School Improvement Plan, 2011

West Bridgewater Middle/Senior High School

2011 - 2012 School Improvement Plan

Statement by the Principal

Pursuant to the Educational Reform Act of 1993, the Middle/Senior High School has established a School Council following the guidelines put forth in the legislation outlining the purpose and process of School Councils. The Middle/Senior High School has engaged in the redevelopment of a School Improvement Plan required by the legislation.

The Middle/Senior High School Council meets once a month throughout the school year. The members of the School Council work together to develop a School Improvement Plan that reflects the needs and concerns of the school staff, administration, and parents. The members work to implement the goals set forth from the previous year, as well as dealing with any needs and concerns that arise during the current year. The Middle/Senior High School has been very fortunate to have a very dedicated group of parents and teachers who maintained their commitment throughout the entire school year. We have formulated a list of goals and needs for the Middle/Senior High School. Through discussion with parents, teachers, students and personal observation, the council comprised a list of priorities to be addressed during this year and the coming years.

Thank you to the members of the 2010-2011 School Improvement Council. This dedicated group did an outstanding job meeting and discussing ways to improve the school.

Mark Bodwell, Principal
Sue Fontecchio, Assistant Principal
Mary Schmeer, School Nurse
Linda Kenrick, Teacher
Greg Kelley, Teacher
Leslie Antonangeli, Parent
Christine Guindon, Parent
Francine Church, Parent
Colleen McGettrick, Parent

The Middle/Senior High School Improvement Plan is based on the core values of the West Bridgewater Public Schools as stated in the mission statement of the system and the goals agreed upon by the Strategic Planning Committee. All council members have devoted time and energy towards finding ways to improve the academic programs and facilities at the Middle/Senior High School.

It is the goal of the Middle/Senior High School Improvement Plan to increase student achievement at the school. We know that this is a collaborative effort that requires input and support from the staff, students and parents. This document will continue to be updated and revised each year. It is also a document that will be used by the staff throughout the school year to monitor the progress of the students and staff in order to attain our collective goal of increased student achievement.

Data has been taken from a variety of sources to look at student achievement. Data from the spring 2010 MCAS tests from grades 7-10 were considered in the formation of realistic goals directed at improving student achievement. This data, taken from Testwiz was analyzed by the teachers and principal at grade level and subject area meetings in the Fall. Other data that was used to create these goals included, student growth percentile information, curriculum-based assessments, student grades, mid-year and end of year common assessments, as well as parent and teacher input. An action plan was written by the teachers to address areas of need. Goals for the improvement plan are aligned with strategic planning goals and objectives. It is our goal to continue to show overall improvement in all academic areas.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Mission of the West Bridgewater Public Schools is to work together with home and community to provide our students a safe environment in which to acquire the knowledge, skills and values for success in a diverse and global society of the 21st Century.

STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS

To increase student achievement
To upgrade and maintain the buildings and grounds of our schools
To expand and improve the use of technology
To Promote School Wellness

MISSION AND EXPECTATIONS

The Mission of the West Bridgewater Middle/Senior High School is to provide a safe supportive learning environment in which each student will acquire the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to become a life-long learner and responsible citizen in our diverse and changing society.

ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS:

The student at West Bridgewater Middle/Senior High School will be expected to:

Read actively and critically for a variety of purposes
Write effectively
Listen effectively and critically
Communicate clearly in speech
Identify and utilize a variety of resources for obtaining information
Employ multiple strategies in reasoning and problem solving

CIVIC AND SOCIAL EXPECTATIONS:
The student at West Bridgewater Middle/Senior High School will be expected to:

Develop leadership and teamwork skills for school, work, and community life
Identify the rights and responsibilities necessary to become a contributing member of society
Develop awareness of individual and cultural differences
Balance the demands of academic responsibility with social and extracurricular activities and employment

2011-2012 Goals for Improvement for the Middle/Senior High School

We have an outstanding school and district and by working collaboratively we hope to continue to see an increase in student achievement. We have a committed faculty, hard working students and supportive parents and community behind us to help us achieve this goal. We also feel it is very important for the students to enjoy coming to school on a daily basis and feel safe at the school. There are also some areas that we can focus on to hopefully increase student achievement. We feel that through a comprehensive program and continuing with high academic expectations our MCAS scores will continue to improve. The goal is to get as many students as possible into the Advanced and Proficient categories. We also want to expand and increase the use of technology and continue to have students use the 21^st century skills that will make them more effective and proficient students. It is also important to maintain and look to expand the effective communication between the schools and with the home. For a student to do well academically it is important for them to be in good health and feel safe at school. We want to continue to encourage students to set and achieve goals for daily exercise as well as to encourage students to make healthy and nutritious food choices. It is also important to utilize NEASC accreditation report to strengthen instruction, assessment, leadership, curriculum, and school resources for learning.

