5 Things to Know About Edsel Ford High School's 'Priority' Status

The Michigan Department of Education released its Michigan School Accountability Scorecard on Tuesday.

The report designates Edsel Ford High School as a "priority high school," which means the Dearborn Public Schools faculty must develop a reform plan for the school that focuses on rapid turnaround in student achievement.

Here are five things you need to know:

1. What triggered the "priority school" designation?

Priority schools are those schools in the bottom 5 percent of a complete “top-to-bottom” list of schools that are now published every August. This placement is often indicative of minimal student outcomes in a number of subject areas over time, poor achievement coupled with dramatic declines in student performance or substantial achievement gaps, or all of these factors. 

Edsel Ford had gains in all of Michigan Merit Exam subjects from 2012 to 2013, however the average scores in reading, writing, math, science and social studies were down from 2010 to 2013.

2. Will my student be required to stay an extra hour at school this year?

Yes. As part of the "Priority" designation, Edsel Ford students will be required by the state to have one extra hour of education beginning in the 2013-2014 school year. That means classes will not dismiss until 3:15 p.m. Certain students will be exempt from the requirement. For questions, call Scott Casebolt at 313-827-1502.

3. Can my student transfer to another school in the district?

In 2012, because of academic performance issues at a school, students could request a transfer to a school in a neighboring district. This option will not be offered at Dearborn Public Schools this year. Students whose parents elected to transfer to Dearborn High School in 2012 may continue to attend DHS through their senior year. Students can, however, transfer back to Edsel Ford for the 2013-2014 school year.

4. What are the consequences of being a "Priority school"?

During the first year in which a school is identified as a Priority school, the school district is required to work with the school to develop a reform/redesign plan for the school, with a goal of rapid turnaround in student outcomes and achievement.

The reform plan is based on the premise that changes in school policies and practices based on research and data analysis can affect the actions and practices of all stakeholders in the school, and can refocus instruction in a way that improves student learning and achievement.

During the plan development process, a school engages in a facilitated, diagnostic “data dialogue” to identify major changes in teaching and learning practice capable of moving achievement levels among the lowest-performing students, and changes in school or district policies that affect the climate and culture of a school.

Dearborn Public Schools has selected the "transformation model." Information on that model is available online here.

5. Where can I get more information?

EFHS Principal Scott Casebolt will host a parent information night at 7 p.m. Sept. 4 at the high school, 20601 Rotunda Drive. For more information, call Casebolt at 313-827-1502, or Dr. Gail Shenkman at 313-827-3024.