Download
1 / 31
310 likes | 498 Views
Holy Spirit School Report of Findings. March 21-23, 2012. Mission of Holy Spirit School. Holy Spirit School is dedicated to developing the whole child by providing a quality Catholic education in a safe and caring environment. Philosophy of Holy Spirit School.
E N D
Holy Spirit SchoolReport of Findings March 21-23, 2012
Mission of Holy Spirit School Holy Spirit School is dedicated to developing the whole child by providing a quality Catholic education in a safe and caring environment.
Philosophy of Holy Spirit School As a vital ministry of Holy Spirit Parish in the Diocese of Oakland, Holy Spirit School is an educational community rooted in Catholic faith and tradition. As a community, we recognize the parents are the primary educators of their children. We believe all students should be encouraged to develop intellectually, spiritually, morally, emotionally, socially, and physically in a safe and caring environment where the learning process is unique to each individual. We facilitate an awareness of global responsibility and promote service to the greater community by fostering cultural sensitivity and discipleship in the spirit of Jesus Christ.
Accreditation Factor #1 Holy Spirit School was highly effective in involving all shareholders. All major shareholders were invited to discussions. Parents and school board members were provided updates of the school’s progress and any comments were then relayed back to the committees to address. The school staff was assigned to a committee and the individual committees led the discussions for their assigned chapter and assimilated the information. All major shareholders had access to the sections of the Self Study and various drafts were presented for feedback.
Accreditation Factor #2 Holy Spirit was highly effective in implementing their prior accreditation findings. In addressing the prior accreditation findings, Holy Spirit School has accomplished improvements to student learning. All the findings of the Visiting Team have been addressed. The school is always striving to evaluate where it is and how to move forward to best ensure high achievement for all students.
Accreditation Factor #3Catholic Identity Holy Spirit School has been highly effective in improving the spiritual formation of the students, staff and the parents. The principal, faculty and staff are dedicated to educating students in the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church. The faculty focuses on teaching the faith across the curriculum and integrating Gospel values into many aspects of daily life.
Accreditation Factor #4 The integration of the mission statement, SLEs, and standards has been effective at Holy Spirit School. However, because the mission and philosophy are fairly new, Holy Spirit School identified the need to regularly communicate the mission and philosophy with the parents and students. The teachers refer to the SLEs when teaching, in class discussions, and in interpersonal problem solving. Holy Spirit School has created SLE rubrics for the various grade levels (Preschool, K-3, 4-8). A plan will be developed to implement these rubrics periodically throughout the year.
Accreditation Factor #5 Holy Spirit School has highly effective organizational structures to support the school's mission statement and high achievement for all students. By developing a new mission statement: Holy Spirit School is dedicated to developing the whole child by providing a quality Catholic education in a safe and caring environment, the organizational structures have created a school focused on high achievement rich in the Catholic values.
Accreditation Factor #6 Holy Spirit School is effective in using sound assessment processes to collect data. Teachers recognize the need for further training on data analysis with respect to using the IRM to generate more specific individualized reports of student progress and class trends. Faculty would like to enhance student learning through the use of data collection and analysis to identify areas for improvement.
Accreditation Factor #7 Holy Spirit School is effective in providing a challenging, comprehensive and relevant curriculum for each student. Diocesan curriculum and California state standards make up the guidelines for developing lesson plans designed to assist students in successful achievement goals. The SLEs are used in daily lessons and posted in some teachers' lesson plans. Holy Spirit School has created SLE rubrics for the various grade levels (Preschool, K-3, 4-8). A plan will be developed to implement these rubrics periodically throughout the year.
Accreditation Factor #8 Holy Spirit School has been highly effective in providing teachers with various opportunities for professional growth to incorporate research-based instructional techniques to improve student learning. The visiting team observed various teaching strategies including, cooperative learning, technology, hands-on, lecture, peer tutoring, vocabulary activities, whiteboards, buddy program, pair-share, presentations, experiments and much more. Holy Spirit School teachers use multiple assessments to modify instruction/curriculum to help all students achieve the SLEs and curriculum standards.
Accreditation Factor #9 Holy Spirit School has been highly effective in providing a wide variety of services, resources, and activities to help all students achieve at high levels. For example, Holy Spirit students participate in classroom outreach programs beyond their service hours. They also serve as Acolytes, Altar Servers, in the Choir and as Junior Vincentians.
Accreditation Factor #10 Holy Spirit School has been highly effective in its use of proper bookkeeping and accounting procedures as dictated and reviewed by the Diocese of Oakland. The bookkeeper prepares monthly financial reports that are reviewed monthly by the pastor, principal, Diocesan School Department Fiscal Controller, and the school board. The summary is available to parents in the school board minutes which are posted on the school website.
Accomplishments • Strong leadership and collaboration between pastor and principal. • Dedicated faculty and staff who witness to and practice the Catholic faith. • Smaller class sizes in math and language arts and use of instructional assistants to meet the needs of students. • A strong sense of community! • Revised mission statement and development of SLE rubrics. • Significant parent involvement in the lives of the student and school. • Acquisition and implementation of multiple technology resources. • Proactive stance on bullying concerns.
Critical Goals • To develop and utilize curriculum maps and planners in all subject areas and across grade levels. • To expand professional development to improve instruction and assessments. • To analyze data to drive school improvements and enhancements with a plan to implement SLE rubrics periodically throughout the year. • To continue the school's mission in providing a safe and caring environment. • To increase enrollment.
Accreditation Factor #11 The Action Plan is highly effective in identifying and addressing critical goals focused on improving student learning. Holy Spirit School's previous Action Plan has been achieved and has provided faculty and staff with the ability to set new goals. The goals set in this year's study will set Holy Spirit School on a continuous improvement path. Goals set will provide emotional and academic support to all students through accommodations and/or challenges depending on the needs of the students.
Accreditation Factor #12 Holy Spirit School is highly effective at monitoring the Action Plan. Student achievement will be monitored and faculty will articulate on a regular basis. Administrators and faculty will evaluate their plan on a regular basis through dialogue, meetings, reports and analysis of student achievement.
Thank you! During our 3 day visit, the team found Holy Spirit School to be professionally rich and personally rewarding. We experienced a community where everyone is striving to provide a Catholic environment where quality education is a priority. We wish to thank the principal, pastor, leadership team, faculty and students for your warm and gracious hospitality. May Holy Spirit School be blessed with every success as you continue your school improvement!
