SCHOOLWIDE/SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN TEMPLATE School Name: G. W. Carver STEM High School District Name: Muscogee County Principal Name: Christopher B. Lindsey School Year: 2014-2015 School Mailing Address: 3100 Eighth Street Columbus, Georgia 31906 Telephone: 706-748-2499 District Title One Director/Coordinator Name: Kimberly P. Jones District Title One Director/Coordinator Mailing Address: 2960 Macon Road Columbus, GA 31906 Email Address: Jones.Kimberly.P@muscogee.k12.ga.us Telephone: 706-748-2102 ESEA WAIVER ACCOUNTABILITY STATUS (Check all boxes that apply and provide additional information if requested.) Priority School Focus School Title I Alert School . Subject Alert List Subject(s) Graduation Alert List Subgroup(s) Sub-Group Alert List Subgroup(s) Principal’s Signature: Date: Title I Director’s Signature: Date: Superintendent’s Signature: Date: Revision Date: Revision Date: Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent June 2013 ● Page 1 Revision Date: Schoolwide/School Improvement Plan (SWP/SIP) Template Instructions Notes: Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) Section 1114 (b) (1) requires a Title I schoolwide program plan to contain the ten components listed on this template as well as related measurable goals and strategies for implementation. The asterisk (*) denotes required components as set forth in section 1114 of ESEA. While there are eighteen components, all ten required components of a Title I Schoolwide Program Plan (marked in this template with an asterisk) must be addressed. Response starters are provided in this template to guide the planning team/committee in the process of completing the schoolwide section of the plan. Complete the schoolwide plan (SWP) and school improvement plan (SIP) checklists. All components/elements marked as not met need additional development. Please list your planning committee members on the next page along with signatures of participating team members. This team must include stakeholder involvement (parents of Title I students, community representatives, teachers, administrators, etc.). Note: The planning team must involve parents in the planning process. See section 1114 (b)(2)(B)(ii) Plan Development which states: The comprehensive plan shall be developed with the involvement of parents and other members of the community to be served and individuals who will carry out such plan, including teachers, principals, and administrators (including administrators of programs described in other parts of this title), and, if appropriate, pupil services personnel, technical assistance providers, school staff, and, if the plan relates to a secondary school, students from such school. Attach the SIP as an addendum to the template. See the Georgia Department of Education School Improvement Fieldbook for guidance and instructions on completing a school improvement plan http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/School-Improvement/School-ImprovementServices/Documents/School%20Improvement%20Fieldbook%202012-2013.pdf. Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent June 2013 ● Page 2 Title I Schoolwide/School Improvement Plan Planning Committee Members: NAME MEMBER’S SIGNATURE POSITION/ROLE Christopher Lindsey Principal Lisa Norris Assistant Principal Miranda Banks Assistant Principal Barrie Clarke Assistant Principal Selena Walker-Banks Guidance & Counseling Department Director Kimberly Schlabach Academic Dean Keisha Cook Mathematics Academic Coach Florence Dawkins Local Education Agency Facilitator Shalanda Lovett Special Education Department Chairperson Victoria Neal Science Department Chairperson Patsy Gray Social Studies Department Chairperson Leadership Team Chairperson Latasha Stigger English Department Chairperson Emmanuel Cabrera Career Technical and Agricultural Education Department Chairperson Carlos Jackson Mathematics Department Chairperson Warren Williams Fine Arts Department Chairperson Warren Beaulah Physical Education Department Chairperson Alexander Branch ROTC Department Chairperson Sandra Thomas Foreign Language Department Chairperson Joyce Lee Magnet Coordinator Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent June 2013 ● Page 3 Meticho O’Neal Family Services Coordinator Joseph Kegler Athletic Director Colette Marshall Parent David Hawkins Partner-In-Education Freeman & Associates Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent June 2013 ● Page 4 1. A comprehensive needs assessment of the entire school that addresses all academic areas and other factors that may affect achievement. A. A parent perception survey was distributed and analyzed in March 2014 to determine strengths and needs of the school, as perceived by the students’ families. Results were tabulated and documentation was submitted to the district office in April. The Leadership Team reviewed the summary of the surveys at the May Leadership Team meeting. District parenting, teacher, paraprofessional and school administrator surveys were provided via the Muscogee County School District (MCSD) website in April to gather feedback from all stakeholders in the district. Additionally, MCSD held a Local Education Agency (LEA) Improvement Plan and a Comprehensive Local Education Agency Improvement Plan (CLIP) meeting in May of 2014. The purpose of the surveys and the meeting was to gather input from all stakeholders on the effectiveness of the LEA in meeting the needs of students and the adults that support them. The Chief Communications Officer invited parents, community leaders, teachers and administrators to attend via Connect Ed messages. An invitation was also extended to all students and staff via the district website, MCSD School Briefs and numerous television announcements. The stakeholders’ input was used by various departments of the MCSD to collaboratively write the district improvement plan. The CLIP was submitted and approved by the Georgia Department of Education in August 2014. In June 2013, the principal, assistant principal and academic coaches participated in district training on utilizing data to drive the school improvement process. The training allowed time to analyze summative achievement data from the previous school year and to review the School Improvement Plan cycle. The Leadership Team met in August for the purpose of conducting a needs assessment through analyzing achievement, perception, demographic and process data for the school. The Leadership Teams consists of the principal, assistant principals, academic dean, academic coach and select teachers. The team worked to determine root causes for school needs, formulate school improvement goals, develop action strategies, and build a professional learning plan to support the action strategies for the 2014-2015 school year. In August, the Family Services Coordinator met with the district parenting specialist to begin working on a Parenting Action Plan based on the spring stakeholder survey and the school improvement goals for the year. The FSC took the plan back to the principal and Leadership Team to get faculty input and ensure alignment with the school plan. The School Improvement Plan and the Parenting Action Plan were presented to parents and various stakeholders during the Title I Annual Parent Meeting in September of 2014. Parents could give feedback for further revisions. The plans were also reviewed by the Local School Council in September 2014. The final School Improvement/School Wide Plan was submitted to the district office in October of 2014. B. Carver High School used the following instruments, procedures, or processes to obtain this information: Criterion-Reference Competency Test (CRCT) for incoming 9th Graders: a set of tests administered at public schools in the state of Georgia that are designed to test the knowledge of first through eighth graders in reading, English/language arts (ELA), Mathematics, Science and Social Studies third through eighth graders. The test results from 8th grade are used as diagnostic data for incoming 9th Graders. Graduation Rate for 2014 Progress data for rising 12th graders (courses passed/needed, EOCT/Graduation Tests passed/needed, special concerns, etc.) End of Course Test (EOCT): These are tests given at the end of specific content area content area courses and are aligned to the Georgia Performance Standards for that course. EOCTs are designed to evaluate the effectiveness of instruction within that course, to measure student achievement, and to determine teacher course assignments. A passing score on the EOCT is 400 or above; the exceeds rate is 450 or above. Georgia High School Writing Test (GHSWT): Eleventh grade students are given the GHSWT which is a test of persuasive writing that students must pass in order to graduate. The GHSWT is used to measure student achievement and to determine supports for increased academic progress. A passing score on the GHSWT is 200 or above; the exceeds rate is 250 or above. Common Unit Assessments (CUAs): These assessments are used as benchmarks for student achievement progress and to help measure teacher effectiveness and progress toward the EOCT. Classworks: This is a comprehensive computer learning system that supports the RTI process. Tier 1 learners receive high-quality instruction while universal screeners track growth and identify students for possible intervention. Tier 2 provides targeted instruction for struggling learners by focusing on their areas of need at increasing levels of intensity. Progress is tracked through reporting of skills mastered. Tier 3 provides intensive, customized instruction designed to support lower level skill attainment and accelerate learning while continuous progress monitoring guides instruction. Students will be given a universal screener during the first semester and a post-test will be given to track progress. 