Tillicum Middle School: Three-Year School Improvement Plan 2015-16 to 2017-18 September 2015 (Year 1) Bellevue School District Mission: To provide all students with an exemplary college preparatory education so they can succeed in college, career and life. Preparing students for academic success in core content areas through achieving proficiency in literacy, math, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) as measured by state assessments. Preparing students for college and career success by meeting college academic distribution requirements (CADR) and earning at least 20 (quarter) college credits and/or professional certification. Preparing students for a positive and productive life through the development interpersonal skills and a commitment to the community. of District Goals All students will reach or exceed academic proficiency Eliminate the achievement gap All students, including those who already meet or exceed academic proficiency, will show measurable progress School Purpose & Mission Statement Our mission is to provide each student with the academic, social-emotional, physical, practical, and critical thinking skills necessary to lead a successful life and become a life-time contributor within the global community. Characteristics of Successful Schools The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction identifies the following nine characteristics of successful schools: clear and shared focus high standards and expectations for all students effective school leadership high levels of collaboration and communication curriculum, instruction and assessments aligned with state standards frequent monitoring of learning and teaching focused professional development supportive learning environment and high levels of family and community involvement. Through the framework of Professional Learning Communities, our school will use the nine characteristics as a guide to refine our work. The specific strategies we are implementing this year that embody the nine characteristics of successful schools are incorporated in our plans detailed throughout this document. School Profile School Background Progress Towards Goals School Improvement Plan Highlights Appendices Contents 2 3 5 6 7 EVERY STUDENT EVERY DAY EVERY CLASSROOM
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BACKGROUND Instructional Program Overview Tillicum is a high achieving middle school serving approximately 700 students. Students attend a seven period day, take four required academic courses each semester, Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. In addition, students take required courses in Physical Education at each grade level, Health in the 7 th grade, and choose from a variety of electives; Spanish, French, Chinese, Applied Technology, Digital Technology, Gateway to Technology, Video Production, Band, Orchestra, Choir, Drama, Art Exploration, Ceramics, and Studio Art. Though not required, 69% of Tillicum students take a world language course and 62% take a music course. Tillicum staff and students are passionate about reading, and Tillicum s Culture of Reading is evident throughout the campus. Students participate in Drop Everything and Read monthly, and teachers are trained and regularly utilize specific instructional strategies known to increase reading comprehension (Reciprocal Teaching, SIOP, Academic Vocabulary, etc.) All Tillicum teachers are highly qualified, with 23% having earned National Board Certification. Approximately 73% of Tillicum students are enrolled in a World Language course, including Chinese, French and Spanish. Tillicum is also home to the International Spanish Academy (ISA) program which is a unique instructional programs focusing on in-depth Spanish Language Learning. Students enrolled in the ISA program began the program in either Kindergarten or first grade at Puesta del Sol Elementary and are becoming functionally fluent in the Spanish Language. As part of the ISA program at Tillicum, students take a Spanish Language, Literature, and Culture course, and a Spanish Language Social Studies course. Students are given many opportunities for involvement and leadership. Eighth grade students mentor incoming 6 th graders as part of our WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) program. ASB (Associated Student Body) and NJHS (National Junior Honor Society) students plan and organize social events and community service projects. Club Jubilee at Tillicum provides many opportunities for students to develop leadership skills. Through sports such as soccer, cross country, basketball, and flag football and activities such as math club and chess club, students are taught more than just how to compete. Through these and other programs at Tillicum, students engage their peers in a positive manner by guiding others based on personal experience and leading their group through physical