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Tamarack Elementary School

COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL

IMPROVEMENT Plan

2007-2008

SCHOOL ASSURANCE REVIEW

The Tamarack Elementary School-Based Decision Making Council and school planning committees reviewed the Assurances in the Kentucky Comprehensive Improvement Planning School Framework (2005) prior to approval of our plan.

_____________________________________________ ________________________

Chairperson, School-Based Decision Making Council Date

_____________________________________________ ________________________

Chairperson, School Planning Committee Date

Date Plan Approved by the School-Based Decision Making Council: ___________________

School-Based Decision Making Council Signatures:

Allison Coomes, Principal Sarah Alvey, Teacher
Amy Beehn, Guidance Counselor Darlene Church, Parent
Libby Bowen, Teacher Aretha Drake, Parent

Tamarack Elementary School

SCHOOL

Allison Coomes

PRINCIPAL

1733 Tamarack Road Owensboro, Kentucky

ADDRESS CITY STATE

Daviess (270) 852-7550 (270) 852-7560_

COUNTY PHONE FAX

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  Page Number
School Assurance Review 1
Executive Summary 3-5
School-Based Decision Making Council

Standing Committee Members 2006

6
Communication Plan 7
Component I: Curriculum Maintenance/Instructional Practices - Needs and Goals 8

Component I: Curriculum Maintenance/Instructional Practices - Strategies/Activities and Expected Impact:

9-14 Component II: Learning Environment/Reducing Barriers – Needs and Goals 15-16 Component II: Learning Environment/Reducing Barriers - Strategies/Activities and

Expected Impact 17-26 Component III: Literacy – Needs and Goals 27 Component III: Literacy – Strategies/Activities and Expected Impact 28-32 Comprehensive School Improvement Report 33-35

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

School: Tamarack Elementary School

Owensboro, Kentucky

District: Daviess County Public Schools

MISSION STATEMENT

AT TAMARACK, IT’S ABOUT KIDS

"We, the community of Tamarack Elementary, are committed to providing all of our children with a quality education which will enable them to achieve their goals, while reaching for the stars."

Tamarack’s mission statement was last revised in 1998. As part of the process of applying for the 21st Century Schools of Distinction Award in January 2004, school staff reviewed and revised the mission statement.

PLAN SUMMARY

Tamarack‘s Accountability Index on the 2006 Kentucky Core Content Test was 105.7. This is 5.7 points higher than the goal of 100 that the state has set for all schools to achieve by the year 2014.

The focus of our Comprehensive School Improvement Plan for 2007-2008 is to increase or maintain our accountability index. Our goals are to:

continue our systematic and on-going curriculum alignment;

reduce barriers to learning to ensure an effective learning community; and to

ensure that all students are reading on grade level before they exit primary.

 

 

PROCESS OF DEVELOPING THE

COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN

The first step in developing the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan was to analyze our Needs Assessment. The School-Based Decision Making Council (SBDM) of Tamarack Elementary School utilized the standing committees of the council to complete this assessment. The standing committees are the Curriculum and Instruction Committee, School/Parent Involvement Committee, and the Long-Range School Planning/Staff Development Committee. The committee members included teachers, school administrators, parents, employers, pupil support personnel and community representatives. See attached listing for committee members for 2007.

The principal reviewed Kentucky’s Standards and Indicators for School Improvement as part of the Needs Assessment. The Long Range School Planning/Staff Development Committee met weekly during the months of January to March, 2007 to interpret and analyze all school data and to develop strategies to maintain or increase our accountability index during the current testing cycle.

The committee reviewed the most recent results of the Kentucky Core Content Tests (KCCT), a component of the Commonwealth Accountability Testing System (CATS). Other test results that were reviewed include the Measure of Academic Progress (MAP). The committee also reviewed the Impact and Implementation Report from the previous Comprehensive School Improvement Plan.

 

 

From this thorough analysis of the data, the committee reviewed and revised the priority needs of our school and the causes and contributing factors of these needs. The committee then reviewed and revised the goals, objectives and strategies developed to address our priority needs. The Long-Range School Planning/Staff Development Committee made recommendations to the School-Based Decision Making Council for our Comprehensive School Improvement Plan. Through extensive analysis of all available data, we identified global strategies that will effectively enhance all students' learning in all content areas.

We are assuring equity by including all groups of students in our strategies and activities identified to achieve our goals. There were no deficits noted in the 2006 No Child Left Behind Adequate Yearly Progress Deficit Report. However, we continue to monitor and target children on free and reduced lunches and any growing sub-populations. All monetary and human resources will be used to ensure that all children in our school progress to their maximum capabilities.

As we implement the strategies identified in the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan, we anticipate that we will achieve our goals and our future scores will improve in all assessed areas.

PROCESS OF DEVELOPING THE

COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (cont.)

 

As part of our Comprehensive School Improvement Plan, the School-Based Decision Making Council has reviewed Section 7 Special Board Allocations. The Council will continue to monitor these allocations. If there are any Section 7 funds remaining at the end of the school year, a request for Section 7 carryover funds will be made in June 2007 and again in June 2008.

A critical component of our Comprehensive School Improvement Plan is to communicate the plan to our stakeholders. These stakeholders include all school and district staff, students, parents, and the community - including business and educational partners.

Each teacher will receive a copy of the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan, and a faculty meeting is scheduled for April 2007 to review the draft plan. The Tamarack School-Based Decision Making Council will review and approve the plan at the April 2007 meeting. The Daviess County Public School District Review Committee will review the plan in May, 2007.

