SACS Standard III

Teaching and Learning

• How are teachers supported and monitored in implementing the school curriculum?

Teachers are monitored through lesson plans that are turned in weekly and kept on their desks. Teachers are also monitored through observations done by the principal and assistant principal. During these observations the principal check for evidence of the SCOS being taught and looks for the objectives posted in the room to be aligned with the SCOS and the lesson(s) being taught. Teachers are supported by being allowed to do a variety of strategies to implement the curriculum. Both the principal and assistant principal have an open door policy where staff can feel free to discuss any concerns or successes.

• What instructional methods do teachers regularly use?

Teachers use a variety of instructional methods in the classroom. Teachers model oral and written methods of instruction. Some of the methods are direct teaching, lecture, cooperative learning, brainstorming, discussion, small group, pairs, videos/DVDs/, graphic organizers, journals, research, technology software/programs, and centers. Instruction is presented in many forms to reach visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners. Teachers give students immediate feedback on their daily class work and give the students daily positive reinforcement to help build self-esteem.

Students complete written work as well as present orally to the class. Teachers allow peer tutoring to take place in the classroom so the students may interact and learn from each other. The use of technology to aid instruction is used regularly through computer programs, software, and smartboard/interactive lessons and activities. Songs, games, and manipulatives are used daily to reach all learners in the classroom.

• How does the school protect instructional time?

Our school protects instructional time in a variety of ways. Announcements are made in the mornings and at the end of the school day. The school protects the instructional time of all students by monitoring student tardies, early dismissals, and absences. Parents are not allowed to come into the classroom during the instructional day unless there is an appointment or request by the teacher. Teachers are allowed to accept personal phone in an emergency. Teachers have a daily schedule to follow to make sure all areas of instruction are covered with the appropriate amount of time, with a beginning time for instruction to start each day and an ending time. Interruptions of the school day are for programs, pictures, and mandatory drills.

• What systems are in place to help teachers work with sending and receiving teachers to ensure continuity as students articulate through the school?

The teachers administer Pre/Post test and PSRC K-2 assessments to the students during the school year. The assessment folder is a student’s portfolio record that contains information about the student’s skills and performance level. The folders are passed to the next grade/teacher as the student advances between K-3. Then when the students reach 3rd grade they are administered Benchmark test and EOG test. These tests are available for analysis during the time the students move between grades 3, 4, and 5. A Personalized Education Plan (PEP) is completed on each student who is academically below grade level and the PEPs are put in the cumulative folders at the end of the year.

• Do teachers have ready access to instructional technology, information and media services, and materials?

Our school has a wealth of technology. Each classroom has at least four to six computers, a laptop, LCD projector, overhead projector, calculators, Palm Pilot (K-2), smarboard/interwrite board and interwrite pad. In addition, teachers use instructional technology in their classroom through the use of leapfrog leapsters, internet access; software programs and websites such as Waterford Early Literacy Program, Accelerated Reader, Study Island, Success Maker, Brainpop, Brainpop Jr., and Discovery Education. Teachers provide read along books on cassettes or CDs. Teachers use technology to assess and modify instruction to improve student learning. Some examples include Accelerated Reader, Waterford Early Literacy Program, Success Maker, Study Island, and Palm Pilot.

The media center operates on a flex schedule, where teachers can schedule to bring students for additional time to do research, prepare PowerPoint presentations or for circulation purposes. Open circulation is available for checking out and returning books and materials throughout the day for students and teachers. Most of the library books in the media center are Accelerated Reader tests. The Discovery Education website has a wide variety of videos to complement the curriculum.

• Does the school's climate support student learning?

There is a very positive climate in the school, allowing students to learn and develop as individuals. The teachers and students seem to have positive rapport. The students feel respected and well as supported. Students are friendly with their greetings and confident in themselves. They feel safe in the school environment. Students know the school and classroom rules and consequences and strive to obey the rules. Students must have a pass from the teacher to be out of their room. Every 9 weeks, students are chosen for an academic or behavior award and these awards are presented to them during assemblies. Students of the week are recognized by each teacher and school. Weekly, character education words are taught during morning and afternoon announcements and reinforced in the classroom.

• How does the school ensure equity and honor diversity?

Our teachers are required to identify students who are at-risk. Each identified student has a Personalized Education Plan (PEP). Teachers use differentiated instruction in reaching at-risk students in their learning. The goals and objectives in the PEP must be addressed and checked each nine weeks. All students are encouraged to do their best and given an opportunity to achieve to his/her ability. The curriculum provides opportunities to learn and explore different cultures which are experienced through activities using textbooks, basal readers, projects, presentations, internet, research, speakers, and programs.

In November, the school celebrates Indian Heritage Month with songs, special guest, and a program honoring Native Americans. In February the school celebrates Black History Month. Various holidays are celebrated and observed throughout the year honoring other famous Americans and other cultures around the world as well as activities and projects with each.

• How do teachers actively engage students in their learning, provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and skills to real world situations, and give students feedback on their performance?

Teachers use proven research-based instructional practices that actively engage students in the learning process and encourage students to take ownership of their learning. Teachers consistently provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and skills to real world situations. Teachers give students frequent feedback using a variety of methods to improve their performance. The preponderance of the evidence supports an overall assessment of "highly functional“ and is substantiated in the responses to the Indicators Rubric.

Thank you! Standard III Committee

Peggy OxendineLeah Lowry

Janet LocklearDana SampsonPortia PennyAnita LowryMattie Dial

Connie LocklearDeb Hammond

Jeanne B. LocklearPolly Locklear