9th, 10th, 11th, & 12 grade cohort data are used to track student academic progress. Retention Rates to determine supports for academic progress. Student Attendance Data Teacher Attendance Data Parental involvement and perception data to measure engagement levels and programmatic effectiveness in meeting student and family needs. Student Growth Data C. In the event the school enrolls migrant students, the school will follow district, state and federal guidelines to ensure that migratory students will achieve the same goals set for all Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent June 2013 ● Page 6 students. In addition, all parents or guardians enrolling a child in the school will receive a survey that determines whether or not the child will be identified as migrant. A copy of the survey will be maintained in the student’s cumulative folder. There are currently no migrant students enrolled at Carver High School. D. Carver had reflected on current achievement data that will help the school understand the subjects and skills in which teaching and learning need to be improved. All Black SWD Georgia High School Writing Test % of Students % of Students % of Students Passing Passing Passing Fall 2012 Fall 2013 Fall 2014 91% 94% 95% 91% 84% 92% 66% 44% 75% Literature End of Course Tests (EOCT) Pass Rates 2012 9th Grade Lit Carver Georgia 72.7% 84% 2012 American Lit Carver Georgia 82.5% 89% 2013 9th Grade Lit Carver Georgia 75% 86% 2013 American Lit Carver Georgia 79.4% 91% 2014 9th Grade Lit Carver Georgia 74.9% 85% 2014 American Lit Carver Georgia 84.4% 90% Mathematics End of Course Tests (EOCT) Pass Rates 2012 GPS Algebra Carver Georgia 51.8% 63% 2012 Math II Carver 52.1% Georgia 54% 2013 CCGPS Algebra Carver Georgia 15% 30% 2013 GPS Geometry Carver Georgia 55% 75% 2014 CCGPS Algebra Carver Georgia 13.7% 41% 2014 CCGPS Geometry Carver Georgia 9.1% 69% The math curriculum has continued to change over the course of the last few years. These many changes have been difficult of teachers and students. The CCGPS Coordinate Algebra scores reflect a change in the rigor of test items and a raised cut score. Science End of Course Tests (EOCT) Pass Rates 2012 Biology Carver Georgia 58.8% 73% 2012 Physical Science Carver Georgia 60.9% 78% 2013 Biology Carver Georgia 65.5% 75% 2013 Physical Science Carver Georgia 59.9% 83% 2014 Biology Carver Georgia 74% 71% 2014 Physical Science Carver Georgia 83.5% 76% Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent June 2013 ● Page 7 Social Studies End of Course Tests (EOCT) Pass Rates 2012 U. S. History Carver Georgia 45% 68% 2012 Econ./Business Carver Georgia 70.9% 77% 2012 Graduation Rate Carver Georgia 59.5% 69.7% 2013 U. S. History Carver Georgia 35.5% 73% 2013 Econ./Business Carver Georgia 69.2% 79% 2014 U. S. History Carver Georgia 53.1% 67% 2014 Econ./Business Carver Georgia 61.2% 78% 2013 Graduation Rate Carver Georgia 61.3% 71.8% 2014 Graduation Rate Carver Georgia 58.6% 72.5% The graduation rate has remained under the state average for the past three years. These scores reflect the four year cohort rates which have only been used for the last three years. Strategies to improve graduation rates have been put into place including an increased diligence of the guidance staff to track student enrollment and withdrawals. Progress Points Achievement Gap Points ED/EL/SWD Performance Points Exceeding the Bar Points 35.5 33.9 34.4 16.9 16.7 16.7 8.7 3.8 6.3 2.5 0.6 1.2 5 0 0 64.1 55 58.6 Change Achievement Points 2012 2013 2014 CCRPI Scores Year College and Career Readiness Performance Index (CCRPI) Comparison -9.1 +3.6 Based on the CCRPI comparison, there is a need to focus on the achievement gap points and ED/EL/SWD performance points to increase CCRPI scores for 2015. Strengths 11th Grade American Literature has maintained an above 80% pass rate and 9th grade Literature is at a 74.9% pass rate. GHSWT scores are a 95% pass rate for all students. GHSWT scores for SWD students has increased 9% points over the past three years and is at a 75% pass rate. Science EOCT scores have increased the most over the past three years and are above the state pass rate. Weaknesses All EOCT cores with the exception Physical Science and Biology remain below the state pass rates. Although not comparable from year to year because of curriculum changes Mathematics scores are a weakness in general. Current scores are considerably below state averages. Economics and U.S. History both are below a 70% pass rate. Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent June 2013 ● Page 8 Root causes The initial implementation of Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Lack of rigorous formative assessments The need to differentiate instruction Lack of preparedness for comprehension of grade level texts and materials Lack of exposure to more rigorous texts at each grade level Lack of frequent practice utilizing strategies that assist with the overall command of reading non-fiction content Lack of teacher-parent communication Lack of consistency in classroom management Decline in the utilization of the following standards based classroom elements: using standards to focus expectations for learning and instituting rituals and routines as well as differentiated instruction Specific Academic Needs to be addressed: o Increase in EOCT scores o Improve graduation rate E. Carver based the plan on information about all students in the school and identified students and groups of students who are not yet achieving to the State Academic content standards and the State student academic achievement standard including Carver High School has 99.5% of students who are classified as Economically Disadvantaged. The school will follow district, state, and federal guidelines to ensure economically disadvantaged students will achieve the same goals set for all students. Data driven instruction and safety nets serve all eligible children. o For 2013-2014 EOCT administration, the Economically Disadvantaged subgroup met Participation Rate, but did not meet State or Subgroup Performance Targets (red flag) for 9th Grade Literature, American Literature, CCGPS Algebra, CCGPS Geometry, U.S. History and Economics. This subgroup met Participation Rate and the Subgroup Performance Target, but did not meet the State Performance Target in Biology (yellow flag). This subgroup met Participation Rate, State Performance Target and Subgroup Performance Target in Physical Science (green flag). o The Economically Disadvantaged subgroup did not meet state or subgroup target (red flag) for graduation rate. Students from major racial and ethnic groups scored as follows: o Carver’s Black subgroup accounted for 94% of the student population at the October 2013 FTE count. For 2013-2014 EOCT administration, the Black subgroup met Participation Rate, but did not meet State or Subgroup Performance Targets (red flag) for 9th Grade Literature, American Literature, CCGPS Algebra, CCGPS Geometry, U.S. History and Economics. This subgroup met Participation Rate and the Subgroup Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent June 2013 ● Page 9 Performance Target, but did not meet the State Performance Target in Biology (yellow flag). This subgroup met Participation Rate, State Performance Target and Subgroup Performance Target in Physical Science (green flag). o The Black subgroup did not meet state or subgroup target (red flag) for graduation rate. Students with Disabilities accounted for 15.5% of the student population in the October 2013 FTE count. For 2013-2014 EOCT, the SWD subgroup met the Participation Rate for 9th Grade Literature, American Literature, CCGPS Geometry, U.S. History and Economics but did not meet Participation Rate for CCGPS Algebra. Neither the State nor Subgroup Performance Targets (red flag) were met on any EOCT. The number of students tested in Physical Science did not warrant a subgroup. Students with limited English were not large enough to warrant a subgroup at Carver for 2013-2014. Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent June 2013 ● Page 10 School-wide Problem-of-Practice Department/Grade Level SMART Goal Statement # 1 System Focus Area Alignment Georgia Keys Alignment Prioritized Strategies for Improvement Scores for all End-of-Course-Test (EOCT) ranges from 10.2 % in CCGPS Coordinate Algebra to 8.5% in Analytic Geometry. All scores are below the state requirements. The root causes determined were the initial implementation of Common Core Georgia Performance Standards, the lack of rigorous instruction and formative assessments, and the need to differentiate instruction. 