Watertown Public Schools Secondary Improvement Plan Watertown High School Watertown Middle School
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Watertown Public Schools Secondary Improvement Plan Watertown High School Watertown Middle School June 29, 2009 Framework for Action Planning Goal: Supporting Objectives Strategies & Actions Responsibility Measures & Milestones Status District Goals (D-R-A-F-T) High Academic Achievement The Watertown Public Schools will ensure that each student becomes an accomplished learner in the arts, humanities, mathematics, physical sciences and social sciences. The school system will provide all students with a learning environment that sets high expectations and stimulates thinking, problem-solving, inquiry, creativity, and hard work. Self Actualization The Watertown Public Schools will ensure that each student develops a capacity for life-long learning through comprehensive skill development, exposure to a broad universe of knowledge and disciplines, and support for a diversity of learning styles, future plans, and personal interests. Global Citizenship The Watertown Public Schools will ensure that each student becomes informed about and participates in local and world affairs. Students will strive to understand people of different backgrounds and cultures and the interconnectedness of the contemporary world. Shared Teaching & Learning Goals • • • • • Curriculum Instruction Assessment Professional Development District, Community, and Global Connections Grades 6-12 Improvement Plan • • • Accomplishments Next Steps Challenges English and Reading Accomplishments • • 6-12 English Coordinator Curriculum mapping, articulation, and cohesion to Massachusetts frameworks • Middle School Writer's Workshop and 6-Trait Writing • Three Cups of Tea at the Middle School • High School Writer's Inc. and Poetry Out Loud State Competition English and Reading Next Steps • New technology-based professional development around research and information literacy skills • Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) • Revisions of 9th grade English curriculum, focusing on academic writing • Full-time high school reading teacher • Expansion of writer's workshop and 6-trait writing at the Middle School • New sixth grade information literacy course • Middle School student newspaper Social Studies Accomplishments • • • • • 6-12 Social Studies coordinator First drafts of curriculum mapping Completion of the first of a three year district commitment in the Teaching American History Grant Academic partnerships with local and national organizations Eighth grade Choosing to Participate unit Social Studies Next Steps • • New technology-based professional development around research and information literacy skills Teacher generation of common assessments in grades 9 and 10 US history Math Accomplishments • • • • • 6-12 math coordinator Middle school transition to the Impact Math program Common math assessments at the middle school Focus on Math collaborative Professional development in a "lesson study" format Math Next Steps • • • • • Revisions to the seventh and eighth grade Level 1 math program Common assessments added at the High School for each math course Establishment of a Middle School and High School math club Technology-based professional development on the use of spreadsheets in math and science instruction Continued discussions about a four year math requirement at the high school Science Accomplishments • • • • 6-12 Science coordinator Curriculum mapping, focusing on scientific inquiry skills AP Biology Engineering by Design Science Next Steps • • • • Professional development with a focus on assessment strategies Technology-based professional development on the use of spreadsheets in math and science instruction EcoAcademy with the Watertown Yacht Club, grades 6-12 Middle school Community Science Investigators program in partnership with MIT Special Education and Student Support Services Accomplishments • Transition of new guidance coordinator and new counselors at the high school • Expansion of Naviance software for career exploration • Successful Language-based math, English, and reading courses at the middle school • Expanded Integrated Emotional Support program at the middle school • Enlarged peer mediation program at the middle school Special Education and Student Support Services Next Steps • New special education staff/positions at the high school • New language-based program for ninth grade • Autism program at the Middle School • Reinstated sixth grade health class Next Steps: Watertown High School • • • • • • • 100% wireless access; cloud computing Expansion of iPass to parents via iParent Pilot of Capstone Project Redesigning of the CTE curriculum Middlesex League realignment Virtual High School Expanded use of school website Next Steps: Watertown Middle School • • • • • • 100% wireless access; cloud computing More choices among enrichment classes: Advanced Art, Advanced Robotics, Newspaper, Theatre Production, Video Production Character education: Sixth grade Health, the Browne Center Program, Facing History and Ourselves, Choosing to Participate Academic transitions: continued work with the high school grades 8-9; beginning with the elementary schools 5-6 Community connections: service and outreach Expanded use of school web site Challenges • • • • • • • Increased enrollments o Middle school enrollment up to almost 600 students o Class of 2009 - 145; Class of 2013 - 195 Decreased staffing Increased class sizes Reduction in course offerings Diversity of ELL population After school programming Textbooks and supplies Watertown Public Schools Secondary Improvement Plan QUESTIONS?