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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-05-10 Coolidge School Improvement Planx~ I -n SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN May 1®, 1996 TABLE OF CO TENTS School Improvement Plan Charge Page 3 Preface Page 4 Philosophy and Mission Statement Page 5 1996 - 1997 School Goals Page 6 Facilities and Equipment for Effective Learning ...............................................................................Page 7, 8 • Objectives • Action Plan • Resources Meeting Diverse Learning Needs Page 9 • Objectives • Action Plan • Resources Integration of Technology into the Curriculum .................................................................................Page 10 • Objectives • Action Plan • Resources Professional Development and Allocation of Professional Development Funds Page 11 • Objectives • Action Plan • Resources Middle School Restructuring Page 12 • Objectives • Action Plan • Resources Guiding the Effectiveness of Improvement Efforts Page 13 • Objectives • Action Plan • Resources Ongoing Initiatives from Previous School Improvement Plans ........................................................Page 14 CMS Improvement Plan May 10, 1996 Page 2 SCHOOL 1WROVEMENT PLAN CHARGE "The principal of each school, in consultation with the school council... shall adopt educational goals for the schools,... shall assess the needs of the school in light of those goals, and shall formulate a school improvement plan to advance such goals, to address such needs and to improve student performance. The plan shall include an assessment of the impact of class size on student performance, and shall consider student to teacher ratios and other factors and supportive adult resources, and may include a scheduled plan for reducing class size. The plan shall address professional development for the school's professional staff, the allocation of any professional development funds in the annual school budget, the enhancement of parental involvement in the life of the school, safety and discipline, the establishment of a welcoming school environment characterized by tolerance and respect for all groups, extracurricular activities, the development of means for meeting the diverse learning needs of as many children as passible, including children with special needs currently assigned to separate programs, within the regular education programs at the school, and such further subjects as the principal, in consultation with the school council, shall consider appropriate. " from Education Reform Act of 1993, Section 53 CMS Improvement Plan May 10, 1996 Page 3 PREFACE: The Coolidge Middle School Council (the "Council', having been formed according to the guidelines of the Education Reform Act of 1993, has met on a regular and frequent basis to formulate the School Improvement Plan as mandated by the Reform Act, and to provide consultation to the principal. In fulfilling this obligation, the Council has endeavored to understand the guidelines under which it operates. The members have discussed the limitations and latitudes given and have tried to provide a dynamic framework with which to provide guidance and support to our educational professionals, now and in the future. The process, through which we have strived to improve the learning experience for our students, has proven to be a learning experience for each of us. Several areas of emphasis were specifically identified as being of great importance in fulfilling the needs of the students and the school. These are: • A Living Philosophy and Mission Statement • Identifying Core Values for the Coolidge Community + Meeting Diverse Learning Needs • Integration of Technology into the Curriculum • Professional Development and the Allocation of Professional Development Funds + Student Learning Time Implementation 0 Guiding the Effectiveness of Improvement Efforts These topics have been given special consideration by the Council and by other groups convened to address specific implementations. These groups include the Core Values Committee, the Information Technology Task Force, the Professional Development Committee, the Coolidge Building Committee and the Middle School Restructuring Committee. In preparing this Improvement Plan, limitations of time, resources, and urgency have precluded a complete and definitive' treatment of all elements defined by the Reform Act. Several components are left as areas for future examination and action by the School Council. Thus, this School Improvement Plan is intended to be a living document, providing .guidance and direction, but at the same time, allowing for review and revision. The members of the 1995-1996 Coolidge Middle School Council respectfully submit this School Improvement Plan to the Reading School Committee for its approval in accordance with the Reform Act of 1993. Submitted this 1st day of May, 1996, by. John Doherty Principal John Carpenter Parent Member Lawrence Chomsky Parent Member Peter Hichborn Faculty Member