Mr. Beckeman's Blog

An update on the Accreditation Standard II:  Governance & Leadership

The NCA Internal Peer Review (IPR) team noted in their May, 2010 report, how R-PHS met the intent of the standard based on the preponderance of evidence:

A major focus has been placed on reading with SRI being given three times during the year and Lexile data information being placed on a school improvement bulletin board in the hallway for everyone to see.  With increased work, Lexile scores and reading comprehension have gone up.  Reciprocal teaching is a building-wide strategy that is in place.  A majority of classrooms have a reciprocal teaching poster up on the wall.   Blogs are in place with staff.  Staff are at different levels of implementation of the blogs.

R-PHS has added sections of READ 180 during the year and now have in place three double-block sections to support identified students. 

R-PHS is a safe place to learn.  All students, parents and staff felt that way.  Parents are satisfied with the culture of the school and how students are treated.  Parents are involved as needed in the school.  While formal parent organization in not in place, many “specialized” parent groups (band, athletics) have a large amount of parent support.

The overall improvement of Reeths-Puffer High School has been very positive with improved ACT, Lexile scores and building-wide strategies.  With these strategies in place, they will benefit staff and students.

The team noted several successful practices deserving recognition:

• Blogs are in place for staff.  Though this in the early stages of implementation
• Mr. Beckeman’s blog is a valuable resource for many staff and community members
• Students, staff and parents feel that R-PHS is a safe place
• Addition of an additional READ 180 double-block
• SRI assessments are given 3 times per year to monitor reading progress
• Data board in main hall as a visual for everyone to see
• Mission statement is visually displayed throughout school.  Students and staff know what it is
• Parents feel that policies are followed
• Staff have a better understanding of the 7 standards for NCA. 
• Reciprocal Teaching is a building-wide strategy
• ACT scores have increased over the year
• 21st Century Grant allows for students to access extra support

The IPR team suggested the following recommendations for action planning:

• Focus efforts equally between reading and writing goal
• Inform students about reciprocal teaching strategy components
• Effectively communicate why SRI is being used with students
• Suggest adding vocabulary to blogs
• Improve ACT prep for students prior to taking the test
• While parents felt students were prepared for academic needs, they felt more should be done for emotional needs

Actions taken since September, 2010, by staff include, but are not limited to:

• Establishing a writing model for English 9, English 10, English 11 and English 12
• Formation of a behavior supports team to provide guidance, understanding and emotional support to all students
• Initiating a team of faculty members to deepen the learning of what RtI is and what might constitute appropriate interventions for students
• Include vocabulary and grammar specific to writing model
• Additional training in blogs and classroom technology has been staff led with ongoing plans to increase their use to benefit students

An update on Standard Three:  Teaching & Learning is coming soon!