WASHOE COUNTY SCH DIST District

Clayton, Archie MS
1295 WYOMING AVENUE
RENO , NV 89503

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
TITLE I — NRS 385

For Implementation in 2008-2009


Name of MemberPosition
Scott Bailey <slbailey@washoe.k12.nv.us> Facilitator
Bruce Meissner <bmeissner@washoe.k12.nv.us> Facilitator
Nancy Sanger <nsanger@washoe.k12.nv.us> Facilitator
Scott Bailey <slbailey@washoe.k12.nv.us> Team Member
Debra Bareno <dbareno@washoe.k12.nv.us> Team Member
Karen Eccles <ke4870@yahoo.com> Team Member
A.J. Ellison <AEllison@washoe.k12.nv.us> Team Member
Steve Givani <stgivani@washoe.k12.nv.us> Team Member
Kerry Lafer <klafer@washoe.k12.nv.us> Team Member
Arika Marquez <ammarquez@washoe.k12.nv.us> Team Member
Bruce Meissner <bmeissner@washoe.k12.nv.us> Team Member
Marcia Motter <mmotter@washoe.k12.nv.us> Team Member
Nancy Sanger <nsanger@washoe.k12.nv.us> Team Member
Jamie Vaughn <jvaughn@washoe.k12.nv.us> Team Member

Submission Date:                        Area Reviewer:
School: Clayton, Archie MS District: WASHOE COUNTY SCH DIST
Principal: Carol Voss School Year: 2008-2009
Address: 1295 WYOMING AVENUE
RENO , NV 89503 		Phone: 746-5860
Email: cvoss@washoe.k12.nv.us

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part I:Vision of Learning
Part II:Inquiry Process: Evidence of Development of the SIP (Comprehensive Needs Assessment)
Part III:SIP Goals & Measurable Objectives
Part IV:School Improvement Master Plan (Reform Strategies):
 Goal 1: Action Plan & Monitoring Plan
 Goal 2: Action Plan & Monitoring Plan
 Goal 3: Action Plan & Monitoring Plan
Part V:Budget for the overall cost of carrying out the plan
Part VI:Evaluation of the SIP
Part VII:Other Required Elements & Assurances of the SIP (All schools)
Part VIII:Required Elements & Assurances for Title I Schools
Part IX:Additional Required Elements & Assurances for Non-Title I Schools
  
Appendix A:Attachments: e.g. Checklist of Component Assurances
Appendix B:Parent Involvement Events
Appendix C:Professional Development Events

Part I: Vision for Learning


District Vision or Mission Statement

The Washoe County School District provides each student the opportunity to achieve his or her potential through a superior education in a safe and challenging environment in order to develop responsible and productive citizens for our diverse and rapidly changing community.

Washoe County School District will become a “world class school district” in which ALL students will acquire the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for student success.
 

School Vision or Mission Statement

The WCSD Middle Schools and Board of Trustees have adopted the National Forum To Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform “Schools To Watch” criteria. Our mission and theirs is to create middle schools that are academically excellent, socially equitable and developmentally responsive 

School Highlights

• Clayton Middle School supported our students and their families by raising $2,000 for our “Adopt-a-Family” program.
• Grant funds were utilized to enhance the academic achievement of all students through specialized programs and activities.
• Weekly content area Professional Learning Community meetings were implemented which allowed teachers to work collaboratively on goal-setting, best practices in instruction, and data analysis.
• Clayton’s partnership with the University of Nevada continued to provide after school tutoring to students in math and science.
. All faculty members participated in Reading Across the Curriculum training in an effort to enhance literacy instruction.
. The Clayton staff, students, parents and members of the community worked together to raise over $4,000 for new basketball uniforms.
All Clayton teachers were trained in the SIOP (Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol)Model to increase effectiveness with our diverse population.
A student leadership team was established to coordinate student activities and manage a school store. 

