School Board Meeting: Student Achievement at Marengo Elementary

At the Board meeting Tuesday, principals of all five schools presented 2010-2011 plans for student achievement. 

In addition to thanking parents and staff, Principal Kim Sinclair presented the progress of three specific goals.

"The things we have accomplished this year would not have been possible of course without the staff and faculty at Marengo, the PTA and the district's support," said Sinclair.

Goal No. 1

Closing the achievement gap for Hispanic students with disabilities and socioeconomically disadvantaged students. The goal was for those who scored basic or below on California Standarized Tests to move at least one level towards proficiency in English-Language Arts.

What they've done:

• The school renewed 50 Imagine Learning accounts from last year and added 25 additional accounts to help service students struggling in English and Language Arts. Fifty students are served in Imagine Learning morning classes. Other students are served by the Response to Intervention (RTI) teacher, who focuses on third graders. 
• Installed all Imagine Learning software in classrooms for teachers to use in direct or individual instruction. 
• Purchased nine laptops to use in conjunction with LCD projectors. "This year, finally all of our classrooms are equipped with a laptop, LCD projector and a document camera to help with instruction," said Sinclair.
• Three teachers have been trained as trainers in thinking maps. They've implemented thinking maps into classrooms and informally taught other teachers.
• One teacher per grade level attended Closing the Achievement Gap Conference for children with disabilities. 
• Grade level chairs facilitated three meetings per year that addressed issues such as grading assessment, student progress and teacher watch lists. 
• Shooting Stars, an after-school proficiency program, gave specific students intensive instruction. 
• Two intervention pyramids on academic and social growth have been created.
• Monthly meetings were facilitated between education and support staff to discuss how the school can better serve special education students. 

Future goals:

• Administer formal training of thinking maps for teachers.
• To collect and analyze data from all interventions.
• Continually purchase and update technology.

Goal No. 3

To close the achievement gap in the area of mathematics.

What they've done:

• Teachers participated in professional development and implementation of Pearson SuccessNet. Teachers are now using the four-step lesson plan. 
• Teachers attended the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics for closing achievement gaps. 
• Shooting Stars Program. 
• RTI interventions.
• Monthly meetings.

Future goals:

• To collect and analyze data from all interventions.

Goal No. 3

Improve school climate, communication and safety.

What they've done:

• Purchased updated materials to support conflict-resolution character development program called Second Step. 
• Friendship circles were developed and implemented in 4th and 5th grade.
• Monthly meetings were held with yard supervisors for guidance and support on playground supervision.
• Implementation of Student Success Teams for students struggling socially. 
• PTA purchased Peaceful Playgrounds Program designed to make recess more positive.
• A bully prevention assembly was held for students and a seminar for parents. 
• Implementation of character word of the month, which Captain Character helps introduce the first Friday of every month. 
• Articles were written and distributed to parents on how to promote good character at home.
• RTI for social and emotional growth. 

Future goals:

• Paint playground for completion of Peaceful Playgrounds.  
• To put the handbook for protocol, procedures and safety online.
• Evolution of Family-Buddy Program for new families. 

Check back tomorrow for a report from Monterey Hills Elementary principal Joe Johnson.