Indiana Student Achievement Institute:
Public Overview of School Improvement Plans

Lincoln Middle School: Strategy Plans

Lincoln Middle School - Strategy Plan Report (Wed Jun 19 18:37:08 EDT 2013)

SIP 2008-2009

Multi-age classroom - CSI - LINC (Learning in New Channels)

Description

Lincoln Middle School provides an alternative classroom for under-achieving students in grades 7 and 8. The student participants are invited to attend the "school-within-a-school" program based upon the student's academic performance. (The program is not intended for students who have behavioral issues; a program exists for those individuals and is located outside the confines of the school.) The classroom is staffed by an elementary licensed teacher and a full-time teaching assistant. The standards from 7th and 8th grade are taught in the self-contained classroom. Students may attend expressive arts classes with their grade-level counterparts. Teaching methodologies include differentiated instruction and non-traditional learning strategies. The goal of the program is to improve the student's attitude and self-confidence toward learning and create a successful learning environment. Parents and students are invited to an orientation session which is held in late May. The parent, student, classroom teacher, and principal will jointly develop a learning contract tailored to the individual student's needs. A conference with the student and teacher will take place each six weeks. The program will house a maximum of 20 students.

Strategy Chair: Lisa Arnett (arnettl@lcsc.k12.in.us)

Strategy plan components: Title & Description, Task Force Roster, Strategy Data, To-Do List

Focus:

Impact Level:

Energy Level:

Medium

Forces Addressed:

  • Extra Time/Help
  • Environment
  • Instruction

We are concerned that...

  • Student need extra time/help to learn hard material

Others are concerned about our...

Data Targets Addressed:

    Student groups this strategy is designed to impact:

    Data

    Who are you trying to change with this strategy? classroom teacher
    What behavior or attitude is the strategy trying to change? teacher will provide the opportunity to conference with each student during each grading period
    What will you count to see if the targeted change occurred? percent of conferences held

    Actual and target data:

    Baseline
    07-08
    Follow Up
    08-09
    1st Semester / 1st Trimester
    Follow Up
    08-09
    2nd Semester / Last Trimester
    Actual
    Target
    Actual
    Target
    Actual
             

     


    A. Parent Involvement: Parents Involved in Education (P.I.E.)

    Description

    Parents will have the opportunity throughout the school year to be better informed of their students' curriculum, success, and school policies at Lincoln Middle School. This will be accomplished through technology training, informational resources, transitional back-to-school night, parent-teacher interventions, and P.I.E. (Parents Involved in Education) meetings.

    Strategy Chair: Bonnie/Joanie Sonafrank/Beck (sonafrankb@lcsc.k12.in.us)

    Strategy plan components: Title & Description, Task Force Roster

    Focus:

    Impact Level:

    Energy Level:

    Low

    Forces Addressed:

    • Environment
    • Guidance
    • Expectations

    We are concerned that...

    Others are concerned about our...

    • Parent Involvement

    Data Targets Addressed:

      Student groups this strategy is designed to impact:


      B. Technology Coordination: Technology Support/Instruction

      Description

      Technology training and support is provided for all students and staff. All students are enrolled in a twelve-week class entitled Computer Applications. Students take this class each year as a 6th, 7th, and 8th grader. The class builds each year upon skills gained the previous year. Students use Ultra-Key, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint for classroom presentations or projects. In addition, most students are enrolled for twelve-weeks in Industrial Technology, a class which incorporations multi-media as part of the curriculum. Students take this class all three years while at LMS. Staff members are provided technology support through the Corporation technology trainer. Staff can sign-up for individual training or for training in a small group. Language Arts teachers use STAR reading and accelerated reader tests. PLATO is used to assist in remediation at all grade levels. In addition to the Computer Applications lab, another lab is available for classroom instruction. This lab also includes a digital projector to assist with instruction.

