READING

Rationale:  Through formal and informal observations and data review, the Ashwaubenon School District must continue to review, refine and implement curriculum changes, where qualitative and quantitative measures dictate, in order to foster improvement.  The need to identify enduring, high leverage, readiness and 21^st Century skills to drive curriculum, instruction, and assessment is evident in reading.  Our current performance indicators tell a story of good but not great – generally, we are on a flat trend in WKCE, ACT, and other indicators.  Anecdotal evidence includes regular statements about learning targets, expected units of study, and references to curriculum coverage.  Accountability for consistency of what is being taught (curriculum) and strategies for what is being taught (instruction) will be the focus of action plans in this goal area. 

Long Range Goal:  Ensure the delivery of a rigorous and relevant curriculum and program options to improve student learning as measured by at least three achievement indicators.

Target Goal:  Increase reading achievement of all students and close the achievement gap of minority students.  

Target Measures:

• By the end of the 2014 school year, 100% of Grades K - 10 students exit at or above grade level in reading as measured by currently used reading inventories,  district assessments (Scholastic Reading Inventory, MAPS, PLAN/EXPLORE) and the WKCE.

• By 2013, minority students’ achievement in reading will increase by 5% over the previous year’s percentage of proficient and advanced.  (Black, American Indian, Hispanic)

• By 2013, special education student achievement in reading will increase by 5% over the previous year’s percentage of students in proficient and advanced. 

• By 2013, complete a five-year longitudinal study and program audit of PK, and K program.  (Share yearly data with regards to reading growth)

• By 2013, attain a composite ACT of 23.5 or greater with 79% participation rate in response to planned College Readiness Initiative.

• By 2012, increase post-secondary enrollment by graduating students by 5% over the previous year.

 MATH

Rationale:  Through formal and informal observations and data review, the Ashwaubenon School District must continue to review, refine, and implement curriculum changes where qualitative and quantitative measures dictate in order to foster improvement.  The need to identify enduring, high leverage, readiness, and 21^st Century skills to drive curriculum, instruction, and assessment is evident in math.  Our current performance indicators tell a story of good but not great – generally, we are on a flat trend in WKCE 3-8, but our ACT indicators are very competitive in math.  Accountability for consistency of what is being taught (curriculum) and strategies for what is being taught (instruction) will be the focus of action plans in this goal area particularly at the preK-8 level. 

Long Range Goal:  Ensure the delivery of a rigorous and relevant curriculum and program options to improve student learning as measured by at least three achievement indicators.

Target Goal:  Improve all students’ achievement in math and close the achievement gap of minority students.   

Target Measures:

• By 2012, 100% of students will be proficient or advanced in Math at Grades 3-8, 10 as measured by WKCE tests and district assessments (common assessments, MAPS, PLAN/EXPLORE).

• By 2013, minority students’ achievement in math will increase by 5% over the previous year’s percentage of proficient and advanced.  (Black, American Indian, Hispanic)

• By 2013, special education student achievement in math will increase by 5% over the previous year’s percentage of students in proficient and advanced. 

• By 2013, attain a composite ACT of 23.5 or greater with 79% participation rate in response to planned College Readiness Initiative.

• By 2012, increase post-secondary enrollment by graduating students by 5% over the previous year.

 NON-FICTION WRITING PROGRAM

Rationale:  Teaching nonfiction writing has an impact on academic improvement in reading, math, social studies, and science.  At present the district has not formally adopted a writing framework and lacks common language, sequence, and expectations around writing.  We are assessing writing three times per year at some levels. This needs to be reviewed for consistency and reliability.  During the 2009-10 school year, the district’s writing program was evaluated and results shared with staff.  It was determined that staff needed a clearer picture of writing (what is “looks like” in the classroom) and additional opportunities for staff development.  Clear writing targets that are based on the Common Core need to be developed and assessments utilized to determine student growth. 

Long Range Goal:  Ensure the delivery of a rigorous and relevant curriculum and program options to improve student learning as measured by at least three achievement indicators.

Target Goal:  Increase the writing skills of all students and close the achievement gap of minority students.

Target Measures:

• By the end of the 2012-13 school year, the writing curriculum (Units of Study and Disciplinary Literacy) is implemented with fidelity in grades 4K-12.

• By the end of the 2012-13, collect student writing samples to identify benchmarks that future student writing can be measure against. 

• By the end of the 2012-13 school year, student composite writing scores on the WKCE for grades 4, 8 and 10 will increase by 5% from the previous year.

• During the 2012-13 school year, provide intensive staff development for teachers focused on writing instruction. 

Focus Area - Community Confidence

COMMUNICATION

Rationale:  Through informal observation and communication the Ashwaubenon School District must continue to find effective ways to communicate key messages to Village constituents. The school calendar and our website serve as the communication tools that endure. As the average age of our village residents increases, we must put a priority on their understanding of and engagement with our schools. Our Village businesses provide a lot of support for school district initiatives (mainly through financial support). This support should also be reciprocated to the business through a collaborative process that will benefit both schools and the business. Our non-parent village residents and potential open enrollment families cannot be ignored. Strategies for communicating our key messages and information will be vital for continued support in both difficult times and when all is well.

Long Range Goal:  Increase the community’s understanding, confidence, and engagement in the Ashwaubenon School District’s operation and success.

Target Goal:  Increase the communication, connection, and collaboration with village residents.      

Target Measures:

• Increase by 5% the number of retired citizens involved in Ashwaubenon School District activities compared to the previous school year. Examine options to expand the volunteer coordinator position.

• Create and action plan based on the 2011-12 community communication survey.

• Continue to expand our business partnerships and job shadowing opportunities in the Ashwaubenon School District.