The Philosophy of Franklin School is to emphasize excellence and accountability. Students, teachers, administration and parents work cooperatively on improving academic performance in all disciplines. The commitment of the staff is evidenced through the use of diverse teaching styles and techniques which address individual needs, abilities and a diverse population. Cooperative learning, collaborative teaching, flexible grouping, differentiated instruction inclusion and the use of technology are fused into instruction to meet the demands of cultural diversity. Openly sharing failures and successes, constructively analyzing practice and procedure and demonstrating respect for each other all reflect the collegiality and professionalism of the staff.

 

Curriculum, instruction and evaluation are continuously monitored by the administration. Staff receive three documented walkthroughs, one observation (three for non-tenured) and one yearly observation. Teacher planbooks and evaluation techniques are subjected to ongoing screening to ensure that prescribed educational goals, Core Standards and objectives are achieved. Performance measures were designed to gauge how the District goals and New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards are met. Student data (benchmarks, NWEA, Star literacy) and annual results of assessments (NJASK scores) are used to compare and track student performance and progress. Data is disseminated to staff for review and skill implementation.

 

Successful strategies that affect student achievement include: identifying similarities and differences, summarizing, note taking, homework, cooperative learning, peer tutoring, nonlinguistic representations, setting objectives and providing feedback, having students evaluate themselves on their learning and comparing their evaluations with the teacher’s and recognizing accomplishments. Effective parental and community involvement, such as, the Parents’ Association, monthly newsletter and updates on web page help in building strong bonds that aid in the education process.

 

The following are utilized in order to promote high quality education:

*Balanced Literacy

*Data driven Differentiated Instruction

*Writer’s workshops

*Professional Learning Communities

 

In short, innovative teaching styles and methods, creative teachers, and a close parent/teacher relationship, continues to make Franklin School a successful learning environment.

 

Seamus Regan

Principal