School Improvement Plan

Northampton Public Schools

2007-2008 School Improvement Plan Northampton High School 380 Elm Street Northampton, MA 01060 Beth Singer, Principal

School Name: Northampton High School School Code: 505 Address: 380 Elm Street, Northampton, MA 01060 E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: 413-587-1341 Fax: 413-587-1374

School Improvement Council Membership: Team Co-Chair: Lonnie Kaufman Principal Co-Chair: Beth Singer Faculty Members: Ellen Hirschberg, Maureen Moore, Beth Singer, Ben Taglieri Parent’s Association President: Barbara Allen Parent Members:

Lonnie Kaufman, Denise Lello, Ken Moore, Stella Xanthakos

Community Member: Sam Intrator

*Indicates that the person has reviewed this document. Comments may be attached to this Plan.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Membership

2

Table of Contents

3

Mission Statement of Northampton High School

4

Profile of Northampton High School

5–7

NHS Demographic Data

8

NHS Assessment Data

9 – 12

Progress on Goals for 2006 – 2007 School Year

13 – 18

Goals and Objectives for 2007 – 2008 School Year 19 – 23

3

MISSION STATEMENT The fundamental mission of Northampton High School is to ensure that all students strive for academic excellence by providing the opportunities for students to develop intellectually, emotionally, socially and physically in a safe and supportive environment. Our greatest challenge is to help all students recognize and develop their individual potential as reflective thinkers who can participate in the larger community as critical, creative thinkers and life-long learners. We encourage open communication and mutual respect among all who are involved with Northampton High School. We welcome positive, working relationships with students, families and the community at large. Northampton High School affirms its commitment to educate all students by providing a quality education, which will prepare them to become informed, literate, socially responsible individuals in a changing, global, technological society. Expectations Northampton High School students will develop and demonstrate characteristics of a responsible learner and a responsible member of a learning community by displaying: . responsibility for one's own behavior and actions . reading, listening and viewing skills for information, understanding and enjoyment . awareness of the many facets of the creative arts . clear persuasive writing and speaking skills . productive use and understanding of technology to obtain, exchange, evaluate and organize information . study skills necessary to fulfill their academic potential as life-long learners . a desire to challenge themselves and strive for academic excellence . the ability to think critically and creatively by identifying problems, asking essential questions, analyzing materials, researching information and drawing conclusions . participation in community and/or school activities . competence in mathematical reasoning, application and computational skills . application of scientific methodology and design processes in problem-solving . tolerance, respect and understanding of the similarities and differences among people . responsible judgment that promotes personal, physical and emotional well-being . skills in presenting and communicating ideas and information effectively in a variety of forms . an ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively as part of a team . a knowledge of World History and the American system of government . the knowledge and skills needed to participate in American society and the democratic process . awareness and understanding of the diversities of American and World cultures Northampton High School will: . provide and ensure that high academic standards are maintained and measured by using a variety of assessment tools . provide a safe, respectful learning environment . foster effective communication among staff, students and parents . provide a variety of instructional programs and appropriate accommodations for all students . provide students with a varied program of extra-curricular activities . provide opportunities for professional staff development . recognize and publicize achievements of all members of the school community . foster faculty, student, family and community involvement in school governance . provide for on-going evaluation and revision of existing courses and programs . provide a variety of counseling and health services for all students to assist them with their individual needs

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PROFILE 2007-2008

SCHOOL Northampton High School is a 4-year, public secondary school located in the city of Northampton, Massachusetts. Northampton is a middle income, residential city with a rich cultural life located in the Connecticut River Valley, twenty miles from Springfield, in Western Massachusetts, with a population of 30,000. The school population benefits from local educational resources such as Smith College, the Smith Art Museum, the University of Massachusetts, Holyoke Community College, and the general five-college area. Northampton High School has a professional staff of 75, including four guidance counselors and three administrators. Enrollment for 2007-2008 is 922 students with a senior class of 222. The student body includes 64 students from neighboring communities who have “chosen” to attend Northampton High School. Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Northampton High School is on a 4X4 Block Schedule with 85 minute periods in a 37 week school year. Approximately 77% of graduates continue their education.

