Bunche Middle

Principal’s Message

The focus on standards-based teaching and learning remains constant at Dr. Ralph Bunche Middle School. Our school is proud to be on the cutting edge in the use of technology to improve teaching and learning for all students. The school technology plan outlines yearly goals for our students and staff in the use of technology. School-wide projects (Latino Heritage projects, Black History projects, science projects, and The Road to College project) involve students in Internet research, the writing process, collaborative learning, and presentations to improve their technology, research, and reading and writing skills.

As a result of our standards-based learning models and our focus on curriculum pacing maps, course descriptions, and the use of technology to reinforce and streng then tudent achievement, we have met our Academic Performance Index (API) for the past three years (500 in 2001, 529 in 2002, and 556 in 2003). However, in 2003-04 our API score decreased. Consequently, reform efforts are in progress to improve API and AYP scores.

We are a Continuing Schools Program (CSP). As such, we believe all students can go to college and/or pursue a successful career. We strive to engender college and career goals in our students and a school-wide college-going culture, one that provides rigorous academic courses and high quality teaching and learning, coupled with intensive academic and college-going support.

Our staff makes teaching and learning the #1 priority. Our partners in education include UC Irvine’s Center for Educational Partnerships, Math, Engineering, and Science Achievement (MESA), Saturday Academy in Mathematics, the Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE), Urban Learning Center (ULC), The College Board and the Achievement Council. Together, we engage parents in their children’s education, provide weekly professional development for staff, and extend learning opportunities for all students. This document furthers our commitment to reach out to parents and the community, inform them of school reform efforts and communicate our academic program.