Randolph Public Schools Elizabeth Lyons Whole School Improvement Plan 2011-2012

1. Randolph Public SchoolsElizabeth Lyons Whole SchoolImprovement Plan 2011-2012 Presented by Cindy Sypher-Lopez, Principal

5. ELAChallenges of Practice Lyons ELA : Over the last three years, our ELA MCAS scores have fluctuated between 42-54% proficiency rate. Practices that have led to low student achievement: inconsistent administration of some student assessments need for increase in meaningful feedback to students lack of analysis of data to inform instruction and over reliance on teaching only from the core reading program lack of projects that encourage critical thinking lack of an established approach to writing instruction

6. MathChallenges of Practice Lyons Math: Our math score for 2010 was 47%. While this is a 9% increase from 2009, 53% of our students continue to work below proficiency level. Practices that have compromised student success in the area of math: Inconsistent turnaround time of assessment data. inconsistent use of pre-assessment lack of action plans that address reteaching for mastery instruction relies too heavily on teaching the procedures and does not provide opportunities for students to master concepts through student centered learning

7. Special EducationChallenges of Practice Lyons Special Education: Students with special needs have received consistently low scores on the MCAS testing. In 2010 we had a 47% proficiency level however only 15% proficiency level for students with special needs. Similarly, in ELA we had a proficiency level of 51% with only 13% of special needs students reaching proficiency. The Growth Model demonstrated 50% for the general education population but only a 31% for our special needs students. Practices that have compromised the success of this group of students are: insufficient time for collaboration between classroom teachers and special education teachers inconsistent use of accommodations lack of implementation of curriculum modifications when necessary lack of clarity on how to grade students receiving accommodations and modified curriculum failure to provide instruction in compensatory learning strategies

8. ELL Challenges of Practice - Lyons English Language Learners: ELL Students have achieved a 60% proficiency level. The practices that have led to low student achievement for ELL students are: insufficient time for collaboration between classroom teachers and ELL teacher lack of understanding of best instructional approaches failure to engage parents of ELL students

9. What Did We Do This Year To Improve Instruction? Through cross class grouping every child received small group reading instruction Students received second and third “doses“ of targeted instruction through the RTI model Introduced Pedagogical Expectation for Lyons School Teachers during Professional Development. Expectations will guide instructional practices and supervision in the upcoming year. Embedded professional development focused on strategies for student centered learning Each grade level met weekly during teacher led CPT to co-plan and collaborate on short and long term planning DCPTs occurred weekly with coaches and administrators to analyze data, create flexible groups, work on centers, and identify areas for reteaching.

10. Goal I:What Will We Do Next Year To Provide High Quality Teaching And Learning? What will we do the school next year? : We will increase the academic proficiency of the entire school 10% in 2011-2012 through quality teaching and learning experiences everyday in every classroom for every student. We will do this by: ASSESSMENT Use of formative and summative data based on the Common Core to drive instruction at all grade levels. Ensure consistent use of assessment focusing on the pre- post assessment of skills which will lead to identification of enrichment and intervention groups. INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES Identify a set of teaching and learning behaviors that will eliminate our achievement gaps and increase academic proficiency. Create a flexible school schedule which allows opportunities to be responsive to student needs Reallocation of Title I resources to support K-2 proficiency Expand the implementation of student centered indirect instruction and interactive learning practices. Introduce and begin to practice experiential learning and independent learning

11. (Cont.) Goal I: High Quality Teaching and Learning ELA Implement the District Wide approach to writing in which students will learn to write high quality narrative, persuasive and expository pieces as well as drama and poetry Expand the use of a wide range of materials to supplement the core reading program in all classrooms. Using authentic children’s literature (nonfiction and fiction) we will expand the instructional reading strategies used such as literature circles, inquiry circles, reader’s theater, author studies, student debate and discussions. MATH Increase academic Proficiency in ELA, according to the growth model by 5% or 10% in 2011-2012 Increase the use of differentiated math centers Provide a more balanced approach between instruction on procedures to mastery of concepts through student centered experiences.

12. What did we do this year to Meet the Needs of All Students? Special Education teachers, classroom teachers and paraprofessionals worked together to provide support to students with and without special needs who required Tier 2 and 3 instruction. Initiated cross grade grouping to provide remediation of foundational skills Increased the use of regular computerized instruction (i.e. Lexia, Study Island) Held regular LAT meetings to review the progress of ELL students Expanded the Lyons Pride Positive Behavioral Support Program Emphasized differentiation of instruction

13. Goal II: All Means All We will increase the academic proficiency of our Special Education and ELL students by 10% in 2011-2012 by providing more time and support for our most challenged students. How Will We Do This? Continue to assess using formative and summative data based on the Common Core, additionally alternative or tiered assessments should be utilized to support ELL and Special Education students. (portfolio assessments, results derived from formal evaluations, oral exams, teacher observation of performance) Improve the RTI model through improving the quality and consistency of RTI meetings, ensuring that students receive Tier 2 and 3 services when needed and expanding follow-up practices. Develop Student Success Plans for all students that recognize students’ strengths, areas of need, special interests and includes proactive plans to enhance academic success.

14. What did we do this year around Family Engagement? Every parent was greeted outside daily at drop-off and pick-up. Parent participation at all events remained stable or increased- 540 people attended Open House Began interschool Basketball League including 14 5th and 6th grade students, 8 cheerleaders for 5 & 6 grade, parent attendance at games averaged 30. Sustained Very Important Men’s Club – monthly meetings, VIM sponsored Basketball Night on May 19th which had 40 participants Created data-base of families who benefit from translated communication Hosted Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) Bullying Awareness presentation attended by 18 parents Upcoming Family Cook-Out and End of Year Celebration Held quarterly Lyon’s Pride Pinning Ceremonies with an average of 25 parents in attendance

15. Goal III: Family and Community Engagement We will increase Family and Community Engagement by 10% in 2011-2012 by providing a more inclusive, welcoming and culturally competent environment in our school district. How Will We Do This? Making our school more culturally responsive, building stronger ties between the staff and families, improving communication between school and home Regular check-ins at set intervals with parents about their individual child Incorporate more culturally relevant materials, curriculum and practices in our classrooms. Identify a set of teaching and learning behaviors that will eliminate our achievement gaps and act on them based on Cultural Competence Strengthen the School Site Council by making meetings more informative, inviting guests speakers and having a specific focus in addition to reviewing and writing the SIP

16. LYON’S WSIPThanks… Myriam Azer- parent Meg Boone-parent Beth Fitzgerald- Special Education Teacher Sheila Hanley- Title I Teacher Natan Kotlyer- Paraprofessional Ann Knapp-Sped. Coordinator Donna O’Campo- parent Melissa Smith- District Administrative Fellow Cindy Sypher-Lopez- Principal