CURRICULUM A student typically earns 8 credits each year. Generally, a student schedule includes three core subjects and one or two electives each semester. All courses are college preparatory unless designated as Honors, Advanced Placement or Applied. A total of 28 credits are required for graduation, including 4 credits of English, 1 credit of Writing, 3 credits each of Social Studies, Mathematics and Sciences, and 1 credit of Wellness. An additional 2 credits must be earned from either Math, Science, Social Studies, English, or World Language. Courses which meet alternate days earn .5 credits. Beginning with the Class of 2009, 30 credits will be required for graduation. The curriculum includes Consumer Science, English, Fine and Performing Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Technology, Wellness, and World Languages (French, Latin, Spanish). Honors courses are offered in English, World History II, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre Calculus, Art, Biology, Chemistry, and level four and five World Languages. Advanced Placement courses include: English Language, English Literature, Modern European History, U.S. History, Economics, Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, French and Spanish. Students enrolled in AP classes are required to take AP exams. Placement in Honors level and Advanced Placement courses requires a teacher recommendation. Students may also enroll in courses at local colleges to pursue advanced study. Applied courses include: Mathematics, Anatomy, Biology and Chemistry. Applied and Developmental courses are designed for students who benefit from small classes geared toward individual needs.

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GRADE POINT AVERAGE An unweighted grade point average is computed. With the exception of Developmental courses, all graded courses are included in the calculation (Pass/Fail courses are not included). Numerical grades were initiated for the 2003-2004 school year. A student’s grade point average is calculated at the end of junior year, at the end of first semester senior year, and at the end of senior year. Northampton High School does not provide individual rank-in-class ratings. Students will receive a P for satisfactory work or an F for unsatisfactory work in the following courses (these are not calculated in the GPA): Internship, Peer Tutoring, Teacher Assistant, Work Experience, Work Study. GRADING Grade 95 – 100 90 – 94 87 – 89 84 – 86 80 – 83 77 – 79 74 – 76 70 – 73 60 – 69 Below 60

SCHOLASTIC ASSESSMENT TEST

Grade Point Value 4.0 3.7 3.3 3.0 2.7 2.3 2.0 1.7 1.0 0.0

CLASS OF 2006 Number tested: Average Verbal Mean: Average Math Mean: Average Writing Mean:

170 549 557 539

FOLLOW-UP STUDY OF GRADUATES Number of Graduates Four-Year College Two-Year, Nursing Employment Military Vocational Other

2007 215 68% 16% 6% 4% 0.4% 6%

2006 205 66% 21% 6% 1% 0.5% 2%

2005 224 63% 25% 4% 1% 0.8% 6%

2004 195 64% 13% 5% 1% 0.5% 16%

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2003 185 64% 17% 4% 1% 0.5% 12%

2002 189 63% 20% 5% 3% 2% 8%

Students in the Class of 2007 were accepted to the following colleges and universities: Adelphi University Alfred University Allegheny College American International College American University Antioch College Appalachian State Arizona State University Assumption College Bard College Barnard College Bates College Bay Path College Bay State College Becker College Bennington College Bentley University Boston College Boston Conservatory Boston University Bridgewater State College Bryant University Carleton College Catholic Univ of America City College of New York Clark University Clarkson University Colgate University College of the Holy Cross College of Saint Rose College of Santa Fe Colorado Film School Columbia University Connecticut College Cornell University Curry College