The Comprehensive School Improvement Plan will be available to parents and the community. The public will be invited to review the draft plan at the PTO meeting in April 2007. The PTO officers will receive a copy of the plan and copies will be on file in the school library for parents to review. Parents may also call the office to request a copy.

 

 

 

The plan will be explained at the first PTO meeting in the fall of 2007 and an article will be included in the school newsletter to parents at the same time.

Once the plan is approved by the district, and adopted by the School-Based Decision Making Council, we will continue to monitor and evaluate the identified goals, strategies, and impacts. The principal and teachers will assess the status of the activities each semester. The Long-Range School Planning/Staff Development Committee will review the status of the plan at the beginning of each school year to ensure that the identified strategies are helping to achieve our goals. The principal will review the status of the plan bi-monthly at School-Based Decision Making Council meetings.

At the end of each school year, the School-Based Decision Making Council will also evaluate the school’s progress of the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan by utilizing the Implementation and Impact Check Report that is prepared at that time. The results will be communicated to teachers and parents and will be forwarded to the Daviess County Superintendent. In addition, we will continue to plan for the future by using the results of the current plan in future planning cycles.

As we work toward the achievement of the goals in the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan, we, as professionals and school decision-makers, will continue to re-evaluate and address the areas that most directly affect our students and our school community.

TAMARACK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

SCHOOL-BASED DECISION MAKING COUNCIL

STANDING COMMITTEE MEMBERS

JANUARY 1, 2007 - DECEMBER 31, 2007

 

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION COMMITTEE

Winny Lin, Teacher

Libby Bowen, Teacher

Suzanne Guyer, Staff Developer

Liz Gist, Teacher

Susan Grayson, Media Specialist

Kelly Smith, Teacher

Rebecca Dedman, Speech Pathologist

Sheila Hopewell, Parent

 

SCHOOL/PARENT INVOLVEMENT COMMITTEE

Sonya Callis, Teacher

Stacy Wilson, Preschool Teacher

Shane Eans, Teacher

Cindy Goetz, Teacher

Anne McAtee, Special Education Teacher

Michele Smith, Teacher

Courtney McDonald, Teacher

Shawn Bishop, Teacher

Patrick Riley, Teacher

Amanda Hundley, Teacher

Donna Howard, Teacher

Kristy Bean, Teacher

Sandy Thomas, Title I Coordinator

Penny Sapp, Parent

Roxana Webb, Parent

 

LONG-RANGE SCHOOL PLANNING/

STAFF DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Allison Coomes, Principal

Christy Dalton, Family Resource Center Director

Sarah Alvey, Teacher

Sheila Cecil, Teacher

Gary Kirtley, Teacher

Courtney McEnroe, Teacher

Laura Williams, Special Education Teacher

Wanda Bradley, Volunteer Coordinator

Leesa Moman, Central Office Representative

SCHOOL CLIMATE AND SAFETY COMMITTEE

Robin Bush, Assistant Principal

Karen Strode, Alternative Teacher

Marilyn Baird, Teacher

Christie Morris, Teacher

Amy Beehn, Guidance Counselor

Pam Thompson, Teacher

Vickie Hunter, Teacher

Tammy Hopper, Teacher

Peggy Tipmore, Teacher

Anna May, Teacher

Cindy Huff, Alternative Teacher

Renee Boyle, Medical Technician

Cara Harvey, Parent

TAMARACK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

COMMUNICATION PLAN

MARCH 1, 2007 - JUNE 30, 2008

COMMUNICATION TO TEACHERS AND STAFF

COMMUNICATION TO PARENTS AND COMMUNITY

1) Review draft of Comprehensive School Improvement Plan

March

2007

 

1) Public invited to review plan

April

2007

2) Distribute plan and review at faculty meeting

August

2007

2) Fifteen copies of plan filed in school library for public inspection - School Secretary and Librarian responsible

June

2007

3) Review status of action components and strategies

Quarterly  

3) Distribute and review plan with PTO officers

August

2007

4) Explain plan to parents at first PTO meeting

September

2007

     

5) Report of accomplishments sent to parents in school newsletter

May

2008

     

COMMUNICATION TO SCHOOL-BASED

DECISION MAKING COUNCIL

COMMUNICATION TO BOARD OF EDUCATION

1) Review draft of Comprehensive School Improvement Plan

April

2007

 

1) Draft of plan sent to District Committee for review

April

2007

2) Revise plan after review by District Committee

May

2007

 

2) Approval of final plan by District Board of Education

May

2007

3) Approval of final Comprehensive School Improvement Plan

May

2007

 

3) School-Based Decision Making Council will send annual review of progress to Board of Education. The progress will be reported on Form 411, Implementation and Impact Check.

June, 2007

And

June, 2008

4) Review status of action components at each Council meeting

Bi-Monthly      

5) Report of accomplishments distributed through Council

Monthly      

Component I: Curriculum Maintenance/Instructional Practices

Component Manager: Suzanne Guyer, Staff Developer, and Allison Coomes, Principal

Date: February, 2007

Priority Need

According to assessment data provided by the Commonwealth Accountability Testing System (CATS) and the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), there is a need to ensure continuous progress toward the absolute standard of 100 in all subject areas on the Kentucky Core Content Test (KCCT) and continued progress on other achievement indicators, including at least one year of academic growth in reading and math as indicated by the Measures of Academic Progress Assessment (MAP) for all students.

