< School Name> WASC/CDE Self-Study Report Category B: Standards-based Student Learning: Curriculum Analysis must show distinctions that appear across the range of students (grade level, diverse background, and abilities) and the variety of programs offered at the school. Examples include: Online instruction approaches (school site or off site, integrated within other programs and/or offered separately) Specialized programs such as IB Diploma Program, college/career readiness programs, school/college partnerships, AVID, and independent study programs. Note: In some areas additional prompts have been inserted to emphasize the analysis related to online instruction. B1. Curriculum Criterion All students participate in a rigorous, relevant, and coherent standards-based curriculum that supports the achievement of the academic standards and the schoolwide learner outcomes. Through standards-based learning (what is taught and how it is taught), these are accomplished. Indicators with Prompts Current Educational Research and Thinking The school provides examples that document the effective use of current educational research related to the curricular areas in order to maintain a viable, meaningful instructional program for students. Indicator: Prompt: Comment on the effective use of current educational research related to the curricular areas to maintain a viable, meaningful instructional program for students. Examine the effectiveness of how the school staff stay current and relevant and revise the curriculum appropriately within the curricular review cycle. Findings Supporting Evidence Lincoln demonstrates the use of current educational research to support the curricula offered to students through commitment to professional learning and research-based instructional practices, use of data to inform curricular decisions, and the use of a school climate instrument. Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) have been organized according to the Reflective Thinking Cycle (2002, 2006) described by Dr. Carol Rodgers—offering teachers structured discourse that encourages greater student learning. Many teachers have attended professional conferences, allowing them to update their skills and knowledge base, 0 Planning notes from the Professional Development Committee, monthly PLC facilitator sign-ins, PLC agenda notes, and PLC journals maintained by all PLC members. Records of conference < School Name> WASC/CDE Self-Study Report such as the following: attendance oTwelve educators attended the AVID Summer Institute, emerging with a stronger sense of how the AVID curriculum and strategies can help prepare students for college readiness. These teachers are already modeling strategies they learned in the PLCs, such as writing to learn and reflection. AVID practices implemented in the AVID elective classrooms and AVID content classrooms; administrative observations, yearly certification process records and certification documents AVID weekly team meeting sign-ins and agendas; AVID PDs give to the whole faculty oMany AP teachers attended the AP Boost workshops and brought back curricular suggestions to share with their department members. oAs the district prepares to make the switch to the Common Core State Standards, teachers received training in five modules explaining the nature and purpose of the three instructional shifts and content within the Common Core State Standards trainings to allow them to integrate the necessary curricular shifts. Materials/reflections brought back from trainings District training modules (1-4), ELA and Geometry curricula workshops, agendas and signins, Common Core trainings in summer 2013 (Learning Zone class history) oThe ELD and LTEL teachers have attended advanced District training agendas (four trainings to help guide their curricular decision-making ELD modules), sign-ins, with their students. CELDT awareness meetings with ELL students and ELA teachers, questionnaire given to all CELDT students, Principal’s Institute Summer 2012 (Learning Zone class history) Teachers share best practices in department, SLC, and PLC meetings. Several members of our science department are mentor teachers in the Los Angeles Urban Teacher Residence program. Part of their work includes monthly meetings with the intern and the LAUTR staff developers. Lincoln 1 Department, SLC, and PLC agendas LAUTR agendas, sharing of research projects during Annual Lincoln Summer Institutes, < School Name> WASC/CDE Self-Study Report teachers are exposed to new strategies and research. sign-ins and agendas More content area teachers are embracing literacy strategies as a way to improve students’ grasp of content as well as giving students additional literacy opportunities. Math journals, science notebooks with reflection included Dr. John Robinson, Lincoln’s Title III Access to Core Coach, meets regularly to share research-based strategies and support teachers as they implement these strategies. Dr. Robinson’s training agendas and sign-ins, LTEL workshops in summer and fall 2013 (Learning Zone class history) Teachers use the MyData and COREK12 data platforms to analyze current and past student performance on district and state assessments. This information is used to shape future curricular choices. PDs on MyData, sign-ins and agendas, Department meeting agendas Teachers have examined CST and CAHSEE data in interdisciplinary teams in order to guide curricular decision-making. SLC agendas and sign-ins Lincoln participated