Drew University Lesley College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Univ of California at Santa Barbara Drexel University Long Island Univ Rice University Univ of California at Santa Cruz Earlham College Louis & Clark College Roberts Wesleyan College University of Hartford Eckerd College Loyola University, Chicago Rochester Institute of Technology University of Maine Elms College Macalester College Roger Williams University U. of Mass Commonwealth College Emerson College Manhattanville College Rollins College U. of Massachusetts, Amherst Emmanuel College Manhattan School of Music Rutgers University U. of Massachusetts, Dartmouth Endicott College Marietta College Sacred Heart University University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Eugene Lang College Maryland Institute Coll. of Art Salem State College University of New England Fairfield University Marymount Manhattan College Santa Clara University University of New Hampshire Fitchburg State College Massachusetts College of Art Sarah Lawrence College University of New Haven Fordham University Mass. College of Liberal Arts Seton Hall University University of Pennsylvania University of Rhode Island Framingham State College Mass Coll of Pharmacy & Health Serv Siena College Franklin-Pierce College Mass Institute of Tech (MIT) Simmons College University of Rochester George Washington University McGill University Skidmore College University of San Francisco Georgetown University Michigan State University Smith College University of Vermont Georgia State University Mitchell College Southern CT State University of Wisconsin, Madison Goucher College Mt. Holyoke College Southern New Hampshire Univ. Ursinus College Green Mountain College Mt. Ida College Springfield College Vassar College Greenfield Community College Muhlenberg College Springfield Technical Comm. Coll. Villanova University Guilford College New England Art Institutes St. Anselm College Warren Wilson College Hamilton College New England College St. Joseph's University Washington State University Hampshire College New York University St. Lawrence University Washington Univ in St. Louis Hartt School Newbury College St. Michael's College Wellesley College Hartwick College Northeastern University State University of New York Wells College Haverford College Northern Arizona State University Stetson University Wesleyan University Stonehill College West Virginia University Hobart & William Smith Colleges Oberlin College Hofstra University Occidental College Suffolk University Western New England College Holyoke Community College Ohio Wesleyan University Swarthmore College Westfield State College Iona College Olin College of Engineering Syracuse University Wheaton College (MA) Ithaca College Pace University Temple University Worcester Polytechnic Inst. (WPI) Johnson and Wales University Paul Smith's College Trinity College Worcester State College Juniata College Pitzer College Tufts University Yale University Kalamazoo College Plymouth State University Tulane University Kenyon College Quinnipiac University Union College Lasell College Reed College Univ of California at Davis

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School Demographics Northampton High School Enrollment - 2006-07 (Oct 1 data) School District Total Count 887 2,849

Enrollment - 2005-06 School 901

Total Count

Race/Ethnicity (%) African American Asian Hispanic Native American White Multi-Ethnic (Non-Hispanic) *

3.3% 5.2% 9.5% 0.0% 79.1% 2.4%

3.6% 4.6% 12.9% 0.1% 75.9% 3.0%

Race/Ethnicity (%) African American Asian Hispanic Native American White Multi-Ethnic (Non-Hispanic) *

3.0% 5.0% 10.3% 0.0% 79.1% 2.6%

4.2% 4.6% 12.4% 0.2% 75.7% 2.8%

Gender (%) Male Female

47.4% 52.6%

49.5% 50.5%

Gender (%) Male Female

47.8% 52.2%

49.9% 50.1%

Selected Populations (%) Limited English Proficiency Low-income Special Education First Language Not English Migrant

0.8% 17.7% 12.2% 6.2% 0.0%

1.6% 25.1% 20.7% 7.5% 0.0%

Selected Populations (%) Limited English Proficiency Low-income Special Education First Language Not English Migrant

0.0% 1.1% 17.6% 11.3% 6.7% 0.0%

0.0% 2.3% 26.3% 19.3% 7.8% 0.0%

District 2940

* Multi-Ethnic Non-Hispanic new category in 2005-06

8

Total Count

Enrollment - 2004-05 School 903

Race/Ethnicity (%) African American Asian Hispanic Native American White

District 2990

Enrollment - 2003-04 School TOTAL COUNT 930

District 2978

Race/Ethnicity African American Asian Hispanic Native American White

2.6% 4.8% 10.5% 0.2% 81.8%

3.6% 4.5% 11.5% 0.5% 80.0%

50.2% 49.8%

Gender Male Female

46.8% 53.2%

50.7% 49.3%

0.0% 1.8% 24.4% 18.5% 7.9% 0.0%

Selected Populations (%) Limited English Proficiency Low-income Special Education (not reported in FY2004) Migrant

0.6% 17.5% 10.9%

2.1% 23.3% 16.7%

0.1%

0.1%

3.3% 5.2% 10.7% 0.4% 80.3% 0.0%

5.1% 4.8% 11.3% 0.4% 78.4% 0.0%

Gender (%) Male Female

47.1% 52.9%

Selected Populations (%) Limited English Proficiency Low-income Special Education First Language Not English Migrant

0.0% 0.8% 16.3% 12.0% 7.9% 0.0%

Northampton High School: MCAS Performance

Grade 10 MCAS - 2006 Students in Advanced or Proficient Category 100%

KEY: State Avg for all students ELA MATH

ELA Math

% of students

80% 60%

State Avg for a student subgroup ELA MATH

40% 20% 0%

Regular Ed. White

Regular Ed. ALANA

Low Income

Regular Income

SPED

All Students

Five Year MCAS History GRADE 10 ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS PERFORMANCE LEVEL ADVANCED PROFICIENT NEEDS IMPROVEMENT FAILING