Marge Pacino Community Member Sue Redgate Faculty Member Rov Welsch Parent Member C31S Improvement Plan , May 10, 1996 Page 4 PHII.,OSOPHY We Believe....... All students should have equal and easy access to quality education. Our goals for them and expectations of them should be carefully arrived at and presented in a manner which makes them clearly understood. To help achieve these objectives we believe in the recognition of progress, reward for accomplishment, and encouragement to develop one's potential We believe that the appreciation of differences among people, places and ideas can foster a healthy attitude and outlook toward life in general We believe in lending a hand or going out of our way for those students who struggle, be it intellectual, physical, or emotional in nature. We believe that there is no improvement without change. Thus we seek to keep an open mind and a flexible, accommodating nature as part of our general outlook. Finally, our school must be a safe place if "nurture" is to be our "nature." MISSION "The mission of Coolidge Middle School is to create a varied, challenging environment that develops confident learners, who can be both collaborative and self-directed, possessing the skills to acquire knowledge and wisdom through a lifetime." CMS Improvement Plan . May 10, 1996 Page 5 1996 -1997 SCHOOL GOALS 1) FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT FOR EFFECTIVE LEARNING To ensure adequate and safe classrooms, to improve facilities and infrastructure for delivery of the educational program to Coolidge students, and to provide a facility that supports achievement of the other objectives in this Improvement Plan. 2) MEETING DIVERSE LEARNING NEEDS To ensure an environment that provides for a diversity of opportunities to meet individual learning needs. 3) INTEGRATION OF TECHNOLOGY INTO THE CURRICULUM To provide the technology resources necessary for our students to function effectively in the modern world r 4) PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & ALLOCATION OF PROF. DEVEL. FUNDS To improve the Middle Grades through Professional Development plans and activities that support the objectives of this School Improvement Plan. 5) MIDDLE SCHOOL RESTRUCTURING To develop and implement a restructuring plan for both middle schools which will address school organization, scheduling, maintaining a relevant, challenging curriculum and appropriate supervision. 6) GUIDING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF IMPROVEMENT EFFORTS By implementing this School Improvement Plan, to assist Coolidge students, faculty, and staff in achieving levels of knowledge and skills described in national, state, and local guidelines. CIS Improvement Plan May 10, 1996 Page 6 1) FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT FOR EFFECTIVE LEARNING Source: Reform Act: Time in Learning requirements and Common Core of Learning requirements. Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991: Barrier-free doors; restrooms, and facilities. Occupational Health and Safety Act: Adequate ventilation, electrical outlets, and lighting. State building and fire safety codes: occupancy, exits, electrical outlets, plumbing. Reading Public Schools Curriculum: program and facility requirements to deliver prescribed courses and other learning opportunities. Reading and Coolidge Technology Plans: Technology infrastructure and tools. Rationale: Students will learn better when the learning spaces are safe,.of adequate capacity and well-equipped The legal and curricular demands for specific learning opportunities, the requirements of technology- aided learning, current and projected student population, staff working conditions, health and safety requirements, and the need for repairs and improvements combine to form a compelling need to improve the physical school environment now and in the immediate future. Goal: To ensure adequate and safe classrooms, to improve facilities and infrastructure for delivery of the educational program to Coolidge students, and to provide a facility that supports achievement of the other objectives in this Improvement Plan. Objectives: [A] Improve classroom conditions, including repair of cabinets, adding storage space and display areas, soundproofing, lighting, shades, projection screens and similar improvements and repairs. [B] Build additional instructional and service space, including classrooms, large group area, rooms for conferences and testing, second computer lab, staff preparation area, and instructional materials storage. [C] Repair and improve existing facilities, including renovation of the Tech Ed room, Art room, basketball courts, driveways and parking areas, and PE locker rooms; restructuring of the main office, addition of general display areas, and general maintenance (painting, ceiling work, etc.). [D] Renovate and expand current undersize space, including expansion of the library/media center, the music room, the teachers' room, the guidance area, and the resource room. [E] Provide the