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MODIFIED OPEN SPACE DESIGN
Why does Heatherwood have an open space design?
Heatherwood was one of three schools built in 1972 with an open
space design. The open space design was intended to support
instruction that focused on flexible grouping and team teaching.
Additionally, the design was cost effective for the time and offered
the most efficient use of space.
What modifications have been made?
In 1995, significant modifications were made to the building. The
modifications were made within the limits of the existing heating and
ventilation system and code requirements for outside exits.
Acoustical panels and baffles, storage units, carpeting and partial
walls were added to the instructional areas to abate noise, reduce
visual distractions and increase storage space.
How did the recent bond and referendum elections impact Heatherwood?
In 2000, Heatherwood added a new addition to the gym, a major upgrade of our heating and
ventilation system and numerous minor projects. In addition, new personnel increased the
school's capacity to address literacy achievement, health issues and challenges for
high-ability learners.
How will the modified open space affect my child's learning?
Together the staff organizes daily instruction for quiet activities
and activities that involve more talking and movement. There is
also a school-wide emphasis on being aware and respectful of others'
learning. There appear to be few, if any, negative effects of the
modified open space on student learning. In fact, parents and students
report positive effects. The environment is conducive to creating
a sense of community not limited to just a classroom, but throughout
the entire school. More options are available for utilization of
space for multiple learning activities. The modified open space also
enhances collaboration among teachers, one of Heatherwood's strengths,
and allows for an expanded, more efficient use of technology.
For more information on Heatherwood's open space classrooms, see
"Defining Heatherwood Elementary's Open Space Classrooms" by Helen
Johnson in the June 1998 issue of the Left Hand Valley Courier.
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
How do Heatherwood students perform on standardized achievement tests?
Heatherwood students are performing well on standardized assessments. The
results from the Spring 2000 CSAP tests show Heatherwood students performing
significantly above the state average.
See the Standardized Achievement Assessment reports for
Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP),
Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills (CTBS), and
TerraNova.
In addition to standardized achievement tests,
how is student achievement measured?
Standardized tests measure only a part of a student's learning. In
fact, many important academic skills, such as higher order thinking,
are difficult to measure through standardized tests. Teachers use a
wide range of assessment tools to evaluate students' progress. These
tools include portfolios,
math and reading matrices and performance criteria for projects.
What is the school doing to improve student achievement?
The student achievement goal of the
School Improvement Team
(SIT Committee) is to continue to increase reading, writing, and math achievement.
Through the sponsorship of the
PTO,
the staff is participating in an intensive training program focused on improvement of
literacy and higher-order thinking.
MORE INFORMATION
The Heatherwood Information page
contains a list of sources of information about Heatherwood
Elementary.
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