Goal

Tamarack Elementary School will maintain the absolute goal of 100 by the year 2014 and will continue to make adequate yearly progress as measured by CATS and NCLB.

Individual students will grow one academic year in math and reading as measured by MAP scores.

Causes/Contributing Factors

A.1. KCCT scores from Spring 2006 assessment are as follows:

Reading 101.60

Math 121.83

Science 101.89

Social Studies 111.39

Arts/Humanities 103.28

Practical Living/Vocational Studies 105.49

Writing 88.36

Total Academic Index 105.7

 

 

 

Measurable Objectives

A. 1. KCCT scores in Writing at grade 4 will reach 100 by 2014.

Subpopulation performance in reading will improve at a rate that will result in a decrease in the achievement gap.

NCLB percentages in Math for all subpopulations will reach 100% by 2014.

Subpopulation performance in math will improve at a rate that will result in a decrease in the achievement gap.

Students in grades 2 through 5 will grow at least 1 academic year in reading and math, using MAP data sheet provided by District Assessment Coordinator.

 

A.1.(a)

All certified staff will participate in professional development "Focusing Our Vision". PD will be on-going and introduce a change emphasis on improving instructional practice of teachers.

Students will benefit from rigor, relevance, and relationship impact in the classroom. School Administrative Team

5/07

$500

Professional Development Funds

   
A.1(b).

Tamarack will focus on curriculum efforts on the new core content 4.0 and Kentucky Program of Studies for instruction, including training and professional development.

Attention to the new core content ensures that Tamarack students have access to materials that will be assessed. Principal and

Staff Developer

7/01/07

6/30/08

$500

Professional Development Funds

I Professional Development was held on May 26, 2006. Also, new core content was revisited during vertical conversations held in November ‘06.
A.1(c).

Social Studies teachers at all grade levels will develop content specific activities, as appropriate, utilizing the Teaching American History Grant and other social studies resources.

Social Studies scores on the Kentucky Core Content Test will be maintained at proficiency. Classroom teachers

7/01/07

6/30/08

$0

N/A

IP Teachers discussed Social Studies improvements during content planning conversations at all grade levels in November ‘06
A.1(d.)

Tamarack will continue to focus on writing.

·1 Cluster leader structure for Tamarack will be revised to match changes in Kentucky’s writing program.

·2 Teachers will be trained on current writing pieces and successful implementation in teaching those writing pieces to students.

·1 All teachers will continue to be trained in portfolio scoring and will participate in the school’s double-blind portfolio scoring system.

Continuous attention to the writing program will ensure that Tamarack students continue to achieve at high levels in this area. Principal and

Classroom Teachers

7/01/07

6/30/08

$1,500

SEEK

Funds

IP Cluster leader attended training throughout the ’06-07 school year. Staff is to be trained on updates on 3/6 and 3/20. All staff will participate in scoring on 3/29/07
A.1(e).

The scores from the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment will be used to assist with the appropriate placement of students.

 

 

 

 

Students will be placed in the appropriate level of classes.

Principal and

Staff Developer

7/01/07

6/30/08

$0

 

N/A

IP Multiple sessions have been held with teachers during Discovery Team Plan Time to dissect data and place students in appropriate groupings.

 

A.1(f).

Through parent-teacher conferences and other activities, Tamarack will facilitate the development of a plan to improve the level of communication with parents concerning assessment results.

 

Parents will be better informed about the achievement level of their children.

Principal;

Staff Developer; Classroom Teachers

 

7/01/07

6/30/08

$0

N/A

I Parent/Teacher Conferences were held Oct. 3 & 5, 2006 to review assessment results with parents. An Ice Cream Social is held in April for parents to review their students 4th grade portfolio.
A.1(g).

Teachers will continue to develop vocabulary strategies for all grade levels using vocabulary found in core content for each core content area. List will be kept in individual teacher core content notebooks or on curriculum maps for each subject taught.

 

 

 

 

 

Students’ test results will improve due to their increased exposure to appropriate core content vocabulary.

 

Principal;

Staff Developer;

Classroom Teachers

 

7/01/07

6/30/08

$0

N/A

IP Vocabulary was discussed and emphasized during vertical conversations in Nov.’06. Prin
A.1(h).

Teachers will continue to align curriculum in all core content areas through vertical and horizontal conversations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All staff, including newly hired, will increase their knowledge in aligning curriculum that is being written, taught, and tested. This will result in improved student learning as measured by formal and informal assessment results.

Principal and

Staff Developer

 

7/01/07

6/30/08

$3,000

 

 

Professional

Development Funds

I PD days were held in November and all teachers participated in vertical conversations related to their content/grade level area. Horizontal conversations took place throughout the year with the Staff Developer.
A.1(i).

Tamarack will use the following strategies in all core content areas to enhance the students’ high level and critical thinking skills:

·1 Differentiated instruction

·2 Multiple intelligence instruction

A.1.(i) (cont.)

·3 Better utilization of before and after school time

·4 Better utilization of instructional assistants

Students’ test scores will improve due to a variety of instructional strategies being utilized.