Part II: Inquiry Process


Comprehensive Needs Assessment

Key Strengths

Clayton Middle School met or exceeded the target level of achievement for AYP in the area of ELA for the subpopulations of Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, Black/African American, Caucasian, LEP and FRL. The target level of achievement for AYP was also met or exceeded in the area of Math for the subpopulations of Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, Black/African American,Caucasian LEP and FRL. 

Priority Concerns: Verification of Causes — Root Cause Analysis

Concern Root Cause Solution
Inadequate amount of instructional time available 
A school day is limited by 7:30 to 2:00, five periods a day. 
21st Century after school program available for students providing tutoring, homework assistance and enrichment classes. 
IEP student subpopulation scored below the required achievement target in both areas of ELA and Math. 
some students need more time and specialized instruction to make desired progress 
Specialized staff coordinating individualized programs for students.
READ 180 class available and staffed by special education teachers.
Special scheduling to provide optimal learning opportunities.
REWARDS remedial reading program accessible as appropriate for special education students.
Directed Studies courses to assist with homework and special learning strategies needed for success in mainstream classes. 
51% free and reduced lunch population, many families are in need of community resources beyond what the school can offer. Hardship/poverty has a negative impact on student achievement. 
Some students need assistance with basic supplies and place to complete homework 
After school tutoring program, Plato lab and assistance from Intervention specialist 

Part III: Improvement Goals and Measurable Objectives


Goal 1: ELA

Increase proficiency in Language Arts, Reading, and Writing for all students at the 7th and 8th grade levels, especially within the student subpopulations of IEP and LEP for the 2008-2009 school year.

Measurable Objective

We will reduce the percentage of non-proficient 7th and 8th grade students in the subpopulations of IEP and LEP in the content areas of Language Arts, Reading and Writing by 10% as measured by the state Criterion Referenced Tests and the 8th Grade Writing Examination between Fall 2008 and test dates in Spring 2009. 

Goal 2: Math

Increase proficiency in Math for all students at the 7th and 8th grade levels, especially within the student subpopulations of IEP, LEP, Hispanic, and Black/African American for the 2008-2009 school year.

Measurable Objective

We will reduce the percentage of non-proficient 7th and 8th grade students in the subpopulations of IEP, LEP, Hispanic, and Black/African American in the content area of Math, by 10% as measured by the state Criterion Referenced Tests between Fall 2008 and test dates in Spring 2009. 

Goal 3: School Culture and Parent Involvement

We will continue to build a positive school culture through relationships with students, parents and the community.

Measurable Objective

Clayton will host one school-wide parent/family activity per quarter.
During first semester, a Parent Involvement Committee, to include our Parent Involvement Facilitator, will meet to create/organize new ideas for involving parents in our school and increasing parent/school communication. A minimum of three ideas will be implemented before the end of the year.
100% of students will participate in Sustained Silent Reading to provide opportunity to apply reading strategies and skills.
Positive incentive programs and team and/or school-wide celebrations will be planned to recognize student progress/success. A minimum of three programs will be initiated by the end of the year. 

Part IV: School Improvement Master Plan & Reform Strategies


Goal 1: ELA

Increase proficiency in Language Arts, Reading, and Writing for all students at the 7th and 8th grade levels, especially within the student subpopulations of IEP and LEP for the 2008-2009 school year.

Measurable Objectives:

We will reduce the percentage of non-proficient 7th and 8th grade students in the subpopulations of IEP and LEP in the content areas of Language Arts, Reading and Writing by 10% as measured by the state Criterion Referenced Tests and the 8th Grade Writing Examination between Fall 2008 and test dates in Spring 2009.