9th and 10th Grade Mathematics The Math scores of students taking the EOCs in Math will meet or exceed the State average. Response to Intervention, Co-Teaching, Standards Based Classroom Curriculum Planning, Instruction ,Assessment Results Indicators Primary Leadership/ Budget Assistant Principal Math Academic Coaches Math Department Chair Consistently use Differentiated Instructional Practices (content, process & product) in math classes based on data analysis in Data Team Meetings. Increased teacher use of flexible grouping, varied delivery ( discussion, guided notes, Formative Assessment Lessons) & choice activities to show lesson Increased standards mastery and performance on Georgia Milestones EOC Assessment Conduct EOC Blitzes for Math classes during the day and on Saturdays prior to the EOC Spring Administration. Increased standards mastery on common formative assessments and performance on Georgia Milestones EOC Assessment Mathematics Teachers Mathematics Department Chair Implement Increased Learning Time in Mathematics that focuses on Common Core Mathematics Mastery. Increased standards mastery on common formative assessments and performance on Georgia Milestones EOC Assessment Mathematics Teachers Mathematics Department Chair Evidence Artifacts Teachers will use flexible grouping, varied delivery methods, and choice activities in their instruction. Students will be able to communicate use of differentiated strategies in content, process and products. Teachers will develop EOC Blitz Schedule. Students will participate in EOC Blitzes. Data Team Minutes Focus Walk Data Student/Teacher Differentiation Checklists Student Work Lesson Plans Facilitators will provide Sign-In Sheets Teachers will develop assignments/assessments for use during Increased Learning Time Blitz Sign-In Sheets EOC Blitz PowerPoint’s & Prezi Presentations Pictures from EOC Blitzes Classworks Data Compass Learning Data Assessment Data What are some things you anticipate you will need to do to ensure success? Continue Training on Data Team Process Monitor Data Team Processes Provide training for Differentiated Instructional Practices Monitor Differentiated Instructional Practices School-wide Problem-of-Practice Department/Grade Level The trend over three years indicates that the average number of discipline referrals has remained the same. School wise behavior reports indicate an average of 18 office referrals per day and approximately 370 referrals per month for the 2013-14 school year. Analysis of referrals indicate a lack of teacher/parent communication, a lack of consistency in classroom management, and a decline in the utilization of the following standards based classroom elements: lack of using standards to focus expectations for learning and instituting rituals and routines as well as lack of differentiated instruction. All Grade Levels SMART Goal Statement # 2 System Focus Area Alignment Georgia Keys Alignment Prioritized Strategies for Improvement The number of office referrals will decrease by at least 5% by the end of the 2014-15 school year as measured by Infinite Campus’ report of average referrals per day and per month. Response to Intervention, Standards Based Classroom Planning & Organization, Professional Learning, Leadership, Family & Community Engagement, School Culture Results Indicators Primary Leadership/ Evidence Artifacts Budget Require teachers that have excessive office referrals to enroll in a classroom management class. Decrease in office referrals from teachers enrolled in classroom management class. Increase student achievement Principal Assistant Principal Require documented parental contact and classroom consequences before office referrals of minor infractions. Decrease in office referrals school-wide. Increase student achievement Assistant Principal Teachers Provide Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) for students before being referred to the office for attendance or behavior issues. Decrease in office referrals school-wide. Increase student achievement Assistant Principal Grade Level Chairs The administrative team will review the data infinite campus monthly. Teachers will solidify classroom discipline plan and outline new strategies learned in classroom management class The administrative team will review the data infinite campus monthly. Teachers will document parent contacts in Infinite Campus. Teachers will document classroom consequences. Attendance rewards – possible free tickets to athletic events. “Well-done Wednesdays” by grade levels for rewards Office Referral Data Focus Walk Data Infinite Campus Data Focus Walk Data Pictures from reward events List of students receiving rewards Bulletin Boards What are some things you anticipate you will need to do to ensure success? Ongoing professional development and monitoring of classroom management strategies Funding for rewards and incentives Monitoring of office referral data and implemented classroom management strategies School-wide Problem-of-Practice Department/Grade Level SMART Goal Statement # 3 The graduation rate was below the district and State performance target. The cause for the low rate includes the need to: increase parental involvement and student responsibilities, monitor absenteeism, implement and closely monitor the Response to Intervention (RTI) process and identify and provide counseling for potential dropouts. Guidance/All grade Levels The graduation rate will increase from 58% to 70% as measured by the Georgia Department of Education 4-year graduation co-hort rate by the end of the 2014-15 school year. System Focus Area Alignment Georgia Keys Alignment Response to Intervention, Standards Based Classroom Planning & Organizations, Professional Learning, Leadership, Family & Community Engagement, School Culture Prioritized Strategies for Improvement Results Indicators Primary Leadership/ Budget Assistant Principal Guidance Director Region Graduation Coach Students of the 2014-15 graduating class will be identified and tiered according to their progress towards graduation. Students in tier 3 and 4 will be closely monitored. Increased graduation rate Increase student achievement in current classes Decrease in withdrawals of probable dropouts Students will meet with grade level counselor before withdrawing from school. Increased graduation rate Increased enrollment in post-secondary schools Decrease in withdrawals of probable dropouts Assistant Principal Guidance Director Academic interventions and supports will be provided for students who are in danger of not graduating because of attendance and/or academics. Increased graduation rate Decrease in withdrawals of probable dropouts Decrease in retention rates Assistant Principal Guidance Director Academic Coach Consistently use Differentiated Instructional Practices (content, process & product) in core academic classes based on data analysis in Data Team Meetings. Increased teacher use of flexible grouping, varied delivery ( discussion, guided notes, Formative Assessment Lessons) & choice activities to show lesson Increased standards mastery and performance on Georgia Milestones EOC Assessment Assistant Principal Academic Coaches Department Chair Evidence Graduation Team will review grades/ attendance in Infinite Campus bi-monthly. Graduation Team will meet with tier 3 & 4 students bi-monthly. Senior Counselor will meet senior parents of students that are not on track for graduation Grade level counselors will meet students planning to withdraw or transfer to another school Grade level counselors will file withdrawal forms with transcript/records request Students will recover attendance through Academic Saturday School Students will recover credit through credit recovery Students will be given academic support during ILT, after-school tutorials and Academic Saturday Schools Teachers will use flexible grouping, varied delivery methods, and choice activities in their instruction. Teachers will use strategies that engage and challenge students. Artifacts Sign-In Sheets Academic Contracts Meeting Agendas Sign-In Sheets Withdrawals Forms Sign-In Sheets Progress Reports Student Work Attendance Data Team Minutes Focus Walk Data Student/Teacher Differentiation Checklists Student Work Lesson Plans Students will be able to communicate use of differentiated strategies in content, process and products. What are some things you anticipate you will need to do to ensure success? (Identify professional development expectations, effect and cause data collection frequency and practices, resources, etc.) Tier and track student progress starting in the 9th grade Ensure that all teachers, parents and students know and can communicate graduation requirements Bi-Weekly meetings with guidance department to discuss target students and potential dropouts Mid-year review of withdrawals/transfers whereabouts © 2010 by The Leadership and Learning Center All rights reserved. Copy only with permission. (866) 399-6019 2. School-wide reform strategies that are scientifically-researched based. 2(a). School-wide reform strategies that provide opportunities for all children in the school to meet or exceed Georgia’s proficient and advanced levels of student performance. 1. In an effort to increase the graduation rate, several initiatives are in place. Counselors identify students who are at risk of not graduating on time and provide individual intensive academic study plans in an effort to help students graduate with the graduating class in which originally placed. Transcripts are reviewed each semester to help identify students who are credit deficient and who are not on track for graduation. 2. The Extended Semester Credit Recovery Program allows students who fail a class to recover credits by participating in extended time periods where the standards will be reviewed in great detail. In some cases, students will be allowed to complete a major assignment or take a comprehensive skills test, which if passed, will enable him/her to receive credit for the specified course. 3. 5th Block is an alternative to summer school in an effort to keep students on track for graduation. Students can retake a course by extending their school day. Select courses can be taken for the first time. 4. Virtual Online Recovery is another initiative implemented in an effort to increase graduation rate. Parents are required to attend the initial meeting which explains the process, and thus are also actively involved within this process. Parents and students sign contracts indicating parental approval and the student’s intent to participate in the program. 5. Academic/Attendance Saturday school will be implemented during the 2014-15 school year to provide a way for students to make-up unexcused absences and support students who are not meeting mastery in core academic classes. 