Media Relations
Press Release:
MEDIA CONTACT: Sherry Thomas 561-297-2328, sthomas@fau.edu
FAU’s A.D. Henderson/FAU High and Palm Pointe Educational Research School Earn “A” Ratings
BOCA RATON, FL (July 2, 2009) – Florida Atlantic University’s A.D. Henderson University School/FAU High and Palm Pointe Educational Research School at Tradition recently earned “A” ratings from the Florida Department of Education.
Since 1998, Florida schools annually have been graded on their students’ performance on the Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT), a statewide exam administered to students in grades 3-11 consisting of tests in reading, mathematics, science and writing. The FCAT is part of the state’s overall plan to increase student achievement by implementing higher academic standards.
Dr. Patricia Hodge, A.D. Henderson/FAU High director/principal, attributes her schools’ “A” grade to the variety of methods used to encourage student success. “With parents as our partners, we foster a home-school connection that provides a continuum of support for students,” said Hodge. “In addition, our research-based curriculum, highly-qualified teachers and caring support staff contribute to create a climate conducive to student achievement.”
Debra Snyder, principal of Palm Pointe, attributes the school’s success in its inaugural year to a commitment to quality instruction by all stakeholders, an increase in inclusive educational services for students with disabilities, technology integration, design and implementation of novel standard-based lessons, and a focus on student engagement. “We’ve grown from being a group of strangers and have evolved into this close-knit family that is capable of accomplishing many great things,” said Snyder. “This school’s culture, combined with the support of both FAU and the St. Lucie County School District, has been a recipe for success.”
Palm Pointe opened in August 2008. The kindergarten through eighth-grade facility is a unique charter school that is an innovative partnership between FAU and the St. Lucie County School District. Alexander D. Henderson University School/FAU High is a public school district functioning as an educational laboratory on the campus of FAU in Boca Raton.
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