quality programming to staying with an index that limits the power of local boards. The effect of Act 1 is already reaching districts and will impact them to a great degree over the next decade."
Marsha R. Hurda
Spring-Ford Area
"Rapid population growth has led the district to renovate its facilities and to embark on numerous building projects so that all our schools provide an exemplary learning environment."
Michael Pladus
Upper Dublin
"The School District of Upper Dublin has a strong academic tradition and has consistently been ranked among the region's top schools. The district has also been recognized for its history of cost-effectiveness, though deferred spending in some areas, especially facilities, looms as a significant challenge in light of House Bill One of 2006. The recent legislation, which establishes a referendum requirement for all future tax increases above an annual cap established by the state, provides even greater concern for those districts that in the past have not spent as much per capita as their peer districts."
Melissa Jamula
Upper Merion Area
"This has been the 'Data and Technology Decade' -- having a profound and positive effect on the way we do business. Each year more teachers and administrators refine their skills in how to effectively evaluate students and how to "use" the information gained to meet the educational needs of their students."
Robert J. Milrod
Upper Moreland
"Establishing a necessary focus on No Child Left Behind and adequate yearly progress goals, while maintaining a whole-child philosophy and an understanding that success is defined in many ways when serving a diverse student body."
Timothy F. Kirby
Upper Perkiomen
"Changes in state and federal regulations."
Stanley Durtan
Wissahickon
"Accessibility of technology"
Wallace H. Wallace
Achievement House
"Cyber charter school legislation has impacted our school in giving us the tools that we need to educate students in the comfort and safety of their own homes. Additionally, the increased number of incidents of school violence, combined with the increasing awareness of parents as to their options, has had a great impact on our enrollments."
June Brown
Agora Cyber Charter School
"Advancements in technology have made it possible for students to receive a quality education without leaving their homes. This is a major advantage for children who cannot attend brick-and-mortar schools because of medical, psychological, or disciplinary reasons. Cyber schools also offer greater flexibility to both parents and students by allowing them to work at times and on days when traditional schools are closed."
Jennifer Arevalo
Souderton Charter School Collaborative
"None at this time."
R. Walter Slauch
Montgomery Co. Center/Tech. Studies
"CTS programs have been significantly impacted in the last 10 years by advances in technology and the demand for integration of academics and technical skills."
Thomas Allen
Eastern Center for Arts and Tech.
"Federal legislation, Jobs for the Future Report, state legislation, NCLB and IDEA."
Dawn LeBlanc
N. Montgomery Co. Tech. Career Center
"By making the community more aware of our offerings, purpose and function to students in the area, our enrollment has increased significantly. We are getting increased support by business and industry who recognize our school as a training center, not only for secondary training, but also to enhance and supplement the existing workforce in advanced technical training. We serve as a resource to the community and school districts."
Akiba Hebrew Academy
"Technology and science have had the greatest impact."
Sally M. Powell
Baldwin School
"Renewed appreciation for the value of single-sex education for girls; diversity; technology."
Rosemary A. Naab
Bishop McDevitt High School
"Development efforts to provide tuition assistance and physical plant improvements."
Elaine A. Moyer
Christopher Dock Mennonite High School
"Technology plan includes accessible Internet and projection in every classroom, and four student labs that enhance teaching strategies including opportunities for global relationships that promote respect and peace."
David M. Felsen
Friends' Central School
"The school's commitment to the use of technology has afforded our teachers and students new opportunities for academic exploration. Seven computer labs, tablet PCs, Wi-Fi wireless network access, personalized websites for faculty and students, and a cutting-edge Intranet allow our students to keep track of homework, collaborate on coursework, conduct research, and communicate with faculty with a click of a button."
James W. Connor
Germantown Academy
"Changes at GA:
1. Raising the standards for academic performance and performance in related extracurricular academic programs as well as in athletics.
2. Developing a stellar performing arts program, including full orchestras at all three divisions, string orchestras at all divisions, concert bands at each level, and chamber groups as well as excellent choirs and chamber singing.
3. Expanding the range of opportunities for students to pursue special talents or interests, including a thriving internship program, the Academy Scholars program, enhanced Community Service, new student publications regarding politics and foreign policy.
4. Pursuit of greater global awareness though travel to and connections with schools abroad in Russia, China, South Africa, and South America.
5. Integrating the use of technology into the curriculum."
Sister Kathleen Boyce
Gwynedd-Mercy Academy High School
"Advances in technology (use of Internet for educational and social purposes, laptops/handheld devices, cell phones, CD-ROM textbooks) have impacted education more than any other factor."
Judith M Owens
Kennedy-Kenrick Catholic High School
"Open enrollment across the archdiocesan school system."
Joseph L. Marchese (Principal)
La Salle College High School
"Service and technology -- La Salle College High School has a unique, nationally recognized service program, Community TechServe, that has our students providing technology support in the community."
Linda K. Robinson
Lansdale Catholic High School
"The rapid expansion of technology."
Sister Regina Ward
Merion Mercy Academy
"MMA has grown significantly over the past several years, thus creating a synergy among students and parents. The school's recent building campaign captured this spiritual energy, which further deepened Merion Mercy's mission in the heart of each school community member."
Sister Kathleen Brabson
Mount St. Joseph Academy
"Block scheduling rooted in a mission committed to educating young women; the block schedule provides the extended time and flexibility for varied, experiential learning opportunities"
George K. Allison
Perkiomen School
"Technological advancements have had the greatest impact on our school. Boarding growth has also been significant."
Sister Carla Hernández
Saint Basil Academy
"Technology"
James Hoban
St. Pius X High School
"Use of technology - in teaching, in learning, in communications."
L. Hamilton Clark Jr.
Episcopal Academy
"The integration of state-of-the-art technology into the school environment has advanced learning throughout the educational community."
Joseph T. Cox
Haverford School
"Emphasis on best practices for teaching boys, in light of advances in studies about gender learning differences."
