An old Russian proverb tells us “to be keen-eyed is to see, not the mountain, but what lies beyond it.” In May 2007, The Norwich Free Academy Board of Trustees invited the NFA community to create a vision that would help us to chart a course to an even brighter future. The premise behind this invitation was simple. NFA is an outstanding high school. However, without critically examining what we do and then thinking about what more we are capable of achieving, it may be difficult to continue to extend our greatness. Great institutions are able to celebrate their achievements, take pride in the past and, at the same time, devise a roadmap to an even greater future. This is the purpose of “NFA 2020.”
It took us a full year of reflection, many discussions, focus groups representing NFA’s major stakeholders and, finally, a rigorous rewriting of our final draft to emerge with the document that follows. I hope you will agree that “NFA 2020” is powerful and packed with potential. The NFA community has seized upon the opportunity presented by “NFA 2020” to create workgroups with the purpose of turning this vision into a reality. By the end of November 2008, over 80 faculty, staff, administrators and friends were serving on assorted workgroups related to this vision. We welcome your input.
Sincerely,
Mark Cohan
Head of School/Superintendent
Improve Academic Achievement
Solidify a partnership for student academic success with parents, caregivers, families, and sending schools, and provide non-traditional support as needed. Improve academic readiness of incoming 9th gradersImprove academic readiness of all rising 10th graders for success in NFA’s academic environmentEnsure that all students are literate (able to use information critically and communicate effectively)Narrow the achievement gap defined by race and socio-economic statusIncrease successful participation in the regular education curriculum of students receiving special education services Expedite the language acquisition of English Language Learners so that they may experience more success in NFA’s academic environmentIncrease the high school graduation rateIncrease successful participation in college credit programs for all students
Develop and Maintain a Dynamic Curriculum
Recruit and retain superior personnel who will bring outstanding value to the NFA curriculum and community Emphasize and celebrate high quality instruction Review and revise curricula to acknowledge and respond to global trendsMaintain and expand the character education programMaintain and expand existing career exploration opportunitiesMaintain and expand existing college credit programs Increase use of Slater Museum’s resources to support the curriculumAccess community resources to enrich learningMaintain and expand a vibrant co-curricular programIncrease international learning opportunities for students and faculty
Ensure a plan for each student’s post-graduation success
Strengthen communication and planning with parents, caregivers, families, and students for post-graduation successExpand the role of the Career Resource Center to a Placement Center focusing on both college and career options for NFA students and alumniStrengthen relationships with private and public sectors, government, post-secondary training programs, college and university personnel, and alumniEstablish and maintain long term follow-up to support students in implementing their post-graduation plansImprove college admission success Improve job placement and job training placement
Under the Direction of the Board of Trustees, Maintain NFA as a Premier School of Choice
Re-craft the mission statementIdentify and promote NFA’s unique culture and programsStrengthen and expand communication with NFA’s communitiesIncrease opportunities to bring the community to NFA and NFA to the communityIncrease the number of private tuition students as program and facilities allow
This document is subject to change. In implementing “NFA 2020”, the NFA community will undoubtedly learn lessons that suggest re-thinking portions of this document. As lifelong learners, we understand and embrace this inevitability. This document will be reviewed and adjusted periodically. |
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