2015-2016 granite falls high school improvement plan

2015-2016 Granite Falls High School Improvement Plan

Granite Falls High School

2012 & 2013 School of Distinction

School Improvement Plan 2015-2016

Granite Falls School District


“Every Student, Every Day, Every Classroom”

Mission Statement: To inspire and facilitate a passion for life-long learning and the pursuit of excellence in every student, every day. Vision Statement: Our students are passionate in pursuit of their goals and aspirations. To that end, they are critical and inspired thinkers, adaptable, collaborative and committed to making a difference in their communities and to the betterment of society. Foundation of our District Beliefs: 1. Powerful teaching and learning. 2. District and Board communication with community and staff that is informing, encouraging, intentional and collaborative. 3. Financial stewardship, assuring optimal use of district resources. 4. A district climate that emphasizes a positive school culture, focused on student safety, a healthy lifestyle, and respect for other students and faculty. District Goals:

1. Quality Learning. Engage and inspire every student through powerful and innovative instruction, fostering development of critical-

thinking skills and motivating academic achievement through high expectations.

2. Positive Image. Strengthen our district by countering unfounded perceptions and stereotypes of Granite Falls. Celebrate student

successes and civic progress, working collaboratively with district partners—including local government, the chamber of commerce, and service organizations.

3. College- and Career-Ready. Ensure that every student transitions successfully between grades and schools and graduates with the

knowledge, skills and attitude to excel in diverse post-secondary opportunities. Foster student achievement through active partnerships with parents, families and our community.


GRANITE FALLS HIGH SCHOOL

MISSION: Granite Falls High School: GFHS exist to provide a safe, supportive learning environment to assist

each individual in reaching their potential with high expectations, accountability, and relationships.

VISION: GFHS – We believe in the value of communication, relationships, high standards, safe environment,

accountability, support, and educating the whole child.

Student Testing Data 2014 -2015

Subject School State Percent of students who have met this testing requirement by Sept Junior year

ELA SBAC exam 2548 = passing

81% 2644

School average score

% is not available 2635

School average score

83.8%

EOC Math 400 = passing

Data not available Data not available 78.2%

EOC Biology 400 = passing

82.6 % 72.5 % 82.6%


School wide yearly Attendance Rates 2014-15 2013-14 2012-13 2011-2012

87.2% 88.9% 89.7% 90%

Graduation Rates 2014-15 2013-14 2012-13 2011-2012

Graduated within 4 years 84.7% 83.9% 82.6% 88%

Graduated within 5 years 91.3% 91.3% 88.8% 89.2%

2015/16 Early Warning Data from Skyward


Number of failing grades 2014-15 2013-14 2012-13 2011-2012

Freshman 255 408 433 241

Sophomore 258 300 133

Junior 204 146

Senior 39

Number of students with one or more failing grades

2014-15 2013-14 2012-13 2011-2012

Freshman 65 99 117 68

Sophomore 87 86 50

Junior 70 57

Senior 27

Cohort groups over four year period Number of failing grades

Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior

Class of 2015 241 133 146 39

Class of 2016 433 300 204

Class of 2017 408 258

Class of 2018 255

Cohort groups over three year period Number of students with one or more failing grades

Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior

Class of 2015 68 50 57 27

Class of 2016 117 86 70

Class of 2017 99 87

Class of 2018 65


2015-2016 GOALS

District Target #1: Quality Learning

Granite Falls High School SMART Goals Engage and inspire every student through powerful and innovative instruction, fostering development of critical-thinking skills and motivating academic achievement through high expectations.

1. Grade level teams will meet once per month to identify students who are struggling

academically. Suggested strategies and interventions will be

developed that all staff will apply to the identified students.

2. Staff will develop a building wide “How to Guide” that will increase student problem

solving skills using common language. This guide will be incorporated into 100% of all

areas of study by June, 2016.

3. Certificated staff members will implement three strategies from Agile Minds each

semester that will foster the development of critical-thinking skills and motivate academic

achievement.


2015-2016 GOALS

District Target #2: Positive Image

Granite Falls High School SMART Goals Strengthen our district by countering unfounded perceptions and stereotypes of Granite Falls. Celebrate student successes and civic progress, working collaboratively with district partners-including local government, the chamber of commerce, and service organizations.

1. To promote a positive school climate and promote positive perceptions of Granite Falls

High School, staff will develop and acronym for Granite in the “We Are Granite” message.

This acronym will be taught one letter at a time to students during monthly advising

lessons during the 2015-16 school year.

2. Staff will develop and provide information through department chairs for a monthly e-

digital newsletter which will be delivered to the Granite Falls High School community.