technology infrastructure to support current and anticipated equipment, including network- cabling the campus for audio, video, and data, and equipping the library with a hub/server/control area, and sufficient extra conduit capacity for inexpensive installation of future systems. [F] Improve the physical plant systems to support the other improvements, including renovation of the heating, plumbing, lighting, and ventilation systems, and improving accommodation for individuals with disabilities. Note: Related information to these objectives can be found in the Coolidge Building Committee Report. l; Action Plan: Task Suvoortine Responsibility Time Frame Status Obiectiv~e 1) Form a Coolidge Building Committee to A thru F School Council October - Completed identify and communicate the need November 95 2) Solicit input from Coolidge staff; A thru F Coolidge Building January - Completed students, and community re: needs Committee, Principal March 96 3) Write and submit a statement of needs A thru F Coolidge Building Mardi - April Completed and priorities Committee 96 4) Submit statement of need and A thru F Superintendent May 96 In Process supporting information to the School Committee 5) Request funding for a feasibility study A thru F School Committee, Town August - In Process Meeting November 96 CMS Improvement Plan May 10, 1996 Page 7 Task Supporting Resyonsibiliq Time Frame Status i Obiective 6) Translate educational requirements into A thru F Architect December 96 an acceptable technical solution and - March 97 biddable specification 7) Obtain funding and authorization A thru F School Committee, Town April 97 Meeting 8) Create RFR bid, award the project A thru F School Department May - Jul 97 9) Perform the additions and renovations A thru F Contractor August 97 - A 98 10) Equip new & renovated facilities A thru F School Department July - S tuber 98 11) Implement expanded programs in new A thru F Staff June - & renovated facilities September 98 Resources Required: • Funding to be appropriated by the Town of Reading: FY97 $25,000 (Feasibility study) FY98 $2,500,000 (Construction) FY98 $50,000 (Technology and instructional materials) CMS Improvement Plan May 10, 1996 Page 8 2) MEETING DIVERSE LEARNING NEEDS Source: Reform Act: 77he plan shall address] the development ofineansfor meeting the diverse learning needs of as many children as possible, including childrenr with special needs currenrly assigned to separate programs, within the regular education programs at the school. " Rationale: • Not everyone learns in the same way or at the same rate or with the same style. • All children can and should learn. • Alternative methods and opportunities are needed to allow each child to reach their full potential. Goal : To ensure an environment that provides for a diversity of opportunities to meet individual learning needs. Objectives: [A] Monitor and review the progress of the Coolidge Middle School Inclusion Flan adopted in 1993-1994. [B] Identify those presently used learning activities which are intended to meet the needs of the entire range of our student body. [C] Assess how well those learning activities, meet the needs of the entire range of the student body. [D] Support this goal with the appropriate fiends and/or resources. [E] Implement the Inclusion Plan. [F] Implement the Limitless Learning Program. Action Plan: Task Supporting Responsibility Time Frame Status Ob'ective 1) Collate feedback from Staff Survey [B] 2-4 staff members (funding Summer 1994 Complete needed) 2) Assess feedback from the Staff Survey in [C] 2-4 staff members (funding Summer 1994 Complete writing needed) 3) Seek funds Principal, School Council 1994 - 1997 Ongoing 4) Review and revise, if needed, the written [A] School Council, Principal Annually Ongoing CMS Inclusion Plan Meet with the people involved in delivering the Plan 5) Review the written assessment of [A] School Council Winter 1995- Ongoing learning activities 1996 6) Phase in the implementation of the [B,C,D] Coolidge administration Continuing Ongoing Limitless Learning Program School year 1996-1997 7) Hear a report of progress on the [E] Inclusion Subcommittees, Annually, implementation of the Inclusion Plan and School Council starting Fall Ongoing respond 1995 8) Hear a report of progress on the [F] Peter Hichborn, Ellen Annually implementation of the Limitless Learning Svenson, and Joe Finigan, starting Spring Ongoing Program School Council 1996 Resources Required: • Allocated from State Mandated School Improvement Funds. CMS Improvement Plan May 10, 1996 Page 9 3) INTEGRATION OF TECHNOLOGY INTO THE ClJRRIC13ILUM Source: Principal, in consultation with the School Council. Rationale: The school needs appropriate technology resources to support the learning objectives and skills expected in daily life Goal: To provide the technology resources necessary for our students to function effectively in the modem world Objectives: [A] Upgrade and add to computer and other technology capabilities. [B] Determine the requirements and