 

 

 

 

 

   

Principal;

Staff Developer;

Classroom Teachers

 

7/01/07

6/30/08

$15,000

$1,500

 

 

 

ESS;

Professional Development Funds IP ESS and Homework Club held before and after school. Students performing below grade level were targeted to receive additional intensive reading instruction with a certified teacher. A.1(j). Teachers will collaborate on alignment of newly adopted texts and materials as the adoption year occurs. Curriculum at each grade level will provide core content as identified on curriculum alignment grids. This will enhance student learning as evidenced by increased test scores. Principal;

Staff Developer;

Classroom Teachers

7/01/07

6/30/08

$1,700

 

Professional Development

Funds IP Professional Development Training was held on newly adopted Houghton Mifflin Reading material on 5/25/06 A.1(k). Teachers will participate in professional development (PD) in writing open response questions for math in all grade levels. Following the PD, criteria will be set for open responses per grade level. Students will be exposed to open response questions at all grade levels and will demonstrate better understanding of math concepts. Principal;

Staff Developer;

Classroom Teachers

7/01/07

6/30/08

$500

Professional Development Funds IP Open Response training and discussion of the new DOK levels were discussed during a PD day of 5/25/06. Grade level trainings and updates were held in the spring during Discovery Team plantime. A.1(l).

Teachers will use the KCCT 2005-06 results to identify deficit areas through sub-domains in all content areas and to implement new instructional strategies to address these deficits. Students’ scores in all content areas will remain constant or will increase. Staff Developer;

Classroom Teachers

7/01/07

6/30/08

$0

N/A I KCCT test scores were reviewed during vertical conversations in November. Not much time was spent on test data due to test changes and new core content guidelines. A.1.(m)

The Guidance Counselor will recognize individual students at the conclusion of each nine week grading period for the following:

·1 A team

·2 A/B Honor Roll

·3 Perfect Attendance

·4 One Up/Two Up Improvement

Also, in the Spring for KCCT proficient and distinguished achievement. Students will be proud of their accomplishments and other students will be motivated to achieve. Guidance

Counselor

10/15/07-

6/30/08

$650

SEEK funds    

Component II: Learning Environment/Reducing Barriers

Component Manager: Robin Bush, Assistant Principal, and Allison Coomes, Principal

Date: February, 2007

Priority Need

Based upon the various district and school needs assessments and reports (which included Special Services, Title I, Title IV, Preschool, Student Services, Extended School Services, Family Resource Center, Graduation 2010, CATS non-cognitive data, and input from stake holders), there is a need to continue to have Tamarack Elementary School (TES) function as an effective learning community.

 

 

Goal

The priority goal is to use all available school and district resources to increase the accountability index to 100 by the year 2014 through the continuance of a performance climate conducive to excellence for students at Tamarack Elementary School.

Causes/Contributing Factors

A.1. According to December 2006 special education child count information, there were 112 students with disabilities at Tamarack.

 

 

A.2. According to Kentucky’s Standards and Indicators for School Improvement (Learning Environment Standard 5 – Student, Family and Community Support) there is a need to remove barriers to learning to meet the intellectual, social and developmental needs of students.

A.3. The School Health and Safety Index Summary Report indicated a strong need for faculty and staff to know more about emergency and crisis response procedures.

 

Component II: Learning Environment/Reducing Barriers

(Cont.)

A.4. According to the needs assessment results of the Family Resource Center from 212 parents, there is a continuing need for counseling, nursing and mental health services for students.

A.5. According to the 2006 Extended School Services (ESS) Tamarack Data Summary Report, 238 students received ESS services at Tamarack.

A.6. According to the 2005-2006 health assessments, of the students who participated, 16% of students in grades Kindergarten – Grade 4 are overweight.

 

A.7. Based on Tamarack’s 2006 School Health Index, as well as school discipline records, there is a need to continually review school discipline and bullying policies.

A.8 Based on input from the School Health Index (SHI) there is a need

for increased staff health awareness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

Measurable Objectives

A.1. By June 2008, Tamarack will enhance support to special education teachers, regular education teachers and instructional assistants who provide services to students with disabilities as measured by special education needs assessments.

A.2. By June 2008, Tamarack will continue to improve the learning environment as measured by the Kentucky Standards and Indicators for School Improvement.

 

 

A.3. By June 2008, Tamarack will review and update all emergency response and crisis management procedures, in accordance with the District plan.

 

 

 

 

A.4. By June 2008, Tamarack will continue to maintain and/or expand on-site medical and mental heath services to benefit students in our schools.

A.5. By June 2008, the number of students participating in ESS services will increase with effective instructional strategies occurring at Tamarack as documented by the ESS School Report.

A.6. By July 2009, Tamarack will have implemented a five-year healthy student and staff initiative, ensuring that the numbers of healthy students has increased as measured by the biannual health assessments of the Owensboro Medical Health System.

A.7. The number of bullying and discipline referrals to the office will decrease.

A.8. Staff at Tamarack will have a healthier lifestyle and be better role models for students.

A.1(a).

Provide on-going professional development (PD) on research-based strategies/methodologies to teachers and teacher assistants that provide instruction to students with disabilities and in alternative settings.

Teachers of students with disabilities and in alternative settings will participate in PD related to strategies and methodologies. They will provide increased support for students with disabilities and students in alternative settings. Principal and

Assistant Principal

7/01/07

6/30/08

$500

Professional

Development Funds

I All Special Education teachers participated in Special Ed. updates and new alternative portfolio trainings.
A.2(a).

Existing programs, including but not limited to Title I, Migrant Services, IDEA, Family Resource Centers and Preschool programs, will continue their policies of communicating with parents through written communications and other activities such as:

A.2(a). (cont.)