in a study by the Alliance for the Study of School Climate. The results of their School Climate Assessment Instrument were presented to the faculty and began to be implanted in professional development. The ASSC SCAI report (3/5/2013) Agendas from faculty meeting and subsequent training in April 2013 and sign-ins Academic Standards for Each Area Indicator: The school has defined academic standards for each subject area, course, and/or program and, where applicable, expectations within the courses that meet the UC “a-g” requirements. Evaluate to what extent there are defined academic standards for each subject area, course, and/or program (e.g., college/career) that meet state or national/international standards and, where applicable, expectations within courses that meet the UC “a-g” requirements? Prompt: Findings Supporting Evidence Lessons are standards-based for A-G requirements; course syllabi are based on standards. Fellow teachers and administrators observe lessons taught and how the lesson is aligned with standards. Periodic Assessments are standards based. However, Periodic Assessments are in transition in order to align with CCS. The English and Math Departments Syllabi, teacher observation by admin and peers, English Dept meetings based on agendas and observation, agendas from Dr. Robinson’s Common Core Standards and 2 < School Name> WASC/CDE Self-Study Report have used the PA to plan curriculum based on students’ needs. sign in sheets, PD agendas and Intervention classes are aligned to state standards and attendance, PLC topics. ELL Common Core Standards. Teachers have had training in PD agendas and sign in sheets transitioning to Common Core standards and English Dept is also working in grade level groups to transition to CCS as we teach required texts. AVID is also standards based and provides a means for students to access state standards and CCS. APEX classes are also aligned with standards as well as the new LTEL classes. The new ELL Master Plan is also aligned with State Standards as well as the CCS. Evaluate the extent to which the online curriculum/courses consistently meet state academic standards. Determine if there is effective integration of outsourced curriculum into the program. Additional Online Instruction Prompts: Findings Supporting Evidence Congruence There is congruence between the actual concepts and skills taught, the academic standards and the schoolwide learner outcomes. Indicator: Evaluate the extent to which there is congruence between the actual concepts and skills taught, the academic standards, and the schoolwide learner outcomes. Prompt: Findings Supporting Evidence 3 < School Name> WASC/CDE Self-Study Report Student Work — Engagement in Learning The school’s examination of representative samples of student work and snapshots of student engagement in learning demonstrate the implementation of a standards-based curriculum and the schoolwide learner outcomes. Indicator: Evaluate to what extent the examination of representative samples of student work and snapshots of student engagement in learning demonstrate the implementation of a standards-based curriculum and the addressing of the schoolwide learner outcomes. Prompt: Findings Supporting Evidence Each teacher creates curriculum, grading rubrics, and assessments that are developed to meet the standards-based requirements. Through My Data and PLCs, teachers are able to revisit and better analyze the results of lessons to help shape future classroom instruction. There are also district instructional guides for English and common pacing plans for Math and Science. Students in core subjects own their work and evaluate their learning through reviewing their binders and portfolios. See pacing guides in WASC evidence binders Use of My Data and various PLC planning folders to examine student assessments See student led conference evaluation sheets in WASC evidence binders See Senior Portfolio guidelines In process of project based learning through our PLCs Student samples are posted with corrections and comments in classrooms Accessibility of All Students to Curriculum A rigorous, relevant, and coherent curriculum to all students is accessible to all students through all courses/programs offered. The school examines the demographics and situation of students throughout the class offerings. The school’s instructional practices and other activities facilitate access and success for special needs students. Indicator: Evaluate students’ access to a rigorous, relevant, and coherent curriculum across all programs. How do school staff define rigor, relevance, and coherence? To what extent do the instructional practices of teachers and other activities facilitate access and success for special needs students? Prompt: Findings Supporting Evidence All of Lincoln High School’s small learning communities provide a rigorous standards-based curriculum. Lincoln High School has highly qualified teachers that provide highly effective first teaching of core content. There is also plenty of differention and intervention to support all learners. Teachers collaborate in content departments and small learning communities to implement commonly designed lessons, pacing plans, and common assessments to improve student 4 Standards-based lesson plans CAHSEE scores CST scores Periodic assessment scores < School Name> WASC/CDE Self-Study Report achievement. Lincoln High School utilizes the LAUSD instructional guides and designed lessons for English, history