David Dougherty
Hill School
"Coeducation. The Hill School became a coeducational institution in 1998.
Technology. All Hill students are required to have laptop computers, which enhance learning and teaching. Each dormitory and classroom is wired to accommodate laptop use by each student and instructor, and the campus is wireless."
Steven S. Piltch
Shipley School
"Technology in and out of the classroom and more integrated/interdisciplinary education."
Philadelphia
Edison
"Our school has been greatly impacted by the gradual, but consistent, improvement in academic achievement as verified by both the results of the PSSA and the consistent increase in the graduation rate."
Bartram
"Bartram has transformed from a school with five annexes to one building with no annex. The former annexes are now small high schools."
Bodine
"In the past 10 years the student population at Bodine High School has changed to reflect new immigration patterns in the region. While the school has always been diverse, it now includes students born in Central Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Africa. The newcomers bring their international perspectives to the school, enriching the educational experience for all members of the Bodine community."
Creative and Performing
"The mandates stipulated by NCLB and the focus on high-stakes testing has reduced the amount and quality of art and music programs offered in elementary and middle schools. This has resulted in a noticeable decline in the artistic skill level of applicants representing public schools."
Carroll
"NCLB law has impacted instructional practices. In September 2005, we opened as a small neighborhood high schoool, which impacted enrollment and achievement."
Central
"The alumni's total funding and supervision of the construction of the new library, which opened in 2005."
Communications
"This is our fourth year."
Fels
"Plans to break ground and build a new school with anticipated completion in July 2009."
Frankford
"NCLB"
Franklin
"The biggest change has been the decrease in our student enrollment as part of the School District of Philadelphia's small high school initiative. This enables a more personalized high school experience for our students."
Franklin Learning
"The use of technology as an educational and instructional tool."
Furness
"No Child Left Behind mandates."
Germantown
"The rapid advancement of technology and its effect on schools."
Carver
"The Internet, NCLB legisltaion, local and state standardized assessments, emphasis on school safety."
Kensington CAPA
"Transitioning from one high school to one small school within a multiplex. Our theme reflects the arts: computer-assisted music, vocal music, ceramics, art, drama and instrumental music."
Kensington Culinary
"As part of the School District of Philadelphia's Small Schools Transition Project, we have made a successful transition from a large, comprehensive high school into three small theme-based college-preparatory neighborhood high schools."
Kensington International Business
"Kensington High School, founded in 1916, became three high schools in August, 2005! These are Kensington International Business, CAPA and Culinary. Our small school has led to a peaceful culture and climate that supports student achievement."
King
"Partnership with Foundations Inc."
Lamberton
"The change in technology is most significant with the availability of computers, smart boards and wireless technology."
Lankenau
"The school is only three years old."
Motivation
"In the 2004-05 school year, Motivation High School became its own independent high school after decades of functioning as a satellite program of John Bartram High School."
Northeast
"No Child Left Behind legislation."
Olney East
"We have been issued the Balanced Scorecard to chart our course for schoolwide progress. Since the balanced scorecard is juxtaposed to the School Improvement Plan and is a working document, the long-range plan is to continue to improve using this instrument as a guide. It in and by itself brings a more focused approach to our building improvement plan."
Olney West
"In the 2005-06 school year, Olney was divided into two schools. This effort was not only to reduce the size of the school but to make the educational experience both personal and successful."
Overbrook
"The shift to small high schools has harshly impacted the large neighborhood high schools."
Parkway-Center City
"No Child Left Behind and annual yearly progress requirements; curricular alignment with state (and national) standards, data-driven instruction, core curriculum, planning and scheduling timelines, differentialted instruction, best practices, school climate and safety. as well as professional development / in-service training based on the aforementioned."
Parkway Northwest
"Small high school iniative. No Child Left Behind. Became a Peace and Social Justice School."
Robeson Human Services
"Designated as a separate school in a small-school model; established a new name and collaboratively developed a new vision and mission for the school."
Girls
"The following changes have impacted our school: changes in technology; changes in the socio-economic status of the student body; changes in demographics of students and staff; and the reduction in resources that are available to the district."
Philadelphia Military at Elverson
"Only our second year."
Philadelphia Military at Leeds
"We are new school - only three years since inception. As a military academy, we have demonstrated how discipline and leadership impacts the school and the school district."
Roxborough
"The use of technology."
Sayre
"Our school transitioned from a middle school to a comprehensive school."
Gratz
"Attendance improved by 11 percent."
South Philadelphia
"An increase in the richness of diversity represented by both students and staff; the addition of 21st-century technology; upgrading of the gymnasiums and addition of state-of-the-art bleachers; anticipation of the completion of our athletic Supersite."
Strawberry Mansion
"NCLB requirements; focused, standardized curriculum; PSSA improvement; building refurbishment."
Sandra Ruffin
Vaux
"We transitioned from a middle school to a high school. We will have our first high school graduates in June of 2007."
Washington
"Improved climate; students are wearing uniforms; we are focused on instruction."
West Philadelphia
"The introduction of the districtwide core curriculum."
William Penn
"The movement toward smaller high schools and the implementation of the core curriculum in Philadelphia have had the greatest impact on our school in the last decade."
June Brown
Ad Prima Charter School
"The apparent increase of violence in our schools and communities influenced Ad Prima's founders to institute a comprehensive school program that is dedicated to building self-esteem and promoting cooperation, conflict resolution, and nonviolence among students and families in the school community. Self-esteem, along with feelings of personal competence, is built through helping students achieve academic excellence and teaching them the attitudes and skills they need to constructively resolve the conflicts they will encounter in their daily lives."
Stacey Scott-Hill
Alliance for Progress Charter School
"The emphasis on implementing best practices in the classroom and differentiating instruction to accommodate the learning needs of all the students."
Peter Kountz
Architecture & Design Charter High School
"No Child Left Behind legislation; state and local charter school legislation."