·2 Parent Teacher Conferences

·3 Newsletters

·4 Student Progress Reports

·5 Informational meetings/workshops

·6 Orientation sessions

·7 Title I Reading Family Night

·8 Family Fun Night

·9 Family Resource Parent Programs

·10 Kindergarten Jumpstart

·11 Back to School Open Houses

·12 PTO Meetings and Student Performances

Increased parental support will better equip students to come to school ready to learn. Principal;

Classroom Teachers;

Family Resource Director

7/01/07

6/30/08

$1,000

 

$1,000

Family Resource

Center

Title I

IP The following activities took place or are planned for the 2006-2007 school year:

·1 Oct./Mar. Parent/Teacher Conferences were held with 98% participation

·2 Tamarack Star Newsletter published monthly and sent home in hard copy and through email to registered parents.

·3 Monday folders with weekly progress reports are sent home each week

·4 FRC offered various parenting programs

·5 Parent Volunteer Night was held on 11/30/06

·6 Family Fun Night/Title 1 Family Night held 2/23/07

·7 Kindergarten Screenings were held on 7/11/06

·8 Back to School Open Houses were held on Aug. 2 & 7 2006

·9 PTO Meetings were held on 9/26/06, 12/12/06, 2/6/07, 4/17/07 with student performances at each.

A.2(b). All Tamarack students in grades 2, 3, 4 and 5 will participate in the RiverPark Center’s Arts in the A.M. Program. Student knowledge of the arts will be enhanced through their participation in this program. 2010 Building Coordinator

7/01/07

6/30/08

$0

N/A IP 3rd and 4th grade students participated on 10/27/06, 5th grade is scheduled to participate on 3/29/07 A.2(c).

All 3rd grade students will participate in the Sounds of the Symphony educational program developed by our community partner, the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra.

 

 

   

The students’ musical knowledge will be enhanced through this workshop. 2010 Building Coordinator

7/01/07

6/30/08

$0

N/A I 3rd grade students participated on 10/27/06 A.2(d).

Tamarack will increase parental involvement of Limited English Proficient (LEP) and English as a Second Language (ESL) students in conjunction with the migrant program. Annual meetings held with preschool parents will include the services of an interpreter.

 

   

LEP and ESL students, parents, and teachers will work collaboratively to increase student achievement. Principal; Preschool Teacher;

School-Assigned ESL Staff

7/01/07

6/30/08

$0

N/A IP Services of an interpreter was provided at preschool registration and at ELL meetings as needed. A.2(e).

There will be adult/peer mentors for very high and very low achieving children in

P3 -5th grades.

 

 

   

Children needing additional support will receive individualized attention. Principal and

Classroom Teachers

 

7/01/07

6/30/08

$0

N/A IP Teachers/Staff signed up for students to mentor at the opening day faculty meeting. Mentoring takes place throughout the year in a non-publicized manner. A.2(f).

The Guidance Counselor will work with mentoring liason for positive transitions to middle school of identified at-risk 5th grader students. At risk students will have pre-existing relationships with middle school students and other teachers assisting them to be more successful in the middle school setting.  

Guidance Counselor

2/15/07

6/30/08

$200

District funds     A.3(a).

The Tamarack Climate and Safety Committee will meet to review the DCPS District Emergency Plan after it has been approved. The committee will develop a specific plan for Tamarack following district guidelines.

 

 

   

Tamarack will have an updated Emergency Crisis Plan that is in compliance with the district plan.

Principal;

Tamarack Climate and Safety Committee

Members

7/01/07

6/30/08

$0

N/A IP On-going training has been taking place throughout the year with first responders participating in district training and sharing that information with all stakeholders including parents. New emergency plan guidelines have been updated and hung in each classroom. A.3(b).

The Tamarack Climate and Safety Committee will train all staff in emergency procedures according to the updated Emergency Crisis Plan.  

Teachers and staff will be aware of the appropriate procedures for any emergency.

All Staff

7/01/07

6/30/08

$0

N/A IP Ongoing training and updates are taking place as recommended by the district for all stakeholders A.4(a).

Continue collaboration with school health program to provide school nurses and health techs in schools. The classroom teachers will utilize the school nurse as a resource for student health instruction.  

Student health needs will be met, enabling them to perform better in school. Students will experience improved health and parents will be more aware of available health services. Owensboro Medical Health System;

Green River District Health Department; Family Resource Center

7/01/07

Ongoing

$0

N/A IP School nurse has visited several classrooms to teach nutrition and health related issues. A.5(a).

Teachers will provide input on how to utilize our Extended School Service (ESS) funds to meet student needs at all grade levels.  

ESS funds will be maximized to provide instruction to students in need.

Principal;

ESS Coordinator

7/01/07

6/30/08

$15,000

ESS

Funds I Teacher initiated homework club was added as an after school service. ESS sessions have continued throughout the year for reading and math instruction. A.6(a).

Teachers will brainstorm to develop a list of alternatives to use as student rewards to replace food as rewards.

   

We will alter the mindset of students of the association of food as a reward. Classroom Teachers

 

7/01/07

6/30/08

$0

N/A I Alternate reward list was developed and included in staff handbook. School wide rewards (i.e. A/B Honor Roll) were altered to not be food related rewards but activities such as a "beach party" or "movie & games event" A.6(b).

Teachers will continue the implementation of a minimum of 10 minutes of daily physical activity.  