      Strategy Chair: Matt Tuggle (tugglem@lcsc.k12.in.us)

      Strategy plan components: Title & Description, Task Force Roster

      Focus:

      Impact Level:

      Energy Level:

      Low

      Forces Addressed:

      • Expectations
      • Instruction
      • Curriculum

      We are concerned that...

      Others are concerned about our...

      • Technology Coordination

      Data Targets Addressed:

        Student groups this strategy is designed to impact:


        C. Safe and Disciplined Learning Environment: Safe Schools

        Description

        Staff will continue to implement our Corporation-wide Safe Schools plan along with support the policies included in the Student/Parent Handbook. The Corporation-wide policy manual is being updated for the 2007-2008 school year as is the Student/Parent Handbook. A review of this information, highlighting major changes, will take place at the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year. In addition, the administration and the guidance department will review social issues of behavior, attitudes, choices, and common courtesies to make sure we are addressing student and staff concerns. It will be the intent of our research to develop an incentive program which will recognize students for postive behaviors.

        Strategy Chair: Jeff Canady (canadyj@lcsc.k12.in.us)

        Strategy plan components: Title & Description, Task Force Roster

        Focus:

        Impact Level:

        Energy Level:

        Low

        Forces Addressed:

        • Guidance
        • Expectations

        We are concerned that...

        Others are concerned about our...

        • Safe and Disciplined Learning Environment

        Data Targets Addressed:

          Student groups this strategy is designed to impact:


          D. Attendance: Attendance

          Description

          The administration and guidance department monitor daily attendance. Personal phone calls are made to parents if the child is not in attendance at school. Letters are sent home to communicate with the parent when their child's record of absence becomes excessive. The Corporation is currently reviewing attendance information and a new attendance policy will be in place for next school year. We currently recognize perfect attendance for each school year during our May awards program. We also recognized students for perfect attendance during ISTEP+ testing. The administration and guidance departnment will be working on an attendance incentive program for the 2008-2009 school year.

          Strategy Chair: Alan Eckelbarger (eckelbargera@lcsc.k12.in.us)

          Strategy plan components: Title & Description, Task Force Roster, To-Do List

          Focus:

          Impact Level:

          Energy Level:

          Medium

          Forces Addressed:

          • Environment
          • Expectations
          • Guidance

          We are concerned that...

          Others are concerned about our...

          • Attendance

          Data Targets Addressed:

            Student groups this strategy is designed to impact:


            G1. Exceptional Learners - Gifted

            Description

            Teachers will continue to recommend students for the accelerated math and English classes for grades 6, 7, and 8. In addition, interested students will be asked to complete an application form for the accelerated 8th grade social studies class. Staff members are encouraged to utilize questioning techniques that require higher order thinking skills. When 8th grade students are looking at their high school classes, they are encouraged to take classes toward the Acacemic Honors Diploma. During SRT, teachers of enrichment classes are encouraged to provide activities which expand the students' scope of thinking.

            Strategy Chair: Kimberly Dickson (dicksonk@lcsc.k12.in.us)

            Strategy plan components: Title & Description, Task Force Roster

            Focus:

            Impact Level:

            Energy Level:

            Low

            Forces Addressed:

            • Expectations
            • Instruction
            • Assessment

            We are concerned that...

            Others are concerned about our...

            • Exceptional Learners - Gifted

            Data Targets Addressed:

              Student groups this strategy is designed to impact:


              G2. Exceptional Learners - Special Education

              Description

              Special education teachers utilize ISTAR, TABE, and ISTEP+ to evaluate academic growth of their students. IEP's are developed through case conferences and plans for academic and behavior modifications are included and followed by all staff.

              Strategy Chair: Jamee Jones (jonesjk@lcsc.k12.in.us)

              Strategy plan components: Title & Description, Task Force Roster

              Focus:

              Impact Level:

              Energy Level:

              Low

              Forces Addressed:

              • Expectations
              • Instruction
              • Assessment

              We are concerned that...

