Rising to the Top:

Rising to the Top:School Culture Reform1Welcome!Before we begin.Everyone received a card with a QR code for access to the presentation and contact information.Please text any questions throughout the presentation to 22333 using the instructions on the card and they will be answered at the end of the presentation.

2ObjectivesThe participants will be able to compare, analyze, and evaluate a variety of strategies to:Significantly improving the school culture.Engage students as active participants in the school community.Engage students in the classroom through a 1-to-1 technology model.3Introductions and Good Things4Simple Rubric for School CultureSchool culture is the set of norms, values, beliefs, rituals and ceremonies, symbols, and stories that make up the persona of a school. (Cromwell, 2002)

Culture can be positive or toxic. 5School CulturePositive culture is a place where educators have an unwavering belief in the ability of all their students to achieve success.-PetersonSchool CultureToxic culture is a place where educators believe that student success is based on students level of concern, attentiveness, prior knowledge, and willingness to comply with the demands of the school.-PetersonR.B. Stall High SchoolUrban School in North Charleston, SCDemographics:63% African American22% Hispanic11% White4% Bi-racial/Asian/Pacific Islander84% Free/Reduced Lunch (Poverty Index =94.3)16% Special Education

8Demographics Cont.Increasing Enrollment

Transient Student Population547 students enrolled or transferred Q1 2013-2014

9Academic Data10Strategies for Improving School Culture11Strategies for Improving School CultureLeadershipArticulating a clear vision to faculty and studentsBecome a high-performing high schoolI will graduateIt is a great day to be a warrior.Described to faculty what it would look like when we began achieving this vision.

12Strategies for Improving School CultureShift Focus to AcademicsEstablishing systemsPD calendar, PLCs, Focus teamsRevisited policies with teacher inputCreated organizational chartAssociate Principal of CurriculumInstructional Coaches in Math and ScienceAddendums to teacher contracts

13Strategies for Improving School CultureImplement School-wide Grading PolicyDeveloped by a teacher-led Focus TeamThis is an essential part of a positive culture, because it provides a chance for all students to be successful. Mastery is the heart of the policy, students are permitted to work towards mastery on summative assessments. 14Strategies for Improving School CultureEmbracing DiversityConnecting our growing Latino population with the school communityPopulation increased from 12% to 22%Hosting annual Latino FestivalMeeting with groups of leaders within the Latino CommunityPresenting to Latino parents about relevant school topicsIncreasing Accessibility to parents at parent meetings (translation devices)

15Strategies for Improving School CultureCapturing Kids Hearts The Flippen Group (click here for link)3 Day training for all staff members (certified and classified).Transformed the RELATIONSHIPS between all members of the school communityProduces common language and procedures for all staffClassroom expectations/rules (Social Contracts)Classroom management (4 questions)Classroom Model (EXCEL)

16Strategies for Improving School CultureWhy did CKH work for us?Non-Negotiable (included in teacher contracts)Consistent implementation (3 years and counting)Full training for all new staff every AugustAnnual follow-up Momentum training for returning staff to refresh and strengthen specific areasAdditional training for leadershipProcess ChampionsTeacher LeadersLeadership BlueprintSchool Leadership17Strategies for Improving School CultureWhy did CKH work for us? ContSchool leadership continues to model CKH at all times and has evolved into how we do businessFaculty MeetingsDepartment MeetingsPLCs, etc

18Strategies for Improving School CultureOutcomesStudent Discipline-42%!!-45%!!19Strategies for Improving School CultureOutcomesSurvey DataPercent Satisfied with the Learning Environment20Strategies for Improving School CultureOutcomesSurvey DataPercent Satisfied with the Social and Physical Environment21Engaging Students in the School CommunityStrategies to Engage Student in the School CommunityGreatly Expand the number of Student Clubs offeredIncreased from 5 to 68 clubs offered (contracts)Incorporated during the school day to make ensure accessibilityVariety of clubs range from DECA and FBLA to Puzzle, Board Game or Comic book

23Strategies to Engage Student in the School CommunityIncrease extracurricular opportunitiesSwimming TeamGolf TeamRugby TeamSteel DrumsDramaChorusRobotics competition Student Organizations (HOSA, FBLA, NSBE)

Cultivate school spirit by allowing athletic gear and school t-shirts in the dress code policy.24Strategies to Engage Student in the School CommunityAcademy ModelDivide the school into smaller learning communitiesQuarterly Assemblies (or more)Students recognition for Honor Roll, Perfect Attendance, and Heart of the WarriorHave Assistant Principals articulate vision to both teachers and studentsSpeakers BureauHarlem Globe Trotters, Cultural Groups, Motivational Speakers, Entrepreneurs, Senator Scott25Strategies to Engage Student in the School CommunityTiered Support SystemSecured funding and grants to adequately support our neediest and most at-risk studentsGuidance counselors (1 bilingual)CIS Counselors-dropout prevention (4 full-time counselors)COPE- MUSC counselorsWisest Warriors- Community mentors for potentially college-bound students reading below grade level.26Engaging Students in the ClassroomEngaging Students in the ClassroomUsing Technology to increase classroom engagementR. B. Stall High School has been a 1-to-1 iPad school since 2011Funded through a School Improvement Grant, now continued support through a district awarded RTT grant.28Engaging Students in the ClassroomiPads in the ClassroomPD and Technology Instructional Coordinator to build teacher capacityIncreased accessibility to technologyInitially Edmodo, now iTunes U and iBooksCreates opportunity to implement a flipped classroom modelFocus is now on Personalized Learning

29LaunchZorrie Green

Rising to the Top:School Culture ReformMr. Kim WilsonKim_Wilson@charleston.k12.sc.us

Mr. Jeremy CarrickJeremy_Carrick@charleston.k12.sc.us