The plan developed with the teachers and parents has provided areas for improvement for the staff. Below the data is divided into three categories: making AYP by having our Composite Performance Index (CPI) above the state target, maintaining “typical growth” when looking at the student growth percentiles and achieving MCAS scores in ELA and Math that are similar to the state proficient average in the multiple choice and open response categories.

Making Adequate Yearly Progress – Each year it is the goal of the Middle Senior High School to make AYP. This is calculated using the schools Composite Performance Index. This score is calculated by the number of students in each of the performance levels in the MCAS testing (warning, needs improvement, proficient and advanced) It is our goal for the 2011-2012 school year to be above the state target or show improvement in our 2010 CPI that will show we are making adequate yearly progress.

Mathematics

Grade 2010 CPI State Target

7 79 84.3

8 84.3 84.3

10 94.8 84.3

English Language Arts

Grade 2010 CPI State Target

7 94.9 90.2

8 95.7 90.2

10 95.1 90.2

Student Growth Percentile – The state has calculated a growth model for students after they have taken at least two consecutive years of MCAS testing. Each student’s rate of change is compared to other students with a similar test score history in the state. The rate of change is expressed as a percentile. The state has determined that typical student growth percentiles are between 40-60 percent. The school will be able to look at student growth individually, as a class and as a school. Below are the student growth percentiles for 2010. It is our goal to keep all grade levels in the area of typical growth or above for 2011-2012.

Mathematics – Student Growth Percentile (typical growth is between 40 – 60%)

Grade 7 44%

Grade 8 37%

Grade 10 64.5%

English Language Arts – Student Growth Percentile (typical growth is between 40 – 60%)

Grade 7 50%

Grade 8 43%

Grade 10 78%

MCAS Data – The data below is gathered from the spring 2010 MCAS tests. This data, which has been taken out of Testwiz, has been analyzed by the Middle/Senior High School staff and has been used in making an action plan for improvement in the fall of 2010. This data has also been used to formulate this School Improvement Plan.

Advanced/Proficient – This shows the number of students who scored in either the Advanced or Proficient performance level. It is our goal if the % is under 75% to see a 10% increase in the number of students in this category for next year.

Math 2010 2011 goal

7 59% 65%

8 67% 74%

10 86%

ELA 2010 2011 goal

7 85%

8 88%

10 88%

The Middle/Senior High School grade level data is compared to the state average and the state proficient averages below. Below is the percent correct for both Math and ELA for grades 7, 8 and 10. The data also shows how the grade level did compared to the state average and state proficient averages. The positive numbers indicate that the grade level scored better than the state and the negative indicate the grade level scored lower than the state. It is our goal to eventually be at or above the state proficient average at all grade levels and in all subjects.

Math

Grade 7 % correct state average state proficient average

Multiple Choice 69% +1 -11

Open Response 69% +2 -13

Grade 8 % correct state average state proficient average

Multiple Choice 80% +6 -5

Open Response 59% +4 -9

Grade 10 % correct state average state proficient average

Multiple Choice 71% +6 +14

Open Response 73% +5 +11

English Language Arts

Grade 7 % correct state average state proficient average

Multiple Choice 82% +5 -2

Open Response 57% -1 -5

Grade 8 % correct state average state proficient average

Multiple Choice 83% +5 0

Open Response 62% -1 -3

Grade 10 % correct state average state proficient average

Multiple Choice 80% +1 -1

Open Response 69% +7

Goal: Increase student achievement in all academic areas for Grades 7 - 12

Implementation Plan:

Strategy	Targeted Students	Person(s) Responsible	Resources	Evidence of Implementation	Timeline
1. Demonstrate continued improvement on MCAS exams in all grades and subjects tested through use of action plans created by staff through analysis of MCAS test questions.	All students	Coordinators, classroom teachers and Administration	Test Wiz data, Study Island, Perfection Learning, After school MCAS prep	Increase in MCAS scores, practice MCAS tests, Study Island scores, Student Growth Percentile (SGP), Perfection Learning scores, classroom assessments	Ongoing – create action plans by end of September 2011
2. Develop and implement a formal technology plan and integrate it across all disciplines and classrooms. Plan will incorporate use of new technology, and plans for research of new technology opportunities.	All	Technology coordinator, Administration, classroom teachers	Budget, Professional development opportunities	Use of new technology: ereaders, laptops, mimeo, mimeo vote, projectors, tablets, document cameras etc. Web based technology tools such as: moodle, edmodo, weebly, google docs etc. Curriculum advancements in all disciplines.	Ongoing – have plan in place by June 2012
3. Creation of formal advisor-advisee mentor program for all high school students	All	Teachers, Coordinators and Administration	Sample curriculum from other districts, Professional development opportunities	Students are all assigned a faculty member as a mentor. Curriculum followed and assessed each year	Ongoing, looking for full implementation Fall 2012
4. Successful implementation of new AP Environmental Science course and using local trails as outdoor classrooms for educational opportunities	Students in grades 11-12 class	Mr. Pike, Mr. McMurray and Administration	Esther Drive and Beaverton Woods trails as well as conservation committee	AP Conference, AP Central, Budgeted items, community outreach with WB Watershed Alliance	Ongoing
5. Incorporation of bullying, cyber-bullying prevention programs into Health curriculum	Students grades 7-10	Health teacher and coordinator	MARC Curriculum	Participation of students in health classes. Student surveys, discipline data	Ongoing – implemented by June 2012
6. Incorporation of Transition Planning into Health curriculum	All	SPED/Health Dept	Professional Development trainings	Added to curriculum for 2012-2013 year	Ongoing - implemented June 2012
7. Use of Common Planning time to discuss curriculum, instruction and assessment	All	Coordinators and teachers	Powerblock time and teacher coverages	Each department will report out accomplishments during year	Ongoing – report to Principal June 2012
8. Addition of Grade 8 Science Study Island	8^th grade students	Ms. Black	Budget	Site license is purchased and utilized	Fall 2011
9. Pilot an educational portal that allows parents and students to monitor student progress	All	Teachers, Central office, Administration	Budget, Professional Development	A program is in place and being used by staff and parents	Begin pilot in Spring of 2012
10. Increase number of guest speakers in all content areas	All	Teachers, Coordinators and Administration	iRobot Corporation, professors from local colleges, local members of community	Staff are able to list guest speakers and increase the opportunities for our students to see them	Ongoing – create a list that can be used as a reference
11. Provide ongoing and coordinated PD for all teachers including inclusion education training and use of RTI to meet the needs of all students	All	Teachers, Coordinators and Administration	Budget, use of in-service time to meet with and train staff. Use of outside PD	Staff are using RTI effectively to meet the needs of all students	Ongoing – quarterly reports on progress
12. Enhance and develop differentiated instruction and assessment strategies in all classes	All	Teachers, Coordinators and Administration	Budget, use of in-service time to meet with and train staff. Use of outside PD.	Teacher evidence of differentiated instruction in classes. Submission of electronic copies of alternate assessments rather than paper and pencil exams	Ongoing
13. Continuation and enhancement of interdisciplinary instruction and course offerings	All	Teachers and coordinators	State frameworks, curriculum, common planning time, department meetings, PD	Continuation of English and History Dept. to ensure alignment of novels, short stories, nonfiction pieces with historical periods to enhance understanding	Ongoing – report to coordinators list of interdisciplinary examples
14. Continuation of effective communication between home and school	All	Teachers, Coordinators and Administration	Website, mailings, connect -ed etc	Coffee hours, online blog, WBTV, connect-ed, daily announcements, school brochure, PSA’s, moodle, edmodo, skype, newscasts by TV Pro students	Ongoing
15. Increase opportunities for all students to extend learning beyond the normal course offerings and school campus	All	Teachers, Coordinators and Administration	Use of virtual high school, budget and dual enrollment	List of courses taken by students through VHS and dual enrollment. Field trips (local and distant such as Europe and Canada)	Ongoing
16. Update current curriculum with Common Core standards	All	Teachers, Coordinators and Administration	DESE offered PD opportunities, in-service time, PD	Changes made to curriculum on classes. Use of DESE sponsored “crosswalks”	Ongoing
17. Revision of High School Science Fair	Students grades 9-11	Science Department	Ideas from department meetings, area schools protocols, Mass state science fair website	Notes from meetings, Science Fair manual created for teacher/student use	Ongoing
18. Work with staff to coordinate and assess the needs of school, staff, students and community in Building Project	All	School building committee and Administration	School Building Committee reports	Surveys completed by staff, students and community to address needs assessment for project. General updates to all parties on progress of project. Information given to SBC	Ongoing
19. Item analysis of poetry/literature/nonfiction and increase of utilization in classes to ensure higher order thinking skills and inferential skills	Grades 6-10	English Department	Past MCAS questions	Most recent MCAS scores, practice tests and classroom assessments, assessments using rubrics	Ongoing