2002 26% 43% 25% 6%

2003 28% 43% 23% 6%

2004 23% 51% 18% 8%

2005 29% 42% 23% 6%

GRADE 10 MATHEMATICS 2006 16% 66% 15% 3%

PERFORMANCE LEVEL ADVANCED PROFICIENT NEEDS IMPROVEMENT FAILING

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2002 29% 26% 29% 17%

2003 24% 25% 34% 17%

2004 35% 35% 19% 12%

2005 55% 23% 14% 8%

2006 52% 30% 14% 4%

Northampton High School: Five Year MCAS Comparison by Subgroups (by income, race, ed status) Percent of Students Scoring Proficient or Advanced G10 MCAS ELA

G10 MCAS Math

Students in Advanced or Proficient Category

Students in Advanced or Proficient Category

70%

70%

% of students

90%

% of students

90%

50%

50%

Regular Income

30%

Regular Income

30%

Low Income

Low Income

10%

10%

2002

2004

2005

2006

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

G10 MCAS ELA

G10 MCAS Math

Regular Ed. Students in Advanced or Proficient Category

Regular Ed. Students in Advanced or Proficient Category

90%

70%

% of students

70%

50%

50%

White

30%

White

30%

ALANA

ALANA

10%

10%

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2002

2003

2004

2005

G10 MCAS ELA

G10 MCAS Math

Students in Advanced or Proficient Category

Students in Advanced or Proficient Category

2006

90% % of students

90% % of students

% of students

90%

2003

70%

70% All

50%

50%

SPED

30%

30%

All SPED

10%

10%

2002

2003

2004

2005

2002

2006

10

2003

2004

2005

2006

Attendance by School: Income, Racial and Education Status – FY06 End of Year SIMS submission (Percent Attendance = Days in attendance/Days Enrolled) (Does not include NHS seniors who graduated)

INCOME

Data Free Average of % Attendance Count of Students Reduced Average of % Attendance Count of Students Full Pay Average of % Attendance Count of Students Total Average of % Attendance Total Count of Students

Bridge 94.2% 79 96.7% 26 96.3% 201 95.8% 306

Jackson 93.0% 116 94.9% 22 96.1% 290 95.2% 428

Leeds 93.5% 67 95.7% 15 96.1% 246 95.6% 328

Ryan 95.1% 61 96.1% 29 96.1% 196 95.9% 286

JFK 91.4% 149 94.3% 63 95.7% 483 94.6% 695

NHS 91.8% 82 93.8% 45 95.8% 542 95.1% 669

Grand Total 92.9% 554 94.9% 200 95.9% 1958 95.2% 2712

RACE

Data Average of % Attendance Count of Students Asian Average of % Attendance Count of Students Afr – Amer Average of % Attendance Count of Students Multi-ethnic Non-Hisp Average of % Attendance Count of Students Hispanic Average of % Attendance Count of Students Total Average of % Attendance Total Count of Students

Bridge 96.3% 233 94.2% 15 96.4% 15 92.7% 15 94.1% 28 95.8% 306

Jackson 95.8% 263 95.3% 34 96.9% 38 96.1% 11 92.3% 82 95.2% 428

Leeds 95.7% 278 94.8% 3 97.9% 4 95.0% 15 94.2% 28 95.6% 328

Ryan 95.9% 225 95.4% 7 97.8% 9 96.4% 9 95.2% 36 95.9% 286

JFK 95.1% 520 95.7% 26 94.1% 25 90.9% 19 93.1% 105 94.6% 695

NHS 95.3% 528 93.3% 17 97.0% 37 95.1% 19 93.4% 68 95.1% 669

Grand Total 95.5% 2047 94.9% 102 96.4% 128 94.0% 88 93.3% 347 95.2% 2712

ED STATUS

Bridge 95.9% 217 95.4% 89 0 0 95.8% 306

Jackson 95.5% 289 94.5% 139 95.2% 38 95.2% 428

Leeds 95.9% 264 94.2% 64 0 0 95.6% 328

Ryan 95.9% 207 96.0% 79 95.9% 8 95.9% 286

JFK 95.1% 533 93.0% 162 93.0% 10 94.6% 695

NHS 95.4% 592 93.4% 77 92.4% 7 95.1% 669

Grand Total 95.5% 2102 94.3% 610 94.6% 63 95.2% 2712

White

Data Not SPED Average of % Attendance Count of Students SPED Average of % Attendance Count of Students LEP Average of % Attendance Count of Students Total Average of % Attendance Total Count of Students

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AP Exam Results for May 2007 Eng Micro- Lang AP Grade Biology Calculus AB Chemistry Econ (Jr.) 5 4 3 2 1 Total % scoring 3 or above

5 4 6 4

4 6 2

12

8 16 19 2 1 46

19 79%

6 16 8 3 33

3 26 18 17 2 66

100%

93%

91%

71%

Eng Lit (Sr.)

