Manning Oaks Elementary State of the School

1. 2012-2013 Manning Oaks ElementaryState of the School

2. The Data • Our 2012 data indicates students showed significant improvement. Listed below is the percentage of the students that meet and/or exceeded standards and the percentage gain from 2011 results. • Subject Reading E/LA Math Third Grade 96.7 (+ 2) 98.4 (+10) 87 (+7) Fourth Grade 96.5 (+6) 94.6 (+8) 91.3 (+3) Fifth Grade 97.4 (+6) 94.8 (+4) 92.4 (0) Our goal is for our students to not just meet, but exceed standards. Our percentage of students exceeding standards increased in each grade. Many of the gains were over 10%.

3. 2012 Data Continued • In addition to academic data, we measured our discipline referral rates. A major emphasis for this year was to improve our school climate through character assemblies, charms for academic and behavioral accomplishments, and implementing a positive behavior support system. Based on these efforts we are pleased to report that both our number of suspensions and office referrals decreased by over 50%.

4. Instruction • We will continue to use whole and small group instruction to ensure that all students receive grade level instruction and can receive additional support or advancement based on their individual needs. • We expect our teachers to plan collaboratively and create lessons that engage students and require students to use higher level thinking skills. • This year we will implement Common Core Standards. You can learn more about the standards by visiting the Georgia Department of Education website. The statement on the following slide is from the state website.

5. Common Core • Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Georgia joined with 47 other states well over a year ago to develop a set of core standards for K-12 in English language arts and mathematics. On June 2, the Common Core State Standards were released. These standards provide a consistent framework to prepare students for success in college and/or the 21st century workplace. These standards represent a common sense next step from the Georgia Performance Standards. The Georgia State Board of Education adopted the CCGPS on July 8, 2010. • What do they mean for students: Rigorous knowledge and skills needed to succeed in college and/or careers Consistent expectations across states, regardless of whether they decide to go to school at Georgia Tech or UCLA, or find a job in Georgia, Maine or Indiana Relevant content and application of knowledge through high-order skills

6. Our Plan • We believe that improvement is a continual process with goals and action steps being reviewed and modified based on data and stakeholder input. • Our goal for improvement for the 2012-2013 school year will focus on three areas that include: ensuring each students receive great instruction, that the climate supports students and positive behavior, and technology and other resources are utilized to improve instruction.

7. Action Steps • Student Academic Growth: To improve academic performance we have restructured the school day to increase classroom instruction time by reducing student movement and ensuring that instruction begins at 7:40. • We are focusing on instruction that is engaging for students by using small groups to meet the needs of all students, increasing hands-on learning with field trips, and increasing instructional materials to move beyond a text book based approach. • Staff training is ongoing focusing on guided reading, increasing student talk (math talk), and best practices. Book studies and video presentations along with grade level collaborations are the formats for training.

8. Action Steps Continued • Climate: Ensuring that the school climate is conducive to learning is essential. We have implemented several positive based programs to improve student behavior. We have weekly assemblies aimed at highlighting great examples of character and students can receive charms for good character, attendance, and academic performance. Schools routines have also been practiced and reviewed to ensure they contribute to a positive climate. With instruction that is engaging for students classroom behavior and participation is also improving. To date we have only received a few office referrals.

9. Highlights • Extra Curricular Opportunities: We offer a number of after school programs including chess, drama, Spanish, and sports. In addition our media center is open one evening a week for families and an after school extended day learning program is available for qualified students. • Academic Enrichment: We also have numerous opportunities for students to extended and apply their academic knowledge during events such as the spelling bee, math and reading quiz contests, PTA reflections, music programs, plus many more. • Community Support: We are pleased to partner with many local organizations. They provide support in many ways including tutoring, providing academic supplies, and opportunities for fundraising. Some of our partners include Stone Creek Church, Equifax, Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, and Chick-fil-a.

10. Information • MOE is a Title 1 Target Assistance School. This occurred due to our increased free/reduced lunch rate. Title 1 is not based on academic performance. With our Title 1 designation we receive additional funds to assist with instruction. With our 2012 funds we employed an additional teacher and two part time EIP teachers and purchased instructional materials. • Technology: We have 6 inspired classrooms. These teachers attended training on incorporating technology into the curriculum. In their classrooms students work in groups and can utilize hands-on technology to help make learning engaging and fun. We also have interactive smart boards in many of our classrooms. In addition we recently purchased our first ipad lab that teacher and student can use to bring instruction to life.

11. Moving Forward • As our action steps are implemented we except to see improved student academic performance and a climate that is viewed positively by all stakeholders.

12. 2012-2012 Data Points • To ensure that we are moving forward and our action plan is effective we will use several measurements. In addition to leadership team discussions and community input we will use student/parent/teacher surveys, grade level common assessments, and academic data from checkpoints, ITBS, and CRCT.

13. Quote • Thank you for your support of MOE. • Nothing you do for children is ever wasted. They seem not to notice us, hovering, averting our eyes, and they seldom offer thanks, but what we do for them is never wasted. Garrison Keillor