2015-2016 GOALS

District Target #3: College and Career Ready

Granite Falls High School SMART Goals Ensure that every student transitions successfully between grades and schools and graduates with the knowledge, skills and attitude to excel in diverse post-secondary opportunities. Foster student achievement through active partnerships with parents, families and our community.

1. Granite Falls High School will increase students on tract to graduate by decreasing the

number of failed classes by 3% in 100% of all areas of study by June 2016.

2. Granite Falls High School will improve the attendance rate for the classes of 2016-2019

from 87.2-90% for the 2015-16 school year.

3. Granite Falls High School will increase the adjusted 4-year cohort graduation rate for the

2015-16 school year by 3%.


2015-2016 Department GOALS

2015 – 2016 Strategic Plan: English Department Goals Target #1 – Quality Learning Timeline Measurement We will research, learn, and discuss ways to

provide timely feedback to our students and more efficiently manage the paperwork.

Each department member will bring an article to share at a November PLC or department meeting and will set a goal to improve feedback.

We will review our progress at the end of the year and determine the effectiveness of our strategies with anecdotal data and student survey data.

We will continue to update the English share folder with current curriculum maps, common assessments, and instructional materials.

Stephen will create a Spanish share folder by the end of first quarter.

Members will update the folders every other month during PLC or department meetings.

At the end of the year, all folders will contain current curriculum and resources for each class.

Teachers will be accessing and updating the folders during each unit.

In our Professional Learning Communities (grade level teams) we will use student data from a minimum of one common assessment in each course to guide our instruction and improve our curriculum.

One common assessment per semester at minimum.

Each COURSE (not individual class or teacher) will have 10 or fewer failing students at semester (i.e. no more than 10 freshman students will be failing English I at semester).

Target #2 – Positive Image Timeline Measurement We will use Skyward email to communicate

with students and parents about upcoming events, deadlines, successes and/or struggles.

Each teacher will send a group email once a month beginning in October 2015.

Training for Skyward email will be provided in October at department meeting.

Each department member has successfully sent 9 group emails through Skyward by June.

We will better advertise a freshman parent meeting in the fall to communicate with parents the expectations of their son/daughter, how they can help their child be successful in high school, and what resources we provide to help their child. Invite other freshman teachers to join us.

Put date on school calendar in June 2015; send email and automated phone call to all freshman parents one week prior to event; announce event in all English I classes; invite freshman teachers first week in school.

Increase attendance to represent 50% of freshman class.


Target #3 – College and Career Ready Timeline Measurement

Incorporate a college application letter/essay in English III and IV.

Complete letter/essay in English IV by end of November.

Complete letter/essay in English III by end of first semester.

90% of all students in English III and IV have a personal letter or essay to submit for a college application or scholarship.

Have all English II students trained to use Chromebooks for SBAC testing.

Have a Chromebooks lab designated for English department by January 2016 and students trained by April 2016.

Students will have practiced the SBAC test on the Chromebooks and be competent in accessing and using online tools provided during the SBAC test.



GFHS Math Department

Action Plan Targets 2015-2016 Math Department Timeline and Measurements

Target #1 – Quality Learning We will contact each student/parent that is getting a D or F and discuss ways to improve their grade and motivate them to do better at least once per quarter.

Target #2 – Positive Image We will celebrate student successes by posting top grades on each test and quiz.

Target #3 – College and Career Ready We will increase our SBAC scores to 20% for the 2015/2016 school year.



GFHS History Department

Action Plan Targets 2015-2016 History Department Timeline and Measurements

Target #1 – Quality Learning 1.1 Collaborate regularly to implement highly engaging strategies and lessons that draw from our new curriculum. (Year-long) 1.2 We will seek out and participate in grade level teams to meet as needed to identify students who are struggling academically. We will develop strategies and interventions to apply to the identified students. (TBD) 1.3 Teach and have students use a variety of reading strategies in classroom at least once a month. (Monthly) 1.4 Develop and implement an online Washington State History Curriculum to meet the state milestone requirement by November; evaluate effectiveness in June.

See each goal.

