Marathon High School
Wendy McPherson, Principal
350 Sombrero Beach Road
Marathon, FL 33050
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Marathon High School
School Mission Statement
Our mission is to maximize student learning in a safe and orderly environment.
School Belief Statements
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Students will learn.
Students will focus on learning in a safe and secure environment.
Students will be challenged with a rigorous curriculum.
Students will be provided with a variety of instructional approaches.
Students will be provided with extra-curricular activities to help develop well rounded and productive
citizens.
Strategic Plan Objectives:
Strategic Objective 1: Marathon High School will work to create a positive climate through a focus on social,
emotional, ethical, civic, and intellectual education that fosters trust and professionalism school wide.
Strategic Objective 2: Marathon High School will produce globally competitive students and outstanding citizens.
Strategic Objective 3: Marathon High School will provide effective communication to all stakeholders.
Strategic Objective 4: Marathon High School will recruit, retain, and professionally develop a high performing
staff.
Strategic Objective 5: Marathon High School will leverage technology resources and innovative practices to
support the mission, vision, and core values of the school.
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School Demographic Information
Demographics
Ethnicity
Number
White
291
Black
38
Hispanic
325
Asian
7
Multiracial
6
Total
667
Gender
Male
356
Female
311
Socioeconomics
Free/ Reduced
61%
Lunch
NON
Free/Reduced 39%
Lunch
SIP Development Information
School Improvement Timeline
The 2014-2015 School Improvement Plan is focused on achieving school goals related to Florida School
Accountability measures during the current school year. Other goals of the school improvement plan focus on
bringing the school into alignment with Monroe County School District’s five year strategic plan and as such are
planned and measured on a more extended timeline.
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School Improvement Plan Funding
The initiatives and staff development listed in this plan are funded through a variety of sources. Examples include:
 FTE generated discretionary budget
 School Professional Development funds
 Local grants and contributions
Evaluation of the School Improvement Plan
Specific evaluative information will be collected by the school over the course of the 2014-2015 school year and
beyond. Objectives will be evaluated based on an analysis of data including but not limited to:
 Florida Standards Assessment Test (FSA)
 Florida End-of-Course (EOC) tests
 Monroe County School District EOC tests
 ACT, SAT, and PERT tests (college entrance/college readiness)
 Florida Alternative Assessment (FAA)
 Comprehensive English Language Learning Assessment (CELLA)
 Advanced Placement (AP®) performance
 Dual Enrollment Performance
 Career and Technical Industry Certification tests
 School level attendance and discipline data
 Monroe County School District climate survey data
Progress toward achieving established goals will be determined by the School Advisory Council and the Building
Level Planning Team.
Multi-Tiered Student Support (MTSS)/Response to Intervention Strategies (RtI)
MTSS/RtI is a data‐based, decision‐making process that is used to identify academic and behavioral needs of all
students. This “need-driven” decision-making process seeks to ensure resources reach the appropriate students at
the appropriate levels to accelerate the performance of all students within a school. The structured problem
solving process involves the following steps:
 Accurate identification of problems and goals
 Analysis of data to determine and validate root causes of undesirable outcomes
 Design, support, and implementation of interventions
 Use of data to evaluate progress toward the goals and make adjustments to interventions as needed
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Supporting Information and Resources
Additional documentation and information can be found in the following areas and accessed from the SIP
homepage on the Marathon High School web site (http://mhs.keysschools.com )
1.
2.
3.
4.
Faculty/Staff Listing
School Advisory Council Calendar, Agendas, and Minutes
School Improvement Plan annual review
State Public Accountability Report (SPAR)
Other sources of useful school data can be found in the following locations:
1. School Grades, AYP, School report cards: http://schoolgrades.fldoe.org/
2. FCAT/EOC Results: http://fcat.fldoe.org/mediapacket/2014/
Core Learning Objectives
Strategic Objective 4: Marathon High School will recruit, retain, and professionally develop in a
high performing staff.
