We wanted explicit descriptors of what it would mean to meet the ESLRs. We would encourage seniors to pilot a portfolio project to collect evidence of the ESLRs and reward them with scholarship money if they completed the project successfully. Annual ESLR Portfolio presentation panels were convened for pilot program seniors to present their portfolios. With this information, as well as input from the college, business, education, parent, and staff representatives who were on the panels, we continued the process of refining both the ESLRs themselves and the process by which we would hold teachers and student accountable for evidence of learning. Currently, all students produce portfolios in all classes.
Teachers meet with peers and administration to discuss student work.
This year's seniors are being rewarded significantly for participating in the pilot program to give us the sense of the task of mentoring a full group of seniors. Beginning with next year's seniors, all potential graduates will have to present a portfolio, which contains acceptable evidence of meeting all 14 ESLRs in order to receive a diploma. Graduates who exceed and far exceed ESLRs in accordance with our stated policies, can earn honors and high honors at graduation. The St. Matthias High School ESLRs are living entities that will continue to be refined to meet student needs. The teaching staff a SMHS is committed to focusing it attention on improving teaching and learning so as to result in the highest achievement fort all students.