The Portsmouth School Department is commended for the following goals,
programs, and practices:
Dedicated Staff: The Audit Team in its site visits observed a hard
working, enthusiastic and industrious staff that focused its attention on the
instruction of students in the Portsmouth Schools. Many dedicated teachers and
administrators spend many hours beyond their work schedules in support of
student achievement and activities.
Commitment to Teaching and Learning: There is a strong commitment
in the School Department to teaching, learning and student success. The School
Board and administration, through the school system budget, reflect a primary
focus on instruction. The visibility of school administrators in instructional
settings includes opportunities for formal and informal observation of
teaching and learning by those responsible for managing the schools. Teachers
and students appear comfortable with this practice.
Inclusion of All Members of School Community in Decision-Making:
Inclusion of students, parents, teachers and non-teaching staff in
School Department decision-making contributes to an open and honest dialogue
about issues and challenges related to the schools. Such decision-making is
focused on adding value to the educational program for students as the
overarching goal of the school program.
Support from the City: Support from the City of Portsmouth for a
sorely needed $36 million building program for Portsmouth High School and $2
million additional for facility changes to complement the re-districting
efforts in balancing enrollments is commendable.
Good Working Relationships between School Personnel and Community Members:
Working relationships between current elected and appointed school
officials and the Association of Portsmouth Teachers, elected and appointed
local government officials, area civic leaders and business representatives
appear to be excellent.
Exemplary Programs: The Portsmouth School Department has initiated
a large number of exemplary programs. The Site Visit Team wishes to
particularly note the following: Reading Recovery, the EveryDay Math program,
high school block scheduling (initiated in 1995), a Spanish language program
two days a week for all students K-5, student government day at Portsmouth
High School, the FRIENDS program for disabled students, the Portsmouth
Alternative Secondary School (PASS) and its aviation project, the seven agency
cooperative Portsmouth Early Education Program (PEEP) under the Foundation for
Seacoast Health, and a program to award diplomas for the life experiences of
World War II veterans.
Mission Statement: Implementation of the mission statement adopted
by the School Board and individual mission statements developed by each school
was evident and highly visible.
Dropout Rate: The dropout rate achieved the effectiveness level in
2000. The Portsmouth School Department’s ability to reach its students and
exercise positive holding power over its students is commended.