Action Step
Timeline Costs
(Funds not currently available)		 Resources Responsible Person(s) Monitoring Measures Responsible Person(s)
(Monitoring)

1.1 Focus on Reading and Writing

Reading and Writing will be emphasized throughout the curriculum
August 2008 $ 0.00 All Teachers Teachers Administration Reading scores, writing scores, teacher records Teachers Administration

1.2 Additional Instruction

Teams and departments will creatively schedule extra academic intervention time and after school/Saturday sessions.
August 2008 $ 0.00 All Teachers CAT Tutoring Math Lab Teachers Administration Tutoring Schedule Language Arts, Special Education, ESL Teachers Administration

1.4 Additional Instruction for Targeted Stude

Students who have scored in the “emergent/developing” or “approaches standard” areas of proficiency will be identified, monitored and provided with appropriate interventions.
August 2008 $ 0.00 Edusoft CRT/Writing Test Data Teachers Counselors Administration Monitoring of lists and interventions and progress. Teachers, Site Leadership Team, Administration

1.5 PD on Best Practices

Faculty meetings, PLC time, and Professional Development Days will be used for exploration of best practices, feedback and training on research-based instructional strategies to enhance classroom curriculum delivery, vertical alignment and articulation.
August 2008 $ 0.00 School Data SIOP District Presenters Current Research on Breaking Ranks in the Middle and Schools to Watch Site Leadership Team Administration PLC agendas and notes, Faculty Meeting Agendas, Scheduled Professional Development Site Leadership Team, Administration

1.6 Edusoft to Drive Instruction

Edusoft will assist teachers in the disaggregation, analysis and use of data provided from the ITBS, CRT, Writing, and benchmark assessments to enhance the alignment of curriculum emphasis, remediation, and instructional strategies and to enhance the PLC process.
August 2008 $ 0.00 Edusoft District Presenters Site Leadership Team Administration Teacher Data PLC Notes Administration

1.7 SIOP Training

SIOP training will be implemented as a reinforcement for effective planning and instructional strategies for all students and to ensure instructional strategies are aligned specifically to the needs of our LEP students.
November 2008 $ 0.00 Teachers District Trainer Administrator ELL Walkthrough Data Administration

1.10 READ 180

Read 180 resources will be maintained and expanded with resources that are age appropriate and high interest level for developing readers.

August 2008 $ 0.00 READ 180 Teachers Administrator Implementation of Resources ESL Staff Administration

1.12 Differentiated Instruction

Differentiated instructional strategies will be explored in PLC’s. This will include the creative use of technology. SIOP strategies will be explored to better meet the needs of our LEP students. Special Education teachers will share strategies about instructional delivery options and modifications for our IEP students.

August 2008 $ 0.00 All teachers Site Leadership Team Administration PLC notes, Walkthrough Observations Teachers Administration

1.13 Research on Scheduling

A committee will research the impact of our schedule on student achievement and other schedule alternatives. This will include exploring options to expand the teaming model in our schedule. Training will be provided for the teams that are in place.

August 2008 $ 0.00 Site Data Schedule Research Teaming Resources Site Leadership Team Counselors Administration Site Data Research Schedule Proposals Site Leadership Team, Counselors, Administration

1.14 Student Motivation

Team and school-wide positive incentive programs, celebrations, and assemblies will serve to motivate and encourage students and provide an element of fun and appreciation to the school environment.
September 2008 $ 0.00 Teachers School Climate Committee Administration Event schedule Agendas Teachers, Administration

1.15 ELLIS Program

ELLIS Language Acquisition Program will be implemented in our ESL classes.
November 2008 $ 0.00 ELLIS Training ESL Teacher ESL Teacher Administration Student scores ESL Teacher Administration

1.16 Instructional Coach

If funding becomes available we would like to hire and instructional coach to assist teachers in identifying and implementing best practices across the curriculum, specifically in Language Arts and Mathematics.
August 2009 $ 75,000.00 Grant Funding Administrator

Goal 2: Math

Increase proficiency in Math for all students at the 7th and 8th grade levels, especially within the student subpopulations of IEP, LEP, Hispanic, and Black/African American for the 2008-2009 school year.

Measurable Objectives:

We will reduce the percentage of non-proficient 7th and 8th grade students in the subpopulations of IEP, LEP, Hispanic, and Black/African American in the content area of Math, by 10% as measured by the state Criterion Referenced Tests between Fall 2008 and test dates in Spring 2009.

