Growing the Proficiency of Students with Disabilities Jim Canter Assistant Superintendent Curriculum Snowline Joint Unified School District 1

Growing SWD Proficiency The Challenge:  SWD consistently scored low on state assessments  Based on SWD subgroup failing AYP in ELA two consecutive years, Snowline District was designated “Program Improvement” 2

Growing SWD Proficiency The Plan of Action  First, Conduct a Comprehensive Self Study: 1. Perception surveys 2. More in-depth analysis of SWD subgroup data 3

District Distribution of SWD by Disability 4

Growing SWD Proficiency  Analyze SWD subgroup performance by categories, 2004: 1.Only 7% of SLD scored proficient in ELA 2.Only 14 % of SLI scored proficient in ELA 5

Growing SWD Proficiency Second, Modify the District Plan  Include SWD and especially SWD TEACHERS in the district instructional improvement process – Focus On Standards (FOS)! 1. Teach common STANDARDS 2. Backward map STANDARDS 3. Administer Common FORMATIVE assessments 4. COLLABORATE about data from formative assessments, state assessments, and student work 5. Develop NEXT STEPS 6

Growing SWD Proficiency Strategies to Include SWD Teachers in FOS: 1. Expect most students to participate in formative assessments a. Influenced inclusion in standards-based instruction b. Provided data for all student groups 2. Expect all teachers to participate in collaboration 3. Provide additional, follow-up collaboration for SWD teachers 4. Assign SWD Coaches to facilitate process 7

Growing SWD Proficiency Strategies to Include SWD Teachers in FOS: 1. Align Staff Development with District Plan 2. Strengthen Intervention Program 3. Implement a RtI Program 4. Write Standards-Based IEPs 5. Maintain Family Involvement Program 6. Initiate Lesson Study collaboration 8

Growing SWD Proficiency The Results:  Proficiency rate more than tripled for SWD subgroup in ELA  The district met all AYP criteria for all subgroups for 2005 – 2007  The district no longer was designated as a “Program Improvement” district in

The Results – ELA Proficiency Rates Percent Proficient 10

The Challenge Continues… 1.Continue to grow academic achievement by including SWD in the standards-based instructional process, ensuring:  Standards-Based instruction for SWD  Data analysis of student achievement  Teacher collaboration about best practices, student achievement 2.Improve regular and SWD classroom instruction in order to grow SWD achievement by providing:  Staff development about mastery, formative assess-ments, differentiation!  Researched-based practices – RtI!  More involved collaboration between SWD teachers, speech therapists, administrators, and regular education teachers 11

Thank You! Jim Canter Assistant Superintendent Curriculum and Instruction Snowline Joint Unified School District (760) x