Frequently Asked Questions

Partners FOR Acceleration

What do the services look like in schools?

We begin with an in-service for the entire staff describing PFA’s basic structure, mission, and outcomes. Our initial services, described as Level 1, involve data collection, analysis, and reporting of the findings. In the data collection phase we survey teachers, students, and parents, and conduct classroom observations. These data are compared to trends in student achievement (obtained through analysis of MAP data). The data are analyzed and summarized around the three central PFA constructs: accomplishment, belonging, and engagement.

Level 2 services focus on targeted assistance to the schools. This includes collaborating with the school to develop an action plan as the result of the Level 1 findings. Various forms of professional development, on-site support, cross-school networking, additional data collection, and partnering options would also be a part of Level 2 services.

 

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What schools are involved locally and statewide?

Six schools are receiving either Level 1 or Level 2 services in the 2008–2009 school year. They are all schools within the Charleston County School District. The schools are: Angel Oak Elementary, Frierson Elementary, Ladson Elementary, Lambs Elementary, Mitchell Elementary, and Mt. Zion Elementary.

 

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Is professional development ongoing? What determines the type of professional development?

Professional development is determined as part of the action plan in Level 2 services. It depends upon the results of Level 1 data collection and the needs of the school. Specific actions are determined collaboratively between the school and Partners for Acceleration staff.

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How do you define accomplishment, belonging, and engagement?

 

Accomplishment

o Building on students’ prior knowledge in active knowledge construction

o Having students take personal responsibility for learning and actions

o Individually identifying and pacing growth and change

o Using strengths and talents for betterment of self and others

o Using aspirations to drive current learning and actions

o Recognizing and celebrating learning and growth

Belonging

o Everyone is welcome and respected

o Everyone looks for strengths in one another

o Everyone knows one another and establishes caring, trusting relationships

o Discourse and interactions are kind and considerate

o Systems, processes, and procedures are in place to help students succeed

o People work collaboratively and productively with one another

Engagement

o Learning is clearly connected to the outside world

o Learning centers on concepts and relationships within and across subjects

o Learning occurs through dialogue and idea exchange in a social context

o Learning occurs through asking questions, inquiry and problem solving

o Learning is engrossing

o Learning is lifelong

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Can we do Level 1 the first year and then Level 2 the second year?

 

Yes, although data will not be as current as if the services had begun immediately following data collection.

 

What do the two levels of service cost?

 

Level 1 and Level 2 services are priced separately. Costs are determined by the location and size of the school. Please contact Partners for Acceleration for more information on cost (843-953-4826 or finnanc@cofc.edu).

 

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What are some of PFA’s successes?

 

Schools affiliated with PFA enjoyed improved student achievement in all subject areas as measured by South Carolina’s PACT test in 2008. In addition, an external evaluation of schools in South Carolina affiliated with Accelerated Schools (precursor to PFA) demonstrated better gains in student achievement than control schools.

 

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Why do you focus so heavily on data collection in Level 1?

 

We believe that school administrators make better choices when they are able to base their decisions on a wide variety of data. In addition, too often data are collected but are not compiled into a framework that is meaningful to school-level administrators and teachers. The data collected by PFA is primarily useful for the school but is also linked to a growing database that will demonstrate broader trends.

 

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”Cultivating Accomplishment, Belonging, and Engagement ”