C A Farley School School Improvement Plan The Farley

C. A. Farley School School Improvement Plan 2008-2010 The Farley School Improvement Plan was crafted by the Farley School Council. It addresses the progress made on the 2007-2008 goals and has been redesigned for the goals for 2008-2010. All of the goals match Hudson District Goals. The Council also had to create a new goal to meet the requirements of NCLB because Farley students did not meet AYP for two years in a row in a sub group and had been designated a School in Need of Improvement. It was necessary for the Council to write a goal to meet the needs of those students. It was the decision of the School Council to write new goals that encompass some of the previous goals and future goals for 2008-2010. They are numbered #1-4. Progress on these goals will be assessed and reported at the end of 2008-09. Goals will be added or revised for the next year at that time. This plan addresses the school’s core academic subjects, instructional strategies and assessment, as well as implementation and continuation of professional development as recommended by NCLB and the Massachusetts Department of Education. The members of the Farley School Council include: Parents: Tonia Bouvier, Kathleen Ciancarelli, Lynne Kall, Dennis O’Toole Teachers: Kathy Harrity, Robin O’Connell, Leslie Williams Community Representative: Steven Freitas School Committee Liason: Lynn Valcourt Principal: Sharon B. MacDonald Meetings were held: October 22, 2007; November 26, 2007; January 14, 2008; February 11, 2008; March 10, 2008; April 14, 2008; May 12, 2008 Approved 5/27/2008 C. A. Farley School School Improvement Plan 2008-2010 Goal #1 (Taking a Diagnostic Approach to Teaching to Advance Student Learning) - Using a variety of assessment and data sources we will develop strategies, materials and programs that enhance the math curriculum so that a greater number of students achieve proficiency. Objective for 2008-2010 1. Assessment data will be used to monitor and evaluate student progress and guide instruction in math. Action Steps 1. Assessments will be administered to students at all grade levels to determine proficiency in math and define areas of weakness. 2. MCAS data will be collected and analyzed in conjunction with other assessments to determine target skills and areas of instruction that may need additional support. 3. Monitor student progress and adjust their instruction as necessary. 1. Students will be placed in small groups for targeted instruction utilizing a research-based program that provides systematic goals and lessons that will enhance the current math program. 2. Create a before-school or after-school program that will allow identified students additional practice using a research-based program that monitors progress provides systematic goals. 1. Lesson study, curriculum coordination and workshops will focus on supplementing and fine tuning the delivery of the “Investigations” program to students as identified through data analysis and teacher feedback. Person(s) Responsible Principal, Math Curriculum Coordinator, Title I Coordinator, Teaching Staff, Special Education Department, School Committee Results 2008-2009 2. Provide additional instructional support and practice for students in need of improvement. 3. Professional development will be provided to help teachers improve the delivery of services and instruction that enhance the current math program Approved 5/27/2008 C. A. Farley School School Improvement Plan 2008-2010 Goal #2 (Advancing Effective Instruction Goal #2 (Advancing Effective Instruction): We will review the current literacy program and intervention procedures, programs and materials to determine whether it meets the needs of all students. Objective for 2008-2010 1. Assessment data will be collected and reviewed for students in each grade. The information will be used to plan and guide instruction. Action Steps 1. Teachers will collect data that includes DRA2, Running Records, MCAS results, TerraNova results and other benchmarks. 2. Information will be shared with grade level teams and principal during common planning time. 3. Grade level teams will focus on planning and modifying instruction in phonemic awareness, phonic, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension. 2. Teachers will coordinate service delivery between regular education and special education that will provide support and intervention for students who are performing below grade level. 3. School will examine the relevant data, research, process and procedures necessary for establishing a literacy intervention program at Farley School. 1. Teacher teams will evaluate students and monitor their progress. Person(s) Responsible Principal, ELA Curriculum Coordinator, Reading Specialist/Literacy Coach, Teaching Staff, Special Education Department Results 2008-2009 1. Teachers will participate in professional development and share information with other schools in grade level teams, curriculum coordination, literacy teams and faculty meetings. 2. Establish teams to determine appropriate intervention programs and organization with possible implementation of such programs to improve student performance. Approved 5/27/2008 C. A. Farley School School Improvement Plan 2008-2010 Goal #3 (Advancing the Character Development of Students): We will deepen the sense of school community through character development activities and programs. Objective for 2008-2010 1. Implement a series of monthly themes for the school that reflect the qualities of character. Action Steps 1. Members of the Character Education Committee will share the activities developed in their course with faculty. 2. Students will complete activities and reflections that meet standards for character education. 1. Students create and run the assembly with the assistance of teachers that will highlight a character trait. 1. Utilize the Responsive Classroom method of building knowledge of common values and expectations of behavior for the school. 2. Students will meet and decide upon the language and beliefs of the constitution. 3. All students will participate in the signing and reading of the constitution. 1. All teachers will participate in continuing professional development in Responsive Classroom. 2. All classrooms will include Morning Meeting. 1. Principal will continue Parent Coffees. 2. Parent Forums will be implemented to share curriculum information with parents. 3. Parent and community volunteer activities will be expanded. Person(s) Responsible Principal Teaching staff Results 2008-2009 2. Institute monthly whole school assemblies run by grade levels that focus on the character trait of the month. 3. Develop a school constitution which is created by students with the support of teachers and principal. 4. Continue implementation and expand the principles of Responsive Classroom. 5. Expand the opportunity to include parents in the school community and activities. Approved 5/27/2008 C. A. Farley School School Improvement Plan 2008-2010 Goal #4 (Creating a Future Focused Professional Culture): We will utilize the professional learning community model to improve student achievement. Objective for 2008-2010 1. Create a culture of professional growth, collaboration and reflection that will support and enhance student achievement. Action Steps 1. Restructure into grade level teams for curriculum coordination, planning, data analysis, and reflection on instruction. 2. Schedule common planning time for grade level teams and cross grade teams. 3. Develop opportunities for teachers to meet in professional groups to reflect on their practice. 4. Create opportunities for teachers to mentor each other, observe colleagues and peer coach. Person(s) Responsible Principal Teaching staff Results 2008-2009 Approved 5/27/2008