and social science, mathematics, and science. The teachers at Lincoln build on the content knowledge that students have acquired in middle school, continuing to utilize the articulated curriculum and effective teaching strategies used in feeder schools to engage all students, especially English language learners, standard English learners, and students with disabilities. The use of graphic organizers, instructional conversations, development of academic vocabulary, and cooperative learning are the main strategies used by teachers at Lincoln. These strategies assist teachers in providing differentiated instruction to address the needs of all learners, those at risk and those who require enrichment.Culturally relevant and responsive education is embedded within LAUSD instructional guides and lessons. In addition, each small learning community uses thematic interdisciplinary lessons and units tied to their areas of interest, featuring pedagogy that recognizes student learning modalities and the cultural and linguistic needs of the students. Students are supported and encouraged to take rigorous classes, challenging and preparing themselves for post-secondary education and careers. Any student who wishes the opportunity to take advanced classes is given equal opportunity and access. Support is given to Lincoln’s special needs population. These students are supported in their least restrictive environments through co-teaching in core classes for resource students, and in special day classes for those students who need assistance that is more focused.Special day classes are small and staffed by highly qualified teachers and assistants. With the exception of the community based instruction (CBI) students who receive an 4-9 alternate curriculum, all students with disabilities receive instruction in the core curriculum and are held to the same standards as students in the regular program. Records from department meetings Records from small learning community meetings •Classroom observations •Professional development calendar •After-school tutoring programs and interventions Additional Online Instruction Prompt: Evaluate the procedures to ensure that students have access to courses that meet the UC “a-g” requirements, including lab courses. Findings Supporting Evidence 5 < School Name> WASC/CDE Self-Study Report Integration Among Disciplines There is integration among disciplines at the school and where applicable, integration of outsourced curriculum into the program so that curricular integrity, reliability, and security are maintained. Indicator: Evaluate to what extent is there integration among disciplines and where applicable, integration of outsourced curriculum into the program so that curricular integrity, reliability, and security are maintained. Prompt: Findings Supporting Evidence At Abraham Lincoln High School, a cross-curricular integration program does not exist. Although there have been isolated instances where an English and history teacher may have put such an integrated lesson together, an established norm for such lesson planning does not exist. Still, there have been numerous cross-curricular integrated lessons involving some science and math teachers. For example, science students will employ the Cartesian graph (plane) to help visualize “Time and Position” relationships. Teachers have noted how such integrated lessons bring math and science to life. Yet, although there are benefits to having such an integrated lessons, an established norm for such planning does not exist. Curricular Development, Evaluation, and Revisions The school assesses its curriculum review and evaluation processes for each program area, including graduation requirements, credits, grading policies, and homework policy, to ensure student needs are met through a challenging, coherent, and relevant curriculum. This includes the degree to which there is involvement of key stakeholders (governing board members, teachers, parents, and students). Indicator: Comment on the effectiveness of the school’s curriculum review, evaluation, and review processes to ensure student needs are being met through the curriculum; include the extent to which there is involvement of key stakeholders. Prompt: Findings Supporting Evidence The curriculum of Lincoln HS is both challenging and relevant. Classes such as AP World History, AP Biology, AP Calculus, etc. are set up to make students familiar with college studies and lecture (curriculum). To support students in difficult classes such as these, Lincoln HS gives students the opportunity to receive the required help they need (and in earning the required credits). For example, for AP Biology students are able to sign up for APR ( Advanced 6 < School Name> WASC/CDE Self-Study Report Placement Readiness) at UCLA or tutoring programs which occur on Thursdays after school for all subjects. There are other programs as well to assist students in their curriculum, such as online Lincoln and LAUSD classes, which can be found on the Lincoln HS website. To meet students’ needs, Lincoln HS governing board has set up a method of a tutorial session for teachers. This way, the teachers will receive advise from other teachers (or possibly students; undecided) to improve their methods of teaching and to have more students reach their [curriculum] needs. Parents have the ability to assist their child(s) curriculum. They are able to attend Back-to-School Nights, Parent Conferences, etc. where they will have the