School Improvement Plan
by Kyle McGowan
March 31, 2007
Crete Public Schools
School Improvement Plan
Goal I - Implementation of the Mission
(Goal I) Indicator 1: (District Vision) Continue to build board unity based on an increased 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. Sponsor District Curriculum Fair and Multicultural Convocations for patrons of the school district.
(Goal I) Indicator 2: (Accountability) Continue to build Board/Administrator/Staff accountability for student learning.
A. Make student learning and assessment a priority by reviewing district assessments and making curriculum decisions based on those assessments.
B.Continue implementation and refinement of K-6 after school and summer programs to remediate and/or enhance our present curriculum.
C.Examine the use of Title I, migrant monies, and grants for after school and summer remedial programming.
(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 development of curriculum outcomes for core areas of K-12 curriculum (programs, course/grade level, unit).
B. Align curriculum to the state standards and revise as changes are made to the state standards.
C. Identify within present/future curriculum, areas where alternative configurations can be most appropriately used based on research and begin implementation when appropriate.
(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.
Goal II - Academic Excellence
(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 FamilyResourceCenter.
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 2004.
(Goal II) Indicator 2: (Academic Growth) Provide additional activities to support academic growth.
A. Provide 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 CCC lab, computer labs, and school library for summer use by students to allow learning to continue.
(Goal II) Indicator 3: (Best Practices) Implement best teaching practices through current research.
- Encourage continued collaboration between the school district and DoaneCollege to improve the school district’s curriculum to provide for the continuous growth of students.
B. Continue to prepare and make presentations at DoaneCollege 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.
(Goal II) Indicator 4: (Graduation Rate) Develop programs which encourage a 100% graduation rate.
A. Define graduation rate and provide programs that support this rate.
B. Develop a procedure for monitoring student success in each classroom to ensure planned intervention occurs for those students not meeting success.
C. Continue and review an alternative intervention program for students not meeting success to ensure that success will occur.
D. Develop and implement plans for at-risk students
(Goal II) Indicator 5: (Alternative Funding) Seek alternative sources of school funding.
A. Continue to find funding alternatives to purchase technology needed for CreteSchool District.
B. Continue to seek alternative funding sources to open the computer labs at night for community use.
C. Identify funding alternatives to support preschool learning.
D. Continue to fund alternatives to support School-to-Work transition programs and program for at-risk students.
E. Continue to find funding for alternative programs to support supplementary programs.
(Goal II) Indicator 6: (Foreign Language) Explore integrating the study of a foreign language into the elementary school curriculum.
A. Establish an Elementary Study Committee to explore the benefits of integrating the study of a foreign language into the elementary curriculum.
B. Share research and findings with the Board Curriculum
Committee.
C. Board Curriculum Committee to determine whether to recommend to the Board the inclusion of foreign language in the elementary curriculum and the action steps to follow.
D. Add an additional HS Spanish teacher when funds are available.
E. 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 7: (ReadingExpectations) Develop reading expectations for students exiting K-10 grade levels.
A. Maintain pre/post data from CCC Lab to monitor student growth.
B. Continue CCC Learning Laboratory experience with Grades K-3 on a daily basis.
C. Implement computerized assessment system to measure progress toward district outcomes and state standards.
D. Continue to make reading a top priority for all grade levels.
E. Implement a new reading series in grades K-8.
F. Continue a Reading Committee to examine test scores, talk with staff and students, review curriculum, etc. to identify short comings in the current reading program that need to be corrected.
G. Examine possibilities of additional services for reading improvement within the school district.
H. Establish the use of Individual Reading Inventories in grades K-6 and explore a variety of alternative ways or programs to work with students experiencing delays.
(Goal II) Indicator 8: (Writing) Make writing a priority for all grade levels.
A. Continue to emphasis 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 inservice for all teachers in Six-Trait Writing.
D. Continue to provide parents with information about the Six-Trait Writing model
(Goal II) Indicator 9: (Math/Science) Continue to stress the importance of math and science in all grades.
A. Develop hands-on approaches to both mathematics and science
(Goal II) Indicator 10: (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. Made 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.
E. Revise fine arts curriculum to support student achievement of students.
(Goal II) Indicator 11:(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 and the human dignity of others.
D. Recommend the purchase of textbooks and materials that reflect cultural diversity and respect for the human dignity of all students.
E. Invite multi-cultural resource people into the classroom.
(Goal II) Indicator 12: (English as Second Language) Continue to address the needs of the English as Second Language students that enter our District.
A. Continue offering ESL classes at both the elementary and Jr/Sr high schools.
B. Continue to explore different ways to meet the needs of ESL students in the regular classroom.
C. Provide training/inservice to the staff about meeting the needs of ESL students in the classroom.
D. Provide school communications in the families first language. This will be done in the majority of the non-English speaking parents (Spanish).