Alice Lunsford
Belmont Charter
"As a charter school operating under the Philadelphia School District's umbrella, we have witnessed several innovative and exciting changes over the course of this past decade within our local education system. If asked to identify the change that has had the most impact, we would have to point to the movement to create smaller high schools within our urban school system. We truly believe that this push will allow for a stronger end result in our students' ability to function well at the high school level, and serve as a key deterrent in the staggering teen dropout rate. One other main change that cannot go without comment is that of school choice. As a charter school, we feel strongly that having options not only serves as a bonus for parents, but also fosters a healthy and productive sense of competition among schools needed to raise the standards and expectations among local educators."
Rosemary Dougherty
Christopher Columbus Charter School
"There are more children applying to CCCS due to the building explosion in the area. Children's ethnicity has varied greatly during these seven years."
Joseph H.G. Proietta
Community Academy of Philadelphia
"The creation of charter schools allowed us to go from a 225 student contracted middle/high school to a K-12+ charter school."
Alice Lunsford
Family Charter School
"As a charter school operating under the Philadelphia School District's umbrella, we have witnessed several innovative and exciting changes over the course of this past decade within our local education system. If asked to identify the change that has had the most impact, we would have to point to the movement to create smaller high schools within our urban school system. We truly believe that this push will allow for a stronger end result in our students' ability to function well at the high school level, and serve as a key deterrent in the staggering teen dropout rate. One other main change that can not go without comment is that of school choice. As a charter school, we feel strongly that having options not only serves as a bonus for parents, but also fosters a healthy and productive sense of competition among schools needed to raise the standards and expectations among local educators."
Stacey Cruise-Clarke
First Phila Charter School For Literacy
"The fact that the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act define achievement."
Deborah Wei
Folk Arts Treasures
"Mandates of No Child Left Behind and emphasis on standardized testing."
Joseph M. Venditti
Franklin Towne Charter High School
"No Child Left Behind legislation"
Kelly Davenport
Freire Charter School
"The charter school movement."
Elizabeth Bailey
Green Woods Charter School
"Our charter school has only been in existence for 4 1/2 years."
Gail Hawkins-Bush
Hope Charter School
"Training, parental involvement, the need for smaller class size - schools that deal with students individual interests and students who have had peril in the public sector."
M. Christine Wiggins
Imhotep Institute Charter School
"No Child Left Behind-NCLB."
Jurate Krokys
Independence Charter School
"NCLB and poverty."
Marc Mannella
Kipp Philadelphia Charter School
"The passing of the charter law in Pennsylvania"
Angela Villani
Mariana Bracetti Academy Charter School
"The two most significant impacts in eduaction over the last decade have been the inclusion of technology in the classroom and NCLB. As a charter school we strive for every student to have access to new technology by building it into the curriculum and after-school programs (i.e., computer classes, robotics club, and partnering with University of Pennsylvania's nanotechnology program). Also, NCLB has impacted our school by engraining that we as a community are responsible for our actions and to take ownership of them."
Scott Gordon
Mastery Charter High School
"Fulfilling our mission to close the achievement gap and prepare all our students for college and the global economy has been our focus since we opened in 2001. We live by our motto 'Excellence. No Excuses.' "
Scott Gordon
Mastery at Thomas Charter School
"Closing the achievement gap and preparing all our students for college and the global economy is our driving mission. We live by our motto, 'Excellence. No Excuses.' "
Paul Stadelberger
New Foundations Charter School
"The biggest change is meeting the requirements of No Child Left Behind."
David Rossi
Nueva Esperanza Academy Charter School
"Act 22 - charter school legislation"
Michael J. Nemitz
Philadelphia Electrical and Technical Charter High School
"NCLB and Project 720"
Kathleen Miller Dzura
Philadelphia Montessori Charter School
"The Charter School Law, which allowed us to make our dream a reality.
The No Child Left Behind Act -- specifically, the increased emphasis on testing."
John Badagliacco
Preparatory Charter School
"We have achieved academic prominence among Philadelphia high schools as a result of the No Child Left Behind legislation and the national emphasis on high-stakes testing. Another change that has impacted our school is the trend towards making the senior year of high school more meaningful. We were a forerunner in this initiative in that our seniors have earned college credit (dual enrollment) while in high school since 2001."
Lawrence Jones
Richard Allen Preparatory Charter School
"The No Child Left Behind legislation and increased competition in education has tremendously impacted our school."
Salome Thomas-EL
Russell Byers Charter School
"NCLB"
June Brown
Laboratory Charter School
"No Child Left Behind legislation passed in 2001 required standards-based education and local accountability judged by statewide assessments. Students who do not meet the standards are now required to obtain remediation and schools that do not make annual yearly progress goals must initiate extensive reforms."
Veronica J. Joyner, Founder
Mathematics, Civics and Sciences
"No Child Left Behind requirements"
Wakisha Charter School
"Assessment has directly impacted classroom instruction. Understanding standards and implementing daily objectives provide a sound basis for improving the level of instruction."
Stacy Gill-Phillips
West Philadelphia Achievement Charter Elementary School
"Growth."
Julie Stapleton Carroll
Wissahickon Charter School
"Philadelphians should be commended for the open mind and innovative way that they have embraced educational reform."
Lars Beck
Young Scholars Charter School
"The charter school reform movement."
A. Larry Melton
Bok Tech
"Increases in math and reading scores; the shift to technology education for vocational training; the addition of our business partnership links."
Charles M. Whiting
Dobbins
"The use of standardize testing mandated by the state."
Sister Rosemary Herron
Mercy Vocational High School
"Technology has become integrated throughout the curricula and many technological upgrades. Added shop offering to address job market needs: nursing assistant, computer technician, HVAC technician. Increased math offerings. Additional staff to support learning needs of students."
Saul High School of Ag. Sciences
"Positive: Great kids, great staff, positive energy
Negative: Budget cuts, NCLB constraints, loss of personnel."