opportunity to ask questions and know what the student needs to improve or if the student is doing fine. Lincoln HS also gives option of calling the school when parents have any questions about their child(s) grade when given the child(s) report card (the phone number is given on the report card). Lincoln HS goal of grading policies is to improve every students’ grade to at least passing and go to college. For senior students, Lincoln HS has a ‘senior page’ to notify students of what is needed to graduate, tips on the format of a Resume, etc. There is also a College and Career Center (gives scholarship info, field trips to colleges, etc.) which can also be found on the Lincoln website. As for homework policies, Lincoln HS expects the best quality homework students give and to be turned in on time. If students need assistance on their homework for class, they are able to ask for assistance from either their teachers or the Tutoring programs stated above. 7 < School Name> WASC/CDE Self-Study Report Policies — Rigorous, Relevant, Coherent Curriculum The school assesses the curriculum and its rigor, relevancy and coherency after examination of policies regarding course completion, credits, grading policies, homework, etc. Indicator: Determine the extent to which key stakeholders are involved in the selection and evaluation of the curriculum to ensure it matches the school’s mission and schoolwide learner outcomes. Particularly evaluate the strategies used to solicit teacher input into the design of the curriculum and the use of technology within the curriculum. Prompt: Findings Supporting Evidence Determine the effectiveness of the school for outsourced curriculum to maintain curricular integrity, reliability, and security. Additional Online Instruction Prompt: Findings Supporting Evidence Articulation and Follow-up Studies The school articulates regularly with feeder schools and local colleges and universities. The school uses follow-up studies of graduates and others to learn about the effectiveness of the curricular program. Indicator: Share examples of articulation with feeder schools and local colleges and universities, including comments on the regularity of their occurrence. What has been revealed through the follow-up studies of graduates and others regarding the effectiveness of the curricular program? Prompt: Findings Supporting Evidence 8 < School Name> WASC/CDE Self-Study Report Conclusions Prompt: Comment on the degree to which this criterion is being addressed. Findings Supporting Evidence Comment on the degree to which this criterion impacts the school’s to address one or more of the identified critical learner needs. Prompt: Findings Supporting Evidence 9 < School Name> WASC/CDE Self-Study Report B2. Curriculum Criterion All students have equal access to the school’s entire program and assistance with a personal learning plan to prepare them for the pursuit of their academic, personal, and school-to-career goals. Indicators with Prompts Variety of Programs — Full Range of Choices All students are able to make appropriate choices and pursue a full range of realistic college/career and/or other educational options. The school provides for career exploration, preparation for postsecondary education, and pre-technical training for all students. Indicator: How effective are the processes to allow all students to make appropriate choices and pursue a full range of realistic college/career and/or other educational options? Discuss how the school ensures effective opportunities for career exploration, preparation for postsecondary education, and pre-technical training for all students. Prompt: Findings Supporting Evidence Equal access to school curriculum, it seems to me, is best exemplified by the number of students taking Advanced Placement courses. There are many students in the AP program with apparently limited skills who in different circumstances may be disqualified from taking these courses. However, the fact that they are given the opportunity to challenge themselves is a reflection of the school’s effort l to make these courses accessible to a large number of students. Lincoln has a well established AVID program with a well trained and nurturing group of teachers. This program attempts to give students who have great academic potential but that lack the motivation and or the skills the support and the resources they need to succeed by both graduating from high school and pursue a college education. Lincoln’s Special Education Program attempts to mainstream the largest possible number of students not only because of compliance, but also as matter of school policy. The same argument can be made for the ELD students. College and Career Counselor – Ms. Giron. AVID Program Coordinator – Mr. Nava. English Language Development Coordinator Student-Parent-Staff Collaboration Parents, students, and staff collaborate in developing and monitoring a student’s personal learning plan, based upon a student's learning style and college/career, and/or other educational Indicator: 10 < School Name> WASC/CDE Self-Study Report goals. (This includes the evaluation of whether online instruction matches the student’s learning style.) Evaluate to what extent parents, students, and staff collaborate in developing and monitoring a student’s personal learning plan, based upon a student's learning style and college/career and/or other educational goals Prompt: Findings Supporting Evidence Students, through AVID elective