and/or mental challenges. Key Successes This Past Year We were recognized by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and earned a Washington Achievement Award for 2014 for being in the topo 10% of all middle schools state-wide for 3 consecutive years. We were recognized at the Embassy of Spain in Washington D.C. as one of the top International Spanish Academy (ISA) schools in the nation. Tillicum was awarded second place in the middle school category for Colegio del Año or School of the Year. Our investment in reading support and intervention is paying off. Students receiving our targeted reading intervention showed an average of +2.63 grade level growth in reading as measure by the Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI). EVERY STUDENT EVERY DAY EVERY CLASSROOM 4
Highest-Priority Opportunities for Growth Over the next three years, our highest priorities are to: Reach 100% proficiency in 8 th grade Science the MSP assessment (up from 80% as of spring 2015) Reach 100% proficiency in 7 th grade Writing as measured by the Smarter Balanced Writing Claim (up from 91% as of spring 2015) Reach 100% grade level proficiency in reading and math as measured by the STAR Reading and Math assessments (up from 81% and 77 % respectively as of spring 2015) As a District, and at Tillicum in particular, we are focused on eliminating achievement gaps which disproportionately impact Black, Hispanic, and Asian students. PROGRESS TOWARDS GOALS Academic Success Our goal every year is that every student meet state standards. We know that as a school community we may fall short of our goal, but that never diminishes our determination, our ability to learn from our mistakes, and our belief in our students, our parents, and our staff. Past Progress Measure 2012 2013 2014 2015 7 th Grade Writing MSP 86% 87% 84% NA Smarter Balanced Writing Claim NA NA NA 91% 8 th Grade Science MSP 84% 89% 93% 80% Notes: WA State replaced the reading, writing, and math MSP exams with the Smarter Balanced exams starting in spring 2015. Since the Smarter Balanced exams measure a different set of learning standards, the results are not directly comparable to the MSP tests. We are using STAR as our consistent measure of progress over time. This is a nationally-normed exam that all our students in grades 2-8 take each fall and spring. Positive & Productive Life Historical Data 2015 3-Year Goals Measure 2012 2013 2014 Goal Actual 2016 2017 2018 Increase in Terrific Tiger Awards NA NA NA NA 645 774 (+ 20%) 1083 (+ 40%) 1949 (+ 80%) Decrease Student Detentions 1899 1826 903 NA 894 715 (min 20%) 429 (min 40%) 85 (min 80%) Panorama Survey: Positive Sense of NA NA NA NA 62% 75% 85% 100% Belonging Panorama Survey: NA NA NA NA 46% 65% 85% 100% EVERY STUDENT EVERY DAY EVERY CLASSROOM 5
Connectedness to Adults Note: See Appendix A for a description of measures. SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN HIGHLIGHTS: How we are accomplishing our goals Action Research Teams (ARTs): Tillicum is following the cycle of continuous improvement and has developed an Action Research Team (ART) structure wherein a team of highly qualified teachers works collaboratively to design a goal for each goal area, institute action steps necessary to achieve those goals, monitor progress at key checkpoints, and refine the action steps based upon progress monitoring data. The task for the Reading, Math, Writing and Science Action Research Teams is to review data, set an attainable and measurable academic proficiency goal, develop an action plan and monitor and report back on progress of student achievement of goals. The task for the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Action Research Teams mirrors the other teams, however, they will have an additional task of defining key benchmarks that will indicate students are progressing adequately along the continuum toward a positive and productive life, what it means to be emotionally and mentally healthy, and what instrument could be used to measure outcomes in this area. Academic Success Action Research Team Highlights Reading Expanded Reading Lab support to 3 sections, from 1.5 sections in 2014-2015. Utilizing STAR, SBA, grades, and teacher recommendations. Students receiving this intervention in 2014-2015 grew by an average of +2.63 grade levels in reading. Making STAR visible by sharing STAR reading results with students and parents, utilizing STAR results to help student choose appropriate reading material at their independent level, and for goal setting so that students set individual goals for growth. Strengthening Tillicum s Culture of Reading by instituting Stop, Drop and Read Classroom assemblies monthly, emphasizing Literacy Week, Reading Club, and the Tillicum Summer Academy reading intervention Math Expanded Math Lab support class to 2 sections, from 1 section in 2014-2015, now include