academic opportunities necessary to establish a Coolidge Technology Infrastructure. [C] Provide professional development in technology to promote knowledge of resources. [D] Provide professional development in application of technology to promote innovative and appropriate learning opportunities. [E] Support with appropriate funding and resources as required to accomplish this goal in whole or in part. Antinn Plnn- Task Supporting Responsibility Time Frame Status Ob'ective 1) Work with Information Technology [B] Principal, Technology Beginning Pending Task Force (ITTF) to establish direction Liaison, School Council 1994 funding/ and access to resources implementati~ n 2) Include technology requirements and [B,C] Principal, Department 1994-1995 Complete planned/proposed initiatives in all Heads curriculum plans 3) Provide technology curriculum [B,C,D,E] Principal Begrming Ongoing development workshops Summer 1995 4) Purchase planned equipment [AE] Principal, Computer Amually Ongoing Specialist, Staff, School beginning Council S 1995 5) Provide professional development [C, DJ Middle School Staff, Beginning Ongoing opportunities for staff in technology Principal Summer 1995 usage and curriculum integration 6) Determine additional hardware, [AE] Principal, Computer Beginning Ongoing software, support, and space Specialist, StaiX School Winter 1995 requirements Council 7) Review, Revise and Implement the [A, B, C, D, Principal, School Council Beginning Ongoing Coolidge Technology Plan E] 1996-97 School Year Resources Required: • Funding to be appropriated by the Town of Reading 1996-97 $25,000 (Appropriated as Capital Outlay Money in FY97) 1997-98. $75,000 • Space: computer lab additional full classroom to be used for technology integration • Portable carts for computers CMS Improvement Plan May 10, 1996 Page 10 d -t. Mete I,. 4) PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & ALLOCATION OF PROF. REVEL. FUNDS Source: Reform Act: "The plan shall address professional development for the school staff, [and] the allocation of any professional development funds in the annuals, Rationale: Collaboration with other institutions, out of building sources, and individual irut sta$ will allow Coolidge to benefit from shared resources and increased knowlec Goal: To improve the Middle Grades through Professional Development plans and actin support the objectives of this School Improvement Plan. Objectives: [A] Expose staff to information, research, and innovation, outside of their background and exp [B] Plan professional development activities for the school year. [C] Provide time for practitioners to meet and to innovate. [D] Support with appropriate funding and resources as required to accomplish this goal in who [E] Periodically review progress on this goal. [F] Develop and pursue individual professional development plans for all staff members within established E.B.O. process. Action Plan: Task Supporting Responsibility Time Frame S 'ective ec 1) Submit for approval annual E.B.O.s Coolidge Staff Principal Annually, by C 2) Establish a calendar of staff [B] Principal, Coolidge Staff October 1 Annually C development opportunities that address the objectives of the school improvement plan but are not limited to these objectives 3) Provide individual staff and early [A,C,D] Principal Annually C release days for both school and regional activities . 4) Conduct Limitless Learning [A,C,D] Peter Hichborn, Ellen 19941997 C Workshops Svenson, Joe Finigan 5) Conduct Technology Inservice based [B] Principal Annually P1 on staff needs St 6) Provide time, opportunity, and [A,C,D] Principal Annually O awareness to staff of professional development options which fulfill recertification requirements eport of progress on the [E] Principal, School Council Annually O: ofessional development plans es F Inservice Workshops based [B] Principal 1996 -1998 ds for Middle School t St S Restnicturing Funding: • Additional funding required as determined by state mandates. • Additional funding may be required as determined by interest, activities, and staff opportunities. • Additionally, professional development opportunities will be provided by the System Professional De,, Committee and the Coolidge Middle School Professional Development Committee. CMS ®roye+tax_Plata _~u_ t n t_~a~~ 5) XMDLE SCHOOL R.Emu TURING Source: Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks (Common Chapters): "School Restructuring is the process offundamentally charging school organization, governance, policies, programs, and practices, with the goal of improving learning for each and every student. " Rationale: How staff work together, how decisions are made, how the school day is scheduled, and how many students a teacher is assigned all have an important impact an student learning. Goal: To develop and implement restructuring plans for both middle schools which will address school organization, scheduling, maintaining a relevant, challenging curriculum and appropriate supervision for Coolidge Middle