Subcommittee Recommendations
The Education Truancy, Dropout & Literacy Subcommittee has made its recommendations to the Steering Committee. Click here to see the full recommendations.
Education, Truancy, Dropout & Literacy Subcommittee members
review items during a Feb. 19, 2008 meeting.
DCPS Draft Strategic Plan
The Duval County Public Schools and the Alliance for World Class Education Task Force have released a DRAFT of a strategic plan to guide the county's schools for the next four years. Click here to read the draft plan.
Mayor's Charge to the Jacksonville Journey Education, Truancy, Dropout & Literacy Subcommittee
We know first-hand the effect violent crime is having on our community. We have watched in the courtroom, the classroom and the community as young people head down a path that leads to one side or another of a tragic criminal equation. We have seen the devastating effect of violent crime on families, friends and neighbors. And we are deeply concerned not only about the individuals involved, but about the implications this trend has for our city's future.
The time has come for us to take action to prevent Jacksonville's story of hope, promise and surmounting the odds from becoming a tale of hopelessness, violence and economic stagnation. It is an enormous challenge, but the answer is the same one that has always brought us success: we must act together, and we must act now. We recognize that an enhanced law enforcement presence is a big part of the solution and we are working with the Sheriff to accomplish this. But there must be more.
Accordingly, I'm asking you to join with me and others throughout the community in an effort to not just stem, but also to reverse the tide of violence that threatens our children, our families and our future. We will divide this effort among some of our city's best hearts and minds, enlist the help of others, and work to mobilize our entire city to do what needs to be done.
We all know that the most effective and far-reaching cure for the ills of violence is prevention, and that is why I'm asking you to assist with the implementation of important educational initiatives. The time, treasure and energy we put into education today to help our young people succeed is an investment not only in their success, but in public safety and prosperity for the years to come.
RALLY Jacksonville and adult literacy efforts that increase employability
Continue to fund RALLY Jacksonville, our community-wide early literacy initiative, and support adult literacy efforts such as those at the Jacksonville Public Library.
Harlem Children's Zone Jax pilot project
This program, modeled on NYC's Harlem Children's Zone, will take a comprehensive approach to helping at-risk kids from birth through college. The study group has reconvened and will inventory assets in neighborhoods and decide where to set up the first zone. $300,000 is already set aside in the Jacksonville Children's Commission budget to get this project started. This project represents a change in the way some social services are delivered and will require community buy-in.
Work with the Duval County School Board to bring KIPP to Jacksonville
Work with the School Board and private funders to begin implementation of the KIPP [Knowledge is Power] program, to create full-support schools with six-day class schedules, promote character through scholarship, integrity and perseverance, and help most-challenged students succeed.
Challenge local college presidents to design scholarships for local students
The goal of this scholarship program: to provide college scholarships for any Jacksonville student who needs assistance and has maintained a certain performance level in school. This addresses the "hopelessness" problem referred to in JCCI Murder Study and will help to change statistics such as a minority male drop-out rate over 60 percent.
Master Teacher Program (Professional Development for Teachers)
Work with the Lastinger Foundation to provide for 30-50 local teachers each year to get advanced degrees. Teachers who take advantage of the program agree to stay in the system for five more years. This will support professional development for individuals and an enriched learning environment for students. It will also provide supplements for inadequate teacher pay.
For more information on The Jacksonville Journey, call (904) 630-CITY or click on the links to the left.