Recommendations
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From an analysis of the data, observations of schools, and interviews with school district officials, the SchoolMatch Audit team makes the following recommendations:

  1. Make student learning and achievement top priority. Student learning and achievement must be the primary purpose and function of the school district and be given the highest priority.

  2. Adopt a five-year curriculum planning calendar. It is recommended that the district adopt a five (5) year curriculum planning calendar coordinated with the district’s annual and projected budgets.

  3. Develop research-based curriculum reflecting best practices. Since Elmwood Park is a Unified School District, continuity of the curriculum is essential. The development process should reflect a philosophical fit (that the written curriculum is taught and assessment is based on identified standards) and should be aligned from one grade level to the next. It is recommended that curriculum planning teams continue to collaborate to develop research-based curriculum reflecting best practices and high standards.

  4. Continue and expand data-driven decision-making. It is recommended that the district continue and expand the use of data-driven analysis in making instructional and program decisions.

  5. Base staff development on continuous improvement and instructional priorities. It is recommended that staff development for the district be based on continuous improvement and curricular and instructional priorities. High quality training should be included with the introduction of new programs and technology.

  6. Collaborate with parents to increase expectations for learning. It is recommended that the district collaborate with parents to increase expectations for student learning. This collaboration must address rigorous academic programs, attendance, homework, tardiness, and dropout rates.

  7. Increase communication with the community. It is recommended that the district increase its communication with the community, especially parents, by engaging them in student achievement initiatives and in promoting school/parent partnerships.

  8. Promote positive perceptions of the school district. A pro-active approach to promoting a positive perception of the school district should be developed involving all segments of the school community. Special attention should be given to highlighting the positive results of Elmwood Park High School to enhance matriculation rates of students entering the ninth grade.

  9. Conduct follow-up studies of graduates. The school provides a comprehensive report on the post-secondary plans for its graduates. One year and five year follow-ups of graduates are recommended to determine the over-all success of the graduates in achieving personal goals, as well as their degree of satisfaction in their academic preparation received from Elmwood Park Schools.

  10. Address the high dropout rate. The percent of students identified as dropouts is a concern of the audit team. It is recommended that a comprehensive study be conducted to determine the reasons given by these students for leaving school and to evaluate whether or not these students eventually receive their high school diploma. The strategic plan should address this issue in terms of possible programs to keep students in the system.