The Pennsylvania Writing and Literature Project

Debora Broderick, English Teacher at the Chester County Middle College High School, recently completed "The Pennsylvania Writing and Literature Project" (PAWLP). Ms. Broderick was invited to participate in this three-credit course offered by West Chester University. The PAWLP is one of the oldest and largest sites of the National Writing Project a professional development network for teachers. The model of "teachers teaching teachers" offers practical ideas for today's educators. Congratulations Deb!!!

College Within a High School Approved for 2008-09 School Year

The Chester County Middle College in conjunction with DCCC have agreed that offering a College Within a High School Model would benefit students at the Middle College. The model sees a Faculty from CCMCHS teaching a class that gives students college credit as well as high school elective credit. The initial offering will be INT 100 (School Success) and will be instructed by Joseph Dagney (CCMCHS Guidance Counselor) and offered during the fall semester. This model allows students to experience an initial college class and gain study skills needed to succeed in the post secondary experience. Delivering the initial college class in this way is a 60% savings for a 3 credit class due to the Middle College providing the Masters Level Instructor. Students are still encouraged to take traditional college level classes at DCCC in conjunction with the School Success Class. This effort is to better prepare for student success. This opportunity came to fruition through the relationship created by the Curriculum Advisory Committee which has representatives from CCMCHS and DCCC that met four times during the 07-08 school year to provide opportunities for students attending the Middle College. Dr. Boyer (DCCC) approved and encouraged the use of the model and has been very supportive. Dr. Arlen Marks communicated with PDE and received approval for Joseph Dagney to be the official teacher of record for the School Success class so that students may receive high school credit as well as the 3 college credits.

Cultural Opportunities for 2008-09 School Year

The staff at the Chester County Middle College have developed a schedule for the 2008-09 school year that has 12 events for students including: Minas (Brazillian Music), Weights (A One Man Play), Candide, Young Frankenstein, The Kite Runner, Marlon Simon Jazz, The Nutcracker, Martin and Malcome, Turendot, and a Tale of Two Cities. The funding is provided by The Valley Forge Music Trust Fund with no cost to the school.