Highly Qualified Leadership Team
Leader
Wendy McPherson
Liz Logan
Position - Years at School
Principal- 1
Assistant Principal -4
Assistant Principal - 9
Degree - Certification
BS, Elementary Education
MS, Educational Leadership
BS, French Education
MS, Educational Leadership
Highly Qualified Instructional Staff
88% (38/43) of the MMHS staff are highly qualified and fully certified in the subject areas to which they
are assigned. (Two teachers are taking subject area exams and three teachers are “on track” and within
2 courses of ELL certification.)
The MMHS instructional staff represents a distribution of teachers relatively new to the profession. The
10 new and beginning teachers have been paired with mentor or peer teachers.
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Strategic Objective 2: Marathon High School will produce globally competitive students and
outstanding citizens.
Overall
Reading
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Objective One (Reading Performance Percentile)
By the end of the 2014-2015 school year, the performance percent rank for reading will improve from 31st
th
percentile to 55 percentile showing higher achievement and higher growth.
Objective Two (Reading Learning Gains)
By the end of the 2014-2015 school year, the percent of students who earned annual learning gains in reading will
improve from 64 percent to 80 percent.
Objective Three (Reading Learning Gains Lowest Quartile)
By the end of the 2014-2015 school year, the percent of students in the lowest quartile annual learning gains in
reading will improve from 63 percent to 75 percent.
Mathematics
Objective One (Math Performance Percentile)
th
By the end of the 2014-2015 school year, the performance percentile rank for mathematics will improve from 38
th
percentile to 55 percentile showing higher achievement and higher growth.
Objective Two (Math Learning Gains)
By the end of the 2014-2015 school year, the percent of students who earned annual learning gains in
mathematics will improve from 61 percent to 71 percent.
Objective Three (Math Learning Gains Lowest Quartile)
By the end of the 2014-2015 school year, the percent of students in the lowest quartile annual learning gains in
mathematics will improve from 59 percent to 70 percent.
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Objective Four (Algebra I End of Course Test)
th
th
By the end of the 2014-2015 school year, 95% (21/22) of the 8 grade students and 75% (58/77) of 9 grade
students taking the Algebra I EOC test for the first time will score at or above Level 3.
Social Studies
Objective One (Civics End of Course Test)
In 2014, the Civics EOC was a baseline assessment. Using the T scale scores, 36% scored in the bottom third, 41%
scored in the middle third, and 23% of MHS students scored in the top third as compared to other 7th graders in
the state. In 2015, achievement levels will be reported for the first time.
Objective Two (United States History End of Course Test)
By the end of the 2014-2015 school year, 75% (64/92) of students taking the United States History End of Course
test will perform at a level 3 or above. This represents an increase of 25 percentage points over the 2013-2014
school year.
Science
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Objective One (Science Proficiency)
By the end of the 2014-2015 school year, 80% of students taking science exams for the first time will perform at
level 3 or above.
Graduation Rate
Objective One (Overall Graduation Rate)
By the end of the 2014-2015 school year, the graduation rate will be 90%, as determined by the state formula. This
represents an increase of 22 percentage points over the 2013-2014 school year.
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Objective Two (At Risk Graduation Rate)
By the end of the 2014-2015 school year the at risk graduation rate will be 50%, as determined by the state
formula. This represents an increase of 22 percentage points over the 2013-2014 school year.
Stretch Learning
Objective One (College Readiness - ACT Scores)
By the end of the 2014-2015 school year the percentage of students scoring “college ready” in all four subject
areas will be 40%. This represents a 26 percentage points increase over the current year.
Objective Two (Career and Technical Education)
During the 2014-2015 school year, Marathon High School will align curriculum, resources, and instructional staff so
that all Career and Technical course sequences will include the opportunity to earn industry certification.
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Marathon High School will continue focus on the culinary CAPE program. The number of ProStart certifications will
increase each year to develop students who are career ready and highly marketable. By the end of the 2014-2015
school year 90% of students who complete a Career and Technical sequence will earn industry certification in that
field.
