National Award for Quality 2011 goes

National Award for Quality 2011 goes to the Academic Excellence School of the Republic of Colombia School: A Demonstration of Quality in Public Education
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic 2/25/2012

The development of a practical quality education, based on the construction of strong community leadership and possessing reference parameters for other institutions in different areas were some of the attributes which qualified the Academic Excellence School of the Republic of Colombia School to merit the bronze medal for the National Award for Quality 2011, given by the Ministry of Public Administration (MAP in Spanish) .  

These criteria are: leadership, strategy and planning, management of human resources, alliances and resources, processes, results oriented toward citizens and clients, results in individuals and society and clear results in terms of outcome.

Director of the Academic Excellence School of the Republic of Colombia School (CEM in Spanish), Víctor Liria Ozuna, said receiving this prize was especially meaningful for them in that it was the first time they had ever participated in the competition.

He explained that in their effort to participate in the competition for the prize, they worked as a team and, as such, responded to the nine criteria and 27 sub-criteria laid out by MAP that required responding institutions to do a written paper based on these various criteria defined by MAP.

These criteria are: leadership, strategy and planning, management of human resources, alliances and resources, processes, results oriented toward citizens and clients, results in individuals and society and clear results in terms of outcome.

Merits

Liria Ozoria explained that in awarding the National Award for Quality bronze medal in the public sector, the jury took into account the school’s various parameters identified as reference models for other public institutions.

Among those cited included the complete fulfillment of the school calendar, which they extended. Most of the other schools began their academic year between August 17^th and  the 21^st, the official time period, whereas CEM began classes on the first Monday of August.

In addition, they were pioneers in setting apart specific days for exam-taking, an initiative that was incorporated into the Education Ministry’s school calendar to prevent students from having nothing to do once their exam is completed. The Ministry took this step to keep students off the streets, believing that nothing good usually comes from that.

Another merits of CEM taken into account in the process of amplifying and modernizing the curriculum, was CEM’s decision to go beyond simply offering music appreciation courses but to also offer musical instrument classes.  They give classes in such instruments as violin, piano, percussion as well as singing classes.

“We are building a project of this type because we believe that the weaknesses and social problems that have accumulated in our society and are reflected in our students, can be cured through art. Hence, we are placing an emphasis on music,” said the Director of the Academic Excellence School of the Republic of Colombia School, which is located in Ensanche Luperón.

Another distinctive aspect of this school is its diverse student support program which is carried out through a search of opportunities on a local as well as international level. Through this process, students have won medals and awards in the United States, Panama, in models of the National Hispanic Institute (NHI) and in the United Nations in national and international events.

School Director Ozoria also stressed an important point about teachers at CEM, explaining how they dedicate extra time to work related extracurricular and after-school activities which often take place on non-school days and during vacation periods.

Another important element in CEM’s successful functioning has to do with intra-school communication in which employees are kept informed on all school-related problems and issues through the use of circulars, memos and other means. They call, in writing, for parents and students to be present on the days that grades are handed out. Administrative and other work teams are highly valued as well as the teachers who are constantly nourished in a proactive fashion.

Proud Students

Yanill Germán, 14-years-old and in her second year, said that being a student at this school is a pleasure because she has been able to reach goals, both on a personal as well as academic level.

Yanill, from the Villa Duarte sector, said she has participated in school activities such as the writing Olympics which took place two weeks ago and which she won second place in the National District of Santo Domingo. She also took part in readings last February 21^st.

Engels Alexander de los Santos Bautista,  15-years-old and also in his second year, said the education at the center has helped him very much because it is so different from other schools in that it has physics labs, among other facilities. Engels, from Villas Agrícolas neighborhood, added that students at CEM have opportunities to participate in international events.

Daviana Núñez, 14-years-old and in her third year of middle school, said CEM has given her the opportunity to get to know other countries because she participated in the Great Debate organized by the National Hispanic Institute, held in Pennsylvania. Daviana, from Ensanche Espaillat, explained that the debate was on topics related to globalization, environment and education.

“I have really enjoyed studying here because I have been able to help other schoolmates by tutoring and helping them develop their intellectual skills, among many other things,” added Daviana.

First Center of Excellence

The Center of Excellence Middle School was inaugurated during the 2006-2007 academic year. It was the first school of its type. The student population is currently 739 and is being taught by a staff of 30 teachers. It is unique in its general modality with school hours being 7:30 am. to 5:00 pm. Students receive daily instruction in four blocks of 90-minute classes each.

CEM student, Yanill Germán

The Academic Excellence School of the Republic of Colombia School has physics and computer labs, among others.

Students at the Academic Excellence School of the Republic of Colombia have represented the Dominican Republic at international events.