The 2007-2008 school year has brought positive program opportunities for students and parents. All six elementary schools and two middle schools are now operating as 21st Century Community Learning Centers. In addition, San Luis Preschool is now a nationwide accredited preschool by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). A video was created using San Luis Preschool as a model to use across the nation. The objective was to demonstrate that in preschool, teachers could incorporate a research- based curriculum into a play- based philosophy while taking into account factors such as English language learners and children with special needs.
The partnership with Arizona Western College is now entering into the second year bringing 7th and 8th grade students the opportunity to take advanced math courses while earning college credit. Students that were promoted from the 8th grade last year, and are currently freshmen in high school, are also still part of this partnership.
The main goal this year will be for schools to make Adequate Yearly Progress and achieve performing status or above with AZ-LEARNS. In the 2006-2007 school year Gadsden Elementary School, Arizona Desert Elementary School, Ed Pastor Elementary School, Cesar Chavez Elementary School and Desert View Elementary School made Performing Status with AZ-LEARNS.
In addition, Gadsden Elementary School District is working toward the board goal of having a highly qualified teacher in every classroom. This has been a challenging task, however, due to their commitment to improving learning for all students, having highly qualified teachers in every classroom is now a real possibility. This school year the number of highly qualified teachers is approximately 165 which is a substantial increase from last school year.
Gasden Elementary School District is also committed to supporting teachers with on-going professional development to enable them to become more effective in the classroom. Subsequently, three days of training for new elementary teachers covering the areas of the district’s adopted programs in reading, math, and writing were offered prior to the beginning of the school year. Middle school and junior high teachers received training specific to their needs during this time. Teachers also have site-based professional development provided by their reading coach and/or their NCLB specialist. This site specific training allows schools to focus on the needs of their teachers and students.
Gadsden Elementary School District
1453 N. Main Street,
San Luis, AZ 85349
Phone: 928.627.6540
