School Improvement Plan
August 14, 2006
(Goal I) Indicator 1: (District Vision)
Develop knowledge and skills to focus on the vision and
mission of the school district through board retreats, in-services,
and conferences.
A. Participate in conferences, in-services, retreats,
and conventions that focus on the topics of the vision and mission
of the school district.
B. Give presentations to board members about different
programs and curriculum areas, grades, or departments.
C. Communicate mission and goals to staff and community.
(Goal I) Indicator 2: (Accountability) Continue to
build Board/Administrator/ Staff/Community accountability
for student learning.
A. Make student learning and assessment a priority by
reviewing district data with staff, administration and board and
making curriculum decisions based on this data.
B. Increase the opportunities for students to provide input
relating to school improvement.C. Report data and progress to
public with State Report Card and District Annual Report and
through other means.
(Goal I) Indicator 3: (Staff
Development) Continue to provide development and assistance to the
board, administration, and staff on the development and
implementation of student outcomes/expectations, interdisciplinary
teaching, curriculum integration, developmentally appropriate
curriculum, and alternative classroom configurations.
A.Continue revisions of curriculum outcomes for all areas of K-12
curriculum (programs, course/grade level, unit).
B. Align curriculum to the state and national standards and revise
as appropriate.
C. Identify within present/future curriculum areas where
alternative configurations can be most appropriately used based on
research and begin implementation when appropriate.
D. Continue to review scientifically based research on PK-12
curriculum and revise curriculum to improve student learning.
E. Align board/administration/staff professional
development to the district mission and between different parts of
the district.
(Goal I) Indicator 4:
(Teacher/Student Ratio) Maintain appropriate
teacher/student ratio.
A. Examine school district budget to identify ways to meet yearly
lid requirements and to maintain current teacher/student ratio.
B. Take advantage of additional funding opportunities by applying
for support grants and other funds.
C. Continually examine course offerings based on student
participation and needs to maximize effectiveness of personnel and
resources.
D. Monitor activity participation to efficiently use
resources.
(Goal I) Indicator 5: (Whole
Family Education) Address the needs of families as these affect
student learning.
A. Provide preschool opportunities and early intervention to
prepare students for school.B. Provide adult and family
literacy opportunities so families can support student
learning.C. Support family involvement in the education
process.
(Goal II) Indicator 1:
(Readiness to Learn) Development of programs to promote
readiness to learn upon entering school.
A. Encourage collaboration between the school and public
entities.
B.
Serve as active members of Board and Program Advisory Committee of
the Family Resource Center.
C. Coordinate smooth transition between preschool and
kindergarten.
D. Provide joint learning opportunities for preschoolers and
their parents.
E. Apply
for grants that enable future expansion of migrant education
programs for preschool children.
F. Develop family literacy programs to build preschool
readiness skills.
G. Explore alternatives for Even Start funds beyond 2005.
H. Continue to promote early identification of students with
special needs/disabilities.
(Goal II) Indicator 2:
(Academic Growth) Provide additional activities to
support academic growth.
A.
Investigate and implement programs and curriculum outside the
school day to enhance mastery of district outcomes for K-12
students.
B.
Develop summer programs to provide learning opportunities. (i.e.
summer reading)
C.
Open computer labs and school library for summer use by students to
allow learning to continue.
D.
Develop advanced or enriched offering through collaboration with
colleges or other organizations.
(Goal II) Indicator 3: (Best
Practices) Implement best teaching practices through current
research.
A.
Encourage continued collaboration between the school district,
Doane College, our Educational Service Units, and other educational
entities to improve the school district�s curriculum to provide for
the continuous growth of students.
B.
Continue to prepare and make presentations at Doane College and
other educational entities to assist in the development of new
teachers and administrators.
C.
Staff will continue to participate in college campus workshops,
curriculum development programs, student teaching, and assistant
programs.
D.
Use �best practice� research in planning and implementing changes
needed within the school district.
E. Continue to develop Professional Learning Communities or
avenues for action research
F. Continue
to develop and implement a middle school philosophy with best
practices.
Goal II) Indicator 4:
(Graduation Rate) Develop programs which encourage a 100%
graduation rate.
A.
Develop a procedure for monitoring student success in each
classroom to ensure planned intervention occurs for those students
not meeting success including Special Education, Migrant, and ELL
students.
