PRESENTED TO BOE 5/13/13 ALLYSON OLSON Strengthening Secondary Education

Improving the 8 th to 9 th Transition Transition Program begins during students’ 8 th grade year by: 1.Meeting academic counselors in February 2.Experiencing a co-curricular fair in the spring 3.Meeting with student mentors in the spring 4.Being welcomed to the SSC High School at Freshman Orientation Day in August

Activity Fair Was held May 1 st Coordinated by Al Carothers, Steve Shadle with help from high school activity sponsors Activity booths staffed by high school students to promote and encourage involvement in activities by 8 th grade students Total sign-ups by 8 th graders = 1018

Activities Sign-ups By Categories

Freshman Mentoring Program

Goals 1. Ongoing orientation that helps students learn the layout, policies, procedures, programs, traditions, and personnel of the high school. 2. Freshman advisory period includes support from upperclass mentors, faculty advisors, and guidance counselors. 3. Frequent monitoring of academic progress through individual discussion with faculty advisor and/or counselor, including explanation and monitoring of GPAs and transcripts. 4. Promote awareness of academic and extracurricular opportunities, emphasizing participation.

Freshman Mentoring Program Modeled after program at Adlai Stevenson HS in Lincolnshire IL Freshmen will be assigned to small-group advisory with Senior mentors and a staff member 3 days per week. Grouped by guidance counselor, will meet throughout freshman year. Training planned for mentors in summer and during school year. Structured activities planned and provided to mentors, including one day visit by counselor.

Mentors 40 Sophomores and Juniors applied to be mentors Application requirements: a completed application participation in at least one school activity academic standing (at least a “C” average) good attendance record recommendation from a teacher or other faculty member

Support Time Time will be used for:  Directed study halls  Language and math interventions  Some detentions will be served  Seniors who have earned the privilege will have the option of an open campus. Will have to follow rules and expectations to keep it.  Juniors in good standing will have the option on Fridays.

HS Staff Involvement High school staff members have each identified an area to focus on and have been meeting to work out details and plan for effective implementation of:  Freshman Mentoring  Support Time  Privilege-based discipline

Middle School

Introduction to Mobile Robotics 9 week STEM-oriented exploratory course Uses same software as Autocad courses at HS Will be taught by Dave Meiske Capacity for 480 students Addresses the following standards:  NE MA 6.2.1, 6.2.4, 6.2.5, 6.3.2, 6.4.1, 6.4.2; MA 7.2.1, 7.2.4, 7.2.5, 7.4.1, 7.4.2; MA 8.2.1, 8.2.3, 8.2.4, 8.2.5, 8.4.1,  NE SC 8.1.1, 8.1.2, 8.1.3,  CTE Standards:1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 3.9, 3.10, 3.11, 4.12, 4.13, 4.14, 4.15, 4.16, 5.17, 5.18, 5.21

CURRICULUM UPDATES District Focus

The following courses have been reviewed, updated, and developed using BYOC software: Language Arts  K-5  6-8 Reading/Language Arts and Accelerated Reading/Language Arts  English 1, English 2, Honors English 2 Math  K-5 (3 rd scheduled – had some scheduling difficulties)  6-8 Math, Pre-Algebra  Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Analysis, Trigonometry, AP Calculus

The following courses have been reviewed, updated, and developed using BYOC software: Science  6-8 Social Studies  6-8  World Geography, Criminal Justice, World History, American History, Psychology, American Government, Personal and Business Finance Guidance and Counseling  K-5 Music  K-5  6-8 Vocal, 6 th Band, 7 th /8 th Band

PROPOSAL Leadership Development

Rationale According to a 2012 MetLife survey, 51% of teachers are at least “somewhat” interested in teaching while combined with other roles or responsibilities in their school or district. Options for “other” are typically limited to informal or unpaid duties, such as committees, teams, or building representatives. New teacher leadership roles allow teachers to remain in the classroom while making contributions to the district.

Proposal Skills emphasized will be based on Marzano’s Principal Standards Accept 4 participants during the school year.  Will complete an application for consideration by current administrative team, including a nomination from a current administrator  Match to a current principal, based on participant goals and district needs  Focus of activities aligned to district and building SIP goals

Benefits to Participants Development of leadership skills in authentic settings Making a positive contribution to district Membership in ASCD (select online $59 per year) One release day per month to work with mentor principal on identified projects Feedback on goals by administrative team Preferred consideration for administrative interviews, when openings exist