Euro Hist

5 35 30 13 2 85

5 9 4 2

82%

French Lang*

Govt US**

Physics B* Span Lang

1

1

1

20

1

1

3 4

10 7 4 4 1 26

90%

100%

100%

50%

81%

* Course not offered during school year 06-07 ** Course not offered at NHS

Total Grades Percentage of AP Grade Reported Total 5 4 3 2 1 Total % scoring 3 or above

52 133 103 51 8 347

15 38 30 15 2 100

83%

Total number of students = 197

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US Hist 6 14 9 3 2 34 85%

2006 – 2007 PROGRESS REPORT SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Goal Ensure equal access to education to all NHS students fostering high academic achievement. 1. Narrow the achievement gap

MAJOR ACTIVITIES • • • • • • •

Continue to analyze test performance data Continue to make structural and curricular adjustments based on data Provide in-school, after school and summer school remediation opportunities Continue and expand SMART program Continued collaboration with JFK regarding test performance data Continue to expand partnership with Smith College Continue JFK & NHS mentorship program

IMPLEMENTATION STEPS COMPLETED • • • • • • • •

•

2. Provide a variety of services and supports to students during and after school to foster success

• •

Professional training for faculty and appropriate staff in curriculum modification Professional training for faculty and appropriate staff in instructional modifications and strategies for diverse learners

• • • • • •

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Analysis of MCAS, AP, SAT test data Out of sequence Algebra 1 offering provided Academic support opportunities continued during and after school Summer school offerings expanded (30 students) SMART program expanded to 2 distinct groups ( incoming 9th grade) NHS/JFK collaborative leadership summer program developed and implemented for at risk 8th graders Analysis of drop out data Professional development in adaptive software to support diverse learners: Solo & Kurzweil for SPED and English departments Partners in Health expanded Implemented specific L.L.D. services Developed modified curriculum in science and social studies courses Developed modified curriculum in science and social studies assessments Improved Special Education/Regular education collaboration on modifications SMART services moved to Regular Education teacher (s) SPED teachers received WJ training via pupil services

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Goal Continuation of: 2. Provide a variety of services and supports to students during and after school to foster success

MAJOR ACTIVITIES • • • • •

• •

3. Expand the SMART program

• • • • • •

Improve implementation of Individual Student Success Plans (ISSPs) to include peer mentorship opportunities Continuation of bi-lingual after school homework support Develop and write modified curriculum units across disciplines as appropriate Create modified assessments in each core academic area Structure regular education/special education collaboration on curricular, instructional , & assessment modifications Expand use of adaptive software & technology Provide professional training for Special Education staff in analysis of the Woodcock and Johnson achievement battery and report writing Identify appropriate 9th grade candidates Engage new candidates and families in SMART Establish data collection protocol Continue to develop curriculum and instructional materials Expand Smith College collaboration Train Smart teacher in AVID techniques

14

IMPLEMENTATION STEPS COMPLETED

•

Provided 4 days a week

•

Cited grant obtained for professional development Training in scoring and administration completed

•

• •

9th grade students identified and enrolled in alternate day class Completed

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Goal 4. To establish common standards of quality and quantity of expected student work and homework across the curriculum

MAJOR ACTIVITIES • • • • •

Mapping of current homework practices Goal setting and consensus on homework expectations set Written expectations on homework included in Course Catalogue Quantity of papers, major assignments equalized by course and published in catalogue Common rubric adoption for written work

15

IMPLEMENTATION STEPS COMPLETED • •

Departmental analysis of homework practices Departmental agreement on quantity of papers and major assignments per course

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Goal Maintain a positive, safe, secure, learning environment 1. Successful integration of NCTV into NHS