Objective Three (Career and Technical Education)
Marathon High School with Career and Technical will develop and implement a computer science course sequence
that leads to multiple industry certifications.
®
Objective Four (AP Performance)
®
By the end of the 2014-2015 school year, the percentage of passing scores (3 or higher) on AP exams taken will be
greater than or equal to 50%. This represents an increase of 13 percentage points over the current year.
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Objective Five (Dual Enrollment)
By the end of the 2014-2015 school year, the number of students successfully completing one or more Dual
Enrollment courses with a C or higher will increase by 20 percentage points.
Students with Special Needs (Florida Alternative Assessment)
Objective One (FAA Reading)
By the end of the 2014-2015 school year, 82% of FAA students will demonstrate proficiency (Level 4 or above) on
the Florida Alternative Assessment Reading subtest.
Objective Two (FAA Mathematics)
By the end of the 2014-2015 school year, 82% of FAA students will demonstrate proficiency (Level 6 or above) on
the Florida Alternative Assessment Math subtest.
Objective Three (FAA Science)
By the end of the 2014-2015 school year, 82% of Grade 11 FAA students will demonstrate proficiency (Level 4 or
above) on the Florida Alternative Assessment Science subtest.
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Objective Four (FAA Writing)
By the end of the 2014-2015 school year, 82% of FAA students will demonstrate proficiency (Level 4 or above) on
the Florida Alternative Assessment Writing subtest.
Students with Special Needs (English Language Learners)
CELLA
# of
Students
Scoring
Proficient
# of Students
Scoring High
Intermediate
# of Students
Scoring Low
Intermediate
# of
Students
Scoring
Beginning
Not
Tested
Listening/Speaking
Reading
Writing
20
10
10
10
8
13
9
17
17
23
28
21
2
1
3
Objective One (CELLA Test Performance)
By the end of the 2014-2015 school year, each ELL student will increase one placement level in the respective
categories of listening/speaking, reading and writing as determined by the CELLA interpretative guide.
Student Success Goals
Strategic Objective 1: Create a positive climate through a focus on social, emotional, ethical,
civic, and intellectual education that fosters trust and professionalism school wide .
2013-2014 Early Warning Indicators and the
Number of Students Who Exhibit Indicators by Grade Level
Indicator
6th grade
7th grade
8th grade
Attendance below
12
21
12
90%
One or more
ISS/OSS
25
39
25
suspensions
Course failure in
21
22
17
ELA or Math
Level 1 on
statewide
21
19
17
assessment
Total
45
89
60
57
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2013-2014 Early Warning Indicators and the
Number of Students Who Exhibit 2 or More Indicators by Grade Level
Indicator
6th grade
7th grade
8th grade
Total
Students exhibiting
two or more
indicators
26
29
17
72
Objective One (Middle School Early Warning)
By the end of the 2014-2015 school year, the number of students exhibiting two or more early warning indicators
will decrease by 25 percentage points.
Objective Two (Community Service Hours)
By the end of the 2014-2015 school year, 60% of students in grades 10-12 will accumulate an average of 10 or
more community service hours per school year.
21st Century Technology
Strategic Objective 5: Marathon High School will leverage technology resources and innovative
practices to support the mission, vision, and core values of the school.
Objective One (Technology)
By the end of the 2014-2015 school year, 50% of the faculty at Marathon High School will increase the use of
technology to deliver educational objectives based on the TIMS pre and post survey.
Objective Two (Technology)
By the end of the 2014-2015 school year, Marathon High School will have implemented a Bring Your Own Device
(BYOD) policy.
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Leadership Goals
Strategic Objective 4: Marathon High School will recruit, retain, and professionally develop a high
performing staff.
Objective One
By the end of the 2014-2015 school year, Marathon High School will have faculty members participating in the
district aspiring leadership program.
Communication Goals
Strategic Objective 3: Marathon High School will provide effective communication to all
stakeholders.
