School Improvement Plan for Comet Trail Middle School

The school profile indicates some strengths in this school are:

a.       attendance

b.      problems are identified and corrected

c.       parent and teachers have open lines of communication

The school profile indicates the following areas that should be targeted for improvement:

a.       30% of 8^th graders do not feel they will graduate

b.      motivating students to do their best work

c.       inclusion of all stakeholders in the school improvement process

d.      strengthen the character education program

e.      increase access to technology for all stakeholders

Areas that are the most critical targets for improvement are:

a.       math CRCT scores are close to not meeting  annual measurable objective

b.      30% of students feel they will not graduate from high school

Mission Statement:

Comet Trail Middle School is committed to preparing students to be lifelong learners and productive citizens. This is achieved through setting high expectations and building self esteem through shared responsibilities by the school, family and community.

Beliefs:

• All students can learn.
• Every student should be provided with a safe learning environment.
• We must aid students in the development of a positive self-concept and mutual respect for others.
• Effective instructional practices incorporate diverse learning strategies to accommodate different styles of learning.
• Dedication, commitment, and high expectations among teacher, parents, and students will produce life-long learners.

Improving student learning:

Goal 1:  Increase math scores by 5%.

Assessment:

• CRCT test scores
• Curriculum based measures
• Benchmarks
• ITBS math scores

Goal 2:  Increase student motivation to perform academically.

Assessment:     

• Teacher survey
• Student survey

Improving School Performance

Goal 1: Strengthen the character education curriculum.

Assessment:

• Student survey
• Stakeholder survey

Goal 2:  Increase stakeholder participation in school improvement

Assessment

• survey pertaining to stakeholder involvement in decision making (NSSE survey)
• Teacher survey

Goal 3:  Increase access to technology

Assessment

• lesson plans including technology usage
• sign up sheet in technology lab
• technology trouble referrals

Action Plan:

Goal 1   Increase math scores by 5%.

Action	Timeline	Person(s) Responsible	Needed Resources
Implement AIMS strategies for teaching hands on math	August 2007 – May 2008	Certified Staff Academic Coaches Administrators	Copies of AIMS curriculum http://wwws.aimsedu.org  free or low cost e-activities Math consultant
Use provided CRCT preparation books as a regular part of the lesson plan	August 2007 – May 2008	Certified Staff Academic Coaches	CRCT prep materials included in adoption of math textbook
Family Math Night	December 2007	Math Department Academic Coaches PTO	Activities from text “Math Family Fun”; flyers; building
Promote student engagement through hands-on concrete strategies involving use of manipulatives  and interactive technology	August 2007 – May 2008	Certified Staff Academic Coaches	Manipulatives for math classroom Technology resources

 

Assessment:

• CRCT scores
• attendance at Family Math Night
• teacher observations

Goal 2:  Increase student motivation to perform academically.

Action steps	Timeline	Person(s) Responsible	Resources needed
An emphasis will be placed on the importance of students making a commitment to creating quality work and striving for excellence as they complete projects/assignments.	August 2007 – May 2008	Certified Staff Academic Coaches Administrators	Staff development on learning focused strategies
Students will be taught a variety of learning strategies, time management and personal skills to enhance their learning	August 2007 – May 2008	Certified Staff Academic Coaches Administrators	Workshops on learning skills Workshop materials Learning logs
Professional development on learning focused strategies	August 2007 – May 2008	Administrators	Workshop on learning focused schools

 

Assessment:

• Teacher and student surveys
• learning logs
• attendance at staff development workshops

Summary:

The Comet Trail Middle School improvement plan will be analyzed, implemented and revised on a yearly basis by all stakeholders.  This plan is a working plan and will be adapted, refined according to collected data.

References:

Fitzpatrick, Kathleen (Ed.). (1997). School Improvement: Focusing on Student Performance. Schaumburg, IL: National Study of School

 Evaluation.