MAJOR ACTIVITIES • • • •

2. Continue to revise and improve crisis plans

• • • • •

3. Decrease inappropriate language in hallways

• • • •

Regular meetings with manager of NCTV Monitor incidents related to safety and security Establish protocols of access by students Revise building plans according to need as determined by incidents Trainings Practice sessions Establish off-site evacuation plans Continued collaboration with police and fire departments Complete on-line FEMA training Teacher monitoring Continued discussion in faculty meetings for suggestions/approaches to student body Publicize problem School wide response

16

IMPLEMENTATION STEPS COMPLETED

• •

•

Monthly trainings, practice sessions continued District Attorney’s Office collaboration on truancy and diversion programs increased to monthly meetings Hallway language improved

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Goal Provide quality Professional Development to all Northampton High School staff working with students 1. Train teachers of core subjects to modify curriculum to match student needs

MAJOR ACTIVITIES

• • •

Professional development Faculty meetings Department meetings

2. Train Special Educators to match curricular modification to student needs

• •

Professional Development sessions Department meetings

3. Train ESPs in curricular modifications

•

Professional Development

4. Provide training in technology Integration and literacy including: Distant Learning, Kurzweil, Moodle, Starbase Portal, Web Page, Teachers Thinking with Technology

•

Training sessions included

5. Continue new teacher support program

• • •

Assign Mentors Biweekly administration meetings Peer Observation

6. Autism Spectrum training for appropriate faculty and staff

•

Schedule training/consultation sessions

•

Develop IEPs with specific techniques

17

IMPLEMENTATION STEPS COMPLETED

Professional Development offered: • Kurzweil. Write Out Loud, Inspiration, • Star Portal, Grade Book, Moodle, Teaching Thinking with Technology • New Teacher support meetings held twice monthly for 3 months, then monthly • Smith College Prof Dev - Lesson Study continued • UMASS Prof Dev - Science & Math teacher training in assessment response systems • Deerfield History Museum Teaching American History grant obtained • UMASS 3 year Prof Dev contract with Science Dept. • CITED grant – Solo, Kurzweil • DOE online grant - Reading Comprehensive Strategies and universal design for learning obtained in collaboration with Smith Vocational High School

Maintain a respectful. welcoming and inclusive high school 1. Continue expansion of student and community events

• • • •

Increase theater/music opportunities Access NCTV by student producers Steinway celebration Continue JFK/NHS mentorship program

• •

• • •

Coffee houses initiated 5 theatrical productions including 2 student directed/produced Assemblies: Daufur, South Africa, Martin Luther King, Peace, Nite Star, Mountain Music of Puerto Rico, DBR concert, Diversity, Earth day, Poetry Slam, Video Festival, Photo displays, Interdisciplinary collaboration with English and theater classes Week long diversity program Monthly student forums Student representative at interviews

• •

Week long diversity program Videos selected for Prof. Dev.

•

Student forums held monthly

•

•

2. Continue expansion of student and community events

• • • •

• 3. Increase student voice in decision making practices

• • • •

4. Decrease inappropriate language in hallways

• •

Cultural experiences, conversations and celebrations Increase library of multi culturalism Increase # of people of color on staff Continue and expand related clubs Student leader meetings Explore model programs Formalize student leader meetings Establish a structure for student voice and representation Include selected students for specific issues and interviews, i.e. musical Faculty designed plan Faculty monitoring

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07 -08 GOALS District Goal: Ensure equal access to education to all NPS students and improve student assessment scores for all students ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ School Goal: Ensure equal access to education to all NHS students fostering high academic achievement Student Group: Sub groups Improvement Objective

Narrow the achievement gap

Increased graduation rates for all students

Desired Outcome from Implementation of Activity Increase class attendance rates by 15% for target populations

Person(s) Responsible

Resources Needed

Evidence of Completion

Time Line

Faculty Administration

None

07-09

15% increase in number of students of color in Honors and Advanced Placement courses 15% increase in proficient and advanced MCAS scores for target populations 15% reduction in grades of “D” and “F” for target populations

Department Heads Faculty Guidance Counselors Administration Faculty Pupil Services

Academic Support programming Smith College collaboration

Comparison data of class attendance rates annually for target populations Comparison data on class enrollments of target populations Comparison data scores for MCAS 07 and 08

Faculty Pupil Services

Professional Development Support services during, after school summer school

Comparison data on grades for 4 semesters

06-08

100% Graduation Rate

ALT Administration Faculty Dept. Chairs Pupil Services

K-12 Plan Expanded Summer School Professional Development Development of Modified Curriculum and Assessments Support Services NCLB funds Homework Club Smith College Collaboration