B.
Continue and review an alternative intervention program for
students not meeting success to ensure that success will occur.
C. Develop and implement plans for at-risk students.
D. Develop solutions to address the need to graduate ELL
students that enter high school with inadequate previous
educational opportunities.
(Goal II) Indicator 5: (Alternative Funding) Seek alternative sources of school funding.
A. Continue to
find funding alternatives to purchase technology needed for Crete
School District.B. Identify funding alternatives to
support preschool learning.
C.
Continue to fund alternatives to support transition programs and
program(s) for at-risk students.
D. Continue to find funding to support all programs.
(Goal II) Indicator 6: (Reading Expectations) Develop reading expectations for all students.
A. Implement
computerized assessment system to measure progress toward district
outcomes and state standards.
B. Continue to make reading a top priority for all
grade levels.
C. Investigate best practice research for reading.
D.
Continue a reading committee to examine test scores, talk with
staff and students, review curriculum, etc. to identify
shortcomings in the current reading program that needs to be
corrected.
E. Examine
possibilities of additional services and programs for reading
improvement within the school district with emphasis on 6-12 grade
levels.
F. Provide professional development opportunities for
the staff that supports reading across the curriculum.
(Goal II) Indicator 7: (Writing) Make writing a priority for all grade levels.
A. Continue to emphasize Six-Trait
Writing for all grade levels.
B. Continue to write grants that will support the
Six-Trait Writing model.
C. Continue to provide writing in-service for all teachers in
Six-Trait Writing.
D. Continue to provide parents with information about the
Six-Trait Writing model.
E.
Explore ways to make modifications/accommodations for at-risk, ELL,
and Special Education students.
(Goal II) Indicator 8: (Math/Science) Continue to stress their importance of math and science in all grades.
A. Develop hands-on approaches to both
mathematics and science.
B. Improve student learning of math facts.
C. Review math practices concerning ability grouping.
(Goal II) Indicator 9:
(Curriculum Guides) Continue to revise and upgrade the
curriculum guides and objectives in all subject areas.
A.
Make changes in the curriculum guides to match the state standards
as revisions are made at the state level.
B. Make necessary changes to meet the needs of students
in all curriculum areas.
C.
Provide staff development opportunities in all curriculum areas as
changes are made to the curriculum.
D. Make academic achievement a priority in all subject
areas.
(Goal II)
Indicator 10: (Multiculturalism) Continue a
comprehensive approach to infusing multiculturalism throughout
the curriculum.
A.
Review and update policy to reflect the state requirements
associated with multicultural education.
B.
Encourage staff to integrate into its current program and initiate
new programs about cultural awareness and understanding.
C.
Offer an integrated curriculum that demonstrates an acceptance of
cultural diversity, the human dignity of others, and geographic and
cultural awareness.
D.
Recommend the purchase of textbooks and materials that reflect
cultural diversity and respect for the human dignity of all
students.
E. Invite multicultural resource people into the
classroom.
F. Maintain
a district wide multicultural committee to identify ways that
programs can enhance the acceptance of diversity within our
schools, classrooms, and community.
(Goal II)
Indicator 11: (English Language Learners) Continue to
address the needs of the English Language Learners as they enter
our district.
A. Continue offering ELL classes at the elementary, middle
and high schools.
B. Continue to explore best practices to meet the needs
of ELL students in the regular classroom.
C.
Provide school communications in the families� first language. This
will be done in the majority of the non-English speaking parents
(Spanish).
D. Continue to offer the use of translators for parents when
needed.
E. Recruit teachers and support staff that are
bilingual.
F. Investigate newcomers programs for new students
entering our district.
G. Provide training of staff on how to select appropriate
materials for ELL students.
H. Develop an ELL library for our diverse student
population.
I. Explore ways to get ELL students involved in
extracurricular activities.
J. Develop transition classes for ELL students in
the areas of Social Studies and English.K. Expand summer school
program for senior high ELL students so they can strive to
graduate.
(Goal II)
Indicator 12: (Social Studies) Continue to stress
the importance of social studies in all grades.
A.
Explore ways to increase a staff member in the area of social
studies at the high school.
