Stratford Public Schools
Franklin Elementary School
School Improvement Plan
2009-2010
“The ultimate measure of a man is
not where he stands in moments of
comfort, but where he stands at
times of challenge and
controversy.”
~Martin Luther King Jr.
Lea Ann Blackwell-Principal
Amy Pinto-Administrative Assistant
Stratford Public Schools
Franklin Elementary School
Lea Ann Blackwell, Principal
Amy Pinto, Administrative Assistant
1895 Barnum Avenue
Stratford, CT 06615
(203) 385-4190
School Improvement Plan
2009-2010
K-6 School Data
Student Enrollment: 342
Race/Ethnicity
American Indian
Asian American
Black
Hispanic
White
Number of Students
2
10
91
91
148
Percent of Total Students
1%
3%
26%
26%
43%
Total Minority
Cohort
Free/Reduced Lunch
Special Education
194
Number of Students
205
38
57%
Percent of Total Students
60%
11%
2
Stratford Public Schools
School/Program Improvement Plan to Promote Student Achievement
Administrator: Lea Ann Blackwell, Amy Pinto
School: Franklin
Position: Principal, Administrative Assistant
Evaluator: Jeanne D’Angelo, Lea Ann Blackwell
Section I: Developing the School/Program Improvement Plan
District Goals 2009/2010
1. The Stratford Public Schools shall improve the academic achievement of every student in our diverse, evolving
community.
2. The Stratford Public Schools shall create an academic environment based on the Six Pillars of Character.
3. The Stratford Public Schools shall develop an ongoing partnership with the community.
4. The Stratford Public Schools shall prioritize resources to support academic goals of the district.
CMT Scores for School Year 2008/2009
GRADE 3
Rdg.
Wrt.
GRADE 4
Math
GRADE 5
Math
GRADE 6
Rdg.
Wrt.
Rdg.
Wrt.
Wrt.
Math
Adv.
8.7%
0%
10.2%
9.3%
4.2%
20.5%
7.3%
21.3%
14.3%
9.7%
23.7%
18.8%
Goal
39.1%
49%
36.7%
41.9%
43.8%
38.6%
49.1% 39.3%
44.6%
67.7%
42.1%
50.0%
Prof.
23.9%
30.6%
36.7%
16.3%
33.3%
27.3%
23.6% 23%
32.1%
12.9%
23.7%
21.9%
Basic
19.6%
14.3%
12.2%
14%
12.5%
11.4%
5.5%
7.12%
6.5%
7.9%
6.3%
Bel.B
8.7%
6.1%
4.1%
18.6%
6.3%
2.3%
14.5% 3.3%
1.8%
3.2%
2.6%
3.1%
13.1%
Math
Rdg.
3
READING Goal:
By the Spring 2010, a minimum of 79% of students taking the CMT will score at proficient and above in reading. This
represents a 3 percentage point gain from 2009.
Objectives:
1. To improve student proficiency with all cohort groups in the area of Reading.
2. To improve student proficiency in Reading Comprehension with an emphasis on the 5 Components of Effective Literacy:
Phonemic Awareness, Decoding/Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary, and Comprehension
Code
Person
Responsible
Who must be
kept
informed?
Timeline
Evidence of Accomplishment (What data
will be collected? What are the indicators
of success?
Effective Instructional Data Teams
ON
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant, Staff,
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant
Staff
Twice a
month
The 5 step process will be reviewed by Administrators
twice a month. Administrators will also attend at least 2
Instructional Data Team Meetings per grade and per
year.
Implement SRBI to target at risk students
NEW
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant, Staff,
Principal, Admin
Asst, Assistant
Superintendent,
K-6 Curriculum
Coordinator
Daily
Utilize our community resources with United
Way of Fairfield County who adopted
Franklin as a “School of Hope” to mentor at
risk students in our “Adopt a Child” initiative
ON
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant
Ongoing
Progress Monitoring
Smart Goals
Data: - CMT scores grades 3 – 6 will increase by
3percentage points
- District Core Assessment results
- Teacher observations
- Students’ daily performance
Anecdotal data from mentors
Steps to be taken for each objective
1. To improve student proficiency with all
cohort groups in the area of Reading
4
ESOL Testing and ongoing monitoring.
