Post on 21-Jan-2016
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School Improvement Strategies and Communication for Change
EDU 649
Submitted To:
Dr. Stephen Knobl
Graduate Studies in Education
School of Education and Social Services
Saint Leo University
Submitted By:
Colleen Burr
Michaela Grady
Stephen Hilderbrand
Thomas Horne
Hayden Riggs
June 14, 2014
We must all work together tomake everyone better!
Todays Agenda Review the School Climate Survey Review Opportunities for Stakeholders Review Steps in which to Implement
Opportunities Reviews Strategies to Improve School
Climate for Stakeholders Review Strategies and Steps to Improve
Morale and Collegiality with Teachers and Stakeholders
School Climate Survey Results for Sarasota School District
Sarasota Middle Total students 1,143 Total teacher 69 Teacher-student ratio
17:1 Free/Reduced lunch 32%
White students 81% Black 1% Hispanic 8% Asian 3%
Woodland Middle
Total students 765 Total teacher 51 Teacher-student ratio
15:1 Free/Reduced lunch 64%
White students 68% Black 16% Hispanic 14% Asian 2%
Sarasota and Woodland Middle Staff Survey
Staff Agreed Responses:
I am treated with respect at my school/work site
The school/work site administration encourage a climate of respect for persons from diverse backgrounds.
Sarasota and Woodland Middle Staff Survey Agreements Ways to maintain respect for staff:
Avoid scheduling staff meetings during a week that teachers are preparing for conferences;
Schedule as few meetings as possible during the first quarter;
Ensure that a particular week is not burdened with meetings, holidays, observations, and planning time;
Protect teachers from interruptions; Honor teachers’ break time (NAESP)
Sarasota and Woodland Middle Staff Survey Agreements Ways to maintain respect for staff during critical or high-need times (FCAT Testing, days prior to vacation and events):
Providing breakfast or lunch for teachers and staff Visible walk-throughs by the administration and
acknowledging hard work with thank you notes and announcements.
Ensure all teachers get allotted breaks during critical times (administration may have to relieve teachers for their break).
Sarasota and Woodland Middle Parent Survey
Parent Agreed Responses: I am informed about my child’s
academic progress.
There is a high expectation for student conduct and good behavior at this school.
Sarasota and Woodland Middle Parent SurveyWays to maintain communication with parents:
Students self monitoring grade activity through charts and graphs with required parent signature.
Parent conferences Open houses Monthly newsletters Emails and online parent portal on school
website that accesses student’s grades. Cox, J. (2014)
Sarasota and Woodland Middle Parent SurveyWays to maintain communication to reach a multitude of parents:
Parent conferences- Skype will be set up for parents with Skype access, parents without Skype or transportation to the school a Visiting Teacher can be sent to the house to deliver information
Open House- film and burn DVDs of presentations that can be checked out in the school library or downloaded from school website.
Contacting parents- school call outs on the phone, if parent does not have phone or email, additional letters/flyers will be sent home via postal mail.
Sarasota and Woodland Middle Student SurveyStudent Agreed Responses:
My school is a safe place
School rules are clearly communicated to students.
Sarasota and Woodland Middle Student Survey
Ways to maintain student safety:
Administrators provide leadership in assessing, developing, and monitoring the safe-school plan.
Administrators establish a continuous system of school crime tracking, reporting, and feedback, and provide this information to concerned parties.
Administrators design a school environment that ensures safe traffic patterns within and to and from school.
Administrators adopt procedures for emergency evacuation and crisis management.
Teachers respond to students in a caring and non-shaming manner.
Teachers display diligent and impartial behavior when supervising students.
Teachers participate in the development of a school safety plan, discipline code, and racial and sexual harassment policy.
Parents are equal partners with administrators and teachers in the development of the school safety plan and discipline code. Their recommendations on policy and implementation are carefully considered
(NCREL, 1996)
Sarasota and Woodland Middle Student SurveyWays to maintain student behavior expectations: When expectations are put into practice, they promote
responsibility and togetherness. Things work better. People get along better. Kids can feel pride in their classroom community.
Teachers consider the teaching and modeling of pro-social behavior to be as important as the teaching of academic subjects.
Teachers display diligent and impartial behavior when supervising students. They use a consistent and prompt manner to grant rewards for good behavior and sanctions for unacceptable behavior.
Teachers participate in the development of a school safety plan, discipline code, and racial and sexual harassment policy. They also play a responsible part in the implementation of such policies by promptly and consistently reporting incidents of misbehavior, crime, violence, and harassment.
(NASSP)
Sarasota and Woodland Middle Student SurveyProgramming for pitfalls in school safety and behavior expectations: Student being afraid to report safety concerns for
fear of being labeled a “snitch”: Students and parents will be provided with email or text number of an administrator so that “anonymous” reports can be made. Follow up will be made with parents.
New students who arrive mid-year: All new students will have a “new student checklist” upon arrival. It would require them to meet with administration to learn school expectations.
Sarasota and Woodland Middle Staff Survey
Staff Disagreed Responses:
My school/work site administration treats all staff in an equitable manner.
The school/ work site administration effectively handles student discipline and behavioral problems.
I have the opportunity to be involved in the making of important decisions that impact the quality of teaching and learning in my school/ work site.
Research Show That Faculty/Staff Value Principal’s That Support: Continued education of teachers Behavioral needs in the classroom Classroom visits Timely feedback Collaboration Time with fellow teachers Practical Professional Education
Action Plan for the Faculty/ Staff To create a Leadership Team that is supporting both teachers and
principals, and at the same time create equality at a school our school plans to implement a Leadership Schedule. Many teachers describe a lack of time as the greatest challenge to increasing the number of teachers in leadership roles. Time for leadership activities must be built into a teacher's schedule so that they don't need to carry a full class load and also squeeze in time to lead during their planning time or hours outside the classroom (Supporting Teacher Leadership, 1998). Implementing a Leadership Schedule will drive down stress within the school, which will provide for more powerful instruction in the classroom.
To aid with student discipline and behavior the school will implement a Positive Behavior Support Program (PBS). PBS is a program that celebrates the positive, and down plays the negative. This program is typically headed by the school Behavior Coach or Dean. It is a program to runs on consistency with all stakeholders celebrating the good that students do.
Sarasota and Woodland Middle Parent SurveyParent Disagreed Responses:
There is opportunity to give input to improve my child’s school.
The administration at my child’s school is visible, making frequent contact with students, parents and teachers.
I believe that my child’s school serves lunches that are nutritious and taste good.
Research Shows That Parents Value Principals That: It might be dated but some things never
run out. Jane C. Lindle said, “ it’s not professionalism that parents want but rather the personal touch” (1989).
Create a partnership Communicate Allow a level of Governance from
parents(Marzano, R. 2005)
Action Plan To Meet the Needs of the Parents Parents desire an administration that is more visible at school. To achieve this
goal principals will implement a new daily schedule that will allow them to be in the classroom. To help with this the teachers will respond to a weekly e-mail that the district will review simply answering the question, Was a school Leader in your room this week? If the percentage is too low then the administration will have a negative on their evaluation. If teachers do not answer the electronic e-mail question then one will be hand delivered to them in the classroom. We will use the same survey/ question for both school to provide consistency. The results of this will be posted on the school web-site monthly for stakeholders to view.
To provide parents the opportunity to give input will be provided the opportunity to join one of three organizations within the school. The organizations for the parents to join and support are: PTSA, SAC, and P.A.S.T (Parents and Students Together, Because Together We Can). P.A.S.T will help lead non-curricular Organizations such as debate, drama, cooking, running/fitness clubs. The goal will be to have 25% of parents involved in these different programs. For those that do not join the schools will have certain events (i.e Bring Dad To School Day) which will give parents a snap shot of what is going on and incline them to participate on a greater scale.
Sarasota and Woodland Middle Student SurveyStudent Disagreed Responses:
My school acknowledges the achievements of students for all types of accomplishments so that many students have an opportunity to be recognized.
I know where to report an unsafe situation involving myself or other students.