(Goal II) Indicator 13:
(Specialized Classes) The district will provide classes
beyond the four curriculum areas to meet the needs of
the �whole� child.
A. We will
provide classes in the fine arts and will continue to work on
curriculum development and assessment.
B. We will provide classes in physical education and
will continue to work on curriculum development and
assessment.
C. We will provide classes in foreign language and will
continue to work on curriculum development and assessment.
D.
We will provide classes in career and technical education and will
continue to work on curriculum development and assessment.
E. We will
provide classes in Migrant Education and Title I and will
continue to work on curriculum development and assessment.
F. We will
provide classes in gifted instruction and will continue to work on
curriculum development and assessment.
G. We will provide classes in Special Education and will
continue to work on curriculum development and assessment.
(Goal III) Indicator 1:
(Character Development) To instill in all students
the inherent characteristics necessary for positive character
development based on the beliefs and values of the school
district.
A. Develop a strong character development program that
teaches responsibility, respect, honesty, caring, fairness,
integrity and other core ethical values in all students K-12.
B. Review current K-12 character curriculum and its
effectiveness and stages of implementation.C. Instill in all
students a sense of positive work ethic in both school and
beyond.
D. Continue to emphasize school as a caring
community.
E. Strive to develop student-led character
development.
(Goal III) Indicator 2:
(Citizenship) To develop and implement a program that
instills the necessary components to be a responsible citizen in
today�s society.
A. Teach respect for school, community, state, and
nation.
B. Understand the political process and rights and
responsibilities of being a citizen in this country and in the
world community.
C. Teach respect for the flag and other symbols of
democracy.
D. Teach acceptance of diversity and ethnicity among other
students and citizens of the world.E. Encourage student
involvement in student led democratic processes.
(Goal III) Indicator 3:
(Community Involvement) To provide opportunities for
students to interact with the community and its members.
A. Provide opportunities for students to interact and gain
knowledge from community members taking care to insure this
interaction is representative of the diversity within the
community.B. Provide opportunities for all students to
be actively involved in community projects. These include,
but are not limited to, community cleanup, food drives, community
giving/sharing, senior citizen programs, community concerts, and
community volunteer programs.
C. To continue to build on the positive relationships that
have been developed with the fire, police, and other community
services.
D. Continue to involve citizens as volunteers and mentors in
our schools.
(Goal III) Indicator 4:
(Discipline) Develop a sense of discipline for self
and others that accentuates the characteristics of respect and
responsibility throughout the educational experiences and
beyond.
A. Continue to provide training for the district�s discipline
model to help provide consistency throughout the district.
B. Teach each student coping skills that will enable
him or her to act responsibly in all settings both in and out of
school.
C. Strive to develop character, sportsmanship, and proper
etiquette in all extracurricular activities.D. Emphasize good
conduct for adult spectators at all extracurricular activities.
(Goal IV) Indicator 1:
(Monitoring Student Learning) Continuous review of district
accountability system for monitoring student learning.
A. Revise District Assessment Plan to address current
legislation and best practice.
B. Continue technology upgrades to securely maintain
assessment information on all students.C. Use of a variety of
assessment tools to monitor student achievement and adjust
instruction.D. Improve methods of disaggregating data.
(Goal IV) Indicator 2:
(Assessment Tools) Develop appropriate assessment tools
to measure student learning.
A. Develop consistent classroom assessment practices.
B. Develop guidelines for assessment of students in
special populations. (i.e. English Language Learners, Special
Education, Gifted.)
C. Continue to revise and develop tests (criterion-referenced
assessments) to meet state and best practice guidelines.
D. Distinguish between assessing academic progress and
behavior.
(Goal IV) Indicator 3:
(Reporting System) Develop a system for informing
students, parents, staff, and community regarding
student achievement.
A. Maintain a district-wide assessment committee to design,
implement, and revise the district assessment plan.
B. Communicate the district assessment plan to
stakeholders.
C. Review information placed on report cards at all
buildings.
(Goal IV) Indicator 4: (Staff
Development) Provide staff with professional development
opportunities on assessment.
A. Each year assessment will be part of the district
Professional Development Plan.
B. Implement professional development to enable 100% of
our staff to become assessment literate.
C. Develop a schedule for annual review of student assessment
data.