Analysis of Graduation data Summer School enrollment rosters

07-08

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MCAS grant NCLB grant

06-08

07-08

Improvement Objective Study feasibility of continuing Applied Science offerings Provide a variety of services and supports to students

Desired Outcome from Implementation of Activity MCAS scores that exceed state averages on science MCAS tests Reduction in “Ds &Fs” Increased class attendance rates Increased Graduation rate Establishment of permanent Summer remediation program Continued bilingual homework help Evaluate efficacy of FLC Expand peer mentorship opportunities Expand use of adaptive software & technology in the classroom Academic Support for non-identified students Institutionalize SMART

Person(s) Responsible

Resources Needed

Evidence of Completion

Time Line

Administration Science Faculty

Analysis of test data Released time for teachers

07-08

Administration School Council Smith/NPS Summer Programs

Continued administrative support MCAS Grant District Social Worker

Science Curriculum revision Rosters Grade analysis Graduation rate analysis Attendance reports

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07-08

District Goal: Provide professional development opportunities to all staff working with students to ensure high quality staff and ensure continuance of curriculum revision and review PK-12 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ School Goal: To Provide appropriate, quality professional development opportunities to all staff at NHS focused on school and district goals Student Group: Special Needs Students, ESL students, Low-Income Students Improvement Objective

Increased rate of success of students with the mainstream curriculum

Train Special Educators to match curricular modifications to student needs ovide Department-specific professional development focused on instructional practice

Desired Outcome from Implementation of Activity Modified curriculum and assessments developed and implemented across the core curriculum Utilization of technology and supportive software to aid access to curricular content ESPs trained to implement modifications modifications

Specific modifications articulated on IEPs Collegial implementation of IEPs Departmental learning communities focused on instructional practices established

Person(s) Responsible

Resources Needed

Evidence of Completion

Time Line

Administration Faculty Dept. Chairs Trainers

Released time for curriculum modification Professional development funds CITed training Kurzweil training Moodle training

Modified exams in all core content courses submitted

07-08

Administration Dept. chairs Faculty Pupil Services

UMASS science grant Smith College collaboration NCLB grant Teaching American History

Dept. reports

07-08

Improvement 21

Objective

Conduct all management tasks electronically

Continue and Revise New Teacher Support Program

Evidence of Completion

Time Line

Professional development days Faculty meetings

School-wide electronic reporting

07-08

None

Log of sessions

07-08

Desired Outcome from Implementation of Activity

Person (s) Responsible

Resources Needed

Departmental plans for professional development

Trainers

grant CITed grant DOE grant#165 Individual conferences in licensure

Competence with StarPortal, Kurzweil, Solo, Moodle, Web Page and other hard and software devices for all appropriate personnel Retention of newly hire faculty

Administration TechIntegration Specialist Staff & faculty Administration Dept. Chairs

22

District Goal: Create a school system that is respectful and welcoming of the diverse members of the community and integrating them into the school culture School Goal: Maintain a safe, respectful, welcoming, and inclusive high school and alternative setting Student Group: All Improvement Objective

Desired Outcome from Implementation of Activity FLC-specific S.I.P. Articulated understandings of the program

Person(s) Responsible Administration Consultants Evaluation team

Successful integration of NCTV into NHS

NHS productions televised NHS programs, events, happenings, televised Limited safety and security incidents

Administration Video faculty Faculty NCTV STAFF

Continue Crisis Planning

Establish off-site evacuation plans Continued collaboration with fire and police depts.

Assistant Principals Crisis Team

Revise Student Handbook

A user friendly, positive and informative handbook Multi cultural conversations, experiences, and materials expanded Increased number of people of color on staff Reduce percentage of student perceptions of “disrespect among students” on NHS survey from 21% to 10%

To complete an evaluative study of FLC and make recommendations for improvement

Continue working towards becoming a multi cultural school

Evidence of Completion Completed evaluation

Time Line 07-08

Showings related to NHS recorded

07-08

None

Plan completed and written

07-08

Administration

None

6/08

Administration Faculty Student Leaders

Professional Development funds

Presentation to School Committee 08 student survey

23

Resources Needed Evaluation Team Evaluation model Data collection and analysis None

6/08