David M. Kipphut
Swenson Arts and Tech. Center
"The greatest change has been the creation of Swenson as a comprehensive career and technology high school offering students a full-time four-year secondary education program. This program centers its instruction on an integrated academic and technical education for all students."
Samuel Pennington
Calvary Christian
"The rapidly expanding world of technology has changed the face of education forever. Information gathering and learning can happen pratically anywhere. No longer is the school setting and the teacher the only source of teaching and learning. Although the social interaction offered within the school setting is invaluable, our schools must look ahead to futuristic ways of presenting the educational process."
Thomas F. Rooney Jr.
Cardinal Dougherty High School
"Intensive scheduling; the academies; open enrollment; diversity; and technology"
Linda Brown
Cornerstone Academy (Chalutzim)
"Large number of those home schooling, desire for small classes and safe, positive environment."
Francis P. Steel Jr.
Chestnut Hill Academy
"Opportunities/challenges of teaching students to be discerning users of technology. Recent research on how boys learn has affirmed importance and value of all-boys education."
City Center Academy
"Cost of providing a quality program is rising and it is challenging to offer a reasonable tuition for our families."
Mark Piechota
Crefeld School
"In the last 10 years, progressive education has slowly been gaining recognition as a beneficial style of education for many different types of students. This has led to increased awareness of and interest in The Crefeld School as a progressive school. We now have a relationship with the Triskeles Foundation, which helps our students to find internships in nonprofit organizations. In addition, the range of activities that our students participate in for community service has expanded. Finally, many colleges have also reconnected with their progressive roots, making them more interested in our students and the academic experiences they bring to a college setting."
Joseph De Angelis
Father Judge High School
"The use of computers in the classrooms, library and science labs has changed the way teachers deliver instruction."
Rose Hagan
Friends Select School
"Center City renaissance. Globalism. Technology."
Richard L. Wade
Germantown Friends School
"Science and technology: In 1999, GFS was among the first schools to change the sequence of high school science courses to teach physics in 9th, chemistry in 10th, and biology in 11th grade. Students use computers, the Internet and high-tech equipment on our wireless campus to research, explore and discover. An example: Biology students do original genome research on the Internet with partners from Girard College."
Frances E. Smith
Girard College
"Technology."
Margaret Gallagher
John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls' High School
"Successful capital campaign. Technology has changed education. Graphic art is expanding, and forensic science is technology driven. Diversity has enhanced and enriched the educational environment. Development efforts have made education more affordable."
Sister Kathleen Klarich, Principal
Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls
"The declining city population along with numerous charter schools in the area present enrollment challenges."
Sister Mary Joan Jacops
Nazareth Academy High School
"Grade connect.com; distant learning, homework live.com; smartboard, excel gradebooks; local area network tests and quizzes; video distribution system (VCR and DVD); teacher e-mail; teacher web pages."
The Rev. Nicholas R. Waseline
North Catholic High School
"The demographic shifts in the city's neighborhoods."
Barbara Moses
Philadelphia Mennonite High School
"The increased number of charter schools opening in Philadelphia has adversely impacted our enrollment."
President - Rev. Joseph Bongard; Principal - Robert O'Neill
Roman Catholic High School
"The rapid advancement of technology in the classroom. Internet use. Cell phones. School security. Safe-environment training for students and staff."
Priscilla G. Sands
Springside School
"Technology that is integrated into the curriculum at all levels and features smart boards in every classroom (Pre-K-12); communications that will be supported by a video and broadcast studio."
Patricia Sticco
SS. Neumann/Goretti Catholic High School
"The merger of our two schools, St. John Neumann and St. Maria Goretti, is the single most dramatic change. With the consolidation came a significant increase in enrollment and a significant increase in our ability to provide sound academic programs for our young women and young men. It has given Catholic education new life in South Philadelphia."
Sister Marie Esther Hart
St. Hubert Catholic High School for Girls
"Technology has impacted our facilities, our curriculum and our teacher in-servicing."
Michael Gomez
St. Joseph's Preparatory School
"The movement of many families, especially Catholics, from the city to the suburbs has changed the demographics of the school somewhat. While a sizeable number of our students still hail from Philadelphia, it is lower than it had been previously, an issue we are trying to address."
Brother Timothy Ahern
West Philadelphia Catholic High School
"Our enrollment has been impacted by the closure of elementary schools in West and Southwest Philadelphia. On the other hand, our International Studies program, our Culinary Arts courses in conjunction with the Restaurant School, our music and art programs draw students from as far away as Chester."
Earl J. Ball
William Penn Charter School
"Technology and learning styles. Advances in technology have impacted education at every level and in every discipline. Research about learning styles has made it possible to develop classroom approaches that reach a variety of students, and to lead students to recognize and understand their individual learning styles."
Burlington
Lawrence Mathis Jr.
Bass River
"Student mobility and ESL."
Glenn T. Gray
Beverly City
"NCLB has had the greatest impact on all areas of the educational program in the district."
John Polomano
Bordentown Regional
"There is no doubt that population growth along with cuts in state aid have had a great impact on our district. Along with these issues, the increase in special-education costs and unfunded mandates from No Child Left Behind have combined to limit programs for all children."
Edward F. Gola Jr.
Burlington City
1. State testing
2. Technology
3. Inclusion in special education
Christopher Manno
Burlington Township
"There are three major areas that have impacted our school district during the past decade: Increased residential development, increased enrollment, and a decrease in state funding."
Constance J. Bauer
Chesterfield
"Master plan resulted in construction that impacted student population."
Michael Livengood
Delanco
"One of the biggest changes has been use of technology in our schools."
George F. Sharp
Delran
"Enrollment has increased over the past several years but has stablized this year; transition to NCLB; budgetary constraints."
Robert A. Krastek
Eastampton
"We view consolidation as a process that has helped us define who we are and has helped us develop programs for the future. We have consolidated our elementary and middle school buildings to a K-8 facility and have consolidated our administration, as well."