Objective One (Communication)
Marathon High School will increase usage of Blackboard Connect system, the marquee, and parent volunteer to
keep parents and students informed.
Objective Two (Parent Involvement)
Marathon High School will utilize orientations, curriculum showcases, and parent meetings to keep parents
informed and an active participant in their child’s education.
Strategies for Success in Core Learning
ELA
The following strategies will be used to reach each of our middle school and high school goals:
1. Use marking the text/annotating strategy while reading texts
2. Use exemplars and model good reading and writing practices daily
3. Incorporate Everybody Writes into all ELA classes
4. Utilize the FSA ELA rubrics in class
5. Implement close reading to stimulate critical thinking while reading text
6. Implement writers and readers workshop with think aloud strategies
7. Utilize Superintendent Young Reader’s Award to encourage more reading and increase vocabulary
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Mathematics
The following strategies will be used to reach each of our middle school math goals:
1. Implement MFAS for mathematics
2. Use PLCs across grade levels to collaborate and share common instructional strategies
3. Utilize STAR Math and Accelerated Math with grades 6-8
4. Implement high yield strategies in the classroom
a. Interactive notebooks/binders
b. Common board configuration
c. AVID math resources
The following strategies will be used to reach each of our Algebra I and Geometry goals:
1. Use PLCs across grade levels to collaborate and share common instructional strategies
2. Increase the use of technology and utilize the following resources:
a. Algebra Nation
b. Online textbook resources
c. CPALMS
d. Khan Academy
e. TI Technology
f. Geometer’s Sketchpad
g. Geogebra
3. Implement MFAS for mathematics
Science
The following strategies will be used to reach 8th grade science goals:
1. Utilize the MCSD progress monitoring system
2. The science department PLC will implement Inquiry Method lessons on problem solving
3. The science department will utilize the Florida Achieves FOCUS mini assessments for all 8 th grade students
4. Science process skills, design skills and engineering skills will be developed through STEM initiatives
5. Utilize Flocabulary
6. School participation in the district science fair will be a school-wide expectation.
The following strategies will be used to reach Biology 1 goals:
1. Utilize the MCSD progress monitoring system
2. Access FLVS online support system for biology review purposes
3. Assess multiple practice end-of-course exams (EOCs)
4. Use New York Regents exam sample questions
5. Use North Carolina EOCs
6. Use Escambia County EOC Reviews
7. Florida Standards lessons from the University of Tampa
8. Inquiry Method for problem solving
9. Provide teacher/student lunch and learn sessions
10. The science department will utilize the following technological resources:
a) Bozeman Science biology podcasts
b) YouTube EOC Review Videos- from Spanish River High School FL
c) Bioscopes, CPALMS lessons, FCAT Explorer
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Social Studies
The following strategies will be used to reach middle school and high school goals:
1. Implement three Document Based Questions (DBQ’s) per semester
2. Assess middle school advanced, high school honors, and Advanced Placement classes using a written
response requiring analysis and synthesis for each unit of study
Electives
The following strategies will be used to reach middle school and high school goals:
1. Utilize marking the text, selective highlighting, and Cornell notes consistently across all elective classes.
2. Utilize FSA writing format and rubrics, semantic mapping, and Venn Diagraming to assist in deeper
analysis of elective content.
3. Utilize selective highlighting and summary strategies to assist in learning elective content.
Exceptional Student Education
The following strategies will be used to reach our Exceptional Education Student goals:
1. Ensure that all students have access to the resources needed to be successful
2. Ensure collaboration between ESE Advocates, Mathematics and Language Arts teachers to discuss,
develop and implement specific strategies to use for students who are struggling within general education
courses
3. Ensure collaboration with vocational rehabilitation to assist all ESE students who could/would benefit
from services
4. Ensure that all teachers have training in PEER in order to have access to accommodations/modifications
for ESE students so that differentiation of instruction is effective and based on current needs
English Language Learners
1.
2.