6. Additionally, school administrators will track all students assigned to Carver who are at alternative school settings. Counselors and administrators will work directly with the counselors, faculty, and administration of these alternate settings to stress the importance of attendance, especially during testing. 7. Regional Instructional Coaches, a site-based Mathematics Coach and an Academic Dean have been assigned to Carver to further drive school initiatives, to guide teachers in the implementation of the standards based and rigor/relevance framework, and to further efforts to meet RTI requirements. 8. After making a comparison of the percentage of students passing the EOCT in smaller classes to the percentage passing in larger classes, it was found that smaller class sizes would be beneficial in the achievement of students. All areas showed higher percentages passing in the smaller classes. The Social Studies classes taking the EOCT showed a high failure rate last semester in the majority of the classes with class sizes ranging from 18- 30 students. The passing rate, however, was slightly higher in the classes with 18 to 22. Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent June 2013 ● Page 14 The ways in which Carver will address the needs of all children in the school particularly the needs of students furthest away from demonstrating proficiency related to the State’s academic content and student academic achievement standard are (list strategies to be used)… Provisions are made at Carver High School to provide a quality education for all students no matter the students’ current proficiency level. Student’s needs are accessed continuously as a means of determining growth and other areas of improvement. Although students pre-register for coursework for the entire year the preceding spring, individual adjustments are made at the end of every semester. Counselors meet with the students to ensure students remain on-track for the student’s selected diploma. Research has repeatedly demonstrated that special needs students are most successful in a heterogeneous environment; as many special needs students as possible are placed in cooperative learning classes. A regular and a special education teacher staff these classes jointly. All courses are scheduled based on the student’s Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). The strong desire for success for all students at Carver has led to the offering of both AP classes and dual enrollment with Columbus State University and Columbus Tech for as many students who qualify. Carver also offers the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Magnet program for students with a stated and demonstrated interest in science, Mathematics, and/or technology. Admission is based on test scores, grades, recommendations of teachers and counselors, and the students’ statements of interest. 2(b). Are based upon effective means of raising student achievement. The G.W. Carver High School SWP includes reform strategies that are scientifically researched based and addresses the needs of all learners. We have taken the best practices from research-based books and centered our instruction and efforts on these strategies. Blackburn, B. (2008). Rigor Is Not a Four Letter Word. New York: Eye on Education. Blankstein, A.M. (2004. Failure Is Not An Option: Six Principals That Guide Student Achievement in High-Performing Schools. California: Corwin Press. Jacobs, H. (2006). Active Literacy Across the Curriculum. New York: Eye on Education Karten, T. (2010) Inclusion Strategies and Interventions. Indiana: Solution Tree Marzano, R. & Pikering, D. (2011). The Highly Engaged Classroom. Indiana: The Marzano Research Institute. Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent June 2013 ● Page 15 Payne, R., Shenk, D. and Conrad, J. (2009). Research-Based Strategies for Narrowing the Achievement Gap for Under-Resourced Students. Highlands, TX: Aha! Process, Inc. Tate, M. (2009) Worksheets Don’t Grow Dendrites: 20 Instructional Strategies that Engage the Brain. California: Corwin Press. Following (or in our appendices) are examples of the scientifically-based research supporting our effective methods and instructional practices or strategies (cite research that supports selected strategies)… 2(c). Use effective instructional methods that increase the quality and amount of learning time. Accessible Technology Use ( Scientific and Graphing Calculators, Smart Boards, Smart Response System) Reciprocal Teaching: Instructional strategy that uses summarizing, question generating, clarify, and predicting to help with reading comprehension. Cooperative Learning: Structuring classes around small groups that work together in such a way that each group member's success is dependent on the group's success. Flexible-Grouping: Grouping students within a classroom (whole group, small group, or independent) by specific learning profiles. Standards Based Classroom Instructional Frameworks: A student-centered framework that outlines what students should know, are able to do and the use various researched based strategies that address student achievement Appropriate Differentiation: Instructional strategies that address various learning styles, interest, and abilities of students Scaffolding: Specialized teaching strategies to support learning when students are introduced to new topics. 2(d). Address the needs of all children, particularly targeted populations, and address how the school will determine if such needs have been met and are consistent with improvement plans approved under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) Students with Disabilities A continuum of services is provided for all students with disabilities by the inclusion and pullout models. Highly qualified teachers facilitate instruction in the least restrictive environment for learners. A Placement Committee makes data-driven recommendations to maximize each student’s learning potential utilizing the Pyramid of Intervention. The Placement or Individual Education Plan (IEP) Committee is comprised of the parents of the student, all teachers of the student, administration, and psychologist, representative from the Local Education Agency (LEA), and other support or related services personnel who are identified as a need for the student. Unless otherwise warranted, the IEP or Placement Committee will design an IEP that include standards-based SMART goals and objectives to be implemented in the least restrictive environment. Eligible students with disabilities identified by recommended for Extended School Year Services (ESY) when deemed necessary. Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent June 2013 ● Page 16 School personnel works collaboratively to ensure all needs of students are addressed through several safety nets. Safety nets could include Pyramid of Intervention, Student Support Team, Response to Intervention, Differentiated Instruction, Title I paid teachers, academic coach, family services coordinator and after school tutorial program. Pyramid of Intervention The Pyramid of Intervention is utilized as part of the protocol in addressing targeted weaknesses in students’ performance. Differentiated Instruction Differentiated Instruction addresses the individual needs and learning styles of students through various instructional strategies and activities. Highly qualified teachers and paraprofessionals guide students in utilizing preferred learning styles, modalities, and intelligences. Neglected or Delinquent The purposes of Title I, Part D are to: (1) improve educational services for children and youth in local and State institutions for neglected or delinquent children and youth so that they have the opportunity to meet the same challenging State academic content and State student achievement standards that all children in the State are expected to meet; (2) provide these children with services to enable them to transition successfully from institutionalization to further schooling or employment; and (3) prevent at-risk youth from dropping out of school as well as to provide dropouts and children and youth returning from correctional facilities or institutions for neglected or delinquent children and youth, with a support system to ensure their continued education. Muscogee County School District will provide a free and appropriate public education for children whose primary residence is a facility or treatment center for neglected children. Many children residing in facilities range between sixth through twelfth grades. Students attend schools throughout the geographical area of the district. These students will be evaluated by means of the same assessment instruments as other scholars to measure academic achievement. School personnel will follow district, State, and federal guidelines to ensure students meet state standards established for all learners. Participation in parental involvement opportunities offered by the district as well as schoolbased activities will be available for directors and personnel from each residential facility or treatment center. Further parental assistance may be provided by means of parenting materials, resources and supplies available for all parents of students enrolled in schools within the district. Additional support for neglected children may be available from the Title I Office. English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Language support for English Learners (EL) will be provided in accordance to Title III laws and mandates by the Civil Rights Office. A faculty representative receives training from the Local Education Agency (LEA) and Georgia Department of Education Title III to serve as the English for Speakers of Other Languages liaison. At-Risk Students The Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth Who Are At-Risk of not Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent June 2013 ● Page 17 meeting standards set by the Georgia Department of Education are provided academic supports for success. State funds may be utilized to provide students additional assistance to improve achievement, meet standards, or exceed standards. Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent June 2013 ● Page 18 5% Tier 4 Co-Teaching 504 Plan Specialized Programs 5% 10% 80% RTI Triangle for Carver High School Tier 3 Designated Increased Learning Time Strategy Collaboration with Teachers/Parents/Students Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences Conferences with Administration Tier 2 Extended Semester th 5 Block Academic Increased Learning Time Increased Time on Classworks & Compass Learning Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences Progress Monitoring with Formative Assessments Strategy Collaboration with Teachers/Parents/Students Tier 1 Classworks Compass Learning Career Pathways Student Learning Objectives (SLO’s) & EOCTs District & School Common Unit Assessments (CUAs) Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Differentiated Instruction Timely Specific Feedback (Conferencing) Progress Monitoring with Formative Assessments Cooperative Learning Collaboration (Classroom Teachers/Parents/Students) Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent June 2013 ● Page 19 3. Instruction by highly qualified professional staff. 3(a). Instruction by highly qualified professional staff. The MCSD Human Resources Division works to hire highly qualified teachers in all schools. Principals are responsible for recommending employees and assigning them areas in which they will remain highly qualified. The MCSD Human Resources Division and the MCSD Professional Learning Department work with schools to ensure that all persons paid with Title I funds are highly qualified at the time they are hired. 3(b). Strategies to attract highly qualified teachers to high-needs schools. Maintain a district website to provide information for prospective employees along with a teacher recruitment video that prospective employees may view Host an annual “New Teacher Recruitment Fair” Implement a high quality teacher mentoring program that will work well with Human Resources and the Professional Learning Department to ensure highly qualified teachers are hired. Offer best practices institutes through the Professional Learning Department to help teachers attain the PLU’s necessary for re-certification. The strategies Carver High School will use to attract highly-qualified teachers are: Participate in the MCSD “Teacher Recruitment Fair” Utilize a team interview process for screening applicants Provide on-site teacher mentors (Teacher Support Specialists) for induction level teachers Offer job embedded professional learning Provide common grade level planning time Provide teacher support and feedback through on-site academic coaches Maintain a clean, welcoming environment Maintain a positive faculty/administration relationship Recognize exemplary teachers and practices 4. Professional development for staff to enable all children in the school to meet the state student academic achievement standards. A. Carver will include teachers, principals, paraprofessionals, and, if appropriate, pupil services personnel, parents, and other staff in the following professional development activities. The professional development will be designed to address the root causes of the identified needs of the school. B. The school will align professional development with the State’s academic content and student academic achievement standards for greatest student academic achievement. C. Carver will devote sufficient resources to carry out effective professional development activities that are primarily job embedded and address the root causes of academic problems. Professional materials and supplies job-embedded on-site training Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent June 2013 ● Page 20 Resources for classrooms to carry out the implementation plans Redelivery of workshops and meetings that teachers attend Evaluations which reflect implementation of research-based practices Data team meetings and grade level meetings Title I pays for intervention teacher and instructional paraprofessionals Money for contracted services, conferences and workshops have been allocated D. The school will include teachers in professional development activities regarding the use of academic assessments to enable them to provide information on, and to improve, the achievement of individual students and the overall instructional program in the following ways. The school will provide professional learning opportunities in the use of data driven instruction to improve individual student achievement and the overall instructional program. Teachers will participate in professional learning activities on the use of academic assessments to drive the instructional program. Teachers will learn how to use assessments to determine long range plans at grade level meetings. Assessment drives the selection and attendance at professional learning. Day to day formative and summative assessment in the classrooms is the initial source of information provided to teachers about student learning. The next line of information comes when teachers meet, review and plan instruction based on student performance on various assessments in preparation for the Georgia Criterion Reference Competency Test (CRCT) given in the spring of the year. Data from these various sources will help the school determine the SMART goals for the year and what types of professional learning will be needed to address the goals. The data sources will provide evidence of improvements in student learning as a result of faculty and staff participation in professional learning opportunities. Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent June 2013 ● Page 21 G.W. Carver Action Plan 2014-15 Professional Development Plan Professional Development Goal #1 Knowledge Scores for all End-of-Course-Test (EOCT) ranges from 10.2 % in CCGPS Coordinate Algebra to 8.5% in Analytic Geometry. All scores are below the state requirements. The root causes determined were the initial implementation of Common Core Georgia Performance Standards, the lack of rigorous instruction and formative assessments, and the need to differentiate instruction. To address root causes through professional development teachers will have trainings in rigorous instruction, formative assessments, engagement and differentiation during the 2014-15 school year. Teachers will gain knowledge about effective instructional strategies regarding rigorous instruction, formative assessments, engagement and differentiation. Skills Teachers will be able to effectively use instructional strategies regarding rigorous instruction, formative assessments, engagement and differentiation. Aligned Professional Development Trainings in in rigorous instruction, formative assessments, engagement and differentiation Results Indicators Increased teacher use and understanding of differentiated instruction. Increased standards mastery for students EOC percent pass rate at or above state level Increased teacher use of and understanding of effective strategies for student engagement Increased teacher use of and understanding of rigorous instruction and formative assessment practices Primary Leadership Assistant Principal Academic Coaches Intended Audience Mathematics Teachers Timeline August 2014 – May 2015 Resources/Budget National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Georgia Council of Teachers of Mathematics GADOE EOC Assessment Guides Contracted Consultants Data Team Resources/Manual Math Department Chair How will you monitor the implementation to confirm impact on classroom practice? School administrators and academic coaches will review lesson plans, have data talks with teachers and periodically conduct focus walks to monitor practices. Professional Development Goal #2 Knowledge Skills Aligned Professional Development The trend over three years indicates that the average number of discipline referrals has remained the same. School wide behavior reports indicate an average of 18 office referrals per day and approximately 370 referrals per month for the 2013-14 school year. Analysis of referrals indicate a lack of teacher/parent communication, a lack of consistency in classroom management, and a decline in the utilization of the following standards based classroom elements: lack of using standards to focus expectations for learning and instituting rituals and routines as well as lack of differentiated instruction. To address root causes through professional development, teachers with an excessive number of office referrals will be required to attend a classroom management course, receive refresher training/information on standards based classroom elements and differentiation by the end of the 2014-15 school year. Teachers will gain knowledge about effective classroom management strategies, standards based classroom elements and differentiation. Teachers will be able to use effective classroom management’s strategies to include the utilization standards based classroom elements and differentiation. Results Indicators Primary Intended Audience Timeline Resources/Budget Leadership Professional development in classroom management, standards based classroom elements and differentiation Increased teacher use and understanding of differentiated instruction. Increased teacher use and understanding standards based classroom elements. Decrease in office referrals from teachers enrolled in classroom management class. Increase in student achievement. How will you monitor the implementation to