DOCUMENT RESUME

ED 314 867 EA 021 613

TITLE Education for the Twenty-First Century.INSTITUTION Independence City School District, MO.PUB DATE 88NOTE 17p.; Partial funding for this publication provided

by Blue Valley Federal. Color photographs may notreproduce well.

PUB TYPE Reports - Descriptive (141)

EDRS PRICE MF01/PC01 Plus Postage.DESCRIPTORS *Community Involvement; *Curriculum Enrichment;

*Educational Improvement; Elementary SecondaryEducation; *Futures (of Society); *LearningActivities

IDENTIFIERS *Independence City School District

ABSTRACT

The National Governors Association (NGA) selected theIndependence (Missouri) Public School District as one of 16 districtsto implement recommendations in the NGA's "Time for Results" report.The district was chosen because of its strong leadership, evidence ofcommunity support, and ability to implement innovating programs. TheIndependence elementary program goes beyond the basics; the districtwas one of the first nationwide to pilot the Parents as TeachersProgram, an exemplary model of early childhood education. Otherrecognized programs include Success in Reading and Writing and theFocus Curriculum (for third-grade students with reading deficiencies)and IMPACT (for gifted students). The junior and senior high programsoffer cometensive curricula and a wide variety of sports and otherextracuricular activities. The senior high program offers collegepreparatory courses that allow studen,.. to earn college credit inAmerican history, English, math, and science. The district alsoprovides special and continuing education services and enrichmentopportunities offered by a math/physics institute, a music/artinstitute, and other programs. An appendix provides city and schoolstatistics and a map of Independence showing school locations. Fivefull-page color photographs and other illustrations ate included.(MLH)

***********************te************************************************ Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made ** from the original document. *********************************************************A**************

U

SCHOOL DISTRICTOF THE

CITY OF INDEPENDENCE,'MISSOURI 7

U S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONOffice of Educational Research and Improvement

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATIONCENTER IERICI

This document haS been reproduced ascowed from the person or Organization

originating ifr Minor changes have been made to improve

reproduction Quality

Points of view or opinions sta'ed in this docu-ment do not necessarily represent officialOERI position or policy

"PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THISMATPRIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY

1444 ;V

TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCESINFORMATION CENTER (ERIC).-

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"...In September our citizens of Independence adopted the specialact, and elected as a board of instruction progressive men, who,entering spiritedly upon their task, have accomplished everythingthat could be Immediately hoped for. Houses have been rented,qualified teachers employed and today, six school rooms are filledto overflowing, and the number of scholars daily increasing."

Excerpt from the report of William J. Shaw, Jackson County Superintendent of Schools, 1866

HISTORY

ndependence, Missouri has leftits mark in history, beginningin the days when pioneers left

Independence to follow the SantaFe, California, or Oregon Trails.From the days when individualssuch as Kit Carson and JimBridger stopped inIndependence, the city has igrown to over 120,000 inpopulation and is the fourthlargest city in the State of Missouri.The City has twice received theAll-American City Award and isthe home of former President HarryS. Truman. The Truman Library isa national treasure and drawsthousands of visitors each year.President Truman and BessWallace Truman were educated inthe public schools of Independence.

The School District of the Cityof Independence has a long and

proud tradition of providing an

outstanding educational programfor the youth of the community.The 1866 Board of Educationincluded such prestigious citizensas William Chrisman, for whomone of the current high schools is

"Hike math because if you don't know about math,you don't know how to tell time and count money,"

Zachary Paul, Second grader

3

named, and William McCoy, inwhose honor the coveted McCoyMedal Award, given annually to thetop 100 juniors based upon gradesearned during the first foursemesters of high school, isnamed. McCoy also served asIndependence's first mayor. Thehighly acclaimed artist, GeorgeCaleb Bingham, was also a memberof the Board of Education in 1869.

In keeping with this heritage,the present Board of Education isproviding leadership to preparetoday s students for thi: twenty-firstcentury. The philosophy of theBoard of Education is to developall the peoples' children to theirhighest potential.

The National Governors Associa-tion selected Independence as oreof sixteen school districts across thecotmtry to implement recommenda-tions issued in a report entitled"Time for Results." The announce-ment was made in early 1987 bythe United States Department ofEducation. The District was chosenbecause of its strong leadership,evidence of community support andability to implement innovative andcreative programs.