Scott Streckenbein
Edgewater Park
"The need for increased security in and around the schools"
Patricia M. Lucas
Evesham
"Community growth, necessitating new schools and redistricting.
Increase in special-needs population.
Flat state aid for multiple years forcing tax increases for residents."
Mark Silverstein
Hainesport
"Tremendous housing growth in the area. Hainesport has experienced the fourth highest population growth in Burlington County and the highest increase in home value in the entire county. This has created demand for additional classroom space."
Daniel F. Hicks
Lenape Regional
"Fiscal crisis caused by a total accumulated loss in state aid of $104.5 million in last 10 years, due to state's failure to adjust the state aid formula to coincide with an enrollment increase of 2,500 students during the same time period, has had a negative impact on the Lenape district's ability to maintain the quality programs and services it offers its 7,500 students. Since 2003, $5.6 million has been cut from the Lenape district budget.
The other major change in the last decade has been the heightened emphasis on school security."
Frank J. Logandro
Lumberton
"Two changes have impacted the Lumberton School District in the past 10 years: aggressive student enrollment and extreme decreases in state funding. Like many districts we have had to become more creative in continuing to offer high-quality, cutting-edge programs to more students with fewer federal dollars, and without putting the bulk of the financial burden on our taxpayers. Most recently, accommodating the new federal and state requirements for No Child Left Behind legislation have placed an added financial burden on the district. We find ourselves constantly looking for alternative ways to fund programs, such as private and federal grants, the PTA (fund-raising), and possibly the initiation of an education foundation."
Diane Bacher
Mansfield
"Increased growth in the community has resulted in increased enrollment and the construction of the new Mansfield Township Elementary School. The caring faculty, staff, and community have worked diligently to welcome our new students, preserving traditions while creating new memories."
Maple Shade
"Technology"
James Lynch
Medford Lakes
"Technology, school security, preschool, world languages, lack of state funding to suburban school districts, No Child Left Behind."
Joseph J. DelRossi
Medford
"Increased student growth, a lack of funding, specifically the Comprehensive Education Improvement and Financing Act of 1996 (CEIFA) formula not fully funded, and expectations under NCLB have had the greatest impact."
Timothy C. Brennan
Moorestown
"The change that impacted our district the most is the need to prepare all students for the rigorous demands of the 21st century. Due to the exponential changes in technology, whether students are going into the workplace or college, the skills needed in both areas are equivalent."
Paul A. Spaventa
Mount Holly
"The major change which has impacted our district in the last 10 years has been the NCLB Act. It has mandated focus on all student learning and has placed a strict accountability factor on the district. NCLB mandated new initiatives and fiscal reorganization."
Antoinette Rath
Mount Laurel
"The technology advances made in Mount Laurel over the past decade have been most significant. We have gone from a computer lab in each school set up by parent volunteers to interactive whiteboards in nearly every classroom and laptop computer carts serving all areas."
James Sarruda
Northern Burlington County Regional
"Community growth along with the explosion of information technology has had a tremendous impact on our schools. NBC has responded to these changes by restructuring its junior high school into a middle school and expanding its comprehensive services in the high school."
John A. Mazzei, Interim
Pemberton Township
"Abbott implementation; whole school reform; small learning communities at secondary school; early childhood preschool program."
Michael D. Moskalski
Rancocas Valley Regional
"Virtual classes have added subject areas and AP-level courses not included in the regular curriculum. Student databases have been expanded to permit diagnostic analysis of student performance on core state standards."
Robert Goldschmidt
Riverside
"The number of children who need additional services from the public schools, including but not limited to special-education needs, and the cost of those services."
Mary Ellen Eck
Riverton
"Although the growth in use of technology (and the Internet) as well as attention to inquiry-based and advanced curriculum has been a focus, we would have to say that student/school community issues of safety have changed most of our policies and procedures."
Thomas P. Christensen
Shamong
"Flat state aid; NCLB requirements"
Michael L. Harris
Southampton
"NCLB requirements resulting in increased state testing has placed greater emphasis on student achievement. As a result, full-day kindergarten was implemented, professional development programs have been enhanced, and educational programming to improve student performance on the NJASK and GEPA have been implemented.
The need to enhance school safety and security has resulted in the installation of security monitoring/access systems and major revisions to procedures pertaining to security.
In addition,continued flat funding in state aid has significantly impacted on the district. The district's financial resources are being stretched to the limit and it is difficult to fund new programming through the regular school budget."
Helena Kosoff-Sullivan
Springfield
"Technology has had the greatest impact on student learning. Academic software programs and online tutorials advance individualized practice of skills. Videoconferencing adds the communications dimensions and advances awareness of learning."
Berenice Blum-Bart
Tabernacle
"The creation of the New Jersey core content curriculum standards, coupled with the requirement for highly qualified teachers, has impacted the district by reinforcing the ability to provide a rich learning environment for students. A consistent delivery of teaching objectives, continuity of instruction, and an ability to set high standards to meet the needs of all our learners have created a learning environment where all students excel."
Joseph Porter
Burlington Coounty Inst. of Tech.-Medford
"Advances in technology along with the New Jersey State test (HSPA) required to graduate."
Joseph R. Lemme
Holy Cross High School
"The rising cost of a private Catholic education."
Laurence R. Van Meter, Head of School
Moorestown Friends School
"Growth in demand for a rigorous college-preparatory program has resulted in an enrollment increase of 25 percent for Moorestown Friends School over the past decade."
John F. McGee
St. Mary's Hall-Doane Academy
"Positive public image based on campus improvements, faculty retention and affordability in service to a talented, diverse student population."
Camden
Donald A. Borden
Audubon
"I am not sure there is one single change that has had the most impact. If I had to pick one thing, I suppose the combination of the NCLB requirements with our ongoing struggle to procure the resources required to provide a quality education to our students have resulted in significant changes in how we function as a district. We are driven by performance indicators on mandated assessments and, as a result, educational decisions regarding the use of limited resources tend to focus more on those issues."