confirm impact on classroom practice? Principal Assistant Principal Teachers with classroom management issues as indicated by excessive office referral data. August 2014 – May 2015 MCSD Professional Learning Classroom Management That Works: Research-Based Strategies for Every Teacher Books and Resources on Differentiated Instruction School administrators will monitor referral data in infinite campus and periodically conduct focus walks to monitor practices. Professional Development The graduation rate is 58.6%, which is below the state and district average. The graduation rate was below the district and State performance Goal #3 target. The cause for the low rate includes the need to: increase parental involvement and student responsibilities, monitor absenteeism, implement and closely monitor the Response to Intervention (RTI) process and identify and provide counseling for potential dropouts. To address root causes through professional development parents, teachers and students will be trained in requirements for high school graduation in four years, career pathway endorsements and Response to Intervention (RTI) Supports. Knowledge Teacher advisors, parents and students will gain knowledge about requirements for graduation and career pathway diploma endorsements. Skills Aligned Professional Development Teacher advisors, parents and students will be trained on requirements for high school graduation, career pathway diploma endorsements and available RTI supports in place for students who are at-risk of dropping out or not making adequate academic progress. Teacher advisors, parents and students will be able to use knowledge about requirements for graduation and career pathway diploma endorsements to make appropriate course selections and seek out and/or provide supports when needed. Results Indicators Primary Intended Audience Timeline Resources/Budget Leadership Increased graduation rate Region Teachers, Students & Parents August 2014 MCSD Guidelines for Graduation Graduation – May 2015 and Career Pathway Endorsement Increased student ownership in Coach graduation process Guidance Increase in parent involvement Director Decrease in retention rates Parenting Coordinator Trainings in in rigorous instruction, formative assessments, engagement and differentiation Increased teacher use and understanding of differentiated instruction. Increased standards mastery for students EOC percent pass rate at or above state level Increased teacher use of and understanding of effective strategies for student engagement Increased teacher use of and understanding of rigorous instruction and formative assessment practices How will you monitor the implementation to confirm impact on classroom practice? Assistant Principal Academic Coaches Core Academic Teachers August 2014 – May 2015 Local, State & National Teaching Organizations GADOE EOC Assessment Guides Contracted Consultants Data Team Resources/Manual Department Chairs School administrators and counselors will monitor knowledge of graduation requirements and career pathways through advisement folders, parent, and teacher and student meetings. School administrators and academic coaches will review lesson plans, have data talks with teachers and periodically conduct focus walks to monitor practices. 5. Strategies to increase parental involvement. A. Carver High School will involve parents in an organized, ongoing, and timely way in the planning, review, and improvement of school-wide programs and the school parental involvement policy by sharing information at the Title I Annual Parent Meeting, Title I family engagement workshops, and through Title I parent surveys. B. The school will update the school parental involvement policy periodically to meet the changing needs of parents and the school and distribute it to the parents of participating children. The parental involvement plan will be available to all stakeholders by: posting the revised policy on website, sending the policy home with a cover letter, and including the policy in the school’s handbook. Copies of the parent involvement policy will be housed in the front office, parent resource room, and media center. The policy will also be available at all Title I family engagement workshops throughout the school year. C. Carver High School will conduct an annual meeting, at a convenient time, to inform parents about the school’s Title I program, the nature of the Title I program, the parents’ requirements and the school parental involvement policy, the school-wide plan, and the school-parent compact and encourage and invite all parents of participating children to attend by conducting a Title I Annual Parent Meeting in the fall of the school year to share Title I information. Each parent will receive a Title I brochure at the meeting. The brochures will be housed in the front office, parent resource room, and media center for parents who were unable to attend the annual meeting. The Title I brochure will also be posted on the school and district website. D. The school will offer a flexible number of meetings, such as meetings in the morning or evening, and may provide, with funds provided under Title I. The school will survey parents to determine the needs of the parents at the beginning of the school year. E. Carver High School will provide parents of participating children with timely information about the Title I program, a description and explanation of the curriculum in use at the school, the forms of academic assessments used to measure student progress, and the proficiency levels students are expected to meet, and provide opportunities for regular meetings. If requested by parents, to formulate suggestions and to participate, as appropriate, in decisions relating to the education of their child, and respond to any such suggestions as soon as practicably possible, by providing a feedback card at the end of each workshop or activity. The suggestions and comments will be kept on file at the school. The school will also maintain communication logs to address any concerns parents may have throughout the school year. F. The school will jointly develop with parents of participating children a Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent June 2013 ● Page 25 school-parent compact which outlines how parents, the entire school staff, and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement. The school-parent compact will be an agreement that parents, teachers, and students will develop together. It explains how parents and teachers will work together to make sure all students reach grade-level standards. The compact will be updated annual to address the needs of the parents, students and teachers. G. As appropriate, Carver will provide assistance to parents of participating children in understanding the state’s academic achievement standards, the state and local academic assessments including alternate assessments, the requirements of Title I, Part A, and progress monitoring of their children, by offering a variety of workshops and activities throughout the school year to share academic information. Parents will also receive information through newsletters, handouts, Connect-Ed messages, and school and district website. H. The school will provide materials and training to help parents to work with their child to improve their child’s achievement, such as literacy training and using technology, as appropriate, to foster parental involvement, by maintaining a parent resource room for parents to check out educational materials to use with students at home. Parent Liaisons, Family Services Coordinators will coordinate and conduct Title I family engagement workshops and activities to address the academic needs of the school. I. Carver High School will provide training to educate the teachers, pupil services personnel, principal, and other staff in how to reach out to, communicate with, and work with parents as equal partners, in the value and utility of contributions of parents, and in how to implement and coordinate parent programs, and build ties between parents and the school, by conducting a parent engagement training to all staff in the fall of each school year. The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) parent engagement modules will be utilized for training all staff members at the school. The MCSD Title I Parent Coordinator will provide technical assistance to the parent liaisons, family services coordinators and parent contacts during the school year. J. The school will, to the extent feasible and appropriate, coordinate and integrate parental involvement programs and activities with Head Start, Home Instruction Programs for Preschool Youngsters, the Parents as Teachers Program, and public preschool and other programs, and conduct other activities, such as parent resource centers, that encourage and support parents in more fully participating in the education of their children, by providing opportunities for parents to attend the district and school parent engagement workshops, activities, and events. K. Carver High School will take the following actions to ensure that information related to the school and parent programs, meetings, and other activities, is sent to the parents of participating children in an understandable and uniform format, including alternative formats upon request, and, to the extent practicable, in a Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent June 2013 ● Page 26 language the parents can understand, by: posting on the school and district website, sending out newsletters and calendars, extending invitations to parents, publishing flyers, and establishing two-way communication. L. The school will provide full opportunities, to the extent practicable, for the participation of parents with limited English proficiency, parents with disabilities, and parents of migratory children, including providing information and school reports required under section 1111 of the ESEA in an understandable and uniform format and including alternative formats upon request, and, to the extent practicable, in a language parents understand, by working with the ESOL Parent Coordinator, Special Education Parent Mentors, Outreach Coordinator, and translators to meet the needs of all parents. Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent June 2013 ● Page 27 G.W. Carver High School Action Plan 2014-2015 School Improvement Parenting Action Plan School-wide Problem-of-Practice: Parental Involvement in all areas of our school need to increase. Root Causes: SMART Goal Statement # _1____ More teacher-parent communication to increase parental engagement More engaging workshops to meet the needs of the parents Parental Involvement at G. W. Carver High School will increase from 25% to 45% by the end of the 2014-2015 school year as measured by attendance taken at monthly workshops, visits to the Parent Resource Room and Communication Logs. Prioritized Strategies for Improvement Results Indicators Plan and execute one academic event focused on (reading and math) each semester (to be organized by the Family Service Coordinator) with parents, students and staff at Carver High School to be held at times that would be convenient to the parent. We will hold meetings in a variety of community locations (such as the local library, community center, neighborhood church) to make them accessible to all. Increase parent engagement by 20% by the end of the school year. Primary Leadership Family Services Coordinator Academic Coaches Evidence Increase in student performance on the EOC Georgia Milestone Increase attendance at each workshop Positive Feedback from the workshops Artifacts Parent Sign in sheets and Comment Cards Budget $1000.00 Parenting Set Aside Funds Maintain a parent resource room that provides EOC Georgia Milestone test preps and parenting skills books for check out. Increase the number of parents/family members checking out materials from the Parent Resource Room by 20% by the end of the school year. Family Services Coordinator Provide two-way communication with parents and family members through quarterly newsletters, flyers, school website, parent guides, surveys, Connect-Ed Messages, and communication logs. Parents/family members will receive two-way communications in various formats regarding student academics at Carver High School Family Services Coordinator Collaborate with community and staff to enlist volunteers to assist in an effective afterschool mathematics tutorial program (CSU and other community colleges student volunteers) Parental and community Involvement will increase. Family Services Coordinator What are some things you anticipate you will need to do to ensure success? Increase in student performance on the EOC Georgia Milestone Parent Communication Logs and Visitation Logs $500.00 Parenting Set Aside Funds Increase number of parents/family members checking out resources Increase in student performance on the EOC Georgia Milestone Parent Communication Logs and Visitation Logs $1,000.00 Parenting Set Aside Funds Increase number of parents/family members checking out resources Increase in student performance on the EOC Georgia Milestone Community Volunteer Logs, Student Volunteer logs $300.00 In order to meet this goal, we will need parent to check-out materials such as EOC Georgia Milestone workbooks, study guides, academic dictionaries, and other items for parents to use with students at home. We will need supplies to create the surveys, newsletters, and flyers to use during parent workshops. We will need all teachers to update their communication logs in infinite campus to ensure two way communication has been taking place. We also use MyBigCampus. © 2010 by The Leadership and Learning Center All rights reserved. Copy only with permission. (866) 399-6019 6. Plans for assisting preschool children in the transition from early childhood programs to local elementary school programs. Carver High School has included plans for students to transition from high school and beyond. Middle School to High School and Beyond: A summer bridge program will be provided for upcoming freshmen. Freshman orientation for students and parents is offered prior to the start of school. Topics include attendance, academic success, career opportunities, graduation requirements, and a tour of the school. The orientation will be offered at the beginning of each school year. Expanding this program is an option that will be considered for the upcoming school years. Designated counselors and the CTAE supervisor will visit middle schools in the spring of each year to highlight the schools programs and assist rising 9th graders with completing course requests. Students have many opportunities at the high school to follow a career pathway in order to assist with transition to the workforce after graduation. Work-based opportunities are offered through select career pathways. College visits and orientation programs are scheduled through the guidance department for students who desire to continue their education. 7. Measures to include teachers in the decisions regarding the use of assessment to provide information on, and to improve, the performance of individual students and the overall instructional program. The ways that Carver High School includes teachers in decisions regarding use of academic assessments are: The administration, teachers, staff, students, and parents are involved in the ongoing formal and informal assessment of student achievement. Weekly data team meetings are designed to disaggregate and analyze data on formative and summative assessments. Both formal and informal assessments are used to monitor student progress and improve instructional practices. The data collected and analyzed are used to assess individual student needs and determine appropriate interventions which will increase student achievement. The school will utilize assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of instruction and the strengths and weaknesses of students to enhance learning. Teachers will use a wide variety of both formative and summative assessments to identify student progress in order to modify and improve instruction, monitor the implementation of the school improvement plan and short-term action plan, and assist student learning. Monthly dates are established to provide a systematic flow of scheduled meetings and events throughout the year. This long range planning establishes the framework for the faculty and staff to collaborate, assess, design instructional strategies, and assessments to help students successfully achieve the necessary Common Core Standards through carefully planned instruction. Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent June 2013 ● Page 31 8. Activities to ensure that students who experience difficulty mastering standards shall be provided with effective, timely assistance, which shall include: 8(a). All students will be given opportunities to be successful and meet state and national standards. The needs of students with disabilities, students with limited English proficiency (LEP), homeless and migrant students will be identified and addressed to ensure that the students have every opportunity possible to be successful in school. Differentiated strategies are used to enable the student to achieve their learning goals. Students with weaknesses, in academic and/or social areas, are identified through on-going monitoring and assessments which include: district benchmarks, universal screeners, Student Support Team (SST), and teacher observations. Teachers will continue to receive training in the identification of students with difficulties and strategies that are appropriate for intervention. Data Teams are implemented to assist in identifying struggling students and to provide strategies for working with students’ weaknesses. The Pyramid of Interventions will be utilized as needed to meet students’ individual learning needs. 8(b). The importance of professional training is articulated to all stakeholders. Teachers are provided requisite tools to identify the academic weaknesses of the students. Researchbased training will be provided in the following areas: • Data Teams • Differentiated Instruction Strategies (Universal Design for Learning) • Students with Disabilities (SWD) • Student Engagement • Response to Intervention (RTI) • Co-Teaching • Literacy Interventions • Mathematics Interventions • Cross Curriculum Learning • Standards- Based Classroom • Content Knowledge • Assessment Literacy (Formative Instructional Practices) • Discipline/Behavior Management (Positive Behavior Intervention Support) 8(c). Parent-Teacher conferences that detail what the school will do to help the student, what the parents can do to help the students and additional assistance available to the student at the school or in the community. School-Parent Compacts are agreed upon and signed by all stakeholders. These compacts are housed in the classroom or the parent resource room. Teachers keep up-to-date documentation of all teacher-parent conferences. Tier 1 forms are utilized to keep the documentation consistent throughout the school. Any face-to-face or phone conferences are documented, dated, and housed in the teacher’s classroom data notebook. The school will document meaningful two-way communication between parents and teachers throughout the year. Monthly Parent workshops/meetings will be provided by the parent liaison, family services coordinator or parent contacts. Parent-Teacher conference notes will be maintained by teachers and administrators Progress reports and report cards will be sent to parents. Teachers will contact parents in multiple ways (emails, notes, newsletters, face to face, Connect Ed, and phone calls throughout the school year). 