20. Continuation of dialogue between 6^th and 7^th grade and 8^th and 9^th grade teachers to ensure alignment between the grades	Grades 6-9 teachers	Teachers, coordinators and administration	State frameworks, texts, study island, MCAS scores, content curriculum	Professional development days, department meetings	Ongoing – schedule meeting for May/June 2012
21. Personalization of education in ELA education by meetings between teacher and student to discuss student progress	Grade 9-12 students	Teachers and coordinator	Meetings before school, after school and power block	Students must meet with teacher 7-10 times a year with work to discuss (ex. Research project); sign off sheet handed in at end of the year for grade.	Ongoing - monthly meetings
22. Increase students proficiency with study skills	Targeted grade 9	Grade 9 Teachers and MCAS teachers	MCAS classes for ELA and Math	Frequent checking of student progress, meetings between teachers, coordinators and administration. Use of text “7 Habits of Highly Affective Teens”	Ongoing
23. Increase students scores on AP exams	AP students	AP Teachers and coordinators	AP Conferences, Common Planning time	Look at data such as correlation of AP scores and classroom grades. AP style and actual AP questions on all exams	Ongoing
24. Review of new grade 11/12 Financial Math course based on solving financial and technical problems with students as they prepare for life after HS	Students enrolled in course	Teacher and coordinator	Course syllabus and end of course assessments and student feedback	End of course results	Ongoing – review in June 2012
25. Revision and evaluation of Aviation Course for targeted improvements	Students grades 10-12	Mr. Jon Greenlaw and Mr. Devin McMurray	Budgeted items, ideas generated, outreach of teacher with local business	Revised curriculum, budget PO, plan books	Ongoing – review at end of each semester
26. Problem solving using new strategy of using “sending questions” in freshman biology	9^th grade biology students	Mrs. Brogna	Teacher workshop	Encompasses review topics and data evaluation, as well as provides students opportunities to communicate their knowledge to others	Ongoing
27. Addition of units in history and medicine and embryology to Anatomy and Physiology course	Students in grades 11-12	Mrs. Brogna	State frameworks, internet, textbooks	Amended curriculum, student work, plan book	Ongoing
28. Biology tutorial for students who are at-risk of not passing MCAS exam	9^th grade biology students	Mrs. Brogna	BSCS Text/Teacher generated handouts and computer tutorials	Biology MCAS scores, curriculum materials, student assessments	Ongoing – starts in February 2012
29. Use of Open Response questions on all major exams in all subjects	Grades 9-12	All teachers	Classroom materials for each of the classes taught	Actual tests with MCAS questions and appropriate rubrics demonstrating student achievement.	Ongoing - coordinators monitor progress
30. Use technology of data interface probes and data analysis programs	Students in grades 7-12	Science Teachers	Data Mate programs, computer and probe software, excel in most science classes, use of mimeo, podcasts and video lessons	Demonstrated use of probe ware for lab work, students produce products using excel, videos posted to youtube, mimeo presentations	Ongoing
31. Continuation and advancement of use of portfolio’s in art department to view progress over time	All students	Art Teachers, Coordinator	Student work	Review of portfolios	Ongoing – review portfolios June 2012
32. Explore the possibility of creating an Art Honor Society	Honors HS Art students	Art teachers, coordinator and administration	Local chapter of the Art National Honor Society	Formally adopting the National Art Society	2012-2013 School year
33. Increase opportunities for students to view live art allowing students to put what they have learned to use outside the classroom	All students	Art teachers	Local museums, BSC and other local colleges and libraries that house exhibits	Plan book checks and field trips	Ongoing
34. Increase the number of opportunities for students to play music and to observe professional musicians	All	Music teachers	Open mic night, East Bridgewater parade, Stonehill basketball games, Pawsox games, NHS and NJHS	Event schedule, field trips, performances	Ongoing
35. Improve listening and speaking skills in World Languages	All	World Language teachers	Sony Viruoso software and lab	Working language lab that is used on a regular basis	Ongoing – lab operational by June 2012
36. Continuation of Senior Projects and enhance program	Students in grades 11-12	Social Studies CAI teachers, coordinators and administration	Senior Project guidelines	Begin process in junior year. Student products and presentations from March – May 2012. Graduation requirement for 2012	Ongoing
37. Enhancement of National History Day	Students in grades 8-12	Social Studies teachers	NHD Manual which outlines: procedures, guidelines, primary and secondary sources, key dates and grading rubrics	Student products for the in school competition and participation in the MASS National History Day regional and state wide competition	Ongoing but alternating years with Science Dept Science Fair or going every other year
38. Continuation of partnership with police, fire and others in Safe Schools Committee	All	Safe School Committee members	Safe Schools Plan, Student Safety Tip Line	Enhancements to plan, additional information added as necessary. Conduct mock drills, K9 search, White Ribbon Campaign	Ongoing – set up meetings once a month to discuss issues and concerns
39. School will make AYP in Math in all grade levels.	All	All math teachers, department coordinator and administration	Study Island, Perfection learning, Testwiz training, Afterschool MCAS classes, MCAS courses, professional development	Student Success Plans, MCAS Practice tests, weekly math facts challenges, integration of math into other disciplines, Open Response packets, technology integration, academic seminar for at risk MS students, use of additional staff for math, data analysis, parent curriculum nights	Ongoing – need for continually review throughout the school year to monitor student progress.

West Bridgewater Public Schools

West Bridgewater, Massachusetts