Target #2 – Positive Image 2.1 Each month at least one lesson will integrate the building GRANITE theme—especially as applied to the Food Drive. (Monthly) 2.2 Celebrate student successes by publicly displaying quality work and communicating with parents at least quarterly throughout the school year. (Quarterly)


Strategic Plan Targets 2015-2016 Target #3 – College and Career Ready 3.1 We will prepare students for college by using the Learning Management System that colleges in our state use (Canvas) by the start of second semester. (Ongoing; S2) 3.2 We will use discipline-specific academic language in lessons on a daily basis. (Daily)

History Department Timeline and Measurements



GFHS Art Department

Action Plan Targets 2015-2016 Art Department Timeline and Measurements

Target #1 – Quality Learning Music: All major scales by the end of the year; become proficient in the counting system; and perform one piece grade 3.5 or higher at a concert Visual: Understand that art is a universal language; be able to reveal components of a work of art; elements, principles, content, meaning and cultural relativity

Scales will be learned using the warm up book Counting system was introduced and is used every day Wind Ensemble plans to perform grade 4 piece in Spring Reflections, projects, written critiques, classroom discussion, tests; 85% by semester Both events are on the schedule We are working on fun ways to get community involved in our visual and performance art programs: thru our parent groups, student focus projects, district arts committee; as seen by growth in student, parent and community involvement by year end 100% of the Visual Arts students will be involved in preparation, set up, and disassembly of our art shows; students will submit artwork to be displayed: fine arts – 12, ceramics – 6 and AP students - 24; 70% of students and parents to attend one or more event, by year end Solo and Ensemble is a required event with an alternative option, which is to perform for the class and at our concert if picked. 90% of participating students complete and submit on time, by May 4th

Target #2 – Positive Image Music: Perform for the community at Railroad Days and Tree Lighting ceremony All: Advertise both visual and performance art programs in more unique ways throughout town to increase community interest in program and get a bigger audience. Visual: artwork preparation and presentation demonstrated in the Senior and/or Spring Arts Show, hallway displays, art magazine, posters

Target #3 – College and Career Ready Music: Have 50% + participation in Solo and Ensemble in spring OR at least perform live a small ensemble/solo work Visual: completion and submission of AP Art Portfolios to the College Board



GFHS Science Department

Action Plan Targets 2015-2016 Science Department Timeline and Measurements

Target #1 – Quality Learning Implement three strategies from Agile Minds each semester that will foster the development of critical thinking skill and academic achievement

First Semester

1. Changing the learning mindset: Discussion about malleability

of the mind and how effort will increase learning in all science classes!

2. Allow students to struggle with labs rather than bailing them

out as per growth mindset.

3. Use common language throughout department. Examples: controlled experiment, field study, controlled, manipulated, responding variables, hypothesis, theory, model, simulation, systematic observation

Target #2 – Positive Image Increase positive communication to parents through e-newsletter.

Target #3 – College and Career Ready Continue field trip to the U.W. to meet researchers, explore science career options, and tour the research facilities and W.W. campus. Utilize Snohomish County Soil conservation District and Water Quality guest speakers to get students to think beyond their school about local, state, and global issues.



GFHS Special Education Department

Action Plan Targets 2015-2016 SPED Department Timeline and Measurements

Target #1 – Quality Learning Target 1 Quality Learning

1. Increase problem solving skills mastered in our classroom

commensurate with building wide How-To- Guide by June

2016.

2. Increase collaboration with general education staff by

attending one content area department meeting 1 per

quarter by June 2016

3. Provide consistent feedback to students by updating

Skyward weekly by 11/1/15

1.

Target #2 – Positive Image Target 2 Positive Image

1. Develop and provide information for E-newsletter-monthly

Target #3 – College and Career Ready Target 3-College and Career Ready

1. Complete transition assessments and plans with IEPs-

ongoing



GFHS Career & Technology Department

Action Plan Targets 2015-2016 Career & Tech Department Timeline and Measurements

Target #1 – Quality Learning *Completion of Frameworks for all Business classes *CTE will help students to learn and practice 21st century skills

Target #2 – Positive Image *FFA being offered at the middle school level

Target #3 – College and Career Ready *Articulation for Plant Biology with Edmonds Community College *Rearticulating Business classes with Everett Community College *Expanding of the Aerospace Grant



GFHS Physical Education and Health Department

Action Plan Targets 2015-2016 PE & Health Department Timeline and Measurements

Target #1 – Quality Learning Health: identify non engaged students on a daily assignment basis and create solutions through dialog with those students. Will utilize the agile minds strategies throughout each semester. PE: Struggling students will be addressed on daily basis and informed with solutions through dialog with those students

Target #2 – Positive Image Health: Will incorporate “citizenship” into lesson plans to develop a sense of pride among the school and community. PE: We will continue to make the “PE” environment a safe and fun place to be. Will actively participate with giving information for the d-digital newsletter

Target #3 – College and Career Ready Health: A 95% turn in rate on all assignments with all 3 health classes combined in effort to have zero fail and stay on track to graduate. PE: Continue to teach lifelong skills/activities with promote a healthier future.



