The Pike County School Corporation “The Role of the School Administrator In School Improvement” The Learning Conference Indianapolis, IN January 30, 2006

Our administrative team … John Thomas, Superintendent Mike Harding, Assistant Superintendent LeAnne Kelley, Pike Central High Principal Cal Biddle, Pike Central Middle Principal Steve Meadors, Petersburg Elem. Principal Ritch Luker, Winslow Elem. Principal Rick Fears, Otwell Elem. Principal

Where we were …in 2002 Our test scores were declining We were in the midst of learning more about the new Indiana Academic Standards We were just beginning a new professional development plan of action 4-Block Language Arts Instruction Poverty in the Classroom Write Traits Curriculum Alignment and Quarterly Assessment Our math scores were consistently below state average

Where we are now … Overall, our scores have improved for the third year in a row. All five Pike Co. schools INSAI “Top Gainer” winners in Improvement was realized due to the implementation of several action plans … Curriculum alignment and quarterly assessments Remediation Professional development for teachers & administrators Student motivation activities Early intervention strategies Special courses/classes Teacher lesson plans Realigning personnel

Our administrative team has … A “can do” attitude Set high expectations Focused on Indiana’s Academic Standards Mapped curriculum in math and Eng/LA, K thru 10 Developed a quarterly assessment system Implemented a student remediation plan Used grants to fund teacher development Been an active participant in INSAI Been “data-oriented” for more than a decade Integrated technology into our instruction & assessment methodologies Reassigned personnel where needed

Our students … We have a high free/reduced lunch count Higher than state average Last year, 7 th out of 22 public school districts in SW Indiana We have a high special education population Higher than state average Last year, 9 th out of 22 public school districts in southwest Indiana We believe all students can learn!

At our elementary schools … We have made some remarkable gains!

3 rd Grade Math scores are our highest since the new ISTEP+ exam was implemented by the IDOE. Our English scores have risen to new levels as well. Both Math and English 3 rd grade scores were above state average this year. Subject English Math

3 rd Grade Trends …

4 th Grade Our math scores were lower than last year, but remain significantly above the 2003 benchmark. English scores have decreased for the third year, but are still above state average. Both Math and English scores this year are above state average. Subject MathNo Exam EnglishNo Exam828077

4 th Grade Trends …

5 th Grade Math scores are our highest since we began the new exam. Math scores are higher than our English scores for the first time. Science scores continue to rise for the third year in a row. We scored above state average in math, English and science at this grade level. Subject MathNo Exam EnglishNo Exam7281 ScienceNo Exam657479

5 th Grade Trends

Elementary school initiatives … Motivation of staff and students Parental/community involvement Student Success Model mini assessments Remediation Quarterly benchmark checklists Attendance policies and incentives Professional development

Pike Central Middle … We have made major progress!

6 th Grade Math scores have increased for the third year in a row. This year is our highest score on the new exam. English scores have risen dramatically, too. We were above state average in both sixth grade subjects. Subject Math English

6 th Grade Trends …

7 th Grade Our math scores are lower this year than last. Our English scores continue to improve. Our math scores fell below state average, but our English scores were above state average. Science results are expected in March Subject MathNo Exam EnglishNo Exam697174

7 th Grade Trends …

8 th Grade Our math scores have improved. This year, for the first time, we scored above state average. Our English scores are slightly higher, but fell below state average for the third consecutive year. Subject Math English

8 th Grade Trends …

Middle school initiatives … Aligning instruction with state standards Quarterly assessments Additional learning opportunities Reading, math & writing Individual education plans

9 th Grade Overall, this year’s 9 th grade scored better than last year’s freshman class on the ISTEP+ exam. Our math scores have risen to previous levels. Our English scores remain about the same, around 70 percent passing. Subject MathNo Exam EnglishNo Exam707170

Pike Central High … “Our teachers and students are working toward a common objective …”

9 th Grade Trends …

10 th Grade GQE Our tenth graders have posted new highs on both math and language arts sections of the “new” GQE. For the first time in four years, math scores are higher than English. Our 10 th Grade class scored above state average in math and English this year, the second time in a row this has occurred. Subject Math English

10 th Grade GQE Trends …

High school initiatives … Required summer school School-wide effective writing strategies Curriculum alignment & quarterly assessment Development of benchmark checklists Collaborative team teaching Personal education plans for students

Role of central office administrators … Set expectations with accountability Provide support and guidance Develop an attitude of cooperation Provide needed time and funding for initiatives Coordinate efforts district-wide Encourage teacher empowerment and growth Celebrate accomplishments

In summary … We are doing better than ever! We know what we are teaching, when we should teach it, and how to assess students on content learned. Overall, we are in excellent shape for AYP. We must lookout for student subgroups, attendance, and high school graduation rates. We compare favorably with surrounding school districts in SW Indiana.

We are enjoying success … PCSC in excellent financial standing Student achievement is increasing – above state average performance Top-flight school facilities New technologies Positive relations – school board, administration, association, and staff We can say, “We are at the “top of our game” in many areas.”

Contact information … Mr. Thomas, Supt. Dr. Harding, Asst. Supt. Mrs. Kelley, HS Principal Mr. Biddle, MS Principal Mr. Meadors, Elem Principal Mr. Luker, Elem Principal Mr. Fears, Elem Principal Pike County School Corporation 907 Walnut Street, Petersburg, IN