Proposed Excellence In Education Committee

EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION COMMITTEE PERU PUBLIC SCHOOLS (Proposed by C. G. Pillai in April 2007) Mission: • Continually raise the basic competencies of students in the Peru Schools to be among the best in our demographic category in the 3R’s (Reading, Writing and Mathematics) and in Science. • Do so by maintaining our cost effectiveness so that we do not spend significantly more per pupil than other comparable best performing school systems. • Lay the foundation for a high quality liberal education at the P-12 level (work with LP High School and St. Bede)). Preparation: • Get informed about the educational system in America versus that in other countries—India, Asia, Europe; and compared with examples of best practices in the U.S.A (best performing comparable schools). • Discuss with those who are really interested and committed missionaries to improving Peru Public Schools until they are well informed and highly motivated and willing to spend time on their own, read extensively, and stay in touch. • Develop a strategy how to take the message to leaders in the community. Then, develop a strategy to take the message to all parents, students, teachers, and citizens. Overall Strategy: 1. Find the sources of information to bring “best practices” to the local area, starting with the 3R’s and science education. 2. Assure ourselves that the teachers are competent in the areas they teach. (meaningful teacher evaluation). 3. Create a robust self-assessment system such as a School Report Card as a management, measurement and communication tool to help with continuous improvement in student achievement. 4. Make certain that we develop a challenging, rigorous system in grades 5-8 so that all students are well prepared for secondary education. Working closely with teachers at L-P and St. Bede. 5. Develop a rigorous exit examination at the end of eighth grade (sixth grade).