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"My teachers help me learn."

Josh) Zimmermann, First grader

ELEMENTARY PROGRAM

Basics and More...

ndependence was one of theoriginal districts in Missourito pilot the Parents as Teachers

Program which has become anexemplary model for early child-hood education throughout thenation. Additionally, Independenceis one of only two large districts in

the State of Missouri with all of itsschools accredited by the NorthCentral Association. Each individ-ual building has undergone a

rigorous self-evaluation process aswell as an on-site observation by avisiting team in order to qualify for

North Central Association member-ship. The District is classified inMissouri as a "AAA" District

which represents the highest ratinggiven by the State or Missouri.

Reading and language arts areemphasized in the elementaryschool program. Several specifi-cally designed programs have been

developed to promote good readingskills, including the recognizedSuccess in Reading and Writing,rogram, which focuses on the

approach that muting and writing

skills are best learned in theprocess of acquiring other knowl-edge. Another is Focus Curriculumwhich provides five hours ofreading daily for third grade

students who demonstrate readingdeficiencies Additionally, readingteachers work with students, on anindividual and small group basis,who are experiencing difficultywith reading.

Mathematics. science and socialstudies are also important subjectareas.

The District also provides these

components of the K-6 program:

trained counselors available in eachschool

specialized instruction in instrumen-tal and vocal music and visual arts

a dynamic arts program, ArtsPartners (described on page

physical education instruction

a computer curriculum that teacheskeyboarding skills, word processingand the computer language, Logo

enrichment programs in foreignlanguage

a variety of clubs and organizationssuch as student council

awards for participating in sciencefairs, music contests, and math relays

participation in Effective Schools

Exchange City. an economics andbusiness program for fifth gradestudents that combines classroomwork and hands-on experience

field tri;,s

IMPACT, a well-planned programfor gifted elementary and juniorhigh school students

1WENTY-FIRST CENTURY SCHOOLS

Begi. ling in the fall of 1988 the District will be involved in an extensive before andN after school care program called the Schools of the Twenty-First Century.

Information about this program is available at District elementary schools.

JUNIOR HIGH PROGRAM

Opportunities for Growth...

Both junior high schools in

the District offer a compre-hensive curriculum which

includes classes for 7th and 8thgrade students in the followingareas:

Language ArtsMathematicsSocial StudiesScienceVocal MusicOrchestraBand

Industrial ArtsPhysical EducationSpeechArt

FrenchSpanishHome Living;NIPACT (Gifted Students)

I "Being on the yearbook staff has helped me learn togel things in on time and when to press for deadlines."

g Kim Burton, Eighth grader

An important aspect of the juniorhigh program is the opportunityfor students to participate inextracurricular activitiesincluding:

Student Coi ncilYearbook StaffNewspaper StaffMath ClubComputer ClubIntramuralsChess ClubRed Cross ClubProblem Solving TeamScience ClubNational Junior Honor SocietyParent Teacher Student Association

The Board of Education recognizes

student achievement in junior highschool by awarding the Junior High

Academic Achievement Award to

A DISTINGUISHED FACULTY

outstanding eighth graders. Juniorhigh teams from Independencehave consistently ranked high in

state-wide academic competition.

District faculty have earned many national and state awards including:

Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching

National Journalism Teacher of the Year

National Daughters of the American Revolution American History Teacher of the YearA Christa McAuliffe Fellowship

State finalists for Missouri Teacher of the Year In 1986 and 1987

National Executive Educator 100 Award, given annually to only 100 administrators--

to Independence administrators, one in 1987 and two in 1988

"I play the sax, so music is very important to me."

Brian Wowak. Eighth grader

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"School can be fun if you make it fun through

certain activities such as sports. You lookforward to coming to school when

you get up in the morning."

Kevin Brown, Senior

SENIOR HIGH PROGRAM

Preparation for the Future...

ore than 150 courses are

offered by the high schoolsfor students in grades 9-12

as well as a wide variety of extra-

curricular activities. The differentareas of the curriculum are listed

along with the number of coursesoffered in that area.