              Others are concerned about our...

              • Exceptional Learners - Special Education

              Data Targets Addressed:

                Student groups this strategy is designed to impact:


                G2. Exceptional Learners - Special Education: inclusionary program and team teaching

                Description

                During the 2008-2009 school year, LMS special education teachers, along with the math and language arts general education teachers, will develop an inclusionary program and team teaching for the LD and MI students. Special education teachers and general education teachers will be team teaching math and language arts classes to assist the special education students in gaining skills and mastery of standards at grade level. This inclusionary setting will provide support from special education teachers who understand the students' learning styles along with expertise of the subject area general education teachers.

                Strategy Chair: Jamee Jones (jonesjk@lcsc.k12.in.us)

                Strategy plan components: Title & Description, To-Do List

                Focus:

                Impact Level:

                Energy Level:

                Medium

                Forces Addressed:

                • Expectations
                • Curriculum
                • Instruction

                We are concerned that...

                • Student need extra time/help to learn hard material

                Others are concerned about our...

                • Exceptional Learners - Special Education

                Data Targets Addressed:

                  Student groups this strategy is designed to impact:


                  G2. Exceptional Learners - Special Education: Resource Room

                  Description

                  Provide a resource room for those special education students who are having difficulty with classroom assignments or are in need of remediation in math/language arts. Special education teachers will be assigned to the resource room at least one period a day to be of assistance to the students.

                  Strategy Chair: Jamee Jones (jonesjk@lcsc.k12.in.us)

                  Strategy plan components: Title & Description

                  Focus:

                  Impact Level:

                  Energy Level:

                  Low

                  Forces Addressed:

                  • Extra Time/Help
                  • Instruction
                  • Expectations

                  We are concerned that...

                  • Student need extra time/help to learn hard material

                  Others are concerned about our...

                  • Exceptional Learners - Special Education

                  Data Targets Addressed:

                    Student groups this strategy is designed to impact:


                    H. Cultural Competency: English as a New Language

                    Description

                    Through a team of teachers we will make changes to the current ENL program by developing a "Newcomer's Program" and sheltered language arts classes for ENL students. The program was implemented during the 2007-2008 school year and will continue, making modifications where necessary and as outlined by the Migrant Program, for the next school year. The "Newcomer's Program is dedicated to helping limited English proficient newcomer students transition to the American school system as quickly and painlessly as possible. It emphasizes English language acquisition while recognizing that development of language skills is but one of the many steps in the transition process.The sheltered language arts program is an instructional approach used to make academic instruction in English understandable to LEP students. In the sheltered classroom at LMS, the teacher will use physical activities, visual aids, and the environment to teach vocabulary for concept development in mathematics and language arts. In addition, all LMS staff members will be provided training on Hispanic culture.

                    Strategy Chair: Virginia Figueroa (figueroav@lcsc.k12.in.us)

                    Strategy plan components: Title & Description, Task Force Roster, Strategy Data, To-Do List

                    Focus:

                    Impact Level:

                    Energy Level:

                    Medium

                    Forces Addressed:

                    • Environment
                    • Instruction
                    • Curriculum

                    We are concerned that...

                    Others are concerned about our...

                    • Cultural Competency

                    Data Targets Addressed:

                      Student groups this strategy is designed to impact:

                      Data

                      Who are you trying to change with this strategy? teachers
                      What behavior or attitude is the strategy trying to change? gain a better understanding of the Hispanic culture - more aware of student needs, acquire skills to help students transition in to the English culture
                      What will you count to see if the targeted change occurred? % of staff who indicate a better awareness of ENL culture and student academic needs

                      Actual and target data:

                      Baseline
                      07-08
                      Follow Up
                      08-09
                      1st Semester / 1st Trimester
                      Follow Up
                      08-09
                      2nd Semester / Last Trimester
                      Actual
                      Target
                      Actual
                      Target
                      Actual
                        60%   70%     75%  

