In 2007-08, Dekaney High School was labeled Academically Unacceptable for its math scores on the state assessment. The overall student passing rate in science was even worse.

• Math — 47%• Science — 45%

By implementing a strategic planning process based on the International Center’s needs assessment process and Components of School Excellence, Dekaney jumped to the Academically Acceptable list in just one year.

Components of School Excellence • Embrace a Common Vision and Goals

• Inform Decisions Through Data Systems

• Empower Leadership Teams to Take Action and Innovate

• Clarify Student Learning Expectations

• Adopt Effective Instructional Practices

• Address Organizational Structures

• Monitor Student Progress/Improve Support Systems • Refine Process on an Ongoing Basis

Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships for ALL Students

Dekaney High SchoolSpring Independent School District, Houston, Texas

Success Story

» 2,700 Students

» 98% Minority

» 67% Economically Disadvantaged

» 5% Limited English Proficient

» 10% Special Needs

“In just three short years, Dekaney High School has proven that it is a school of possibilities – earning TEA Acceptable status after missing the target in its inaugural year as well as earning the designation as a School of Promise from the National Education Partners. Our relentless pursuit of excellence can be found everywhere in the school and I am so proud to be part of it. We are grateful for the support and guidance of the International Center. Their expertise has provided us with the knowledge and framework to continue our pursuit of excellence.”

Delic Loyde Principal CHaLLEngE

approaCH

Dekaney’s Leadership Team

Building Instructional Excellence

Principal Loyde believes that achieving excellence is about creating an environment in which each and every student can succeed. With the help of the International Center, the school dove into a school transformation process.

SuccessStory:DekaneyHighSchool2

proCESS

a Focus on School CultureThe needs assessment revealed that Dekaney needed to focus on improving a number of areas in its school culture to accelerate student performance:

• Consistent expectations• Clarity of purpose • Coordinated instructional focus• Climate of collaboration • Commitment to the success of at-risk students

Based on this analysis, strategic planning began by establishing priorities, which included:

• Developing staff consensus about the areas of focus for a schoolwide plan.

• Address academic and social success for all students. New clubs and organizations help connect students to the school in positive ways. Examples include: Teen Court; Academic Integrity; Kick-Off Mentor Program; and University Interscholastic League Academics, Academic and Decathlon

• Developing a robust system of data collection and analysis to identify priorities and drive decisions.

• Establishing a climate of high expectations and accountability for both educators and students that included clearly defined standards of performance.

• Providing a support/intervention system for students that focused on the elimination of failure.

• Focusing the greatest attention on the delivery of quality instructional experiences for students.

• Creating transition-to-high-school strategies to ensure 9th grade success.

guiding the process Using the Components of School Excellence, Dekaney began to develop a comprehensive implementation plan to guide the school reform process.

Key initiatives:

• Formative assessments were given every three weeks. Data was analyzed by grade level, ethnicity, small learning community, education team, individual teacher, and class period.

• Tiered interventions were developed, monitored, and changed every three weeks based on data and student needs.

• Core subject departments met every two weeks with district-level curriculum specialists to address classroom management and instructional strategies.

• The Dekaney High School Parent Academy is in its second year with a full slate of officers. The school has also established a Parent Center on campus that includes access to technology for parents and the communityA parent involvement plan was developed.

“I am proud of the work and results accomplished by Dekaney. It clearly shows that change is possible and we must never give up on our students. All students deserve a learning experience that will prepare them for the world in which they will live and work. Dekaney has made this commitment and is focused on improving student achievement for ALL.”

Lisa HathawayExecutive DirectorEducational Partnerships

“Dekaney High School truly serves as a model for other schools trying to change their culture and improve learning for ALL students. I am honored to work with the staff and be able to see the results of their hard work and dedication first-hand.”

rebecca HarrisonSenior ConsultantInternational Center for Leadership in Education

SuccessStory:DekaneyHighSchool2 SuccessStory:DekaneyHighSchool3

Effective Instructional practicesThe Dekaney Redesign Team established a 2009-10 improvement plan using the International Center’s Learning Criteria to Support 21st Century LearnersTM to focus on four key areas of education.

1. Foundation Learning — 9th Grade Transition

• All 1,200 incoming 9th graders scheduled into a small learning community for freshmen

• Literacy focus with development of common vocabulary and word walls in all classes to address state testing vocabulary

• Development of an academic intervention pyramid

• Credit recovery classes offered starting six weeks into the school year

• Mandatory tutorials

• Student Success Center for struggling students

• Weekly intervention team collaboration sessions

Over three years, significant gains were made in all state assessments. Pr

ofic

ienc

y

Year

ELAReading/

Social Studies

Math

Science

TPM = Texas Projection Measure for TAKS

grade 11 State assessment Scores by Subject: 2008-2010

After one year, Dekaney made significant gains and became an Academically Acceptable campus. Math scores in every student subgroup increased by 8-10 percentage points. In science, the increase was 15-20 percentage points.

rESuLtS

As a result of hard work, clearly defined goals, and a step-by-step action plan, Dekaney High School made a dramatic turnaround.

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Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships for ALL Students1587 Route 146 ▪ Rexford, NY 12148

(518) 399-2776 ▪ fax (518) 399-7607

info@leadered.com ▪ www.LeaderEd.com

Contact us to discuss how we can assist you:

Bill Daggett, Ray McNulty, and our team of skilled and experienced consultants represent the nation’s finest education leaders, practitioners and experts in leading, assisting, managing and implementing change at all levels of K-12 education.

raymond J. Mcnulty President

Dr. Willard r. DaggettChief Executive Officer

2. Stretch Learning

• Freshman Academy

• Additional Advanced Placement courses

• Credit recovery

• Small learning communities

• Designated special education co-teacher on each team

• A+ program• Additional career and technical education

courses

3. Learner Engagement

• Character Counts!

• New/varied electives to enhance and engage students

• Award-winning fine arts programs

• JROTC

• Planning sessions with core teachers twice a month to develop rigorous and relevant lesson plans

4. Personal Skill Development

• Advisory period

• Student Success Center

• Student Council

• Community mentors

• Teacher mentors

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Personal Skill Development

Stretch Learning

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Learner Engagement underpins and permeates all other d

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Intr

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to m

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Rigorous and relevant learning

broadly extending beyond minim

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Those skills, such as social, emotional, and leadership, necessary for lifelong su

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Learning Criteria