Language Arts 17Foreign Language 11Science 11Social Studies 16Mathematics 16Communication Skills 10Art 4Computer Science 8Music 9Industrial Technology 19Business 10Distributive Education 3Home Economics 15Dramatics 5Health and Physical Education 5

A complete Program of Studies isavailable by calling the Board ofEducation office. The District alsooffers the State of Missouri College

Recommendation Certificate, arigorous program that requiresstudents to complete 24 units of

credit. A college preparatoryprogram gives students an

opportunity to earn college credit inthe areas of American History,

English, mathematics, and science.Twenty-two units of credit are

required for graduation.

English/Language 3 unitsSocial Studies 3 unitsScience 2 unitsMathematics 2 units

Practical Arts 1 unitFine Arts 1 unitPhysical Education 1 unitElectives 9 unitsTOTAL 22 units

0

Students are encouraged toparticipate in the following clubsand organizations:

Student Council

Quill and Scroll

ThespiansSpanish Club

French Club

DECA (Distributive Education

Clubs of America)

Pep Club

AFS (Amerif.an Field Service)

Newspaper

National Honor Society

National Art Honor SocietyFBLA (Future Business Leaders

of America)

National Spanish Honor SocietyFACT (Friends Always Caring

Together)

Science Club

National Forensics League

Home Economics ClubInteract

Chess Club

Cheerleaders

Modern Music MastersDrill Team

Computer Cl Ab

Yearbook

Electronics Club

Math Club

French Honor Society

"One of the best things about going to school ismaking friends and learning to get along with

everyone.,Mott Shoal, Fourth 91.der

GENERAL INFORMATION

11

'-i"i' he independence School

District offers a wide rangeof interscholastic athletics.

The following sports are offered forstudents in grades 9-12:

Football (Boys)Volleyball (Girls)Wrestling (B)

Softball (G)Baseball (B)

Cross Country (MG)Basketball (B&G)

Track (B&G)

Tennis (8 &G)

Baseball (B)Swimming (B&G)Golf (il)Soccer (B)

District students consistentlyscore above the state averages onthe Missouri Mastery and Achieve-ment Test (MMAT) given at grades3, 6, 8, and 10. High schoolstudents regularly exceed the

national averages on ACT (Ameri-can College Testing) and SAT(Scholastic Aptitude Test) scores.More than 53% of District gradu-ates enroll in higher educationalinstitutions. The high schoolsrecognize two to six semi-finalist

and National Merit Scholars eachyear. Graduates annually receivemore than 150 scholarships offeredby colleges, universities, individu-

Ms, and foundations.

The Board of Education strongly

supports academic achievementthrough its recognition programs.

McCoy Medal - given to the top 100juniors based on grades from the firstfour semesters of high school.

Scholarship Medals - awarded to thetop one percent of each high school'sgraduating class.

Bingham Fine Arts Award -presented for outstanding achievementto high school students in nine areas offine arts.

Palmer Junior High School was selected as an Excellence in Education winner for

the United States Department of Education's Secondary School Recognition

Program for 1986-87. Only six schools in Missouri won this award in 1987. Truman

High School and Sycamore Hills and Thomas Hart Benton Elementary Schools have xbeen state level finalist in other Department recognition programs.

"The only way to get a job is by going to schooland learning all we can."

Stephanie Lachance, Fowl.' grader

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INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS

The pupil/teacher ratio

averages 22 to 1 with over60 percent of the teaching

staff having at least a Master'sdegree. More than 80 percent ofthe teaching staff are active in theCareer Ladder Program whichprovides opportunities for increasedresponsibilities and compensation.It fosters professional growth, theexchange of ideas, and cooperation

among teachers.

Many teachers have receivedIncentive Grants from the MissouriDepartment of Education toimprove instruction and to developnew classroom and District

programs.

"My favorites ere math and reading because myteacher makes them interesting and help- ma

understand,"

Dennis deung Fifth grader

District staff also have theopportunity to participate in theStaff Development Program thatenables teachers to refine theirteaching skills, subject areaexpertise, and for principals, theirsupervision skills.

