Introduction

Introduction

The Roebuck Elementary School Community of parents, administrators, students, faculty, PTO and School Improvement Council members offer this school improvement plan. We have identified four areas in need of improvement: communication skills, thinking and reasoning, personal and social responsibility, and expanding and integrating knowledge. Student learning is the chief priority of our school, so three of our goals relate directly to the academic areas of language arts, mathematics, and science. We also believe that individuals should value and respect each other; therefore, a goal related to character education and the development of personal skills was included. Our last goal relates to the use of technology to enhance instruction across the curriculum.

The action plans are consistent with our school mission and beliefs. We have developed this action plan through extensive analysis of our school characteristics, student and community demographic data, and student performance data so that the students of Roebuck Elementary School will progress academically and socially through a challenging instructional environment.

The five action plans are outlined on the following pages. Specific steps, a timeline, estimated resources, and the person(s) responsible for coordinating the action steps are included. The final parts of this section include descriptions of our documentation and evaluation procedures.

ACTION PLAN #1 Desired Results for Student Learning: Communication Skills Goal Statement: Students will develop strong communication skills in order to become proficient readers and writers through the utilization of rich language.
Action Steps	Timeline	Estimated Resources	Person(s) Responsible
Use flexible grouping based on reading levels within the classroom to enhance reading instruction.	2005-2009	· In-service on flexible grouping · Leveled readers	Classroom teachers
Set goals for Accelerated Reader points through teacher and student conferencing.	2005-2009	· School resources · AR incentives	Classroom teachers, PTO representative
Establish a school-wide scope and sequence for writing to create a continuum across the grade levels.	2005-2009	· Establish a teacher committee	Classroom and related arts teachers
Provide teachers with additional language manipulatives to develop stronger readers and writers.	2005-2009	· $250 per grade level · Grant money	Administration, Classroom teachers
Enhance print rich environment in all classrooms, including related arts.	2005-2009	· $500 per grade level · Grant money · School resources	Classroom and related arts teachers
Administer diagnostic tests such as STAR or MAP to determine reading level of students new to Roebuck.	2005-2009	· School resources	Classroom teachers, Test administrators
Integrate curriculum through literature, art, music, and physical education.	2005-2009	· In-service training on integration - $200 for presenter	Administration, Classroom and related arts teachers
Implement activities and programs that promote literacy for students at all ability levels and their families.	2005-2009	· School resources · Title I	Administration, Classroom and related arts teachers, Program sponsors, SMART tutors
Provide staff development on topics including grant writing, integration of curriculum, flexible grouping, and authentic assessment.	2005-2009	· $200 per visit for presenters · School personnel	Administration

ACTION PLAN #2 Desired Results for Student Learning: Thinking and Reasoning Goal Statement: Students will develop math skills in order to become proficient problem solvers through the use of a variety of mathematical strategies.
Action Steps	Timeline	Estimated Resources	Person(s) Responsible
Recognize students’ achievement in math.	2005-2009	· $600 per year for incentives	Classroom teachers, Program sponsors, Administration
Provide teachers with additional math manipulatives to enhance hands-on instruction.	2006-2009	· School and district resources · Grant money	Administration, Grant writers
Implement math enrichment and reinforcement for all students.	2006-2009	· Hands on Equation kits- $5,500 · PACT Math Preparation Books- $1,200	Classroom teachers, Administration, Grant writers
Create a teacher resource center that would include the integration of math and literature.	2006-2009	· Grant money · $500- Teacher Resources · $1000- Classroom Literature	Administration, Classroom teachers, Media specialist
Provide staff development on authentic assessment and the use of manipulatives to enhance instruction.	2006-2009	· Cindy Kay and other presenters- $200 per visit	Administration

ACTION PLAN #3 Desired Results for Student Learning: Personal and Social Responsibility Goal Statement: Students will take responsibility for their own actions and will demonstrate ethical behavior.
Action Steps	Timeline	Estimated Resources	Person(s) Responsible
Celebrate positive student behavior each six weeks.	2005-2009	· $100 per six weeks for incentives	Administration, Classroom and related arts teachers, Guidance counselors
Recognize students from each class who demonstrate the character trait for that month.	2005-2009	· School resources · WRES News Show	Classroom and related arts teachers, Guidance counselors
Implement and continue programs and activities in which the administration recognizes positive student behavior.	2005-2009	· $500 for incentives · School resources	Administration
Offer small group guidance lessons to students who need assistance with specific skills.	2005-2009	· School resources	Guidance counselors