Loyola L. Garcia
Barrington
"In the last 10 years we have had an increase of classified students needing more services. The number of special-education teachers needed to maintain the required programs has increased. We have had flat funding from the state and have had our budgets fail at the polls and then be cut by the municipality by almost $500,000 in the last two years. We have consolidated three special-ed administrative positions into one and eliminated the position of curriculum coordinator to maintain budget caps. All these duties have been assumed by district staff."
Deborah L. Monahan
Bellmawr
"NCLB drives what and how we teach since scores are so public. We also are seeing a large influx of immigrants, which has promoted diversity and programmatic changes.
Families are quite different today and reflect every possible configuration."
Leonard A. Binowski
Berlin Borough
"The advancements that the district has made in the area of technology has impacted BCS the most. Technological advancements include smart board, lap tops, desk tops in every classroom, TV/DVD combo in every classroom, and total network capabilities, etc."
Ralph E. Ross
Black Horse Pike Regional
"The initiatives and changes that have impacted our district the most in the last decade include NCLB, technological advancements, population growth, funding constraints, budget cuts, and increased state and federal mandates"
John Kellmayer
Brooklawn
"The district has been extremely successful in raising revenue from nontraditional sources, such as corporate paratnerships, endowments, school choice, and the sale of naming rights such as the ShopRite of Brooklawn Center, the name of the new gym/multipurpose building."
Leonard Fitts
Camden
"No Child Left Behind"
David Campbell
Cherry Hill
"It's hard to point to just one. In the late 1990s, Cherry Hill instituted grade-level configuration changes. We moved sixth graders out of our elementary schools and changed our junior highs (grades 7 and 8) to middle schools (grades 6, 7 and 8). This also opened up space in our elementary schools, enabling us to lower elementary class sizes.
From wireless laptops at our elementary schools to smart boards and math labs at our secondary schools, technology advances have certainly had an impact on how we deliver and support the curriculum.
The No Child Left Behind Act has also had an impact on our district. Despite flaws in the implementation of this legislation, we firmly support the underlying ideal: that all children can learn when provided with the proper supports. This ideal is reflected in our district goals, our building goals, and the goals of every district administrator.
Finally, a more recent change that has impacted New Jersey districts is the school funding legislation (S-1701) that limits budget increases to 2.5 percent or CPI, whichever is greater. S-1701 actually punished school districts that had never gone to budget cap (the maximum allowable spending limit) by giving them a smaller base on which to build future budgets."
Michael G. Kozak
Clementon
"The No Child Left Behind Act has resulted in a a sharpened focus toward raising the achievement of every student, including students in every subgroup. Finding a way to balance educating the whole child while achieving AYP is a challenge for everyone."
James H. Bathurst
Collingswood
"Advances in technology
No Child Left Behind Act"
Harold Melleby Jr.
Eastern Camden County Regional
"The use of smart boards, Ti84 Texas Instrument calculators, MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) in music programs, PowerGrade student attendance and grade-keeping system, and redundant backup systems for MAC computer servers."
James J. Lavender
Gibbsboro
"Technology has changed the way children learn."
Mary T. Stansky
Gloucester City
"Abbott status has had the most impact on our funding and our opportunity to provide services."
Thomas D. Seddon
Gloucester Township
"Technology, NCLB, and no increase in state aid for past five years."
Nancy M. Hacker
Haddon Heights
"The impact of technology and videoconferencing on instruction and learning."
Mark J. Raivetz
Haddon Township
"With each passing year, it becomes increasingly more difficult to provide a quality educational program to our students. Nonfunded state mandates (elementary world language; time-consuming data collection; monitoring reports) coupled with flat funding from the State of New Jersey (no increase since 2001), dramatically increasing special education costs and restrictions, and No Child Left Behind assessments and reporting place additional burdens on school districts. In the last 10 years, state aid has declined from about 40 percent of the budget to 27 percent of the budget. The community can no longer make up the difference."
Joseph O'Brien
Haddonfield
"The use of technology within the classroom to enhance our already well-rounded curriculum."
Albert K. Brown
Laurel Springs
"Changing state requirements because of the No Child Left Behind federal law."
Cassandra T. Brown
Lawnside
"The No Child Left Behind Act (2001)"
Geraldine R. Carroll
Lindenwold
"The dissolution of Lower Camden County Regional has allowed Lindenwold to provide a fully articulated K-12 program for all Lindenwold students, thus providing more high-quality educational and co-curricular opportunities to students within their own community."
Warren L. Pross
Magnolia
"Rising costs for health care, utilities, and special education; declining revenues."
Christian R. Swanson
Merchantville
"The implementation of computer technology has significantly impacted the educational programming offered to our students over the last ten years."
Rich Serfling
Mount Ephraim
"Special eucation needs have driven most of the educational items in the school. Also, funding has changed radically with more costs being placed on the local tax base."
Tommie D. Stringer
Oaklyn
"The irresponsibility of New Jersey legislators to adhere to the school funding formula that they themselves enacted. This has resulted in years of flat (no increase) state aid to schools that has negatively impacted property taxes. In addition, the state and federal government continue to heap unfunded mandates on schools, making it increasingly difficult to operate effectively and efficiently."
James F. Chapman
Pennsauken
"The dynamic changes in technology and the need of the school district to provide students with the hardware, software and skills necessary to use technology successfully has had a major impact over the last 10 years. In addition, over the last five years the state has failed to provide local school districts with adequate financial support."
Kenneth P. Koczur
Pine Hill
"In 2001 our district became a K-12 system as a result of the dissolution of the Lower Camden County Regional School District."
Joseph F. Sweeeny
Runnemede
"NCLB, in spite of its many flaws, has had the greatest impact on how we do business. The emphasis on "accountability" for each child and each subgroup has resulted in significant gains in student achievement and equity issues. However, we need to address the "flaws" which include unrealistic expectations for special-education students and the failure to allocate additional funding for all districts to ensure supplemental services and continuous professional development. NCLB has been good -- but, it needs to get much better. Let's make it better and make sure the funding follows the rhetoric."