My school offers a wide variety of activities to keep me interested in school.
Research Shows that Students Value a Principal That: Students want an environment that is conducive
to learning. They need to be respected by their peers and
teachers. Students need to feel safe physically and able to
take risks intellectually in classrooms. They want opportunities to be challenged, ways
to apply what they learn to the real world, and discussions about current events (Citizen League 2008)
Action Plan to Meet the Needs of the Students To fulfill the students need for an environment conducive to
learning we will implement a school wide PBS Program where we celebrate the positives in school.
To help students feel as though they are respected all teachers will be at their door to greet the students into class, and teachers will allow students to part of the procedure process in class.
To help insure the safety of all students the school will have a school wide discipline plan that has steps for every teacher to follow. Also, the school will conduct monthly drills for different situations that may occur.
In order for the students to feel challenged there will be a gifted team per grade level. Teacher will also strive to implement the values of the IB Program were community service is emphasized.
Strategies to Improve the Climate-student achievement Acknowledge students daily, weekly, monthly,
quarterly and yearly for their accomplishments (classroom-management-success.org, 2009) Display student learning throughout school and
classroom PBS program celebrations daily and monthly Quarterly and yearly academic celebrations Contact and invite parents to attend the ceremonies Post student names in newsletter, on the website
and in weekly connect education call when appropriate
Strategies to Improve the Climate-student achievement Vary recognition by considering behaviors, academics,
growth, the arts, community involvement, social interactions and any other positive behavior worth noting Daily Positive Student Behavior (PBS) Citizen per class Honor Roll and Principal’s List ceremony each report card
period Most improved student each marking period Physical Education Fitness awards Artist of the month club Musician of the month club Student volunteer awards Special education student liaison Good citizen award
Strategies to Improve the Climate-student achievement Use a variety of school personnel to recognize students-
specialists, resource teachers, administrators and support staff Classroom teachers Resource teachers (ESE, VE, Etc) Art teachers PE teachers Music teachers Chorus and Band Directors Principal Assistant Principal Guidance Councilor Behavior Specialist Cafeteria Staff Support Staff and Aids Other students
Strategies to Improve the Climate-reporting to improve safety Provide parents and students a copy of
school safety policies and crisis plan Use creative ways to publish for easy
access for all families Post on website Print hard copies for distribution at PTA
and SAC meetings Make translated copies available for
families with limited English
Strategies to Improve the Climate-reporting to improve safety Administrators, teachers and staff must
be visible and present to address safety issues Post Safety Meeting Minutes Survey and assess safety drills Provide feedback to safety concerns-
written and verbal
Strategies to Improve the Climate-reporting to improve safety Provide crisis training and professional
development for the school and the community based on safety needs of the school and students District Wide Training day for teachers at the
start of the school year. Workshop for families after PTA or SAC meeting
to educate on safety Question and Answer session with families and
school administrators to answer concerns and alleviate fears
Strategies to Improve the Climate-variety of activities Provide a variety of choices to students throughout the
school year and the instructional day (provost.tufts.edu, 2010) Electives Student choice day Learning styles Students choose how to show learning
Slide show Drama News article Debate Essay Virtual field trips
Strategies to Improve the Climate-variety of activities Survey students for activity ideas to
interest all students Written interest surveys-individual and
common Online surveys such as Survey Monkey Conferring with students for interest to
identify learning styles Reading interest survey to build libraries Provide survey feedback for students and
families
Strategies to Improve the Climate-variety of activities Use student strengths, learning styles, and interests
when developing activities for multiple intelligences (edutopia.org, 2008) Modeling Scaffolding Coaching Vary stimuli Examples Open ended questioning Feedback for mastery Problem solving Peer Interaction Self Assessment
Strategies to Improve the Climate-variety of activities Provide a variety of choices to students
throughout the school year and the instructional day
Survey students for activity ideas to interest all students
Use student strengths, learning styles, and interests when developing activities
Use multiple intelligences when creating and establishing activities
Strategies to Motivate Teachers and Stakeholders Streamline procedures, policies and paperwork
for teachers, parents and community members School leaders set examples through work
habits and being involved Put aside personal issues while with students,
teachers and community members Recognize persons that achieve special tasks
or achievements: on website, in the newsletter or the media (Education World, n.d.)