ACTION PLAN #4 Desired Results for Student Learning: Expanding and Integrating Knowledge Goal Statement: Students will enhance their knowledge of science through the use of process skills and the integration of science content and experiences.
Action Steps	Timeline	Estimated Resources	Person(s) Responsible
Integrate the curriculum through literature, art, music, and physical education.	2007-2009	· School resources · Books	Classroom and related arts teachers, Administration
Attend conferences and workshops to learn and develop techniques to enhance instruction.	2007-2009	· School and district resources · Substitute teachers · Staff development	Administration, Classroom teachers
Use creative and innovative ways to seek additional funding for science materials and equipment.	2007-2009	· School and district resources · Staff development · Grant money	Classroom teachers, Administration, Grant writers
Use authentic assessment to enhance student achievement.	2007-2009	· Staff development · School and district resources	Classroom teachers, Administrators

ACTION PLAN #5 Desired Results for Student Learning: Expanding and Integrating Knowledge Goal Statement: Students will exhibit the use of technology to enhance their learning.
Action Steps	Timeline	Estimated Resources	Person(s) Responsible
Collaborate with the media specialist and lab manager to reinforce research and technology skills in all content areas.	2005-2009	· Media center and lab time	Classroom and related arts teachers, Media specialist, Lab manager
Collaborate with the media specialist and lab manager to create a schedule for using computers to teach research skills.	2005-2009	· Media center and lab time	Classroom and related arts teachers, Media specialist, Lab manager
Allot time for teachers to analyze data and develop plans for instruction.	2005-2009	· Staff development · Time	Administration
Use technology such as UnitedStreaming Videos, WebQuest, and PowerPoint to enhance instruction in all content areas.	2005-2009	· School and district resources · Staff development	Administration, Classroom and related arts teachers, Media specialist
Provide staff development for the use of technology.	2005-2009	· School and district resources	Administration, Media specialist, Lab manager, District personnel

Means of Evaluating the Effectiveness of the School Improvement Plan

A. Plan for Evaluating the Target Area Goals for Student Learning

Goal 1: Communication Skills

Students will develop strong communication skills in order to become proficient readers and writers through the utilization of rich language.

An increase in both PACT and MAP test scores in English language arts will be shown by students.
The number of students on Academic Assistance Plans will decrease.
Students will set individual goals to meet each year in the Accelerated Reader program.
Participation of students in programs and activities that promote literacy.
Students will show evidence of stronger writing skills in both the classroom and on the PACT test.
STAR reading levels will increase as students become stronger readers.
Students will use the Odyssey computer program to enhance language skills.
Students performing below standard on PACT will have the opportunity for remediation.
Students will set goals for improvement on MAP tests.

Goal 2: Thinking and Reasoning

Students will develop math skills in order to become proficient problem solvers through the use of a variety of mathematical strategies.

The number of students recognized for achievements in math will increase.
Students will use the Odyssey computer program to enhance mathematical skills.
Students will receive increased hands-on and literature-based instruction to remediate and enhance skills.
An increase in both PACT and MAP test scores in math will be shown by students.
The number of students on Academic Assistance Plans will decrease.
Students performing below standard on PACT will have the opportunity for remediation.
Students performing at an advanced level on PACT will be offered opportunities for enrichment.
Students will set goals for improvement on MAP tests.

Goal 3: Personal and Social Responsibility

Students will take responsibility for their own actions and demonstrate ethical behavior.

The number of students recognized for demonstrating outstanding behavior and demonstrating character traits will increase.
Students will attend assemblies that emphasize positive character traits.
Students will participate in monthly guidance lessons that focus on positive character traits.
Students will participate in small group guidance lessons to assist with specific skills.
The numbers of students referred to the office for disciplinary reasons will decrease.

Goal 4: Expanding and Integrating Knowledge

Students will enhance their knowledge of science through the use of process skills and the integration of science content and experiences.

Student scores on PACT will increase.
The number of students on Academic Assistance Plans will decrease.
Students will show oral and written evidence of science knowledge.
Students will be provided innovative science instruction to enhance skills.
Teachers will attend science workshops and conferences to improve instruction in science.
Students will participate in activities that promote scientific knowledge.

Goal 5: Expanding and Integrating Knowledge

Students will exhibit the use of technology to enhance their learning.

Students will be provided with instruction in the use of technology for research and communication.
Students will be provided with instruction that has been enhanced by the use of technology.
Students will create projects, presentations, and products that incorporate the use of technology.

B. Plan for Documenting Improvement in Instructional and Organizational Effectiveness

Analysis of responses to the Survey of Instructional and Organizational Effectiveness and other school generated measures.
Analysis of student, teacher, and parent responses on the South Carolina Department of Education School Report Card Survey.
Analysis of results from testing measures.

C. Plan for Evaluating the Extent of Implementation and Effectiveness of the School Improvement Plan

Staff evaluation of the staff development training.
Staff survey of the implementation plan.
Continuous monitoring of the effectiveness of the action steps.
Classroom observation of the action plan strategies.
Parent survey to determine their opinion of the effectiveness of the action plan in English language arts, mathematics, science, and social responsibility.
Observations of classroom practices to determine the extent of implementation of the learning strategies for improvement.