(Goal V) Indicator 1:
(Technology Plan) Maintain and update a technology
network that will promote lifelong learning for students, staff and
community through a well- designed plan that incorporates
collaborative efforts with the community.
A. Review Technology Plan annually and make changes as needed
to provide for new technologies that provide for maximum impact on
student learning.
B. Annually review the K-12 technology impact on the
curriculum and make recommendations to the district Director of
Instruction about what changes should be made in the area of
technology to create the maximum learning opportunities for all
students.
C. Meet quarterly at each building to review technology
needs.
D. Continue to train staff in using email accounts and in the
effective and appropriate use of communication through email.
E. Continue to have students use technology to make
connections to community resources and other education sites
through interactions with community members over the district.
F. Provide opportunities for students to use technology
in advanced classes to assist the community.
G. Communicate electronically with parents concerning student
achievement and data.H. Reintroduce distance learning
opportunities for students in web- based video conference and
distance learning lab areas.
I. Continue to provide for community service in the area of
technology including cleaning, diagnosis, and repair of community
members� computer problems, badging system for police and emergency
management, and use of distance learning lab for community
presentations.
(Goal V) Indicator 2:
(Technology Learning Opportunities) Continue to provide
opportunities for students, staff, and the community to acquire
knowledge, process information,and demonstrate learning using
technology.
A. Explore opportunities to set up an interactive system of
communications between home and school that provides homework
assistance using technology.
B. Provide training in the use of the mobile computer
unit equipped with LCD projector, video input/output, and video
camera.
C. Provide professional development opportunities for all
staff in all areas of technology that will assist them in using
technology in teaching students.
D. Provide electronic assessment tools for staff including
ways to use technology to assess demonstrating standards.
E. Enhance foreign language, ELL, and Special
Education programs through the use of technology.
F. Provide English Language Learners staff members
technology training that will assist them in teaching
ELL students.
G. Provide professional development opportunities for all SPED
teachers in IEP development and documentation on the web.
H. Continue to use Time Warner Cable in the Classroom.
I. Enhance world language programs at the
elementary school through the use of technology.
(Goal V) Indicator 3:
(Technology Infrastructure) Increase the administrative
efficiency of the school system to allow teachers to concentrate on
student learning.
A. Provide an integrated computer and telecommunications
(including mobile phone technology) system throughout the school
district that will enhance teaching, learning, and school
safety
B. Encourage use of electronic messaging, Email, and
collaborative software for better use of time and resources.
C. Maintain a hardware based firewall system to increase
security.
D. Implement a platform for use of integrated messaging
services that combine the use of telephone and data
transmission.
E. Explore the possibility of parent access to students
database/grades.
F. Provide needed hardware for the district network to
keep the district up-to-date with current technologies.
G.
Investigate optimal use of K-5 lab time. Explore possibility of
mobile computer lab.
H. Explore the use of voice-activated computers including
voice activated note taking.
I. Provide the needed software and upgrades for
the district network and train staff as needed.J.
Continue to upgrade the student management system.
K. Set up technology replacement schedule.
L. Add sub networks of wireless computer
connections.
M. Expand the use of digital still and video cameras.
N. Create and maintain both a static and interactive district
web page.
O. Provide specialized equipment for interested teachers
including handhelds for student assessment.
P. Explore the possible expansion of electrical service to
the elementary and high school buildings to accommodate increased
technology usage.
(Goal V) Indicator 4:
(Business Operations) Improve the business operations
and administrative software that will provide a smooth
operating school system.
A. Make necessary changes to the accounting system to produce
the most efficient business operations for the district.
B. Annually upgrade technology inventory.
C. Develop a plan for the electronic record storage
system.
(Goal V) Indicator 5: (Course
Offerings) Improve course offerings for students in the area
of technology.
A. Continue to offer introductory computer operating systems
courses.
B. Explore expanding computer technology course
offerings at the high school and middle school levels.
C. Continue to offer classes in computer construction,
repair, and operating systems.
D. Integrate an internet safety and computer ethics component to
the computer curriculum.
(Goal V) Indicator 6:
(MediaCenter) Identify areas in the Media Centers that will
enhance teaching and learning.
A. Continue to upgrade the Media Centers� computers to
create optimal access for students
B. Automate the MediaCenter to make accessibility for
the teaching staff easier.