Action Step
Timeline Costs
(Funds not currently available)		 Resources Responsible Person(s) Monitoring Measures Responsible Person(s)
(Monitoring)

2.1 Quizdom and Navigator

Teachers will utilize Quizdom and Navigator technology to reinforce student response, engage students in activity and provide immediate feedback for the students and teacher targeting mastery.
September 2008 $ 0.00 Math teachers Administrator Walkthrough Observations Teacher Data Math Department, Administration

2.2 Extra Academic Time

Teams and departments will creatively schedule extra academic intervention time and after school/Saturday sessions. Math Lab will be scheduled after school.
September 2008 $ 0.00 Math Teachers Administration Tutoring and Math Lab Schedules Math Department, Administration

2.4 Targeting At-risk Students

Students who have scored in the “emergent/developing” or “approaches standard” areas of proficiency will be identified, monitored and provided with appropriate interventions.
August 2008 $ 0.00 Edusoft CRT Scores Counselors, Site Leadership Team, Administration Intervention Lists Site Leadership Team, Administration

2.5 PD on Best Practices

Faculty meetings, PLC time, and Professional Development Days will be used for exploration of best practices, feedback and training on research-based instructional strategies to enhance classroom curriculum delivery, vertical alignment and articulation
August 2008 $ 0.00 Teachers, District Presenters Site Leadership Team, Administration Meeting agendas and notes, Professional Development Schedule Site Leadership Team, Administration

2.6 SIOP Training

SIOP will be implemented as a reinforcement for effective planning and instructional strategies for all students and to ensure instructional strategies are aligned specifically to the needs of our LEP students.
November 2008 $ 0.00 SIOP District Trainer Administration ELL Walkthrough Data Administration

2.7 Vertical Articulation

Time will be scheduled for vertical articulation in the K-12 cluster to support enhanced achievement.
December 2008 $ 0.00 Teachers Feeder Schools High Schools Site Leadership Team, Administration Meeting notes Site Leadership Team, Administration

2.9 Differentiated Instruction

Differentiated instructional strategies will be explored in PLC’s. This will include the creative use of technology. SIOP strategies will be explored to better meet the needs of our LEP students. Special Education teachers will share strategies about instructional delivery options and modifications for our IEP students.
August 2008 $ 0.00 Teachers Research Site Leadership Team, Administration PLC agenda and notes Site Leadership Team, Administration

2.10 Research on Scheduling

A committee will research the impact of our schedule on student achievement and other schedule alternatives. This will include exploring options to expand the teaming model in our schedule. Training will be provided for the teams that are in place.
November 2008 $ 0.00 Site Data Schedule Research Site Leadership Team, Counselors, Administration Meeting notes, researched schedule proposals Site Leadership Team, Counselors, Administration

Goal 3: School Culture and Parent Involvement

We will continue to build a positive school culture through relationships with students, parents and the community.

Measurable Objectives:

Clayton will host one school-wide parent/family activity per quarter. During first semester, a Parent Involvement Committee, to include our Parent Involvement Facilitator, will meet to create/organize new ideas for involving parents in our school and increasing parent/school communication. A minimum of three ideas will be implemented before the end of the year. 100% of students will participate in Sustained Silent Reading to provide opportunity to apply reading strategies and skills. Positive incentive programs and team and/or school-wide celebrations will be planned to recognize student progress/success. A minimum of three programs will be initiated by the end of the year.

Action Step
Timeline Costs
(Funds not currently available)		 Resources Responsible Person(s) Monitoring Measures Responsible Person(s)
(Monitoring)

3.1 Parent Involvement Facilitator

A Parent Involvement Facilitator will be hired to serve as a liaison between the school and parents and to enhance relationships with the community. This person would: Be available to translate in the office and for parent conferences and IEP’s; translate home correspondence materials into Spanish or find resources to have materials translated into other needed language; translate at events and activities; record bilingual messages on our connect-ed system; assist parents with community resources; make positive phone calls to parents regarding their child’s participation at school; maintain relationships with the community; work with PIF’s in the K-12 cluster to network resources and enhance parent involvement.