                       


                      I. Focused Academic Area: SSP

                      Description

                      The Student Success Process is an eight step initiative to improve student performance for the ISTEP+ test. It is based on the foundation that all students can be successful regardless of subgroups. The process includes: the disaggregation of data on the basis of student assessments in the acquisition of the Indiana Academic Standards in both math and language arts. The percentage of students mastering each skill is ranked from weakest to strongest. Special attention is given to break out groups to determine if specific skills are lacking. Students are given an end of the year test over the standards. Weak standards are identified and an instructional calendar is created to decide on what standards to remediate. Teachers teach mini lessons for two weeks on a particular skill or proficiency area. Students take a test. The studetns who pass go into enrichment period and the students who fail go into tutorial and the process starts over. Program was piloted during the second semester of the 2005-2006 school year.

                      Strategy Chair: Anthony Kinney (kinneya@lcsc.k12.in.us)

                      Strategy plan components: Title & Description, Task Force Roster, Strategy Data, To-Do List

                      Focus:

                      Impact Level:

                      Energy Level:

                      High

                      Forces Addressed:

                      • Extra Time/Help
                      • Assessment
                      • Curriculum

                      We are concerned that...

                      • Student need extra time/help to learn hard material

                      Others are concerned about our...

                      Data Targets Addressed:

                        Student groups this strategy is designed to impact:

                        Data

                        Who are you trying to change with this strategy? Teachers
                        What behavior or attitude is the strategy trying to change? Improve teacher attitude toward the SSP program
                        What will you count to see if the targeted change occurred? Percent of teachers reporting that they feel that SSP is working to improve student achievement

                        Actual and target data:

                        Baseline
                        07-08
                        Follow Up
                        08-09
                        1st Semester / 1st Trimester
                        Follow Up
                        08-09
                        2nd Semester / Last Trimester
                        Actual
                        Target
                        Actual
                        Target
                        Actual
                          40%   60%     80%   N/A

                         


                        O. Extended Learning Activities: Creating Student Interventions (CSI)

                        Description

                        The CSI Club is open to all students, grades 6-8. The club meets twice a week for an hour after school, for at least six-weeks at a time. Students are selected for participation based upon grades (specifically targeting those students who have multiple F's in core subjects and have failed at least one portion of the ISTEP+ test)and also on ability. Specifically, the intent of the program is one of "accountability." Students are targeted for the program who are underachieving. Staff members supervise the tutoring sessions. The student and his parent sign a contract that states tshe student will attend at least 95% of the sessions. In addition, the student must complete classroom assignments thoroughly and on time, ask questions of the CSI Club supervisors if he does not understand the material, use assignment book, and apply himself to the best of his ability. Failure to satisfactorally complete the objectives of the program moves the student to a different intervention.

                        Strategy Chair: Jackie Danhauser (danhauserj@lcsc.k12.in.us)

                        Strategy plan components: Title & Description, Task Force Roster, Strategy Data, To-Do List

                        Focus:

                        Impact Level:

                        Energy Level:

                        High

                        Forces Addressed:

                        • Instruction
                        • Expectations
                        • Extra Time/Help

                        We are concerned that...

                        • Student need extra time/help to learn hard material

                        Others are concerned about our...

                        Data Targets Addressed:

                          Student groups this strategy is designed to impact:

                          Data

                          Who are you trying to change with this strategy? teachers
                          What behavior or attitude is the strategy trying to change? teachers providing individualized attention/help for students
                          What will you count to see if the targeted change occurred? Percent of teachers who will provide individual instruction time after school

                          Actual and target data:

                          Baseline
                          07-08
                          Follow Up
                          08-09
                          1st Semester / 1st Trimester
                          Follow Up
                          08-09
                          2nd Semester / Last Trimester
                          Actual
                          Target
                          Actual
                          Target
                          Actual
                            TBD   75%     85%