School Improvement Plan 2017-2020 / Overview

EDUCATIONAL GOALS 

GOAL 1: ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

The Newton Public Schools are actively cultivating a culture of equity and excellence by creating and sustaining curriculum and instructional practices that lead to high-quality learning for each and every student. We build the capacity of our educators to meet challenges and opportunities of teaching and learning in a dynamic and evolving environment.

Objectives

A. Provide curriculum and instruction that inspires and engages students.  

B. Foster a cycle of continuous instructional improvement through the use of data, collaboration  and instructional support.  

GOAL 2: EDUCATIONAL EQUITY

Narrow achievement gaps with respect to race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status and increase the achievement of students with special needs.

Objective

A. Create and build upon promising initiatives to meet the needs of all learners and ensure that all students succeed.

GOAL 3: SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING INCLUDING HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Ensure all students become knowledgeable, responsible, caring and contributing members of society through evidence-based social and emotional learning from preschool through high school.

Objective

A. Provide broad support for social and emotional learning for all students.

Improvement Strategies/Activities

Goal/Objective

Outcomes and Measurements

Implement New Math Curriculum

1. District will provide professional development for staff in a staggered manner K-5.

2. The Math coach will collaborate with PLCs to support teachers and students with implementation of new curriculum in specific grades.

3. Teachers will design a schedule that includes district recommended periods for math and follow the recommended structure for math instruction.

4. Teachers will use math assessments (formative and summative) to inform their teaching to meet the needs of each student, reflect on each unit and share best practices during their PLCs.

5. Teachers will conduct peer observations of effective math practices.

6. Students will engage in small group and partner work to improve math understanding and discourse.

7. Parents will receive information and communication about new math curriculum.

Starting in the 2017-2018 school year and implemented over a 2-3 year period, all students will engage in a developmentally appropriate, engaging, and comprehensive math curriculum K-5 as evidenced through student assessments, engagement and skill development.

Improve Achievement for All Students

1. Principal will meet with system-wide data specialist to dive deeper into the MCAS data to determine patterns and themes on which to focus.

2. Principal will share recent assessment data with the families and staff.

3. Data team will identify curriculum areas and specific concepts that school is performing below system/state level and examine school-based assessments and current interventions for students in high needs category.

4. Teachers will meet in PLCs to examine Tier 1 practices to ensure that all students are receiving quality instruction and opportunities.

5. Staff will receive training and engage in collaborative, courageous conversations around race and equity.

6. Staff will develop mentoring program for “high needs” students to strengthen positive relationship with school.

Over the next two years, students in the high needs categories will continue to make considerable growth in academic areas, as defined by the Newton ELA and Math benchmark assessments as well as the MCAS 2.0 data.

Becoming a Responsive School

1. All staff will continue to deepen understanding and develop practices towards using the Responsive Classroom approach to foster learning in all aspects of school life.

2. All teachers will commit time each morning for Morning Meeting and will follow the recommended structure.

3. All teachers will deepen understanding, self evaluate, and share best practices around:

· Effective Teacher Language

· Student Engagement

· Academic Choice

4. Teachers will communicate elements of the Responsive Classroom approach with families via email, newsletters, and/or inviting families into the school.

5. The Responsive School Team will evaluate progress and identify areas for continued professional growth.

Over the next few years, all teachers will become proficient in implementing the Responsive Classroom model in their classrooms; providing common language and opportunities for students’ increased school connectedness and engagement.

MANAGERIAL GOALS

GOAL 1: SCHOOL FACILITIES

As the long-range planning for improved school facilities continues in the implementation phase, it is critical to continually update the plan including the current needs for preschool and student services educational space both short-term and long-term. This goal includes the implementation of the student assignment plan to reduce overcrowding at some schools and to match the student population to the newer, enlarged schools.

Objectives

A. Continue to update Teaching and Learning facilities.  

B. Approve and Implement a plan for student assignment in order to relieve space at  overcrowded schools.  

C. Implement protocol for elementary school transitions to new facilities.  

GOAL 2: TECHNOLOGY

Promote and support effective use of technology for curriculum and instruction, and ensure reliable and efficient technology infrastructure.

Objectives

A. Curriculum and Instruction: Promote and support effective use of technology.  

B. Infrastructure: Ensure reliable and efficient technology infrastructure.  

Improvement Strategies/Activities

Goal/Objective

Outcomes and Measurements

Transition Back to our Neighborhood School Site

1. School council, in conjunction with staff, will develop new routines for arrival and dismissal.

2. Staff will develop new routines for students traveling through and working within the new school.

3. New school open houses will be held for the school community.

Students, teachers and families will have a smooth transition into a new school, adjusting to our new school building and growing school size.

Promote Effective Use of New Technology

1. Staff will explore typing programs and other impactful technology resources to broaden students’ proficiency with typing and use of technology.

2. Staff will develop guidelines and recommendations for use of technology for homework.

3. Principal will hold staff meetings that focus on teachers sharing best practices and learning new techniques around integrating technology into all domains.

Students will have multiple opportunities to enhance their learning across the curriculum through technology. Students will be comfortable typing by the end of 5^th grade.

COMMUNITY GOALS

Engage both the parent and non-parent communities through both face-to-face communication and digital means.

Objective

A. Engage the community through multiple means.

Improvement Strategies/Activities

Goal/Objective

Outcomes and Measurements

Building and Engaging with our Community

1. Parent community, with support from the principal, will develop “walking school busses” to encourage students and families to walk to school.

2. PTO will increase opportunities for families to connect with one another through school events.

3. Teachers will hold classroom events that highlight students’ learning and grade level curriculum.

4. Principal and the PTO will develop structures to welcome new families, such as creating a buddy system for new families.

5. Teachers will develop opportunities for cross grade collaboration and relationships, such as buddy classes.

6. The principal, staff and parent community will support the transition of the ABA program from Countryside School to Zervas School.

7. School community will provide opportunities for students to engage in meaningful community service projects.

Maintain and deepen our close school community and our meaningful parent-teacher collaboration and partnership.