C. Maintain and update the electronic card catalog.
(Goal V) Indicator 7:
(Management System) Continue to improve management systems that
will make easier accessibility to needed teaching tools and
recording systems.
A. Develop an electronic library for storage of materials and
resources directly related to the district curriculum and
outcomes.
B. Provide training and access to electronic resources
that teachers can use to research curriculum areas.
C. Implement a computer based assessment tracking system to
facilitate state reporting and data analysis.
D. Evaluate electronic assessment tools that include student
portfolios.
E. Expand data base to include the electronic filing of
leave forms.
(Goal V) Indicator 8:
(Technology Ethics) Continue to revise policy as needed and
educate students in the ethics of all technologies including
emails, internet usage, electronic messaging and other
technologies.
A. Develop a computer-use policy for handbooks and review
current board policy on computer use by students.
B. Provide professional development training for
all staff regarding computer ethics and appropriate computer usage
within the district.
C. Integrate technology ethics in all subject areas.
(Goal VI) Indicator 1:
(Community Partnerships) Continue to develop a strong
respect among students, staff, board, and
community.
A. Provide opportunities for community members to share their
expertise with students
B. Provide opportunities for business to be celebrated
and invited to schools.
C. Develop a proactive system that advertises curriculum
outcomes to the community
D. Participate in classroom projects with business and the
community to build partnerships. (Examples: speakers on job
opportunities, personal experiences, armed services, etc.)
E. Provide opportunities for students to be involved in
community service activities. (Examples: PALS, choir
presentations in the community, community cleanup, etc.)
F. Put all businesses on the mailing lists.
(Goal VI) Indicator 2:
(Community Involvement) Provide opportunities for Board,
staff,community, and students to interact.
A. Promote and advertise board meetings among staff, students
and community.
B. Make the community more aware of board activities by
posting minutes on the school web page.
C. Board members will visit student meetings and classrooms
when possible.
D. Provide opportunities for student to make presentations to
the school board.
E. The board will be informed on a weekly basis about
activities, events, and information about happenings in the
district.
F. Use Channel 10 (cable) at the high school to keep
the public informed of school activities.
(Goal VI) Indicator 3: (Media
Relations) Continue to provide recognition of student academic
success.
A. Encourage staff members to write articles and provide
photos for the local newspaper and web page of academic successes
within their own classrooms.
B. Each school will submit at least one article per
week to the local newspaper emphasizing the academic success of
students.
C. The district will provide the local newspaper with
suggested topics for feature stories.D. District annual
report will continue to focus on academic success of the district
including publication of test results.
E. Use local resources (newspaper, web page, closed
circuit TV) to advertise and promote classroom academic
success.
F. The journalism class will be encouraged to prepare
student academic success articles to be published in the local
media.
G. Administrative acknowledgement of academic achievement
through awards and ceremonies.H. A district website will be
maintained and updated weekly.
I. Encourage staff members to develop systems to
make positive parental contacts.
J. Develop a school calendar with classroom
specific activities that community members can view and visit.
K. Secure the services of a webmaster for continued updating
of the website.
(Goal VI) Indicator 4: (Parent
Involvement) Provide increased parenting involvement
opportunities.
A. Family literacy programs that will build preschool
readiness skills will be provided for community members.
B. Link students and parents with mentors (Teammates)
to help meet the needs of children and families.
C. Increase the use of parent volunteers and senior citizens
within the school district, particularly at the high school,
through tutoring and field trips.
D. Each building within the district will establish parent
advisory groups for input and participation in school
planning.
E. Ensure that all student populations are represented
within parent groups.
F. Develop systems to communicate regularly with
non-English speaking families.
G. Explore with the community the expansion of the middle
school to include fifth grade
H. Develop ways to enhance and recognize parent organizations
such as Booster Club, Band Parents, and others.
(Goal VI) Indicator 5: (Public
Information) Continue development of Public Information Plan to
inform the public of legislative changes and budget
implications.
A. Utilize community agencies and organizations to
disseminate information concerning school district budget, needs,
etc.
B. Develop a comprehensive plan to inform the public
about the requirements for No Child Left Behind Act.
C. Involve parents of special education children in the
school advisory councils and other district committees as is
appropriate.
