What Is Opportunity School District?
Opportunity School District (OSD) is an innovative approach undertaken by the state of Georgia in the United States to improve the academic performance of underperforming schools. The program aims to provide additional support and resources to schools that have consistently failed to meet the state’s academic standards. OSD was established in 2016 through a constitutional amendment, which allows the state to intervene in chronically failing schools and transfer their governance to the state-run OSD.
Under OSD, the state identifies schools that have scored below 60 on the College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) for three consecutive years. Once a school is identified, it is placed under the jurisdiction of the OSD for a period of five years. During this time, the OSD has the authority to implement various strategies to improve the school’s performance, including changing the school’s leadership, curriculum, and instructional methods.
The primary objective of OSD is to provide students attending underperforming schools with a high-quality education that will equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed academically and in life. By intervening in struggling schools, the state aims to break the cycle of poor academic performance and give every student an equal opportunity to succeed.
OSD operates with the belief that every child has the potential to excel academically, regardless of their socioeconomic background. By implementing evidence-based strategies and providing additional resources, OSD aims to create an environment conducive to learning and growth for students attending underperforming schools.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Opportunity School District:
1. How are schools identified for inclusion in OSD?
Schools are identified based on their scores on the College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) for three consecutive years.
2. What changes can be made to improve the underperforming schools?
OSD has the authority to change the school’s leadership, curriculum, and instructional methods to improve performance.
3. How long does a school remain under OSD’s jurisdiction?
Underperforming schools remain under OSD’s jurisdiction for a period of five years.
4. What resources does OSD provide to underperforming schools?
OSD provides additional support, resources, and funding to underperforming schools to help improve their academic performance.
5. How does OSD ensure accountability?
OSD regularly monitors the progress of underperforming schools and holds them accountable for meeting academic standards.
6. Can parents be involved in the OSD program?
Yes, parents are encouraged to be actively involved in the OSD program and provide input to improve their child’s educational experience.
7. Can OSD schools return to local control?
If an OSD school shows significant improvement and meets the state’s academic standards for two consecutive years, it can return to local control.
8. How does OSD impact teachers?
OSD provides professional development opportunities for teachers and ensures they have the necessary resources to support student learning.
9. How does OSD address the needs of individual students?
OSD focuses on implementing personalized learning strategies to address the unique needs of each student and maximize their potential.
10. What happens if a school fails to improve under OSD?
If a school fails to show improvement under OSD, the state may consider additional interventions, such as partnering with external organizations or exploring other management options.
11. Can OSD schools participate in extracurricular activities?
OSD schools continue to offer extracurricular activities and provide a well-rounded educational experience for students.
12. How can the community support OSD schools?
The community can support OSD schools by volunteering, providing mentorship opportunities, and advocating for additional resources and support for underperforming schools.
In conclusion, Opportunity School District is a proactive approach by the state of Georgia to improve the academic outcomes of underperforming schools. By providing additional support, resources, and implementing evidence-based strategies, OSD aims to create an equitable and inclusive educational environment for all students. Through the program’s interventions, the state hopes to break the cycle of poor academic performance and provide every child with an opportunity to succeed.