E. Continue to offer the use of translators for parents when needed.
F. Recruit teachers and support staff that are bilingual.
Goal III – Character Development
(Goal III) Indicator 1: (Character Development) To instill in all students the inherent characteristics necessary for positive character development based on the belief 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.
B. Continue the Character Counts program at the eight-grade level.
C. Implement the All Stars program in grades five through eight.
D. Instill in all students a sense of positive work ethic in both school and beyond.
E. Continue to stress the importance of family values with each student.
F. Continue to emphasis school as a caring community.
G. Strive to develop students’ intrinsic motivation.
(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. Build a sound foundation for the democratic process and the history of our state and country.
(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 at large.
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 gain knowledge of the essential elements necessary to be a productive member of a community.
D. To continue to build on the positive relationships that have been developed with the fire, police, and other community services.
E. Continue to involve senior citizens as volunteers 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. Develop a discipline model that will be consistent throughout the district.
B. Teach each student the value of self-discipline in both school and community.
C. To continue to use discipline in an educational way so that all students retain their dignity.
D. Teach each student coping skills that will enable him or her to act responsibly in all settings both in and out of school.
Goal IV – Assessment Systems
(Goal IV) Indicator 1: (Monitoring Student Learning) Continuous review of district accountability system for monitoring student learning.
A. Develop a District Assessment Plan and revise as necessary.
B. Develop the use of technology to securely maintain assessment information on all students.
C. Use of variety of assessment tools to monitor student achievement.
(Goal IV) Indicator 2: (Assessment Tools) Develop appropriate assessment tools to measure student learning.
A. Define assessment in the CreteSchools and its purpose.
B. Review and revise policy to allow for appropriate assessment measures.
C. Develop new elementary report cards to reflect mastery levels of student.
D. Align current curriculum with the Nebraska standards in the core areas of language arts, math, science, and social studies.
E. Define quality assessments for special need students and special programs (i.e. minorities, special education, gifted.)
F. Develop an assessment reporting system for students and parents.
G. Develop tests (criterion-referenced and alternative assessments) to help measure mastery of the standards and other outcomes in grades 1, 4, 8, and 11. These tests will be developed in the core areas of math, reading, writing, science, and social studies.
(Goal IV) Indicator 3: (Reporting System) Form a District Assessment Committee to design a comprehensive K-12 assessment plan and reporting system.
A. Maintain an ongoing committee to design, implement, and revise the district assessment plan.
B. List assessments to be used at each grade level in the areas of classroom assessments, norm-referenced tests, and criterion-referenced tests.
(Goal IV) Indicator 4: (Staff Development) Provide staff with professional development opportunities on assessment.
A. Use the professional development team to schedule appropriate inservice assessment activities.
B. Develop a systematic implementation plan for district assessment and professional development opportunities for each phase of the plan.
C. Implement the district assessment plan.
D. Provide professional development opportunities to interpret assessment scores and use them to improve student learning.
E. Provide professional development opportunities to interpret assessment scores and use them to revise curriculum.
Goal IV - Technology
(Goal V) Indicator 1: (Technology Plan) Design 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. Meet annually as a district technology committee to update the K-12 Technology Curriculum Matrix.
E. Provide district-wide opportunities for training students and staff in the use of available software and hardware which includes the use of demonstration stations, CCC program, and other available technologies.
F. Provide district-wide opportunities for staff to develop skills in the areas of spreadsheets and assessment tools.
G. Continue to train staff in using email accounts and in the effective use of communication through email.
H. Continue to have students use technology to make connections through interactions with community members over the district data network, web pages and voice mail over the telecommunication system and mobile phone technology.
I. Provide opportunities for students to use technology in advanced classes to assist businesses in areas of accounting, math, & industrial technology.
J. Conduct community classes by students, i.e.; science medical programs, English reading/writing programs, and history power-point programs/local TV and newspaper releases.
K. Enhance a foreign language programs at the elementary school through the use of technology.
L. Reintroduce distance learning opportunities in 2004 for students including French and overseas video conferencing for cultural awareness.
M. 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.
N. Continue staff training regarding the attendance program.
(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. Serve on community technology task force and work with city in building a city-wide infrastructure.
B. Explore opportunities to set up an interactive system of communications between home and school that provides homework assistance using technology.
C. Provide solutions to the problem of presenting high-resolution computer screen images to an entire classroom of students.
D. Provide training in the use of the mobile computer unit LCD equipped with LCD projector, video input/output, and video camera.
E. Provide professional development opportunities for all staff in all areas of technology that will assist them in using technology in teaching students.
F Provide electronic assessment tools for staff including ways to use technology to assess demonstrating standards.