9. Coordination and integration of federal, state, and local services and programs. Federal, state, and local services and programs are coordinated and integrated into the instructional program aimed at improving student achievement. The school will collaborate with program managers of available funds to prevent duplication of services and effort. Instructional Extension Program (IEP) funds will be utilized to pay teacher salaries and provide student transportation for an extended day tutorial program for students not meeting standards. Quality Basic Education (QBE) funds will be utilized to provide personnel, instructional materials, supplies, and services to support instruction. Title I, Part A Programs for Disadvantaged Children Title I funds provide supplemental instructional personnel, materials and supplies, instructional technology, software and safety net programs. Title II A—Teacher Quality/ Professional Learning funds are utilized to purchase professional development resources including professional books for book studies. Title III A—ESOL funds are provided to support English Learners (EL). Race to the Top (RT3) funds have been utilized to subsidize district-wide professional development. IDEA—Programs for Exceptional Students funds are federal funds received based on the number of exceptional students in the school. These funds are utilized to provide materials and supplies for teachers of these students. 9(b). Description of how resources from Title I and other sources will be used. Instruction Intervention teachers (Salaries and Benefits) Instructional Paraprofessionals Extended Day/year Teachers (Salaries and FICA) Substitutes for Title I Teachers on Sick Leave Contracted Services for Student Instruction Instructional Software Instructional Supplies and Supplemental Books Improvement of Instruction Academic Coach (Salaries and Benefits) Substitutes for Workshops & Conferences Contracted Services Training Materials and Books Teacher Registration/Travel Stipends for Teachers Receiving PLUs for Professional Learning while Off Contract Pupil Services Counselor Registration/Travel Counseling Materials Counseling Software Contracted Services Media Services AR Books School Administration Administration Registration/Travel Student Transportation School Transportation Charter Bus Transportation Parenting Family Services Coordinator- Salary and Benefits Parenting Materials and Supplies Parenting Refreshments Contracted Services for Parents 9(c). Plan developed in coordination with other programs, including those under the School-to- Work Opportunities Act of 1994, the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Act, and National and Community Service Act of 1990. Students have to complete a career pathway and it is recommended they work a job with in that pathway. However, students are allowed to work outside the area pending the criteria of the training plan developed by the work based learning facilitator. Carl D. Perkins funds are used to purchase resources for the purpose of program improvement and building links with the academic content area and/or integration of those content areas (i.e. math, reading). 10. Description of how individual student assessment results and interpretation will be provided to parents. After assessment reports for individual students have been received, parents will be provided information concerning the results of the annual review including school performance profiles, individual student assessment results and interpretation of those results. A description and explanation of the school curriculum and the assessments used to measure student progress and the proficiency levels the students are expected to meet. Assessment results and their interpretations will be shared with parents in a number of ways: during Title Annual Parent Meeting at the beginning of the year, letters, posting on the school’s website and in the data room, and during parent-teacher conferences, parent workshops, and PTSA meetings. Test results will also be sent home in either progress reports or report cards. Parents will be notified of assessments results through parent meetings, report cards, parentteacher conferences, and written notices. Parents will be notified of CRCT scores as soon as they become available. Both the state department of education and the local school district release test scores to the public via the media. 11. Provisions for the collection and disaggregation of data on the achievement and assessment results of students. The State provides collection and disaggregation of student achievement data results on adequate yearly progress assessments and for third, fifth and eighth grade writing assessments. The state makes efforts to report statistically sound assessment results. Disaggregated reports are published on the Georgia Department of Education (GADOE) website and released to the news media by the State Superintendent of Education. A link to the GADOE is provided on the MCSD website. The local television and radio stations and newspapers provide the local citizens with detailed information about test results. 12. Provisions to ensure that disaggregated assessment results for each category are valid and reliable. The State makes efforts to report statistically sound assessment results. The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) determines the statistical soundness of State-mandated tests. When there is a question of validity of a non-State mandated test or its administration procedures, the Muscogee County School District’s Department of Research, Evaluation, and Accountability is available to apply the rules of validity or soundness and provide technical assistance in the process. 13. Provisions for public reporting of disaggregated data. The State provides collection and disaggregation of student achievement data results on adequate yearly progress assessments and for third, fifth and eighth grade writing assessments. The state makes efforts to report statistically sound assessment results. Disaggregated reports are published on the Georgia Department of Education (GADOE) website and released to the news media by the State Superintendent of Education. A link to the GADOE is provided on the MCSD website. The MCSD Director of Communications provides detailed information to local television and radio stations, newspapers, and local citizens about test results. Additionally, the director provides media releases that include disaggregated reports of progress. The Director of Research, Evaluation, and Accountability conducts live presentations of the system’s status to the local school Board. The MCSD will provide an on-line report of student progress to the community. This will be available on the school district website. School sends letters to parents to inform them of their student’s disaggregated data. Teachers are available as needed for conferences to assist parents in understanding their student’s scores. 14. The plan developed during a one-year period, unless LEA, after considering the recommendation of its technical assistance providers under section 1117, determines that less time is needed to develop and implement the school-wide program. This is a School-wide Program school. The School-wide Program under which the school is operating has an approved plan that was developed over a one-year period with technical assistance provided by an outside educational consultant. The plan is updated by school representatives and it is reviewed by representatives from the Central Office and outside consultants. The review process is conducted annually. 15. Plan developed with the involvement of the community to be served and individuals who will carry out the plan including teachers, principals, other school staff, and pupil service personnel, parents and students (if secondary). Stakeholders were involved in the development of the plan through several avenues. The Leadership Team of the school includes at least one parent, a teacher representative from each core area, a teacher representative of students with disabilities, school administrators, and academic coaches or school improvement specialists. Stakeholder surveys and questionnaires are distributed and the results calculated to help determine areas for improvement. Teachers and other stakeholders, through representation of the Leadership Team, analyze data and use this analysis to make decisions about goals and strategies for the plan. 16. Plan available to the LEA, parents, and the public. Once the plan is reviewed and approved by a Central Office review team, it is placed on the Muscogee County School District’s website to be viewed by the LEA, public, parents, and other stakeholders. Copies of the plan are located in the school’s media center, parent resource room and office and available to parents and visitors upon request. 17. Plan translated to the extent feasible, into any language that a significant percentage of the parents of participating students in the school speak as their primary language. The Muscogee County School District will provide a translated version of the School Improvement Plan as needed for schools that have a significant percentage of parents who speak a common language other than English. 18. Plan is subject to the school improvement provisions of Section 1116 of ESEA as amended by Georgia’s ESEA Flexibility Waiver. The school will comply with the provisions of Section 1116 of Title I, Part A-Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged of the Elementary Secondary Education Act of (ESEA) of 1965.