Debra L. Bruner
Somerdale
"Academically, the increase in non-English-speaking students and the growth of our English as a Second Language (ESL) program. Nonacademically, the greater emphasis on safety and security in our schools."
Albert Brown
Stratford
"Community support for the district has improved. The last two school budgets were approved by voters."
Raymond J. Brosel Jr.
Voorhees
"Shrinking resources and flat funding along with No Child Left Behind. These two areas drive everything from curriculum to assessment.
Additionally, technology has had a high impact upon our students and the educational environment."
Gary L. Dentino
Waterford
"Implementation of technology intracurriculum."
Daniel M. Swirsky
Winslow
"The system for funding school in New Jersey."
"Patricia T. Doloughty
Woodlynne
"Declining socioeconomic status of community; increased number of rental properties; No Child Left Behind requirements without funding; state mandates without funding."
Joseph V Conway
Camden Academy Charter School
"In the past decade, the change that has most impacted our vision of education is the Charter School Program Act of 1996, our impetus of existence. The law has given us the opportunity to give the children of Camden quality educational programming while offering the parents of Camden a choice in their children"s education."
Joseph V Conway
Camden's Promise Charter School
"In the past decade, the change that has most impacted our vision of education is the Charter School Program Act of 1996, our impetus of existence. The law has given us the opportunity to give the children of Camden quality educational programming while offering the parents of Camden a choice in their children"s education."
Doris Carpenter
D.U.E. Season Charter School
"Too new to respond."
Antoinette C. Dendtler
Enviornment Community Opportunity Charter School
"NCLB has no doubt had an immense impact on public education."
Gloria Hancock
LEAP Academy Charter School
"The No Child Left Behind Act has created a environment of accountability, increased reporting requirements by the district and school, and has provided the opportunity to look more closely at the success of all student populations."
High School Division: Carole Clarke; Special Needs Division: John Troxell
Camden County Technical-Gloucester
"Technology and educational decisions are made with regard to No Child Left Behind legislation and efforts to close the achievement gap which is the basis of the No Child Left Behind legislation.
Our students have the opportunity to enroll in on-line courses through virtual high school and they have the opportunity to enroll in college classes related to their career training programs while they are still in high school."
Patricia Fitzgerald
Camden County Technical-Pennsauken
"Technology and educational decisions are made with regard to No Child Left Behind legislation and efforts to close the achievement gap which is the basis of the No Child Left Behind legislation.
Our students have the opportunity to enroll in on-line courses through virtual high school and they have the opportunity to enroll in college classes related to their career training programs while they are still in high school."
Lynn Conahan
Baptist High
"Merger with an elementary to form a complete K-12 system."
Thomas Kiely
Camden Catholic High
"The Diocese of Camden lifted its fixed sending districts several years ago. This has allowed students from many areas CCHS traditionally did not serve to attend Camden Catholic."
John T. Colman
Gloucester Catholic High
"Curriculum, extracurricular activities and athletic opportunities constantly expanding."
Sister Marianne McCann
Paul VI High School
"The educational change that impacted Paul VI the most in the last decade is technology. Paul VI has become a wireless community with 66 access points. Our classrooms are equipped with computers, lightbooks and videotizers so that technology integration in the curriculum is seamless. Teachers use technology for attendance and grading. Parents have the ability to check students grades on ParentConnect and all students and teachers have school based e-mail accounts. In 2006, Paul VI initiated a 1:1 tablet computer program for honors freshmen."
Rebecca B. Stiegel
King's Christian School
"For the first time in the 60-year history of the school, PreK-12th grades are now in a $10 million beautiful facility with new home athletic fields."
Gloucester
Cleve W. Bryan
Clayton
"The NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards and state testing; also the use of computers for instruction and student record keeping."
Patricia Carroll
Clearview Regional
"Technology is the greatest advancement in education over the past ten years. It would be difficult to navigate through a school day without consistent interaction with technology as a tool for instruction, communication, and management. More importantly, instructional technology has provided a valuable tool for teachers to augment their classroom practices. The Internet, computer-aided programs, software and interactive curricula have offered teachers enhanced options for reaching their students' varied learning modalities. Instructional technology engages today's students in the multi-sensory format to which they have become accustomed in their everyday lives. Students benefit from the ability not to only see and hear instruction, but to be involved in tactile interaction with their lessons. While technology will never replace the relationship dynamic between teachers and students, it certainly affords incredible instructional opportunities for both teachers and learners."
Frank D. Borelli
Delsea
"No Child Left behind, Action Research Model of Professional Development, Service Learning"
Joseph F. Canataro
Deptford
"NCLB and S1701"
Joseph P. Conroy
East Greenwich
"Residential development"
Robert A. Suessmuth
Elk
"Aura School features a strong educational program including small class size, art, music, physical education, special needs, gifted/talented, and support programs for students."
Joyce Stumpo
Gateway Regional
"Higher expectations, core curriculum content standards, technology, changing needs of students and parents, No Child Left Behind, restricted budgets caused by Public law S-1701."
Michael R. Gorman
Glassboro
District: "The two most profound changes in education in the last decade have been No Child Left Behind with its accountability and the learning technology that is now available.
HS: "Over the past 10 years we have seen the curriculum change into something that has more meaning for students, and more application to the world in which they are going to live.'
GIS: "During the last 10 years we have seen the curriculum become more dedicated to the state tests, such as the GEPA. Students have significant learning opportunities through technology. Currently, in an alternate-day block schedule, students are receiving more 'hands on' instruction with extended class time."
Bowe: "No Child Left Behind has had the most dramatic impact on the last decade. This act holds schools responsible for all its populations, particularly minorities and special-needs students."
Bullock: "Research into student learning has been very important in the last 10 years. We are learning more about how students learn and are differentiating our instruction to work more successfully with students."