ON
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant,
World Language
Coordinator
Nov. and
April
Collaboration with ESOL program and supervisor
Increase parental involvement with our
Family Reading Nights and Family Math
Night
ON
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant
Ongoing
Increase parental involvement from 2009 to 2010 by 5%
Discipline Committee
NEW
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant,
Committee
Members
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant
Monthly
Monthly Data on possible school wide behavior plans or
other alternatives to office referrals
Franklin School will adopt a plan based on the research
and recommendation from this committee
Continue Individual Student Success Plans
with a new accountability to review the plans
monthly
ON
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant, United
Way grant funds
Superintendent
Assistant
Superintendent
in the Monthly
Report
Twice a
Month
The Individual Student Success Plans will be reviewed
by Administrators and discussed at the Instructional
Data Team Meetings
Charting Class Progress on District
Assessments
NEW
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant, Staff
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant
Monthly
Inform Database
Visual Graphs in each classroom
5
Evidence of Accomplishment (What data will be
collected? What are the indicators of success?
Code
Person
Responsible
Who must be
kept
informed?
Timeline
Integrate the 5 components of effective
reading into the After School Tutorial
NEW
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant, Staff
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant, Staff
Twice a
week from
Oct-Feb
Daily attendance of students attending the After-School
Tutorial will be recorded
Integrate Phonemic Awareness utilizing SRBI
in grades K-3
NEW
Progress Monitoring
NEW
Daily
Progress Monitoring
Integrate Fluency utilizing SRBI in grades K3.
NEW
Daily
Progress Monitoring
Integrate Vocabulary utilizing SRBI in grades
3-6.
NEW
Daily
Progress Monitoring
Integrate Comprehension utilizing SRBI in
grades 3-6.
NEW
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant, Staff
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant, Staff
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant, Staff
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant, Staff
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant, Staff
Daily
Integrate Decoding and Phonics utilizing
SRBI in grades K-3.
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant, Staff
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant, Staff
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant, Staff
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant, Staff
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant, Staff
Daily
Progress Monitoring
Steps to be taken for each objective
2. To improve student proficiency in
Reading Comprehension with an emphasis
on the 5 Components of Effective Literacy:
Phonemic Awareness, Decoding/Phonics,
Fluency, Vocabulary, and Comprehension
6
MATH Goal:
By the Spring 2010, a minimum of 90% of students taking the CMT will score at proficient and above in mathematics. This
represents a 2 percentage point gain from 2009.
Objectives:
1. To improve student proficiency in Mathematics, specifically in the area of Approximating Measures and Mathematical
Applications.
Steps to be taken for each objective
1.To improve student proficiency in
Mathematics, specifically in the area of
Approximating Measures and
Mathematical Applications
Teachers must use the Guided Math Practice
modeled by Lead Math Teacher
Code
Person
Responsible
Who must be
kept
informed?
Time
line
Evidence of Accomplishment (What data will be
collected? What are the indicators of success?
ON
Principal, Admin.
Asst.,
Staff, Lead Math
Teacher
Principal, Admin.
Asst, Staff, Lead
Math Teacher
Principal, Admin.
Asst.,
Staff, Lead Math
Teacher
Principal, Admin.
Asst.,
Staff, Lead Math
Teacher
Principal, Admin.
Asst.,
Staff, Lead Math
Teacher
Principal, Admin.
Asst.,
Staff, Lead Math
Teacher
Daily
Hard copy of review packet created through
collaboration with the Lead Math Teacher
April
Attendance at Family Math Night
Feb.
Hard copy of February Vacation CMT Review packet
Daily
Grade level time to review student work, pacing guide,
scope and sequence, and alignment with text and CMT
objectives
Implement a Family Math Night
ON
Create a February Vacation CMT Review
Packet to reinforce skills
ON
Lead Math Teacher
Focus on Alignment between Scott Foresman
text and CMT Objectives
ON
Lead Math Teacher
7
Code
Person
Responsible
Who must be
kept
informed?
