Indiana Student Achievement Institute: Document 20
Whiteland Community High Sch
Assessment: re-testing policy
This committee will continue to monitor the success of the re-testing policy. They will make recommendations and tips for encouraging students to participate in the program. An evaluation of the IRP schedule and procedures will be conducted to better implement the re-testing program.
Impact Level:
Energy Level: Low - continuation
Focus:
Bloom's Taxonomy
Teachers will receive training to create within their PLCs (Professional Learning Communities) common assessments (including activities, benchmark tests, projects, etc) that have a high level of rigor and engagement by connecting the curricululm to the relevant world. Development of an "8th" period will offer students the opportunity to be involved in structured tutoring that will occur after school. A guest speaker database program will be built up to bring career related information associated with the curriculum into the classroom.
Impact Level:
Energy Level: High
Focus:
Differentiated Instruction: Engagement
During the 2008-2009 school year, our InSai committee will research gender-based learning during the fall of 2008 in order to better engage males in the classrooms. During the spring of 2009, our committee, through professional development, will educate the faculty on methods and ideas that will encourage increased motivation among our freshmen, males, and lower achieving students.
Impact Level:
Energy Level: High
Focus:
Freshman Interventions: Guided Study Halls
Teachers and student mentors will teach study skills lessons in guided study halls for freshmen. Guided study hall will consist of freshmen students only, with upperclass mentors and faculty from the core areas present every day. Mentors will assist in study skills, answer questions, give tips on school life, and explain extracurricular activities. Students will be coached on the importance of achievement each year of high school, various forms of assessment, the importance of final exams, and different learning styles and instructional strategies. Guided study hall teachers will make weekly checks of grades and hold informal conferences with the students.
Impact Level:
Energy Level: Medium
Focus:
Freshmen Interventions: Orientation
This committee will plan and direct the freshman orientation programs,and encourage participation in extracurricular activities. This committee will assist the administration in the planning and execution of the August orientation activities for freshmen and parents. A club fair promoting extracurricular involvement will be held, and the guided study hall and mentors will be working closely with this group. Mentors and faculty will encourage participation in all aspects of school life, to increase freshmen engagement.
Impact Level:
Energy Level: Low - continuation
Focus:
A. Parent Involvement
Administrators and faculty will invite and encourage parents to attend school functions including freshmen orientation, open house, conferences, PTO meetings, and special events. Teachers will make three positive parent phone calls per week.
Impact Level:
Energy Level: High
Focus:
B. Technology Coordination
Technology will continue to be incorporated into instruction, curriculum, and assessment. Technology help is readily available via the helpdesk, and regular trainings on how to include technology in lesson plans and assessments are held by the technology staff. Summer training sessions are offered to teachers by the technology department. Teachers are encouraged to use the computer labs for benchmark common assessments, and all students must complete a computer class as a graduation requirement.
Impact Level:
Energy Level: Low - continuation
Focus:
C. Safe and Disciplined Learning Environment
This committee will continue to monitor the % of students receiving discipline referrals, particularly those due to tardies, and review and make recommendations for the attendance and discipline policies. Expectations for student behavior will be clearly stated by the administration during class meetings in August, and reinforced by reminders from teachers and features on Warrior TV, as needed.
Impact Level:
Energy Level: Low - continuation
Focus:
D. Attendance
The attendance policy as listed in the student handbook will be reviewed with students in August, published in the parent newsletter, and enforced by the administration. During class meetings at the beginning of the school year, it will be clearly stated that students are expected to attend school whenever possible, and that there is a direct correlation between attendance and mastery of academic standards. Many hands-on instructional strategies cannot be duplicated at home or made up.
Impact Level:
Energy Level: Low - continuation
Focus:
E. Offer Core 40 / Honors Courses
The Curriclum and Course Selection guide provides a complete listing all courses offered at Whiteland Community High School. All courses needed to complete a Core 40 and Honors Diploma, with a wide variety of electives, are offered.
Impact Level:
Energy Level: Low - continuation
Focus:
F. Encourage Rigorous Curriculum
Core 40 is the default diploma, and guidance counselors and advisors will encourage the Core 40 and Honors Diploma curriculum during 8th grade scheduling meetings and scheduling conferences with all students. Advisors will encourage students to take a rigorous curriculum in their individual meetings with advisees.
Impact Level:
Energy Level: Low - continuation
Focus:
G1. Exceptional Learners - Gifted
The Differentiated Instruction committee will incorporate strategies for gifted students into our professional development sessions. The sessions will be part of our corporation professional development days, and will include tips, examples, and practice time. Faculty will be encouraged to provide enrichment opportunities for gifted students, and to explore tiered assignments and projects.
Impact Level:
Energy Level: Low - continuation
Focus:
G2. Exceptional Learners - Special Education
The Differentiated Instruction Committee will conduct training on our online system of IEP's at the beginning of each semester (August and Janurary.)The committee will plan and carry out professional development sessions highlighting instructional strategies aimed at special education students. The sessions will be held on the corporation provided professional developments days.
Impact Level:
Energy Level: Low - continuation
Focus:
H. Cultural Competency
These efforts are to raise awareness and appreciate the diversity of our community, particularly our increasing population of Punjabi families. Bobbie Wayman will publish a monthly newsletter focused on Punjabi culture; a cultural awareness component will be part of freshman orientation, and our building will participate in the corporation's Cultural Celebration Week in February. John Schilawski will coordinate the planning of dance demonstrations, guest speakers, and ethnic foods.
Impact Level:
Energy Level: Low - continuation
Focus: