Dr. Nikki Woodson, Superintendent 8550 Woodfield Crossing Blvd Indianapolis, IN 46240-2478 Document Generated On February 15, 2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 1 Description of the School System 2 System's Purpose 4 Notable Achievements and Areas of Improvement 5 Additional Information 10
Introduction Every school system has its own story to tell. The context in which teaching and learning takes place influences the processes and procedures by which the school system makes decisions around curriculum, instruction, and assessment. The context also impacts the way a school system stays faithful to its vision. Many factors contribute to the overall narrative such as an identification of stakeholders, a description of stakeholder engagement, the trends and issues affecting the school system, and the kinds of programs and services that a school system implements to support student learning. The purpose of the Executive Summary (ES) is to provide a school system with an opportunity to describe in narrative form the strengths and challenges it encounters. By doing so, the public and members of the community will have a more complete picture of how the school system perceives itself and the process of self-reflection for continuous improvement. This summary is structured for the school system to reflect on how it provides teaching and learning on a day to day basis. Page 1
Description of the School System Describe the school system's size, community/communities, location, and changes it has experienced in the last three years. Include demographic information about the students, staff, and community at large. What unique features and challenges are associated with the community/communities the school system serves? The Metropolitan School District of Washington Township (MSDWT) is located in the northern section of Indianapolis, Indiana and Marion County. It is a dynamic community with broad diversity in cultures, religions, ethnic groups, races and socio-economic levels. MSDWT has been an educational leader in Indiana for the last forty years. MSDWT students live in a diverse world. The District has grown from a fairly homogeneous community to one with a mosaic of diversity: 40.2% African American; 33.7% Caucasian; 14.7% Hispanic; 7.3% Multi-Racial; and 3.8% Asian. Washington Township prides itself on the richness of diversity represented in its schools and its community and for the opportunity this diversity presents for students to become openminded and responsible global citizens. Over 1,041,557 students are served by MSDWT teachers: 94.8 Caucasian; 3.5% African American; and 1% Hispanic. Demographic trends have seen the rise of Hispanic students and more children of poverty attending our schools, thus presenting challenges, i.e., achievement gaps and disproportionality of certain student groups in programs. Each year we see more students living in apartments contributing to a growing mobility rate and the challenges this presents in maintaining a superior educational program for all students. Because Washington Township schools are located in a desirable area of Indianapolis, there are many well-respected private and parochial schools available to area residents. It is imperative that our schools maintain our reputation of excellence as we compete for area students. Since Washington Township as a community offers so much to its populace, many residents prefer to stay as opposed to relocating to newer suburban areas; therefore a high proportion of property owners no longer have children attending our schools. These factors place heavy responsibility on the school district to maintain its excellence and market its schools to area residents and businesses. The district is keenly aware that it must increase its efforts to market our schools and attract young families to the area. Washington Township's excellence extends beyond its schools. It is unique within the city - really a community of neighborhoods - friendly, established, eclectic and engaged. Located twenty-five minutes from downtown Indianapolis, community members have convenient access to professional sports, museums, cultural venues and festivals, and parks and recreation. Affordable adult education is offered at J. Everett Light Career Center and local community colleges, and all community members have easy access to lifelong learning resources at local libraries as well as the Marion County Public Library. Washington Township Schools maintain close partnerships with local universities such as Butler University, Marian University, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, and Purdue University. Additionally, schools partner with local churches and community organizations to provide support for students and teachers inside and outside of the classroom. Dedicated to quality education, every Washington Township School has a strong Parent-Teacher Organization that supports the schools with activities such as service projects, extracurricular clubs, and after-school programs. These building-based PTOs are in addition to the district Parent Council that provides a community-wide voice for families. MSDWT offers a comprehensive educational curriculum with special activities and programs geared to provide enrichment, exploration, and Page 2
instructional support for students. Parents have always played an active role in the operations of the district and each school furnishes a "Parent Center" to accommodate parents visiting the school. MSDWT has the finest high school curriculum in the State of Indiana. It annually produces the highest number of students taking Advanced Placement exams and scoring high enough to earn college credits. MSDWT's North Central High School was the first high school in Indiana to offer the International Baccalaureate program. The high school offers programs that allow students to earn the North Central Academic Honor Diploma and the Indiana Academic Honors Diploma. MSDWT provides excellent opportunities for students to participate in outstanding performing arts, fine arts, academic teams, publications, athletics, and other student activities. North Central High School has the distinction of being Indiana's number two high school in the number of Indiana athletic championships. The MSDWT provides quality education in award winning schools built on a foundation of outstanding educators, administrators, school board members, and supportive parents. Our vision is "Superior Schools in a Supportive Community." Page 3
System's Purpose Provide the school system's purpose statement and ancillary content such as mission, vision, values, and/or beliefs. Describe how the school system embodies its purpose through its program offerings and expectations for students. MSDWT Mission Statement The mission of Washington Township Schools is to develop life-long learners and globally minded citizens by fostering the academic, creative and social skills needed to achieve excellence in a multicultural environment. District Vision Statement Superior Schools in a Supportive Community Through our work with the International Baccalaureate Program, we have committed to creating students who exemplify the following learner profile attributes: Inquirers: They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives. Knowledgeable: They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad range of disciplines. Thinkers: They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions. Communicators: They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others. Principled: They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them. Open-minded: They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience. Caring: They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment. Risk-takers: They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs. Balanced: They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal wellbeing for themselves and others. Reflective: They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experiences. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development. Page 4
Notable Achievements and Areas of Improvement Describe the school system's notable achievements and areas of improvement in the last three years. Additionally, describe areas for improvement that the school system is striving to achieve in the next three years. Notable Achievements: Washington Township schools provide a nationally acclaimed educational experience that honors children and offers unlimited opportunities for their development. -K-12 world language classes -International Baccalaureate Authorization for all seven elementary schools -Before- and after-school programming and enrichment at all schools -Rigorous academic classes, including honors and accelerated high school math offered at all middle schools -Several National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence -Indiana Chamber of Commerce Top of the Class Award -28 college level AP courses offered at North Central High School -Advanced College Project (ACP) offers 9 dual credit courses with Indiana University -42% of North Central's student body takes one or more honors courses -90% of 2010 senior class earned College Prep/Core 40 Diplomas, with 43% earning Indiana Academic Honors Diploma -SAT and ACT scores exceed state and national averages -Numerous North Central state championships in performing arts, music, and athletics -Most established International Baccalaureate Diploma program with an average 92% success rate since 1990 -Numerous community partnerships -Credit recovery options for HS - over 60 computers for this use -Comprehensive Learning Center at HS to assist students with coursework -before, during, and after school -Host adult education options for our community -Over 500 students enrolled at JEL learning skills, trades, and career readiness -Highest growth on standardized tests for ENL in state -Comprehensive PD program - organized through PD express -Partnership with Junior Achievement at some elementary schools -The Washington Township Schools Foundation has given over 3 million in private dollars in support of public education through grants, program support, designated gifts and scholarships Areas of Improvement: Identified below were suggestions and recommendations made during the district's last accreditation visit. The indented statements highlight ways in which we have improved over the past three years. - Requiring consistency in data analysis by individual schools throughout the district. Data Driven Software Corporation (D2SC) was purchased in the spring of 2011, to fill a need for housing and reporting data for the district. It houses grades, attendance, discipline data, RTI reports, and district and state assessment scores. It links assessment to state and common core standards, to allow for analysis of areas of concern. It allows administrators and teachers on-line access to student data. Implemented a Quality Assurance Review (QAR) process that utilizes student achievement data to identify successful processes. All schools engage in a PLC at least once week using guidelines identified by the district. Page 5
- Continuing to implement ways to increase the engagement of the students in classroom instructional strategies. The International Baccalaureate is a comprehensive framework that will improve the educational attainment of every child. IB combines best practices in teaching and a deep understanding of the learning process to bring about a profound change in the way instruction is delivered. In addition to teaching subject-specific content, inquiry-based instruction teaches critical-thinking and problem-solving skills while promoting the transfer of concepts to other content areas. This method of instruction has been proven to motivate and engage all types of learners, to prepare every child for success. - Communicating and monitoring the implementation of district instructional initiatives. Over the past two years district administrators have engaged in action planning. Action plans are created around new district initiatives listing tasks, person responsible, and deadlines. Communication plans are embedded within these action plans. Status updates are provided during Teaching and Learning weekly meetings. - Developing district-wide strategies to consistently transition students from middle school to high school. Transition activities include: - Career Center Visit: In October, eighth grade students visit the J. Everett Light Career Center adjacent to North Central High School. Students are not allowed to attend classes at the career center until their sophomore year of high school, however it is important for them to know that these possible opportunities exist so that they can plan their freshman and sophomore schedules accordingly if they are interested. - HS Guidance Director Q and A: The high school guidance director hosts an evening at Northview for eighth graders and their parents to present basic freshman scheduling requirements, required courses and credits, as well as the scheduling timeline. Students and parents pose questions to the guidance director in a small, intimate setting. - Ninth Grade Scheduling Information: In January, the 8th grade counselor delivers a presentation to all 8th grade students to review the high school course catalogue, explain high school credits, and present possible freshman scheduling options. Many other questions regarding high school participation, eligibility, and opportunities are presented to students. - Bridge/Cohort/Tech School/ IB Meetings: In January, multiple North Central programs meet specifically with students who are recommended for this program. The bridge program seeks to support ELL students, the Cohort program support minority students in the pursuit of college, the technology school seeks to support students who are at risk of dropping out, and the IB diploma program is targeted toward top performing students to provide them the most rigorous challenge possible. - JROTC Visits: Students and staff from JROTC visit eighth grade lunches in January to hand our information to students. - Curriculum Night: In January, North Central High School hosts a curriculum where students and parents receive information about all classes offered at North Central. They are able to ask questions regarding scheduling. - Individual Scheduling Meetings: In January and February, the eighth grade counselor meets with eighth graders and their parents to plan their freshman schedule as needed. - North Central Visit: In mid April, all 8th graders visit North Central High school during the school day. Students visit with students, take a tour of the building, attend performances, and visit classrooms. - Pantherquest: In August all 8th graders are expected to attend a multi-day orientation to North Central high school before upper classmen return to school. North Central Juniors and seniors facilitate an orientation process that welcomes freshman students and brings them into the North Central family. - Developing consistency in the delivery of curriculum and instruction at the middle schools. Over the past few years, the following district initiatives have been implemented to ensure consistency in curriculum and instruction exists amongst our middle schools: PBS (Positive Behavior Supports), Middle Year Program (International Baccalaureate),PLCs (Professional Learning Communities), Marzano's 6 Step Vocabulary Process, and 5 Easy Steps to a Balanced Math Program. In addition a middle school Page 6
English Language Arts framework is currently being developed. This framework will be introduced this spring and will be implemented during the 2013-2014 school year. - Continuously evaluating school safety and security issues - Continuing to research and implement strategies to close achievement gaps. Increased sheltered classes Implemented SIP strategies Instituted and ENL academy Partnered with the Urban Center for the Advancement of STEM Education (UCASE) in a three year Math and Science Partnership Grant to provide professional development to teachers in reaching all learners in mathematics and science Areas for improvement that the school system is striving to achieve in the next three years: District Strategic Goals: District Quality Assurance Goal #1: We will develop a Quality Assurance Process that: - Utilizes student achievement data to identify successful processes and systems - Investigates the practices of our most consistently successful educators and identifies practices to replicate across disciplines and grade levels. Goal #2: We will become authorized as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School Corporation - By 2011-2012 Washington Township will successfully complete the IB Authorization Process in the Primary Years Program. - By 2012-2013 Washington Township will successfully complete the IB Authorization Process in the Middle Years Program. Goal #3: will receive an additional 5-year accreditation during the 2012-2013 School Year Special Services Goal #1: By 2012-13, we will - Identify systems and measures that will be used consistently across all grade levels that measure student growth for special populations. - Identify effective practices that must be in place to differentiate instruction for all special populations in the CORE curriculum Goal #2: By 2013-14 we will implement systems, measures, effective instructional practices and intensive interventions with fidelity that will be used consistently with special populations across all grade levels. Goal #3: By 2014-15 we will assess and alter evaluation practices to align with student growth and monitoring of programs and practices. Technology Goal #1: By 2014 all students and educators will have access to a reliable network infrastructure for learning when and where they need it Goal #2: 80% of educators including administrators will be proficient in National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) by 2014 Page 7
Goal #3 All educators including administrators will have easy access to timely student performance data Elementary Schools Goal #1: Language Arts - Reading By 2014-15, a ninety-minute uninterrupted reading framework will be effectively implemented in every classroom. Goal #2: Language Arts - Writing By 2014-15, a 6+1 Traits structured system will be effectively implemented in every classroom. Goal #3: Math: By 2014-15, the Five Easy Steps to a Balanced Math Program framework will be effectively implemented in every classroom. Secondary Schools Goal #1: Language Arts - Reading/Writing By 2014-15, a vocabulary framework for all content areas using Marzano's Five Step Vocabulary Process which will be effectively implemented in every classroom. Goal #2: Language Arts - Reading/Writing By 2014-15, a writing across the curriculum model focusing on expository/argumentative writing will be effectively implemented in every classroom. Goal #3: Math By 2014-15, the Five Easy Steps to Math framework will be effectively implemented in every math classroom. Goal #4: RtII By 2014-15, an RtII framework at the secondary level that will provide students with the additional support necessary for academic success will be effectively implemented in each school. Operations Division Goals Goal #1: Develop and implement HVAC operational procedures and practices that conserve energy and provide excellent indoor air quality (IAQ) and occupant comfort. Goal #2: Ensure adequate and appropriate facilities are available to educate the children attending Washington Township Schools Business Services Goals Goal #1: Develop annual budgets that maximize revenues and align the district revenues with expenses. Goal #2: Convert tracking of time & attendance to an automated system by 2013. Create a vendor selection process and develop an Page 8
implementation process. Goal #3: Develop a Teacher Compensation Model. Work with HR in the development of ideas for this model and collaborate with WTEA through the collective bargaining process to finalize the model annually or on an as needed basis. Goal #4: Transportation Department: Maintain the financial viability within the Transportation and Bus Replacement Funds. Maintain continuity of service that best supports the needs of our students. Human Resources Goal Goal #1: Develop, deploy, and implement, a performance evaluation and compensation model for all employees in the Metropolitan School District of Washington Township Schools. Page 9
Additional Information Provide any additional information you would like to share with the public and community that were not prompted in the previous sections. Washington Township Schools Foundation The mission of the Washington Township Schools Foundation is: "Changing the lives of children in Washington Township Schools by funding innovative educational programs that provide extraordinary learning experiences." Since 1986, the Foundation has given over $3 million in private dollars in support of public education through grants, program support, designated gifts and scholarships. In the 2010-2011 school year, over $320,000 was given in that school year alone. The Foundation provides not only funding support to our district schools, but holds an endowment fund for the PTOs of each of those schools. The Foundation provides an important vehicle that allows us to tell our positive stories of teaching and learning through two main annual fundraising events and an annual fundraising appeal. The Foundation rallies the support of community stakeholders through solicitation of funding support, community partnerships, and outreach to faculty, staff, current student families, and alumni. Page 10