Timeline
Evidence of Accomplishment (What data will be
collected? What are the indicators of success?
ON
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant, Staff
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant, Staff
Twice a
Month
Continue Individual Student Success Plans
with a new accountability to review the plans
monthly
ON
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant, Staff
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant, Staff
Twice a
Month
The 5 step process will be reviewed by Administrators
twice a month. Administrators will also attend at least 2
Instructional Data Team Meetings per grade and per
year.
The Individual Student Success Plans will be reviewed
by Administrators and discussed at the Instructional
Data Team Meetings
Collaboration with one Lead Math Teacher
per grade with the District Lead Math Teacher
NEW
Weekly Collaboration Forms
NEW
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant, Lead
Math Teachers
and District Lead
Math Teacher
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant, Staff
Weekly
Create Math in a Bag activities similar to our
Book in a Bag initiative
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant, Lead
Math Teachers
and District Lead
Math Teacher
Principal,
Administrative
Assistant, Staff
Weekly
Observations, Progress Monitoring
Steps to be taken for each objective
1.To improve student proficiency in
Mathematics, specifically in the area of
Approximating Measures and
Mathematical Applications
Refine Instructional Data Teams by grade
level to meet a minimum of twice a month
and submit the 5 step process
8
WRITING Goal:
By the Spring 2010, a minimum of 82% of students taking the CMT will score at proficient and above in writing. (Franklin
students reached the 70% proficient target in Writing in the year 2009).
Objectives:
1. To improve student proficiency in Writing, specifically in the area of Composing and Revising
Code
Person
Responsible
Who must be
kept
informed?
Timeline
Evidence of Accomplishment (What data will be
collected? What are the indicators of success?
Continue Writer’s Workshop training with the
On-Site Coaches
ON
Principal,
Admin. Asst.,
Staff
Principal, Admin.
Asst.,
Staff
days for
Primary
Grades K-2
Hard copy of writing will be reviewed and analyzed.
Continue Writer’s Workshop in all grades
ON
Staff, Reading
Consultants
Principal, Admin.
Asst.,
Staff
2 days for
Uppers
Grades 3-6
Attendance at training sessions with Columbia
Consultant. Follow-up observations based on the
training. Lesson plans are aligned with Units of Study
Select published writing in our monthly
Franklin Post newsletter
NEW
Admin. Asst,
Staff, Reading
Consultants
Principal, Admin.
Asst.,
Staff
Monthly
Grade level time to review student work and share ideas
in how to continue to grow as writers
Steps to be taken for each objective
1. To improve student proficiency in
Writing, specifically in the area of
composing and revising.
9
Code
Person
Responsible
Who must be
kept
informed?
Timeline
Evidence of Accomplishment (What data will be
collected? What are the indicators of success?
Shared writing pieces between grades to
strengthen revising skills
ON
Principal,
Admin. Asst.,
Staff, Data Team
Principal, Staff,
Superintendent,
Asst Supt, K-6
Curr Coordinator
Monthly
Data: - CMT scores grades 3 – 6 will increase by 10%
- District Core Assessment results K-4
- Teacher observations
- Students’ daily performance
Use the Writing Curriculum pacing guide to
ensure all units of study are covered
ON
Principal,
Admin. Asst.,
Staff, Data Team
Principal, Admin.
Asst., Staff, Data
Team
Monthly
Lesson Plan Review
Use mentor texts to strengthen editing and
revising skills
ON
Staff, Reading
Consultants
Principal, Admin.
Asst., Staff, Data
Team
Ongoing
Lesson Plan Review
Implement our Professional Development
Plan in writing to sustain gains in Writing
ON
Principal,
Admin. Asst.,
Staff, Data Team
Principal, Admin.
Asst., Staff, Data
Team
Ongoing
Observation
Steps to be taken for each objective
1. To improve student proficiency in
Writing, specifically in the area of
composing and revising.
10
PARENT INVOLVEMENT Goal:
The Stratford Public Schools shall improve the academic achievement of every student in our diverse, evolving community by
increasing Parent Involvement
Objective:
1. To improve parental and community involvement which will help increase student achievement
Code
Person
Responsible
Who must be
kept
informed?
