SSHS featured in Washington Post article

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South Side High School was featured in a series of recent articles by the Washington Post that recognized the winners of the 2015-16 Schools of Opportunity project.

Former South Side principal Carol Burris co-wrote the article in the sixth edition of the series on Dec. 5. The piece focused on the school’s challenging curriculum, intensive support systems for struggling students, and teacher-led professional development.

“People are proud,” said Principal John Murphy. “It’s always nice to get national recognition. All of the kids worked hard and this is a representation of that.”

Burris was the principal of South Side for 15 years before taking an early retirement in 2015 in order to focus on opposing the implementation of the Common Core State Standards and the state’s teacher evaluation system, the Annual Professional Performance Review.

In September, South Side High School was chosen as one of eight high schools to receive ‘Gold’ recognition as a School of Opportunity by the National Education Policy Center, in partnership with the University of Colorado School of Education. The Schools of Opportunity Project conducted a national search, to recognize high schools that have “demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to equity and excellence by giving all students the opportunity to succeed.”

South Side was singled out for the creation and maintenance of a healthy school culture, broadening and enriching school curriculum, the variety of assessments used to respond to student needs, and exemplary professional development. The selection committee was especially impressed that all South Side students haave to complete at least one IB class.