Rodgers: "In the last 10 years there has been a dedicated effort toward early childhood education. Students in kindergarten are reading, writing, and performing at a level never thought possible."
Francine Marteski
Greenwich
"The flat funding-zero increase in state aid has been the most influential factor on all school districts' ability to make schools work using allocations based on 2001 numbers. We have moved from a managerial type of administration to a leadership model. This takes the up/down method and empowers teachers and administration. By administration becoming change agents who practice what is expected, there is a symbiotic relationship with the staff. Technology and the use of it in the district every day. Increased use of technology creates continually changing opportunities. In addition, our district has been involved in reseach-based practices and teacher in-services to learn and discuss how to incorporate them in the classroom."
Patricia Hoey
Harrison
"The growth of the township has had the greatest impact over the last 10 years. Intensive work has been done by the administration and staff in developing curriculum that is research-based and reflective of the NJ Core Content Standards. The implementation of curriculum has evolved from whole-class to a combination of large-group and small-group instruction. The district maximizes resources by providing support for all students within the general-education classroom. Staff development has been a major part of the overall academic growth of the district during this time period. Consistency of instruction across the grades and between the grades has been a targeted objective. Access to technology has revolutionized the communication between staff and parents."
Ave Altesitz
Kingsway Regional
"Our district has experience tremendous growth in the last decade. Our increasing enrollment has created many new challenges and opportunities for growth."
John Herbst
Logan
"Logan Township's student population has increased 10 percent over the past 10 years. One new facility has been completed in that time frame. Instructionally the biggest change has been the integration of technology into the classrooms."
Steven Crispin
Mantua
"There have been a number of issues which have impacted our educational programs. These would include No Child Left Behind, technology, and district growth. However, the most significant impact on our district has been the lack of state funding for education. This has made it very difficult to continue funding our current educational programs, which have been very successful in promoting student achievement. Additionally, this lack of funding is causing increases in class size and a reduction in services to at-risk students."
Robert E. Terrill
Monroe
"Increased student enrollment and the lack of community support to our annual school budget."
Ray Bider
National Park
"Significant changes have impacted programs due to flat funding from the state and federal government resulting is cancellation of after-school programs and staff reductions"
Frank Scambia
Paulsboro
"The utilization of computers in the educational process; also, the impact on our students of our 21st Century Community Learning Center and the N.J. After 3 grants."
Thomas F. Schulte
Pitman
"The change in technology has had a significant positive impact on our district in the last decade. All of our schools have wireless laptop cards and video-conferencing capabilities. Technology is seamlessly integrated into every curriculum area. During the last decade, we were awarded the Technology Challenge Grant, Pairing and Sharing Round I and Round II grants, a two-year ACE+Grant and three-year STAR-W grant. These grants allowed us to provide essential hardware in the classroom and to provide continuous sustained staff development in the integration of technology to improve student achievement."
David W. Datz
South Harrison
"Growth in enrollment from 230 to 320."
Richard Fisher
Swedesboro-Woolwich
"Our district has been impacted by dramatic growth in student enrollment (170 percent increase). Assimilating new students and new families into our district has been our challenge in all aspects of district operations."
John Scavelli Jr.
Franklin
"Technology has impacted our district the most in the last decade. Ten years ago, we had zero computers in the classroom. Our buildings were not "wired" for technology. Now we have a computer lab in each building and from 4-6 computers in each individual classroom. Most of our classroom teachers have laptops and complete much of their administrative paperwork over the network. We now employ a supervisor of technology and a network technician."
Cheryl L. Simone
Washington Township
"Technology! and the advent of NCLBm which has placed increased amounts of work, stress and accountability restrictions on schools."
Christine C. Smith
Wenonah
"The No Child Left Behind initiative has impacted the teachers and paraprofessionals we hire, the assignments of tenured teachers, the amount of testing we do, and the way those scores are reported to the community - to name just a few."
Edward Wasilewski
West Deptford
"The use of technology has had the greatest impact instructionally for students, management of records, for staff, and access to student performance for parents."
Shannon M,. Whalen
Westville
"NCLB and focusing on the child as an individual."
Joseph Jones III
Woodbury
"The change that has impacted our district the most over the course of the last decade has been the introduction of our preschool program. We now have top-quality district educators working with our children from as early as age 4. The preschool program provides a foundation for success for each child as he/she moves through the entire schooling experience.
Additionally, another positive impact has been a variety of improvement projects for our facilities and gorunds. The upgrades have provided an enhanced environment for the meaningful activities that take place within the classroom walls. We are indebted to a community that values the importance of education."
Janie R. Haines
Woodbury Heights
"The need for increased school security has impacted the district."
Ted Frett
Gloucester County
Institute of Technology
"One of the fastest growing counties in the region, Gloucester County has experienced rapid population growth and development. During the same time, New Jersey instituted changes in core curriculum standards to effect state wide high school reform. Addressing those concerns, GCIT successfully converted from shared-time vocational programs to a full-time comprehensive high school for students with a career focus. Today's GCIT reflects a student centered culture with emphasis on academic credibility, career focus, and community service. As a career-technical high school, GCIT ensures educational relevance through partnerships with higher education, local businesses, and labor unions."
Other South Jersey
Jeffrey M Taylor
St. Joseph High School
"The suburbanization of the South Jersey region. More farms are being sold and turned into housing developments. As a result, there are more students than ever in the region, and our enrollment reflects this increase."
The Rev. Joseph Perreault
Holy Spirit High School
"As with most high schools, the proper incorporation of technology into classroom instruction in a way that enhances the educational experience."
The Rev. Edward Namiotka
Sacred Heart High
"Change in our school has come from advances in technology, in increased school safety measures and from our Christian commitment to prepare our students for the evolving ethical, social and economic challenges of the 21st century."
The Rev. Francis J. Horn
St. Augustine Preparatory School
"Greater demand for strong academics and value-based education in South Jersey."