October 2007 $ 29,920.00 Grant Funds Administration Data from translations, parent contacts, conferences, parent involvement Parent Involvement Facilitator Administration Site Leadership Team

3.2 Quarterly Family Activities

A minimum of one parent/family activity will be planned every quarter to help parents feel comfortable and a part of our school culture. With translator.
September 2008 $ 0.00 Parent Involvement Facilitator Parent Involvement Committee Administration Scheduled events Parent Involvement Facilitator, Administration

3.3 Parent Involvement Strategies

A parent participation committee and a parent involvement facilitator will explore new strategies to increase parent involvement. They will work with the K-12 articulation cluster to share ideas and possibly plan joint activities.
September 2008 $ 0.00 Teachers Parents Parent Involvement Facilitator Administration Committee agendas and notes Parent Involvement Facilitator, Administration

3.5 21st Century After School Program

We establish a 21st Century Community Learning Center with after school programs for remediation and enrichment.

September 2008 $ 0.00 21st Century Grant 21st Century Coordinator Pre- and post-assessment data Attendance records 21st Century Coordinator

Part V: Budget for the Overall Cost of Carrying out Plan


Goal 1: ELA

A. Funds available from budget sources that will also be available next year. $ 0.00
B. Current funds that will not be available next year. $ 0.00
C. Funds needed to implement this goal that are not currently available. $ 75,000.00
D. Total funding needed to accomplish goal. (A+B+C) $ 75,000.00

Goal 2: Math

A. Funds available from budget sources that will also be available next year. $ 0.00
B. Current funds that will not be available next year. $ 0.00
C. Funds needed to implement this goal that are not currently available. $ 0.00
D. Total funding needed to accomplish goal. (A+B+C) $ 0.00

Goal 3: School Culture and Parent Involvement

A. Funds available from budget sources that will also be available next year. $ 0.00
B. Current funds that will not be available next year. $ 0.00
C. Funds needed to implement this goal that are not currently available. $ 29,920.00
D. Total funding needed to accomplish goal. (A+B+C) $ 29,920.00

Part VI: Evaluation of the SIP


Goal 1: ELA

We will reduce the percentage of non-proficient 7th and 8th grade students in the subpopulations of IEP and LEP in the content areas of Language Arts, Reading and Writing by 10% as measured by the state Criterion Referenced Tests and the 8th Grade Writing Examination between Fall 2008 and test dates in Spring 2009.
Evaluation Measures:
Criterion Referenced Testing in Language Arts and 8th Grade Writing Exam
Timeline:
Test Dates -Spring 2009
Responsible Person(s):
Administration and Site Leadership Team

Goal 2: Math

We will reduce the percentage of non-proficient 7th and 8th grade students in the subpopulations of IEP, LEP, Hispanic, and Black/African American in the content area of Math, by 10% as measured by the state Criterion Referenced Tests between Fall 2008 and test dates in Spring 2009.
Evaluation Measures:
Criterion Referenced Testing in Math
Timeline:
CRT Spring Test Dates 2008
Responsible Person(s):
Site Leadership Team, Administration

Goal 3: School Culture and Parent Involvement

Clayton will host one school-wide parent/family activity per quarter. During first semester, a Parent Involvement Committee, to include our Parent Involvement Facilitator, will meet to create/organize new ideas for involving parents in our school and increasing parent/school communication. A minimum of three ideas will be implemented before the end of the year. 100% of students will participate in Sustained Silent Reading to provide opportunity to apply reading strategies and skills. Positive incentive programs and team and/or school-wide celebrations will be planned to recognize student progress/success. A minimum of three programs will be initiated by the end of the year.
Evaluation Measures:
Activity Calendar, Event Reviews, Statistics on number of parent/family participation, Advisory lessons, Walkthrough Observations
Timeline:
September 2008-ongoing
Responsible Person(s):
Parent Involvement Committee, Site Leadership Team, Advisory Committee, Parent Involvement Facilitator, Administration