classes, learn their learning styles and become active learners and advocates for their own learning styles. IGP Log In Sheets (Counselors) Students, parents, and guidance counselors meet twice a year to work on the student’s Individual Graduation Plan (IGP). These meetings are utilized to review the student academic progress, A-G Requirements, CAHSEE, CST, AP tests and college/career surveys. Counselors/Parent Meetings PD Attendance Records (Parent Center / Counselors) IEP Meetings Parent Meetings In addition, SpEd students work with IEP teachers and parents to collaborate on the achievement of the students learning/behavior/college/career goals in their yearly IEP review. Teachers and parents are invited to attend different PDs offered by the district. Teachers attend AP seminars to learn changes in curricula, new strategies and to collaborate on shared lesson plans. Lincoln students have attended AP Readiness Workshops at UCLA. ELD students receive specialized curriculum during their ELD classes. If students need additional help in developing their phonemic awareness, they are enrolled in a System 44 class. Parents are invited to attend Back to School Night as well as Parent/Teacher Conference Nights. During these events, parents, teachers and students collaborate to establish classroom rules, behavior and curriculum goals and monitor student progress. Teachers communicate with Comm. Reps. to arrange parent meetings to discuss student’s academic progress, behavior, and/or expectations. The parent center main objective at Lincoln High School is to empower parents to become better parents and educators and learn how their students learn best. The parent center offers work shops where they learn how to motivate and help their students. They support teachers by making contact with parents concerning academic progress and behavior. They also support parents in dealing with teachers by interpreting and setting up conferences with teachers/ administrators/ counselors. The parent center- through the Community Reps.- serves as a communication link between school and community. The Parent Center is an essential component in increasing our 11 Community Representatives (One is assigned for each small learning community. They are liaisons between school, teachers, parents and community.) < School Name> WASC/CDE Self-Study Report student/parent/teacher/school communication. Monitoring/Changing Student Plans The school implements processes for monitoring and making appropriate changes in students’ personal learning plans (e.g., classes and programs) and regularly evaluates them. Indicator: Evaluate the effectiveness of the ways the school ensures that processes are utilized for monitoring and making appropriate changes in students' personal learning plans (e.g., classes and programs). Prompt: Findings Supporting Evidence Counselors make regular contacts with students to make them aware of their progress in meeting graduation requirements. Meetings are also held with each grade level through advisory class. ADV meetings with individuals and groups Teachers may make COST referrals to the Student Study Team to evaluate any student that may need a support program such as Healthy Start or a referral for medical services. SST meets bi-weekly Spec Ed gatekeeper monitors IEP meetings CELDT testing monitors students' English language development. Students are reprogrammed as proficiency develops. Long-term English learners also receive intervention via the English 3D program among others AVID elective classes monitor student academic progress; students set and revise their own academic goals Data from teacher evaluations help determine placement Title III Coach, EL Coordinator, and SpEd Coordinator monitor student progress and provide the best instructional program to students and their needs. Data is an important component in student placement. We provide additional academic support for LTELs (Long Term English Learners) based on their CST/CELDT/ELA final grade. These students are placed in Language and Literacy Class and/or Advanced ELD. ELD students are monitored by the EL Coordinator through their ELD portfolios. SpEd students are provided the additional academic support as per their IEPs. Gifted as well all other students are provided the opportunities to take advanced placement courses. 12 Annual review of any student with an IEP STAR reading level testing, teacher-created evaluations annual CELDT testing < School Name> WASC/CDE Self-Study Report Department chairs supervise the schedule of classes. Department chair visit their peers in a non-evaluative form. They do classroom observations to provide additional support to their department members. Post High School Transitions The school implements strategies and programs to facilitate transitions to post high school options and regularly evaluates their effectiveness. Indicator: Evaluate the effectiveness of the strategies and programs to facilitate transitions to post high school options. Prompt: Findings Supporting Evidence LHS has a coordinated program to facilitate application to and acceptance from all types of post-graduate educational settings. We regularly host local schools for recruitment visits. Since LHS is a Title I Provision 2 school, students receive fee waivers for SAT and ACT, and are responsible for only $5 per AP test that they take. Students visit local colleges during several field trips. Some of our students are involved in Upward Bound, which prepares them for