IMT2 support in addition to Algebra support. Providing after school IMT1 support 2 days a week for targeted students Emphasizing Smarter Balanced assessment type tasks quarterly Providing inclusive instruction for students with disabilities through Special Education teacher support in general education mathematics classrooms. Incorporating Complex Instruction and Group Worthy Tasks into mathematics instruction. Making STAR visible by sharing STAR math results with students and parents. Writing Teachers implementing research-based instructional strategies addressing instruction focus on writing across content areas (Cl.Ev.R Framework) Engaged all staff in training on SBA Writing criteria and assessment prompts. EVERY STUDENT EVERY DAY EVERY CLASSROOM 6
Collaborating with SS and LA teachers around common framework Utilizing Graphic organizers to aid the writing process in all classrooms. Providing inclusive instruction for students with disabilities through Special Education teacher support in general education Language Arts classrooms. AVID and SIOP strategies interwoven throughout classroom activities Science Collaboration between science and special education department, specifically in the area of writing and collecting scientific data/evidence to support student learning. AVID and SIOP strategies interwoven throughout classroom activities. Using Interactive science notebooks. Intentional student collaboration following an AVID model of Peer Study Groups Continued focus on scientific academic vocabulary and inquiry strategies to promote problem solving and high level thinking. Positive & Productive Life PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Support): Tillicum has initiated the implementation of PBIS with a specific focus on the school-wide implementation of key positive classroom management strategies, interventions and support. The goal of PBIS is for students and staff to understand and follow behavior expectations in classrooms and common areas in order to foster a climate that is physically and emotionally safe. Action Research Team Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports Social and Emotional Learning Highlights Training staff on implementation of 3 key PBIS strategies (5:1, Wise Feedback, and Communicating Competently with Students). All staff signed commitment contract for 5:1 ratio with students Terrific Tillicum Tiger positive acknowledgement system. Reduced out of school suspensions in 2014-2015 by 63% by restricting disciplinary systems to focus on positive interventions. Capitalizing on Houston Kraft motivational assembly scheduled for December; planning follow-up lesson, additional mini-lessons and activities to sustain message Students and staff trained on Mindfulness strategies. Trained staff on use of Ruler curriculum, including Mood Meter, Meta Moment, and Class Charter Six teachers are participation in the new Social and Emotional Learning curriculum pilot. APPENDIX A: Description of Measures 7 th Grade Writing In past years, Washington State has measured students writing proficiency once during middle school, using the seventh grade Writing MSP test. That test has now been replaced with the Smarter Balanced English Language Arts exam given in grades 6-8. We will continue to use seventh grade as our benchmark year for writing, using the writing claims portion of the English Language Arts test. 8 th Grade Science Percent of students meeting or exceeding state standards on the eighth grade Science MSP test. EVERY STUDENT EVERY DAY EVERY CLASSROOM 7
Reading Math Social and Emotional Learning Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports Our goal is for 100% of Tillicum students to show growth in reading and meet proficiency standards. The STAR reading assessment will be used to monitor student progress towards this goal. Our goal is for 100% of Tillicum students to show growth in mathematics and meet proficiency standards. The STAR math assessment will be used to monitor student progress towards this goal. Percent of favorable responses on the Panorama student perceptions survey. This survey was first instituted in 2015. An increase in the percentage students receiving positive recognition (Terrific Tiger Awards) and a decrease in the percentage of students assigned punitive disciplinary consequences (Detention). APPENDIX B: Glossary Glossary and list of abbreviations/acronyms ART: Action Research Team ASB: Associated Student Body AVID: Advancement Via Individual Determination Cl.Ev.R Framework: Claim, Evidence, Reasoning Framework ISA: International Spanish Academy MSP: Measurement of Student Progress NJHS: National Junior Honor Society PBIS: Positive Behavior Intervention and Support SBA: Smarter Balanced Assessment SEL: Social and Emotional Learning SIOP: Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol EVERY STUDENT EVERY DAY EVERY CLASSROOM 8