Monitor progress regularly by the ELL team
Utilize ELL parent educator while on campus
3. Utilize Los Padres group for support and regular communication to Hispanic ELL parents
4. Utilize ELL Parent Resource Center.
Graduation Rate
1.
2.
3.
4.
Monitor grade level cohorts consistently. Guidance counselors will meet with assigned cohorts to
monitor grades and attendance
Monitor progress of at risk or ‘off track’ students
Enroll students in credit recovery courses as soon as possible
Continue AVID program in grades nine through twelve to identify and accelerate students toward
academic and AP® success
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Strategies for Stretch Learning
College Readiness - SAT/ACT Performance
1.
2.
3.
Offer after school SAT/ACT prep classes
Utilize PSAT practice tests in content areas for grades 9-11 in preparation for PSAT
Provide boot camp instruction that prepares students to be successful on college readiness exams such as
ACT/SAT/PERT
Career and Technical Education
1.
2.
Continue to support existing CAPE Culinary program
Develop and implement computer certification program leading to multiple industry certification
Advanced Placement/Dual Enrollment
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Utilize AP Potential reports to support AP course offerings
Provide subject area College Board training for all Advanced Placement teachers
Provide training on the annual instructional report provided by College Board
Ensure monthly collaboration of Advanced Placement teachers
Develop and implement a Dual Enrollment Academy
Strategies for Student Success
Attendance
1.
2.
3.
Attendance team will continue to meet and focus on early intervention during semester one to decrease
habitual absenteeism
Recognize and reward students with positive attendance histories
Utilize CINS/FINS and the judicial system to enforce truancy laws
Climate
1.
2.
Implement character education programs- Project Wisdom (grades 9-12) and Second Step (grades 6-8)
Utilize Student Success Center
Technology
1.
2.
Develop and implement a school wide Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Plan for students, teachers, and
parents
Implement technology best practices session in each faculty meeting
Communication
1.
2.
3.
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Utilize DTV for student to student announcements on important topics
Utilize Blackboard Connect system for important announcements
Utilize school marquee with updated messages daily
Parent Involvement
1.
2.
Utilize ELL and ESE supports for parents during orientations, curriculum showcases, and class parent
meetings
Utilize parent volunteer to send email updates daily/weekly to parent and community stakeholders
School-wide Professional Development Focus
Data Used
Summer department meetings
Student Achievement Data
Teacher Evaluations 2013-2014
Target
All faculty members
Objective(s)
To move MHS teacher community forward in preparation for FSA
in all areas a focus has been developed in FSA best practices,
technology best practices, and Everybody Writes.
Meeting Dates
Each faculty meeting
(second Tuesday of every month)
Implementation/
Follow-Up
Each faculty meeting is a specific training session divided into
three sections: FSA best practices & applications, technology best
practices and applications; and Everybody Writes (reading and
writing focus). All three foci are embedded within the SIP.
Evaluation of
Results
Teacher Evaluation Data
Student Achievement Data
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Marathon High School would like to thank the Building Level Planning Team and the
School Advisory Council for their assistance in the development of the plan.
School Leadership Team
Wendy McPherson, Principal
Liz Logan, Asst. Principal
Teresa Konrath, AD/Discipline
Heather Coralluzzo, Counselor
Cathy Grostefon, Counselor
Katie Balazs, History/SS BLPT
Jamie Buhyoff, ELA BLPT
Christina Belotti, MS BLPT
Lyn Cox, Science BLPT
Mary Coleman, ESE BLPT
Lourdes Dick, Electives BLPT
Julia Mathews, Math BLPT
School Advisory Council
Luis Gonzalez, Chair
Mike Puto, Vice President
Rachel Neller, Secretary
Marcie Ehrig, Parent
Tracey Hannah, Parent
Gerald Roussin, Parent
Teresa Konrath, Teacher
Samantha Bonilla, Student
Liz Logan, Assistant Principal
Wendy McPherson, Principal
Information:
For more information regarding Marathon High School or the School Improvement Plan visit
http://mhs.keysschools.com/
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