Strategies to Build Collegiality with stakeholders Prepare staff for change and to be
flexible Focus all partnerships on problem-
solving and school vision Communicate: honestly, with trust to
earn trust, with respect to earn respect in all forms of communication (Rakes G, n.d.)
Snap Shot of a Positive School Climate Open and caring Student and vision focused Trusted and respectful Supportive of teachers and community Clear and frequent communications with
teachers and stakeholders Interactive with the community Welcoming of community interaction
(Rakes G, n.d.)
How this Builds Community
We are creating a sense of belonging through determining everyone's needs, ensuring everyone knows they are valued
We are creating unity through surveys to determine what people need as a whole and not leaving anyone due to multiple methods of information access
We are creating interdependence by reaching out to parents and community members for help and to help
We are creating trust and respect for the school and the community though open, honest and concise communication venues. We are creating clear paths to follow that will lead to success for our students.
We are creating socially responsible environments with our staff, students and parents, through our surveys, volunteer programs, and community service programs, that will cause all of us to better learn and serve ourselves, our children, our schools, and our community as whole. (St. Leo University, n.d.)
Online Access to Information http://coastalpalm.weebly.com Contact form Community Vision Meetings and Presentations Upcoming Events
References Citizen Schools Lessons at a Glance. (2008) Retrieved from: http:// www.edutopia.org/citizen-schools-lessons
Classroom Learning Activities. (2010)Retrieved from: http://provost.tufts.edu/celt/files/activelearningtipsheet_march2010.pdf Classroom Management Success: Principals and Practice (2009) Retrieved from: http://www.classroom-management-success.org/manage-learning-space.html Education World (n.d.) How to Keep Good teachers Motivated. Retrieved on June 2, 2014 from http://www.educationworld.com/a_admin/admin/admin289.shtml NASSP. Retrieved from: http//www.nassp.org/tabid/3788/default.aspx?
topic=Expectatios_Do_You_Have_Them_Do_Students_Get_Them NCREL. (1996). Retrieved from: http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/envrnmnt/drugfree/sa200.htm St Leo University (n.d.) Mission and Values. Retrieved on June 9, 2014 from http:// saintleo.learningstudio.com
RubricCriteria1Knowledge of effective communication practices that accomplish school and system-wide goals by building and maintaining collaborative relationships with stakeholders. LOM 3Performance Levels Missing Novice Basic Proficient Exceptional Collect and examine the results of the most recent School Climate Survey for each of your schools. Analyze data and communicate, in writing, strategies for creating opportunities within a school that engagestakeholders. (LOM FELE 3.5.2) <14.7 14.8-14.9 15-16.5 16.6-18 19-20 Analyze these to provide next steps or strategies to improve the climate for each stakeholder within the survey. Analyze data and communicate, in writing, appropriate information to stakeholders. ( LOM FELE 3.5.1) <14.7 14.8-14.9 15-16.5 16.6-18 19-20 Create printed information ,such as a fact sheet, question and answer, handout, or other format, to communicate data to stakeholder . Analyze data and communicate, in writing, strategies that increase motivation and improve morale while promoting collegial efforts. (LOM FELE 3.5.3)14.8-14.9 15-16.5 16.6-18 19-20 Provides new and explicit steps and processes for the plan implementation. Determine and select strategies that are motivational and interactive to demonstrate a focus on the school vision. Analyze data and communicate, in writing, strategies for creating opportunities within a school that engage stakeholders. (LOM FELE 3.5.2) <14.7 14.8-14.9 15-16.5 16.6-18 19-20 Use technology to include interactive links1-7-4 7.5-8.2 8.3-9.4 9.5 -10 Writing adheres to current APA format and style 1 -3.74 3.75 -4.14 4.15- 4.74 4.75 – 5
Saint Leo Core value of Community is integrated Community included 1 -3.74 3.75-4.14 4.15- 4.74 4.75-5