the rigors of college and dorm life. 1. All seniors participate in Career Cruising and Interest Inventory to steer them to appropriate college or other postgrad programs. The Lincoln High school staff works hard to provide programs and strategies that will help students decide which path to take post high school. The guidance counselors immediately begin meeting and working with incoming students in order to make an individualized graduation plan based on the student goals. The students have many opportunities to meet one on one with their counselors so that they can discuss and review the progress they’ve made and to make adjustments when they seem necessary. The school also has a career and college counselor whom helps provide students with essential information while deciding what path to take. The career and college counselor assists with filling out applications to post high school institutions, reminds students of deadlines for testing, and organizes workshops for students and parents. The impact that the counselors have had is evidenced by the increase in percentage of students choosing to attend college. The school also provides programs such as AVID, Upward Bound, Magnet and AP classes to help students stay on track and excel with plenty of resources at 13 2. College recruitment: we host regular visite from UCLA, USC, Cal, CSUN, Mt. St. Mary's, ELAC, GCC, and other local schools. 3. LHS hosts a college fair in the Spring sponsored by InnerCity Struggle 4. AVID takes 9th and 10th grade students to visit college campuses. 5. Cash for College financial aid workshop annually. 6. TELACU Talent Search identifies college aspirational students. 7. Senior Spring Survey: identifies students not eligible for 2 or 4 year college and facilitates post-graduate vocational school. < School Name> WASC/CDE Self-Study Report their fingertips. These programs also offer opportunities such as college campus visits, meeting with college representatives, and workshops. Conclusions Prompt: Comment on the degree to which this criterion is being addressed. Findings Supporting Evidence Comment on the degree to which this criterion impacts the school’s ability to address one or more of the identified critical learner needs. Prompt: Findings Supporting Evidence 14 < School Name> WASC/CDE Self-Study Report B3. Curriculum Criterion Upon completion of the high school program, students have met all the requirements of graduation. Indicators with Prompts Real World Applications — Curriculum All students have access to real world applications of their educational interests in relationship to a rigorous, standards-based curriculum. Indicator: Evaluate ways the school ensures that all students have access to real world applications of their educational interests in relationship to a rigorous, standards-based curriculum. Prompt: Findings Supporting Evidence Most students have access to some kind of real world applications and there are a variety of teachers that incorporate real world connections and problem solving into their curriculum. Advisories also allow student time to discuss real world connections and work on things like resumes, career paths, college majors, stress management, community building. There are also service learning requirements upon graduation that is implemented throughout high school in various classes. We are working towards implementing career pathways where students take certain themes electives like Robotics, Engineering, and CAD mechanics, Computer Graphics and Graphic Design. Lesson plans in WASC evidence binders (MATH Building House) Advisory folders and senior portfolios Service Learning documents/forms. See 12 grade social science teachers and counselors See master schedule Meeting Graduation Requirements The school implements academic support programs to ensure students are meeting all requirements, including the CAHSEE. Indicator: Comment on the effectiveness of the academic support programs to ensure students are meeting all requirements, including the CAHSEE. Prompt: Findings Supporting Evidence CAHSEE intervention classes held during school hours for students deemed at risk of not passing based on CST scores. Advisory classes engage in CAHSEE reviews and prep. per LAUSD Measuring Up and other review books. Online classes for credit recovery. Adult School APEX (LAUSD online classes) Support for seniors/other CAHSEE repeaters Some classes meet on campus. Classes also held weekends and Saturdays Individual tutoring 15 < School Name> WASC/CDE Self-Study Report Counselor visits to advisories and on-going efforts to inform students of graduation progress and credits earned CAHSEE boot camp (Saturdays) After/before school in core subjects Conclusions Prompt: Comment on the degree to which this criterion is being addressed. Findings Supporting Evidence Comment on the degree to which this criterion impacts the school’s ability to address one or more of the identified critical learner needs. Prompt: Findings Supporting Evidence 16 < School Name> WASC/CDE Self-Study Report WASC Category B. Standards-based Student Learning: Curriculum: Strengths and Growth Needs Review all the findings and supporting evidence regarding the extent to which each criterion is being addressed. Then determine and prioritize the strengths and areas of growth for the overall category. Category B: Standards-based-Student Learning: Curriculum: Areas of Strength Category B: Standards-based-Student Learning: Curriculum: Areas of Growth 17