Physical activity will become a part of the students’ daily routine. Classroom Teachers

7/01/07

6/30/08

 

$0

N/A IP Some teachers have submitted to principal there schedules to include a minimum of 10 minutes of physical activity daily A.6.(c)

All teacher wellness plans will be submitted to the principal at the beginning of each school year.

 

   

Students will have a minimum of 10 minutes of rigorous exercise in their daily schedule Classroom

Teachers

Principal

7/01/07

6/30/08

$0

N/A     A.6(d).

The Physical Education teacher will participate in training and implementation of the Physical Education Program (PEP) Grant.  

The physical well being of Tamarack students will increase. Principal and

P.E. Teacher

7/01/07

6/30/08

$0

N/A IP Our PE teachers participated in district wide PEP Grant training on Sept. 21 & 22, 2006 and Jan. 18 & 19, 2007. Activities from the PEP grant have been implemented with required grade levels A.6(e).

Staff will look for ways to encourage each other to remain physically active (YMCA, Star Meltdown Club, Walking Club, utilization of PEP equipment).  

The number of healthy staff at Tamarack will increase.  

Principal;

P.E. Teacher;

Guidance Counselor;

All Staff

 

7/01/07

6/30/08

$0

N/A IP TLC (Tamarack Life-style Changers) Club was initiated in Jan.07 Teams were developed to encourage both weight loss and physical activity among all staff. A.6(f)

Nurse will provide asthma education for participating asthma students (Club "Breathe Easy") and faculty. Students participating in "Club Breathe Easy" will meet 3-4 times during the school year to be educated about their asthma. Teachers will have training to develop more awareness of asthma signs and triggers School assigned Registered Nurse

12/12/06

5/25/08

$0

N/A     A.7(a).

Review and revise existing bullying policy to be in compliance with the DCPS district policy, while educating students and parents about bullying through activities such as:

·1 Star Assembly in August each year

·2 Bullying video for parents at PTO meeting

·1 Town meeting per grade level, as necessary

·2 Bullying survey to students and parents

 

 

Students and parents will be aware of what bullying means and the consequences of bullying, as explained in the bullying policy. Principal;

Tamarack Climate and Safety Committee

Members

7/01/07

6/30/08

$0

N/A IP Bullying Policy was reviewed and updated. Assemblies with students were held to educate all on bullying terms and examples. A video was shown to older students and information was share with parents. A.7(b)

The principal will form a "Breakfast Club" that will be attended monthly with rotating delegates from each classroom. Communication about important events and needs of children will regularly be shared with the principal, and students will share back with their classroom current school information. Principal

8/30/07

6/30/08

$0

Federal Breakfast/Lunch Program     A.8(a) TLC (Tamarack’s Lifestyle Changers) Club will be formed to assist staff members who choose to participate to be accountable for weight loss and physical activity in a positive and friendly competition. Physical health of staff will improve. School Nurse

1/3/07

6/30/08

$0

N/A     A.8(b) School assigned nurse will provide health screenings to interested staff. Staff awareness of blood pressure, cholesterol, heart rate, etc. will improve. School Assigned Nurse

3/1/07

6/30/08

$0

N/A    

Component III: Literacy

Component Manager: Suzanne Guyer, Staff Developer, and Allison Coomes, Principal

Date: February, 2007

Priority Need

According to a comprehensive analysis of assessment data (using CATS and NCLB), there is a need to ensure on going targeted reading and writing improvement.

 

 

Goal

By June 2014, Tamarack Elementary School will achieve an absolute score of 100 on the KCCT in the areas of reading and writing. Tamarack will continue to improve each year based on the goals of the No Child Left Behind Act.

Causes/Contributing Factors

A.1. According to the 2006 Kentucky Core Content Test (KCCT) data from grade 4, there is a significant difference in student scores in the free and reduced and disability population in the area of reading.

A.2. According to the 2006 KCCT data from grade 4, there is a significant difference in student scores in the free and reduced and disability population in the area of writing.

 

A.3. Based on teacher feedback and MAP data, a universal kindergarten screening instrument needs to be implemented to assist in identifying instructional levels of kindergarten students in the area of reading.

A.4. Based on teacher feedback, an increased awareness of kindergarten skills needs to be provided to parents.

Measurable Objectives

A.1. By June 2008, there will be an increase of students reading at the proficient level in the subgroups of free/reduced lunch and disability for grade 4.

A.2. By June 2008, the difference between students in the free and reduced subgroup and disability subgroup and the non-free and reduced subgroup and the disability subgroup will decrease for Writing Portfolios and On-Demand Writing.

A.3. By August 2006, a universal kindergarten screening instrument will be implemented at Tamarack.

 

 

A.4. By August 2006, parents of students entering kindergarten will receive information concerning kindergarten skills.

A.1(a).

Increase the use of leveled reader literacy materials and assessments with all students with disabilities and Title I students.

 

All students will be able to read on grade level.

Principal;

Staff Developer; Classroom Teachers

7/01/07

6/30/08

$42,690

SEEK Funds-Textbook Allocation

IP Leveled readers are being incorporated as teachers received them and become familiar with newly adopted reading material
A.1(b).

Develop Intensive Assistance Plans for individual K-P2 students not reading on grade level. Plans are to be sent to the District Elementary Director.

 

Increased awareness and remediation strategies will help the student improve in reading.

Principal and

Staff Developer

7/01/07

6/30/08

$0

N/A

I Intensive Assistance Reading Plans were developed for all students K-3 who are reading below grade level and who were going to be served by the Title II teacher.
A.1(c).

Students performing below 50% in Reading and Math on MAP testing will be retested at the winter cycle. Those students will receive one on one and small group instruction

A.1(c). (cont.)

and will have an

Intensive Assistance Plan developed and monitored by regular classroom teachers.

 

Students performing below grade level will make gains as a result of added instructional time in focus content area.

Principal;

Staff Developer;

Classroom Teachers

7/01/07

6/30/08

$124,000

$19,000

Title I

Title II

IP Winter MAP testing was held in January for all needed students. Results were reviewed by Staff Developer and grade level teachers and instruction adjustments are addressed
A.1(d).

Develop individualized plans and record-keeping forms for all entering students. This will include STAR scores, MAP scores, DRA assessment scores, referral records, if needed, and specific differentiated strategies.

 

All children will be reading on grade level before they exit Primary. Documentation will be provided and could be used if a special education referral is needed.

Principal;

Staff Developer;

Classroom Teachers

7/01/07

6/30/08

$0

N/A

NI Individualized record keeping forms have not yet been developed
A.1(e).

Utilize DCPS district Literacy Plan and DRA and MAP goals as the criteria for students exiting grades K-P2.

 

Children exiting P-2 will be reading on grade level.

Principal;

Staff Developer;

Classroom Teachers

7/01/07

6/30/08

$0

N/A

I Teachers review the various data listed to make recommendations (including retention) for student success.
A.1(f).

The principal will participate with the Central Office curriculum team members to conduct reading learning walk-throughs in preschool-5th grades.

 

Increased awareness of reading instruction will improve student learning in reading.

Principal;

Central Office curriculum team members

7/01/07

6/30/08

$0

N/A

NI Central Office has not yet participated in walk-throughs at TES. The principal has begun the walkthroughs and hopes to involve teachers more in the coaching/self evaluation process
A.2(a).

Teachers will review professional development needs in the area of writing instruction, portfolio development, and strategies for completing on-demand writing pieces.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teachers will attend professional development and receive assistance from the Staff Developer or master writing teachers in their areas of need.

Principal;

Staff Developer;

Classroom Teachers

7/01/07

6/30/08

$1,000

 

 

Professional Development Funds

I Teachers/Staff Developer/Writing Cluster Leader have worked to review writing instruction and provide activities for all grade levels to incorporate into portfolio development. On-demand strategies and training have been discussed with 5th grade teachers
A.2(b).

Teachers and Staff Developer will search for ways to expedite the writing process for portfolios.

Less instructional time will be spent on portfolio conferencing, resulting in more instructional time for all core content areas. Staff Developer;

Classroom Teachers

7/01/07

6/30/08

$0

N/A

IP Teachers have had training on new writing standards. Portfolio pals involvement has been altered to correlate with the new writing expectations.
A.2.(c)

Training of Sing, Spell, Read and Write and the newly adopted Houghton Mifflin Reading program will be provided to new staff members as staff changes occur.

Teachers will consistently provide reading instruction to students. Principal

Staff Developer

7/1/07

6/30/08

 

$250

Professional Development

Funds

   
A.2(d)

Staff developer will provide on-going job-embedded professional development in the areas of reading and writing.

 

 

 

Teachers will have access to better instructional strategies and ideas on a regular basis to increase the number of students reading on grade level.

Staff Developers

7/01/07

6/30/08

$0

N/A

   
A.3(a).

Tamarack teachers will utilize the District’s universal kindergarten reading screening instrument.

 

Teachers will have a better understanding of each student’s knowledge prior to entering kindergarten.

Principal;

Classroom

Teachers

7/01/07

6/30/08

$500

ESS Funds

I Incoming Kindergarteners were screened on July 11, 2006 with the new district screener
A.3(b).

Kindergarten teachers will utilize information received at the kindergarten jumpstart so that all kindergarten children can be successful.

 

Kindergarten children who need special help to be successful or enrichment to be challenged will be identified from the first day of school.

Principal;

Kindergarten Teachers;

Special Area Teachers

June, 2007

and

June, 2008

$0

N/A

 

I

Information from the screener was used initially to place students in heterogeneous homeroom classes. Data was then used to differentiate instruction in the classroom
A.4(a).

Parents will receive information during spring registration about kindergarten readiness skills and the screening dates.

 

 

Kindergarten students will come to school with some knowledge of expectations/skills.

Principal;

School Secretary;

Kindergarten Teachers

March, 2007

and

March, 2008

$0

N/A

I All parents who registered in the spring received a thorough packet of instructions and information related to screening dates and readiness

Comprehensive School Improvement Report

School Wide Program Report

2006-2008

School:  Tamarack Elementary School Name: Name: Allison Coomes, Principal

1. Needs Assessment Covers Whole School: 

Data Sources – CATS Assessment Results, Parent Teacher Surveys, Information from Committees, Developmental Reading Assessment Results (DRA), STAR reading data, DiStar, Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) results

The data shows the number of students reading below grade level increases in second grade and continues rising until fifth grade.

Teachers indicate a need for continued support of literacy strategies.

Information from committees and informal surveys indicate teachers need continuous work with curriculum alignment and "best practice" strategies.