The District offers the followingprograms:

CONTINUING EDUCATIONAn extensive adult education programwith more than 140 courses in adulteducation is offered each semester.Central Missouri State Universityconducts a college credit program atTruman High School.

SPECIAL EDUCATIONThe District offers a wide array ofservices for students with handicappingconditions. In addition to the fairlytypical special education services such

CHILD CARE SERVICES

The Independence School District has long been a leader in providing services to

young children. Independence was one of four original sites for the now

state program "Parents As Teachers." New parents are given special

Instructions on how to be an effective first teacher to their child. The

program is available to all new parents. For information call 252-2401.

The District operates the Noland Day Care Center for 2, 3, and

4 year olds and before and after school for school age children.

For information call 252.9551.

The District operates Project Reach, a preschool program

for handicapped children 373.0847 and a Head Start

Program for disadvantaged children 836-2011.

"I like studying about the Oregon trailand history."

Amber Jones, Fourth grader.

as speech therapy, learning disabilityinstruction, classes for students withmental retardation and programs forstudents with behavioral disorders,the District offers programs for thefollowing students:

preschool handicappedemotionally disturbedvisually impairedhearing impairedorthopedically handicappedhandicapped students in transitionfrom school to the world of work

PARENT CONFERENCESAt the conclusion of the first quarter,elementary school staffs scheduleparent/teacher conferences in order toacquaint parents with the progress oftheir children. Secondary teachersfrequently communicate directly withparents with specific information aboutjunior and senior high school students.Parents are encouraged to attend openhouse and to meet students' indix idualteachers.

UNIQUE PROGRAMS

MA TH/PHYS/CS INSTITUTESeniors have the opportunity to attendthe Truman Campus at UMKC andearn college credit in calculus andphysics.

ARTS PARTNERSThe Independence School District,working with three other schooldistricts, major funding organizations,and performing and visual arts groups,has established an opportunity forstudents, grades V -12, ro be exposed tocultural offerings by such organizationsas the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art,the Lyric Opera, The Missouri Reper-tory Theatre, and the Kansas CitySympnony.

MUSIC/ARTS INSTITUTEThe Independence Board of Educationrefurbished and leased historic McCoySchool to Music Arts, a nonprofit or-ganization offering a curriculum ofprivate and group lessons, children'sclasses in Suzuki and Orff-Schulwerkmethods, performing ensembles, andballet and creative movement classes.

THE MICHELANGELO PROJECTDeveloped by tne Independence SchoolDistrict and administered by the Music/Arts Institute with a matching grantfrom the Greater Kansas CityCommunity Foundatkm and AssociatedTrusts, the Michelangelo Project willsearch out gifted students in the

Independence area and will enablestudents with outstanding potential toreceive appropriate instruction,designed to nurture extraordinaryaccomplishments in the arts.

OPERATION AWAREA program that teaches 5th and 6thgrade students about peer pressure.

PROJECT STARAn award winning drug awareness andresistance program is taught in thejunior highs.

PROJECT GRADUATIONThe hidepende.,ce School Districtsponsors a drug-free, alcohol-freegraduation party for seniors the night ofgraduation.

TEACHER ADVISORYPROGRAMS (T.A.)Both high schools and one junior highhave established T.A. programs inwhich teachers work with smallgroups of students on a regular v4

*Strbasis to advise them inacademic matters.

up credits during this period or sched-ule classes that they were not able tctake during the regular school day.

SUMMER SCHOOLA wide range of courses is offeredduring the summer months for juniorand senior high students. A studentattending both three-week sessions ofsummer school can earn a full credittoward graduation.

STUDENT/TEACHER EXCHANGEAnnually, students and teachers partici-pate in an exchange program withBuckinghamshire, England.

SCHOLARSHIPSThe District administers 26 perpetualscholarships for students. Informationon how these are awarded may beobtained by calling the Board ofEducation secretary. Those interestedin starting a scholarship, administeredand operated without charge by theDistrict, should contact the Board ofEducation secretary.

VOCATIONAL TECHNICALSCHOOLI I th and 12th grade students have theopportunity to attend Joe HerndonVocational Technical School.

ZERO HOURBoth high schools have optional classesoffered one hour before the regularschool day begins. Students can make

I "School also teaches us how to associate withother people and how to get along."