School. Objectives: [A) Use the Common Chapters of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks as a starting point for the study group. [B] Examine the impact of Time and Learning Requirements. [C] Propose a plan to satisfy structured learning time requirements for the 1997-99 school year. [D] Implement the structured learning time phase of the plan. [E] Investigate options for increasing subject meeting times, particularly in exploratory classes. [F] Investigate alternate methods of scheduling. [G] Examine interdisciplinary learning, inclusion, curriculum, and school organization. [H] Work with staff for input and feedback when draft plan is completed [I] Support with appropriate funding and resources as required to accomplish this goal in whole or in part. [J] Form a joint middle school study group to coordinate resources and options to meet this goal. Action Plan: Task SuonortinE Resaonsibilit9 Time Frame Status` :I Obiective 1) Form a Coolidge Middle School [J] Principal Spring, 1996 Complete Restructuring Study Group consisting of sta$ administration and school council members 2) Study group will explore [A, B, E, F, G, Middle School Spring, 1996- Time and Learning, Middle School . H] Restructuring Study Group Fall, 1996 Scheduling and Organization, Curriculum, Interdisciplinary Learning, and Inclusion 3) Develop a proposal to address issues and [C, H, ] Middle School Fall, 1996 get staff and community feedback on Restructuring Study Group proposal. 4) Assess feedback and make a final [H] Middle School Fail, 1996 proposal for approval to school council and Restructuring Study central administration. Group, School Council 5)Provide staff development opportunities to [I,J] Middle School Fall 1996- help implement plan. Restructuring S Group Spring 1997 6) Phase in Middle School Reorganization [D,I,J] Principal Starting, Fall Plan 1997 Resources Required: Funding to be appropriated by the Town of Reading to increase staff and space required to implement middle school reorganization. Appropriate funding for professional development to help implement plan. CNIS Improvement Plan May 10, 1996 Page 12 6) GUIDE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF U"ROVEMFM EFFORTS Source: Mission Statement, Reading and Coolidge Technology Plans, Technology Infrastructure, and Tools Rationale: Many initiatives are under way at Coolidge through this School Improvement Plan: staff contributions; town-wide curriculum planning; recommendations from professional organizations; statewide education reform efforts; and P.T.O. enrichment activities. Periodic examination of the various processes and review of the associated results of these kinds of initiatives will help the Coolidge Middle School Council to gain a clear view of the effect of these various improvement endeavors. With this information, the School Council subsequently can make informed recommendations to the building principal, and assist in keeping the community which Coolidge serves informed on significant matters relating to environment. Goal: By implementing this School Improvement Plan, to assist Coolidge students, faculty, and staff in achieving levels of knowledge and skills described in national, state, and local guidelines. Objectives: [A] Develop parameters to establish the scope of the Council's "Request, Review, Recommend" function. [B] Devise standards and a format for making recommendations about a reviewed endeavor to the building principal. [C] Establish a timetable to conduct the Council's business under this goal as a part of what the Council will undertake annually. [D] Establish with the building principal effective channels of communication for the Coolidge staff students, and parents, as well as other school councils. Action Plan: Task Supportint Responsibility Time Frame Status Objective 1) Establish Council operating parameters [A] School Council Beginning, Fall Ongoing 1995 2) Agree on means of assessment (for each [B] Initiator, School Council As endeavors Ongoing reviewed endeavor) are proposed 3) Review the results of endeavors [A, C] Initiator, School Council Beginning Fall Ongoing 1995 4) Agree on recommendations; transmit [A, B, C,] School Council Annually Ongoing recommendations to funding, authorizing, and implementing es 5) Compile and share results and "lessons [D] School Council Annually, Ongoing learned" Beginning Spring, 1996 Resources Required: • Designated School Council review time. ` . _ • Information on the results of all endeavors. • Commitment by school administration and other contributors to respond to the recommendations. CMS Improvement Plan May 10, 1996 Page 13 ONGOING INITIATIVES FROM PREVIOUS SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLANS 1) CORE VALUES Last Date Appeared in School Improvement Plan: 1995-96 Goal: To maintain a staff/faculty committee which will monitor the area of core values for Coolidge and which may make recommendations to and provide information for the principal and school council CeIS Improvement Plan . May 10, 1996 Page 14