GFHS Counseling Department

Action Plan Targets 2015-2016 Counseling Department Timeline and Measurements

Target #1 – Quality Learning 1. Plan, facilitate grade level teams and help provide interventions and follow through 2. Consistently incorporate in our daily routine and counseling interactions 3.

a) Build strong relationships with students (culture of learning) b) Help students build short and long term goals (self-efficacy/motivation) c) Praise students productive effort rather than intelligence (malleability)

Target #2 – Positive Image 1.Help develop advising lessons which will include this message 2.We will provide information to the e-digital newsletter to talk about upcoming opportunities discuss the success of our students and important dates to be aware of.

Target #3 – College and Career Ready 1.We will provide failure information at each grading. 2.We will make contact with students once they meet/reach seven or more absences in any class. 3.We will continue to meet with seniors, send detailed jeopardy letters for grades 9-12 and exploring/providing new opportunities for credit retrieval.


RE-ENTRY 504

SCHEDULE CHANGE (STRUCTURES FOR SUCCESS) STRUCTURE FOR SUCCESS

504 SDI

5 % BECCA

SPECIAL EDUCATION RETRIEVAL

SAT/DRUG COUNSELOR SWIT COUNSELING

ATTENDANCE LED STAFFING

15% PSAT, ASVAB

INTERVENTION SAT, AP TEST

NATURAL CONSEQUENCES/DETENTION HONORS/AP/CTI/HS

SUSPENSION (LINE OF SIGHT) GENERAL ED

STAFF IN HALL SKYWARD

ASB LEADERSHIP STUDENT LED/TEACHER CONFERENCES

LINK 80% ATHLETIC/ACTIVITIES/ART

PEER MENTORING (HERO) PREVENTION ATTENDANCE POLICIES

ATHLETICS ADVISING

ACTIVITIES

TGIF

CLUBS


Nine Characteristics of High Performing Schools

Clear and Shared Focus

School goals aligned with strategic plan

Principal’s goals aligned with strategic plan

Data driven decision-making in academic areas

PGOs plans and individual goals relating to departmental goals established

High Standards and Expectations

School wide guidance and positive and proactive discipline program (Safe and Civil Schools)

SAT (Student Assistance Team) to review behavior and discipline of students

Individual behavior contracts

Student recognition and scholarship programs

Senior Culminating Projects

College and Career Night

Beyond High School Plans

Advanced Placement programs

PSAT/SAT/ACT testing

College visits

Effective School Leadership

Department structure and department leaders

Student Assistance Team (General Education)

Student Study Team (Special Education)

Leadership class

Advisory

Student senate (all-school leadership)

LINK (peer leadership)

Class advisors (all academic classes)

High Levels of Collaboration and Communication

Parent-teacher conferences

Student-led conferences

Student handbooks

Staff handbooks

Emergency handbooks and drills

Student newspaper

Student annual

Student academic liaison

Progress and report cards (eight times a year)

Student academic/behavior staffing

Student Assistance Team

Student Study Team

Daily Bulletin

Monthly staff meetings

Monthly Department leader meetings

Department collaboration twice a month

Program Aligned with Standards

State standards (PEs, GLEs, EALRs, etc.) are implemented

All academic areas are articulated, aligned, assessed

Textbook adoptions completed (math)

Technology plan implemented o Computer labs o Digital cameras o Edmodo o iPads piloted with four teachers o Mobile Lab


Frequent Monitoring of Teaching and Learning

Benchmark assessments established in English

Benchmark unit assessments established in Math

Lab assessments standardized in Science

Pretest assessments in US History being piloted

HSPE

Literacy assessments and screenings(Edge, TWOSRF, Spelling)

Focused Professional Development

LID Days

Late start Wednesday

Monthly staff meetings

Departmental meetings

Literacy training (through ESD)

HSPE testing administration

AP Summer Institute (all AP teachers)

ETS/ATI: Assessment Training Institute

Excellence in Teaching Summit (Marzano’s work)

Safe and Civil Schools Train the trainer conferences (Sprick’s work)

ASB and the Law trainings

Safe and Supportive Learning Environment

504s / IEP

RTI: Pyramid of Intervention model

Before and after math tutorial

Cocoas, Cookies and Cram

Extra-curricular sports (Ballroom dance, Clubs, Activities)

Safety plan in place including all drills

BECCA

Academic Liaison in place

Attendance procedures

SST/SAT

Family and Community Involvement

Student-led conferences

Choir concerts

Assemblies (Homecoming, athletic recognition, MLK, Opening day/Move-up assembly, Veteran’s Day, Battle of the Classes)

Cat Fight

Academic conferences

Academic Liaison

Battle of the Classes

Parents Involved in Education

Winter Food Drive

2015-2016 granite falls high school improvement plan

Documents