Mindy Povenmlre, Eighth grader

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APPENDIX

As an eastern suburb of the

metropolitan Kansas Cityarea, Independence is just

mh. ites from the Jackson CountySports Complex, home cr theKansas City Chiefs football teamand the Kansas City Royalsbaseball club. The world famousCountry Club Plaza and theNelson-Atkins Museum of Art arewithin a half hour's drive.

Many historical opportunitiessuch as the Truman Library, the

Bingham-Waggoner Estate and theVaile Mansion can be found inIndependence.

Access to nearby universitiesincluding the University ofMissouri at Kansas City and

cultural features such as the KansasCity Symphony provide Independ-ence with big-city opportunitieswhile providing a Mid-west subur-ban atmosphere. The area alsooffers 13 major shopping centers.

Since 1866, the School Districtof the City of Independence hasbenefited from a proud tradition ofexcellence in education, and looks

forward to the twenty-first century.

ATISTICS:i

Assessed Nialuation (198749Mlax Rate incidental Fuiid. $26, Teacher Fitort$2.23,

Debt Service fuiiii$30, puilding F. $49) ..;. $3.28Udget (19$749$81 .. ::$0394509,41proxinutto0Arict PopUlation . ..,,, ' 751.0) .. .:

Area of Distrig 4.a. 33 ixt..ini*, .' ,4

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SENIOR HIGH16, Truman 3301 S. Noland Road, 64055 833-131317. William Chrisman 1223 N. Noland Road, 64050, 252-1200

PRESCHOOL18. Parents as Teachers (birth thr,legh age 3)

Hanthom School 1511 Kingshighway, 64055 252-240119. Project Reach (severely handicapped 3 and 4 year olds)

Sycamore Hills 15208 E. 39th Street, 64055 373-0847Noland Preschool and Day Care Center (ages 2 through 12)

515 S. Liberty, 64050 252-955121. Head Start (economically disadvantaged 3 and 4 year olds)

Hanthorn School 1511 Kingshighway, 64055 836-2011

SUPPORT SERVICES22. Buildings/Grounds ....SOS N. Dodgion, 64050 252-823323. Food Service Office ..501 N. Dodgion, 64050 254-838324. Oldham Education Ctr 14220 E. 35th, 64055 833-4417

20.

25. Administrative Offices 1231 S. Windsor, 64055 ...833-3433

Numbered locations on map refer to the numbered addresses in the directory.

BOARD OF EDUCATION1231 South WindsorIndependence, Missouri 64055(816) 833-3433

Sharon Williams PresidentHelen French Vice PresidentMichael Barnett TreasurerRonald Finke DirectorPhil Parrino DirectorSharon K. Floyd Director

Dr. Robert Henley .... SuperintendentDr. Bob Watkins Deputy Superintendent

For additional information concerning programs in theIndependence School District, contact the administrativeoffices at 1231 S. Windsor, Independence, MO 64055,

(816) 833 -3433 or any District building.

jMAP OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT ..OF INDEPENDENCE

NORTH

Truman Rd.

23rd St.

35th St

CREDITS Pro;eni D-recon voro Brandi i t3t.rna,pa i-cDesign PARTNERS IncPhotography 1988 Dan whle

IC

"School is important because it helps developskills I'll need all my life."

Jeff McMurray, Seventh grad

Other Independence students and teachers featured in book are Front cover John Mackie Junior.Ash!' Hutchens. 5:h grade. Paul Tonga. tst grade Page Two Judy Tyson, Instructor, Matthew VanKirk andMelody Kettlewell Kindergarten Page Three Julie Degenlelder. Instructor. Ben Moore, 5th gradePage Six: Eugene Sanders. instructor, Dann Chance, Jason Truster and Man Hazlett. 8th gradePage Seven: Shed Adams, Instructor: Angela Hedding. Bnan Phillips. Emmet Ronne and Chns Stroud. SeniorsPage Ten: Lee Slushor. Instructor, Corey Doty. Kevin Rahna and Stacy Butler, 6th gradeBack cover: Alissa Flowers. Sophomore

_41111166k..._

This brochure par-taily funded

through the kind support of

BLUE VALLEY FEDERAL

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