E. Provide technology-assisted programs to assist students with special needs.
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 on NDE’s web page.
H. Continue to use TimeWarner Cable in the Classroom.
I. Expand the telecommunication system to include the middle school.
(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 telecommuncations (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. Examine the possibility of parent access to student’s 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.
H. Explore the use of voice-activated computers including voice activated notetaking.
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 subnetworks of wireless computer connections.
M. Expand the use of digital still and video cameras.
N. Create and maintain both a static and interactive district webpage.
O. Provide specialized equipment for PE teachers including handhelds for student assessment. After pilot trial period with PE, implement as results indicate in other areas.
(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.
Goal V) Indicator 6: (Media Center) Identify areas in the Media Centers that will enhance teaching and learning.
A. Continue to upgrade the MediaCenter’s computer labs 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.
D. Equip the new middle school with lab, computers, and other technology needed for its media center.
(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 Develop a lesson plan system that will enable teachers to access needed resources to teach effectively to the district standards.
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.
F. Explore the use of personal data assistant as an administrative tool.
(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. Develop a plagiarism policy for handbooks and include in the 2004 handbooks.
C. Integrate technology ethics in all subject areas.
Goal VI – School-Community Relations
(Goal VI) Indicator 1: (Community Partnerships) Continue to develop a strong respect among students, staff, board, and community.
A. Encourage community members to share their expertise as mentors to students.
B. Offer opportunities for business to become involved in school/business partnerships.
C. Provide opportunities for business to be celebrated and be invited to schools.
D. Share revised curriculum outcomes with the community.
E. Participate in classroom projects with business and community to build partnerships.
F. Review and expand the community mailing list.
(Goal VI) Indicator 2: (Community Involvement) Provide opportunities for Board, staff, community, and students to interact.
A. Meeting dates and times will be included in morning announcements and student newspapers.
B. Board members will visit student meetings when possible.
C. Administrators will seek, select, and encourage students to attend relevant Board meetings.
D. Highlight programs at Board meetings involving students in the presentations.
E. The Board will be informed on a regular basis about activities, events, and information about events in the district.
F. Use Channel 10 (cable) at the high school to keep the public informed of school activities and needs.
G. Utilize community agencies and organizations to disseminate information concerning school district budget, needs, etc.
(Goal VI) Indicator 6:(School/Community Communications) Continue to build two-way communication between the schools and the community and enhance and the development of school/business partnerships.
A. Business representatives will talk with students regarding career paths as well as specific jobs.
B. Continue school/business programs and work-study placements to provide School-to-Work transition opportunities for special education and regular education students by linking them with community mentors.
C. Partner with the City of Crete to apply for and then implement a grant from Department of Commerce for a Crete Area Network.
D. Develop a CareerCenter at the high school.
E. Serve as the central hub and administrators for the Crete Area Network connecting city offices, DoaneCollege, businesses, CreteHospital, Public Library, Police and Fire Department, and Assisted Living Centers.
F. High school business classes will combine information from the organizations and format for publishing on website to promote Crete to other communities.
G. Use video conferencing with businesses and DoaneCollege to allow students and staff opportunities to explore problems/issues facing the community.
H. Use video conferencing to allow preservice teachers from DoaneCollege to observe and interact with teachers and students.
I. Collect input from students, staff, Board, and community as to the facility needs of the district including a middle school alignment program.
Goal VII – School Safety
(Goal VII) Indicator 1: (Safe Facilities) Provide clean, safe, and well-maintained facilities that enhance student pride and learning.
A. Annually review with the Board the needs of the district in order to provide a well-managed and safe facility.
B. Provide student opportunities to help maintain school facilities.
(Goal VII) Indicator 2: (Long-term Maintenance Plan) Establish a timeline for long-term facility maintenance.
A. Annually update the Long Range Maintenance Plan for the district.
B. Provide the Board with a yearly short-term plan.
C. Budget funds appropriately for the maintenance needs of the district to provide a positive and safe learning environment.
(Goal VII) Indicator 3: (Crisis Response Team) Maintain a Crisis Response Team for personnel emergencies
A. Annually set up a Crisis Response Team that will deal with deaths and personnel emergencies.
B. Annually convene the Crisis Response Team to review the Response Team manual and make necessary revisions.
C. Convene the Response Team as needed.
(Goal VII) Indicator 4: (District Safety Committee) Maintain a School DistrictSafety Committee.
A. Annually establish a School Safety Committee for all personnel safety concerns for health related services.
B. Annually review the School Safety manual.
C. Annually provide inservice on all safety concerns to all staff.
(Goal VII) Indicator 5: (Community Crisis Response Committee) Maintain a Community/School District Crisis 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. Periodically have an outside team evaluate the district safety and response manuals as prescribed by the State Board of Education.