Part VII: Other Required Elements of the SIP


School Characteristics#%
Total # of Students Enrolled 706
Limited English Proficient (LEP) Students 65 9.2
Students with IEPs 112 15.9
Students Qualifying for Free/Reduced Lunch 326 46.2
American Indian/Alaskan Native 18 2.5
Asian/Pacific Islander 59 8.4
Hispanic/Latino 243 34.4
Black/African-American 39 5.5
White/Caucasian 347 49.2
Average Daily Attendance
Transiency Rate
% enrolled continuously since Count Day
Incidents of School Violence: Student-to-Student
Incidents of School Violence: Student-to-Staff
% of Highly Qualified Teachers
Dropout Rate (HS)
Graduation Rate (HS)
Title 1YesNo
Eligible  *
Served  *
Targeted Assisted  *
Educational Involvement Accords on file for each student? * 
AMAO Targets met?  *
Did your school make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)?  *
What was your school's AYP Designation?n2
Was your latest appeal granted? * 
Designated as Persistently Dangerous School?  *
Receiving State Remediation funding? * 
Has a State SST been assigned to your school?  *

1. What are the policies and practices in place that ensure proficiency of each subgroup in the core academic subjects?

Continued emphasis on best instructional practices. Student progress is closely monitored and adjusted for individual needs. 

2. List and briefly describe, as appropriate, how the school has incorporated activities of remedial instruction or tutoring before school, after school, during the summer, and/or during any extension of the school year.

Sustained Silent reading and emphasis on literacy is a daily practice. In addition, an extensive tutoring and enrichment program is organized for after school. Tutoring and special assistance is provided during lunch by Math and Language Arts teachers. 

3. Describe the resources available to the school to carry out the plan.

Funding from 21st Century, Literacy Cadre for support of content area literacy practices.
Funding of Parent Involvement Facilitator has enabled Clayton to communicate with parents and involve the home in the education process. 

4. Summarize the effectiveness of any appropriations for the school made by the Legislature to improve student academic achievement.

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5. Discuss how the school will utilize Educational Involvement Accords for Parents including the Honor Code and meet all the requirements of the law.

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6. If applicable, describe how the school will make its Title III Annual Measurable Achievement Objective (AMAO) targets in English language proficiency (reading, writing, listening, and speaking comprehension).

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Part VIII: Required Elements for Title I Schools


6. Describe the school’s strategies to attract high–quality highly qualified teachers to your school.

Our high quality staff and positive climate attracts other staff members to our site. 

7. Describe the school’s strategies to increase parent involvement in accordance with Section 1118 of NCLB, such as family literacy services.

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8. Describe the school’s plans for assisting preschool children in the transition from early childhood programs, such as Head Start, Even Start, Early Reading First, or a state—run preschool program, to local elementary school programs.

N/A 

9. Identify the measures that include teachers in decisions regarding the use of academic assessments.

Teachers collaborate in PLCs to look at student data and make decisions on scheduling and instruction. 

10. Provide assurance that federal, state, and local services are coordinated and integrated into the school improvement efforts.

The site administrator and the WCSD State and Federal Programs office will monitor budgets and school improvement efforts to assure that federal, state, and local services are coordinated and integrated into the school improvement efforts. 

Part IX: Required Elements for Non-Title I Schools


1. Describe how and when the school will provide written notice to parents on the school’s “Needs Improvement” status and/or AMAO status.

Before the first day of the school year, the WCSD will send all parents notification of the school’s “Needs Improvement” status. This will include a letter to the parents outlining their rights under No Child Left Behind regarding School Choice and/or Supplemental Educational Services as well as Corrective Action and/or Restructuring, as appropriate. The WCSD Title III office will notify parents on the school’s AMAO status. 

2. Describe the school’s teacher mentoring program and how it supports the achievement of the school’s annual goals and objectives.

Each new teacher is assigned a district mentor who meets with them regularly to review district policies, procedures, and to assist with their instructional needs and/or questions.
In addition, Clayton assists new teachers with an on-site teacher mentor.
 

Appendix A: Attachments


Available Online:

Appendix B: Parent Involvement Events

There are no events listed for this plan.

Appendix C: Professional Development Events

There are no events listed for this plan.