Timeline
Evidence of Accomplishment (What data will be
collected? What are the indicators of success?
To include parent feedback on the School
Improvement Plan-Suggestions discussed:
Implement two “Chat and Chew” morningsparents will be provided a light breakfast
while administration and parents discuss
concerns and strategies to increase parent
involvement and student achievement
ON
Principal,
Staff, Parents
Principal, Admin.
Asst
Twice a
Year
Ongoing discussions through PTA and executive PTA
officers
Continue our Saturday Academy tutorial
sessions for parents which will include a
“Make and Take” project that they can do
with their child at home
ON
Principal,
Staff, Parents
Principal, Admin.
Asst
Twice a
Year
Attendance at Saturday Academy tutorial and a sample
of the finished “Make and Take” project a family did
together
Continue our Fall Into Reading Night, Pajama
Pals Reading Night, and Family Math Night,
with an emphasis on instructional strategies
ON
Principal,
Staff, Parents
Principal, Admin.
Asst
Fall/Spring
Attendance at both Fall and Spring “Chat and Chew”
mornings
Collaborate with South End Community
director on activities to involve parents
ON
Principal,
Admin. Asst
Principal, Admin.
Asst
Ongoing
Documentation date and discussions of meetings
Steps to be taken for each objective
1. To improve parental and community
involvement which will help increase
student achievement
Attendance at both Fall and Spring “Chat and Chew”
mornings
11
Continue our partnership with Sikorsky and
United Way
ON
Continue our Partnering with Parents Pasta
Night that will focus on effective modeling
for daily reading. After modeling we will
enjoy a pasta dinner with our Franklin
families.
ON
Principal,
Admin. Asst, and
Community
Partners
Principal,
Admin. Asst,
Staff and
Partners
Principal, Admin.
Asst
Ongoing
Documentation date and discussions of meetings
Principal, Admin.
Asst
Fall
Attendance at Partnering with Parents Pasta Night
12
Section 3
Resources and Professional Development Needed












Continued funding for Administrative Assistant to help with daily
administrative responsibilities to allow more time for the Principal to be an
Instructional Leader
Purchase books for Library Media Center especially in Social Studies and
Science to support curricular objectives and to enhance nonfiction
collection
Collaboration with Lead Math Teacher to support area of weakness in
math/Training with Guided Math
For CMT practice: Soaring Scores; CMT Coach Series for Grades3 ,4, 5
and 6; QUEUE materials; Ladders to Success materials
Maintain classroom libraries with current, up-dated leveled materials for
Guided Reading, Literature Circles, and independent reading.
Maintain professional library with current professional books for teacher
reference.
United Streaming, Study Island, and Smart Boards to integrate technology
Professional Development Workshops to stay current with the latest
strategies, materials, and resources (e.g., Guided Reading /Fountas and
Pinnell; Reader’s Workshop, CES and Writers Workshop coach).
Professional Development on SRBI and ESOL
Book Discussion groups in Reading Comprehension, Writing, Math,
Science to maintain skills in Best Practices.
Rigby-Literacy by Design professional development
Training for inclusion of Special Education classes
Resources Available


















Title I funds 2008-2009
Superintendent
Assistant Superintendent
Elementary Curriculum Coordinator
Lead Math Teacher/Lead Science Teacher
Staff commitment
Computers and some software
Access to United Streaming
Soaring Scores
Title I funds for Parent activities
Comprehension Tool Kit from Heineman Grades 3-5
Units of Study for Writer’s Workshop K-2, 3-5
Calendar Days through the Columbia Writing Project
Rigby-Literacy by Design professional development
Sikorsky
United Way
District Grants Writer
Sterling House
13
Section 4
Possible Constraints




lack of funds
insufficient personnel
time/scheduling
limited reinforcement at home
Contingency Plan in View of Constraints





Continue to apply for Early Reading Success Grant
Continue to utilize Title I funding
Continue to partner with Parents’ Place
Review scheduling
Continue partnerships with United Way, Sikorsky, Sterling House and
Franklin PTA
14