2. School Wide Reform Strategies

· The following research-based strategies and programs will be utilized to improve the students’ reading success:

· Sing, Spell, Read, and Write (Preschool-grade 2)

· Linda Mood Bell LIPs Program (Kindergarten and below grade level in 1st and 2nd grades)

· Accelerated Reader Program (Kindergarten – Grade 5)

· Success Maker Math Software Program (Kindergarten – Grade 5)

· Success Maker Math Extended Services before and after school for students below grade level

· Modeled writing (Kindergarten – Grade 3)

· 90-120 minutes of reading instruction daily

 

 

2. School Wide Reform Strategies (cont.)

· Skill Books (Kindergarten – Grade 3)

· Talents Unlimited (All levels)

· Junior Great Books (Grades 3 – 5)

· Building Sight Words (Special Needs)

· GEM Model (Identified Gifted and Talented Students and Talent Pool Students)

· Reading Milestones

Student Progress will be assessed in the fall, winter, and spring using Measures of Academic Progress (MAP), Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA), STAR Reading, and Success Maker Math Program.

 

3. Highly Qualified Staff

All teachers are certified in the areas they teach.

A wide variety of professional development is offered to all teachers and instructional assistants for continuous growth.

All instructional assistants have high school diplomas and have passed the state Para educator exam.

Our Staff Developer offers opportunities for job embedded professional development and assists teachers in defining specific areas for professional growth.

All instructional assistants receive professional development on a yearly basis through the Title I Conference, district training, and school workshops.

Comprehensive School Improvement Report

School Wide Program Report (cont.)

4. Professional Development

Professional Development planned for next year includes:

Align our curriculum vertically and horizontally to ensure core content is being covered

Develop a positive school culture through parent, staff, and community partnerships

Assist teachers and staff with differentiated instruction strategies based on MAP, DRA, Achieve, and STAR assessments

Assist Teachers/Para Educators in Success Maker Tools of Implementation

Re-examine Literacy strategies

Training for all teachers provided by Book Company of selected Reading Adoption materials

Title I Conference for all Instructional Assistants

Update "LIPS" training for Kindergarten-P1 teachers as teachers change grade levels and for new teachers.

5. Strategies to Attract Highly Qualified Teachers

The Personnel Director for the district attends numerous job fairs throughout the year. Information about all schools in the district is given to potential teaching candidates during this time.

The Teacher Insight screening tool is used to identify excellent applicants.

6. Parent Involvement

A parent information bulletin board has been established in the school lobby with current events and pictures of active parent participation in our school.

Parents are invited to participate on all School Based Decision Making (SBDM) Committees and on the SBDM Council.

6. Parent Involvement (cont.)

A Staff Volunteer Coordinator will develop a volunteer program and a pool of volunteers will be utilized both in classrooms and at school-wide events.

Orientation/Open House activities will be planned to help parents and students become familiar with our building, staff, and school procedures.

Parents will be invited to attend assemblies, student programs, field trips, and special events.

The Family Resource Center Director, Guidance Counselor, Principal, and others will make home visits.

The school website is updated to inform parents of upcoming events. It contains the latest "Tamarack Star" newsletter, and links to classroom websites.

Monday folders are sent with weekly Progress Reports and information about upcoming academic topics and events.

The "Tamarack Star" newsletter is published monthly and sent home via email and in student folders. Our newsletter highlights upcoming events and student achievements.

Mid-term reports are sent in grades 3-5.

7. Assist Transition

Kindergarten screener/information is given to parents at Kindergarten registration.

Back to School Orientation/Open House is held before the start of school for all grade levels.

Students in preschool and 5th grade will visit new schools prior to the end of the current school year.

Newsletter, informational flyers, and letters will assist parents in planning for transition events.

District Readifest is held prior to the start of school.

Mentor Program is provided by the Guidance Counselor.

Comprehensive School Improvement Report

School Wide Program Report (cont.)

8. Measures to Include Teachers in Decisions

Faculty meetings and analysis sessions are held with teachers to analyze assessment data (MAP, CATS, DRA, Scrimmage tests)

Teacher’s test pilot programs before adopting them school wide.

Teachers and administrators develop strategies for improvement after data has been analyzed.

SBDM Council provides regular input regarding school decisions.

All teachers are members of SBDM Committees and work toward the completion of the goals identified in the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan.

9. Activities to Ensure that Students Meet State Standards

Para educators focus on small groups of students who need additional instruction in order for them to master concepts.

Para educators are assigned to children on one team to enhance collaboration and communication to impact students positively.

Ongoing assessment including DRA, MAP, informal tests, and scrimmage tests

Intensive literacy program which includes small group instruction for those performing below grade level

Para educators, along with teachers, receive professional development to enhance differentiated instruction for students.

 

 

 

10. Coordination and Integration of Programs

Federal Title I and Title II funds are used to provide additional instruction for students working below grade level.

Title I funds will provide for a Volunteer Coordinator.

Family Resource Center funds are used to provide transportation and/or childcare for school parent meetings, and school-sponsored events, such as Family Reading Night for student and parent participation.

SEEK funds are used to buy supplies for classrooms, such as additional reading materials, take-home books, and hands-on manipulatives.

KETS funds will be used to purchase additional computer hardware for student access to reading and math programs.

ESS funds are used to provide after-school instruction for students needing extra instructional time in order to master skills. They are also used before school to fund the daily homework club and for the Kindergarten Jumpstart held in the summer.

Textbook funds will be used to purchase adopted textbooks.

All funds and programs work together for the common goal of assisting our "Tamarack Stars" to shine.