(Goal VI) Indicator 6:
(School/Community Communications) Continue to build two-way
communication between the schools and the community and enhance the
development of School/Business partnerships.
A. Identify business representatives and publish a list of
these representatives that will talk with students regarding career
paths as well as specific jobs.
B. Partner with the City of Crete to apply for grants
in areas of mutual interest.
C. Develop a communication system with Farmland, Nestle
Purina, Bunge Milling, and Doane that will better inform these
locations about programs in the schools.
D. Serve as the central hub and administrators for the Crete
Area Network connecting city offices, Doane College,
businesses, public library, police and fire departments, and
assisted living centers.
E. High school business classes will combine
information from the organizations and format for publishing on
website to promote Crete to other communities.
F. Collect input from students, staff, board, and
community as to the facility needs of the district.
(Goal VII) Indicator 1: (Safe
Facilities) Provide clean, safe, and well maintained
facilities that enhance student pride and learning.
A. Annually, each building principal will report to the board
of education the needs of each facility, including staffing, to
ensure a well-managed and safe environment.
B. The buildings and grounds committee will review
annually the needs of the district and consider changes as
suggested by the administration.
C. Each building principal will work with students to promote
a safe and orderly building and school environment.
D. Review current handicap accessibility needs within the buildings
and on school
grounds.
(Goal VII) Indicator 2:
(Long-term Maintenance Plan) Establish a timeline for long-term
facility maintenance.
A. The administration, in conjunction with the board
buildings and grounds committee, will present the board with a
five-year plan at the beginning of each revision of the school
improvement plan.
B. Annually update the Long Range Maintenance Plan for
the district.
C. The superintendent will annually present a short-term plan
to the board that will take into consideration the immediate needs
for the district and the long-term plan.
D. The business manager will annually work with the board
finance committee to budget funds for maintenance items that will
provide for a positive and safe learning environment.
(Goal VII) Indicator 3:
(Crisis Response Team) Maintain a Crisis Response Team for
emergencies.
A. Maintain a Crisis Response Team that will address deaths
and personnel emergencies.
B. The Crisis Response Team will annually participate in
training.
C. The Crisis Response Team will meet after an emergency to
debrief and review actions
D. Coordinate the activities and purposes of the crisis
response team, SCIP team, safety committee, community emergency
response committee and juvenile services.
E. Develop effective systems of communication for
staff, students and community.
(Goal VII) Indicator 4:
(District Safety Committee) Maintain a School
District Safety Committee.
A. Annually establish a School Safety Committee for all
personnel safety concerns for health related services.
B. Review the technology and resources available to
assure that school facilities are incorporating best practices.
C. Annually review the School Safety manual.
D. Annually provide in-service on all safety concerns to all
staff.
E. Include professional development opportunities for
staff on life saving techniques.
F. Provide
instructional opportunities for students to learn the most current
scientific
research regarding a healthy and safe lifestyle.
(Goal VII) Indicator 5:
(Community Emergency Response Committee) Maintain a
Community/School District Emergency Response Committee to deal with
district-wide safety concerns.
A.
Annually convene a Community/School District Crisis Response Team
for the purpose of reviewing the safety concerns of hazardous
materials, threats of violence, poison control, gas and electrical
emergencies, and other dangerous conditions.
B.
Annually train key school personnel and community emergency
personnel in procedures and policies dealing with any
emergency.
C.
The superintendent will annually have an outside team of evaluators
review district safety and response manuals as prescribed by the
State Board of Education and conduct a �walk-through� visit of each
building to give suggestions for safety and security of the
buildings. (Rule 10 requirement)
(Goal VII) Indicator 6:
(Building Safety) The district will incorporate current
technology to secure the safety and supervision of students, staff
and community.
A. Each school building will have a video surveillance
system installed and kept in continuous service.
B.
The district will coordinate the locking systems for each of the
buildings.
C. Each
building will establish a system of security that encompasses entry
and traffic flow of students, staff and visitors.
(Goal VII) Indicator 7:
(Student Awareness) The district will promote opportunities for
students to develop a safe and healthy lifestyle.
A. Include
active participation events for students to practice a healthy
lifestyle.
B.
Incorporate activities that promote safe practices to and from
school, i.e., walking, biking, buses, cars.
C. Educate students and staff regarding current social
issues.
