Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation is a public school district located in Columbus, Indiana. Its boundaries include all but two townships in Bartholomew County, Indiana. BCSC serves 11,000+ students on 18 campuses. 11 elementary, 3 high school, 2 middle school, 1 early childhood center, and 1 adult education center. BCSC is led by President Rich Stenner, Vice-President Jeff Caldwell and Secretary Kathy Dayhoff-Dwyer. Universal Design for Learning: BCSC uses Universal Design for Learning as its instructional framework. It optimizes learning by reducing barriers in curricula and supports educators to design appropriately challenging instruction that meets the needs of all learners. The UDL framework also has supported BCSC to align initiatives and resources at the district level, moving from engaging in “random acts of improvement” to a unified vision of school change. All educator professional development must be grounded in UDL principles. Positive Behavior Instruction and Support: BCSC has established school-based Positive Behavior Instruction and Support teams to ensure that all students have access to the most effective instructional and behavioral practices possible. PBIS supports educators to develop a continuum of scientifically-based behavior and academic supports, use data to make decisions and solve problems, arrange the environment to prevent the development and occurrence of problem behavior, teach and encourage pro-social skills and behaviors, implement evidence-based behavioral practices with fidelity and accountability, and monitor student performance and progress continuously. Researchers have suggested PBIS as an effective strategy for addressing racial and ethnic disproportionality in school discipline and the concomitant achievement gaps across racial and ethnic groups. Educational Pathways: Educational pathways allow students to explore college and career opportunities that align with their interests, strengths, and competencies. Examples include:
Senior Project: A graduation requirement that calls on students to select a topic, pursue relevant community-based experience, and produce a research paper, project or a product, portfolio, and presentation. Every senior project must demonstrate clear alignment with Indiana’s Common Core Standards and demonstrate application of problem solving and authentic, real-world learning.
Columbus Area Career Connection : Provides high school students with career and technical education organized into clusters, including: Agricultural Science/Business, Business Management and Finance, Communications, Computer Technology, Construction Engineering Technology, Engineering Manufacturing Technology, Health Careers, Human Services, Protective Services, and Transportation.
Columbus Signature Academy : In the first K-12 Project- and Problem-based Learning magnet school in the nation, students work collaboratively using technology to solve authentic problems and create real-world projects.
