Mr. Beckeman's Blog

January 19, 2010

Accreditation Standard VII: Commitment to Continuous Improvement

“Igniting Minds, Fueling Futures” (R-PHS Mission Statement)

An update on the Accreditation Standard VII:  Commitment to Continuous Improvement

As reported in the spring of 2009 report, the commendations noted by the Quality Assurance Review Team (QART) were:

  • A strong emphasis on writing across the curriculum.  Evidence of writing in all content areas including non-core areas
  • Emphasis in higher level writing beyond type I and type II writings
  • An emphasis on using the concept of “opportunity to learn” to drive student offerings and opportunities.
  • An increase in co-taught special education classes and support classes (READ 180)
  • Essential vocabulary is identified and implemented from a school-wide, course and grade level perspective.  The “essential” vocabulary terms have been “shelved’ and a heavy focus is placed on these essential terms

The QART suggested  the following recommendations for action planning for the 2009-10 school year:

  • Use multiple data points on an ongoing basis to validate school-wide goals
  • Ensure consistent use of identified school improvement strategies for identified goals
  • Continue to encourage graphic organizers to support target area goals

The action plans that staff have initiated are:

  • SRI testing has been implemented in grades 9-11 on three separate dates (Sept., Jan. & May) to monitor progress and improvement in lexile measures
  • Professional Development for Recpiprocal Teaching strategies has led to instructional application in classes across the curriculum

Please take the time to “surf” the high school website.  I believe you will be impressed with the information and support provided to our students.

Also consider subscribing to my blog by entering your email address in the text box located on the lower right column of this post and click the “subscribe” button.  You will then receive an email notifying you that a new post has been added to my blog.  It’s a great way to stay informed on what’s happening at the high school.

Accreditation Standard VI: Stakeholder Communications & Relationships

“Igniting Minds, Fueling Futures”  (R-PHS Mission Statement)

An update on the Accreditation Standard VI: Stakeholder Communications & Relationships

As reported in the spring 2009 report, the commendations noted by the Quality Assurance Review Team (QART) for Stakeholder Communication & Relationships were:

  • Effective use of Rocket Review, website and automated phone system
  • Administration provides staff with opportunities for conversation and growth through Professional Learning Communities and Peer Observations
  • Parents are provided a variety of support groups to engage with. Examples include Athletics, Band, Vocal Music, Theatre booster groups
  • Parents and students felt comfortable communicating concerns with staff.  All groups expressed a safe and inviting environment when approaching staff members.
  • Students and parents feel there is an open-door policy with staff

The QART suggested the following recommendations for action planning for the 2009-10 school year:

  • Consider surveying parents as to additional ways and means whereby parents could become more involved with the school
  • Consider expanding on current technology uses with respect to communicating to parents such as links to sites and calendars

The action plans that staff have initiated are:

  • Professional Development on individual teacher blogs to communicate class activities, homework and support materials
  • Conduct survey for additional parental input on communication improvements

Please consider subscribing to my blog by entering your email address in the text box located on the lower right column of this post and click the “subscribe” button.  You will then receive an email notifying you that a new post has been added to my blog.  It’s a great way to stay informed on what’s happening at the high school.

Accreditation Standard V: Resource & Support Systems

“Igniting Minds, Fueling Futures” (R-PHS Mission Statement)

An update on Accreditation Standard V: Resource & Support Systems

As reported in the spring of 2009 report, the commendations noted by the Quality Assurance Review Team (QART) for Resource & Support Systems were:

  • The LMC is a fantastic resource for students and staff
  • Specific courses have been offered to assist all students in meeting the graduation requirements listed the Michigan Merit Curriculum
  • AP course offerings have increased significantly
  • Counseling office has assisted students in securing significant scholarship money to off-set post secondary costs
  • Counseling office has been at the forefront of understanding and implementing measures relative to personal curriculum plans

The QART suggested the following recommendations for action planning during the 2009-10 school year:

  • Increase the allocation of human, financial and PD resources to narrow the gap between regular education and special education sub-group
  • Consider a goal relative to special education student performance to be implemented school-wide

The action plans that staff have initiated in this standard are:

  • SRI dates have been established to determine Lexile score growth
  • Reciprocal Teaching strategies give students skill sets that can be used across the curriculum
  • An additional section of READ 180 has been placed on the master schedule to support special education students

Please take the time to “surf” the high school website.  I believe you will be impressed with the information and support provided to our students, parents and community!

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