Revised Goals for 2008-09 Coming Soon!
2007-2008
PRIORITIES FOR STUDENT LEARNING:
The greatest
learning priority for students at AMS is increasing reading, writing and math
achievement. Based on local, state, and national standards, students at AMS show
an academic weakness in mathematics. Additionally, while reading achievement has
improved over the last several years, there is a need for application of these
skills across content areas. There has also been a district -wide focus on
improving writing.
All teachers will integrate reading/writing instruction
across the curriculum. By combining writing strategies with specific content,
teachers can help deepen students’ understanding of ideas and concepts while
improving writing and reading comprehension (AVID Press, 2002).With this focus
on writing as a means of increasing understanding within content areas, student
achievement will improve. What is more, writing ability is a skill that
transfers to the real world and will help students become better communicators.
Writing is an active task that requires students to organize their thoughts to
make meaning from information.
The 2007-2008 academic focus for student learning at AMS is
the application of reading, writing, and mathematics skills. These priorities
are based on current school performance, school improvement research and the
belief that maximum learning occurs when students are provided a variety of
instructional strategies and opportunities geared towards their individual
needs. Additionally, through applying what they are learning in classes at
Awtrey Middle School to real world situations, students will sharpen critical
thinking skills or rigor and have an understanding of importance for learning or
relevance.
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
GOALS:
1. Students will
improve mastery of reading and writing standards.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FOR STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT GOAL #1:
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Students will write in all content areas to demonstrate
mastery of curriculum standards.
-
Students use content-specific vocabulary in writing in
all subject areas.
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Students will utilize Thinking Maps, CRISS strategies
and other graphic organizers to demonstrate mastery of curriculum standards.
2. Students will
improve mastery of math standards.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FOR STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT GOAL #2:
PRIORITIES FOR SCHOOL PERFORMANCE
Teacher collaboration is the most important organizational effectiveness focus
among teachers at AMS and in Area 5.
The focus in Area 5 is on increased
academic achievement for all students across the K-12 spectrum. In order to
establish learning priorities and to create a curriculum that is relevant,
rigorous, and seamless, vertical communication is essential. Special emphasis
will be on determining essential standards, common assessments, common writing
strategies, and consistent use of writing rubrics among all levels.
According to Roland Barth (2002), acknowledging, celebrating and
exchanging craft knowledge are powerful means for building a school culture
hospitable to human learning. Many school faculties are congenial but few
characterize themselves as collegial (Barth, 2002). Collegiality is
characterized by authentic interactions that are professional in nature and
include: openly sharing failures and mistakes; demonstrating respect for each
other; and constructively analyzing and criticizing practices and procedures
(Fullan and Hargreaves, 1996). In the same respect, Marzano’s research indicates
staff collegiality and professionalism is one of the school level factors
influencing student achievement.
Furthermore, collaborative teaming
will allow for grade and subject specific data driven planning while focusing on
math, reading, vocabulary, and writing integration. Through collaboration,
inter-disciplinary teaching will be enhanced and content specific strategies
will be shared. To create relevant, engaging lessons to improve student
achievement, teachers will also employ research based and proven effective
strategies for differentiated instruction as well as technology integration in
each content area. Research indicates collaboration is one of the best
professional development opportunities afforded teachers. "In a professional
learning community, collaboration is embedded into every aspect of the school
culture." (Eaker & Dufor, 2002).
SCHOOL PERFORMANCE GOAL:
Teachers will
increase collaboration and teaming to improve student achievement.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FOR SCHOOL PERFORMANCE GOAL #1:
- Teachers will analyze and utilize data to plan and
design lessons together.
- Teachers will share best practices with other
teachers.
- Teachers will work together to continue the curriculum
mapping process.
- Teachers will use a variety of instructional
technology resources to improve student achievement.
- Teachers will participate in, implement and reflect on
professional development opportunities.
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