East St. John High School Home of the Wildcats High School Redesign March 2, 2007

East St. John High School Increased School Performance Score every year: : : : : : 64.7 Titles Assigned by State: : Academically Below State Average : Minimal Academic Growth : Exemplary Academic Growth (One Star Rating) : Minimal Academic Growth (One Star Rating)

East St. John High School Increased in ITED (Iowa Test of Educational Development): : 29 th percentile : 37 th percentile : 44 th percentile : 43 th percentile (including special education students) : 45 th percentile : 41 st percentile Increased success on GEE 21 (Graduate Exit Exam): : First Time Test Takers for GEE 21 increased 12% in Math and 3% in English : Increased 4% in Social Studies and maintained the12% in Math : Improved in all areas of GEE 21 Decreased number of Students who Scored “Unsatisfactory” on the GEE 21:

Johns Hopkins University’s Talent Development High School Model

Transition to Advanced Math Algebra I Double-Dose in Mathematics Choices: Transition to Advanced Mathematics and Algebra I or Algebra I (Honors) or Geometry (Honors)

Basic Composition Strategic Reading Double-Dose in Language Arts Choices: Strategic Reading and English I or Basic Composition and English I (Honors)

Freshman Seminar Freshman Seminar and World Geography or World Geography (Honors) Highlights of Freshman Seminar: Learning and practicing study skills, time management skills, computer skills, social skills, and human relations skills Investigating possible career choices in preparation of choosing a career pathway at the completion of the freshman year

Algebra I/TAM Tutoring Advantages: Helps ensure success of Algebra I student Provides immediate intervention for students in danger of failing Provides “help” sessions until mastery is achieved Taught by certified math teachers Continues tutoring and re-testing until mastery is attained Tutoring Schedule:  Wednesday and Thursday  2:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.  Bus transportation is provided.

Twilight School Advantages: Students can catch up on courses/credits for graduation Students advance to the next level course prepared for success Small class size Curriculum:  Mathematics  English  Social Studies  Science Twilight Schedule:  Two cycles, approximately 45 days long  Monday through Thursday, 2:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.  Students provide transportation

LINCS WFSGs (Whole Faculty Study Groups) Involves all teachers Focuses on curriculum and instruction and student needs Helps teachers coordinate and collaborate with colleagues and pass on teaching experiences Shares and discusses student work Uses professional development as its central feature: - James Bellanca’s Active Learning Strategies Handbook - Dr. Marcia Tate’s Worksheets Don’t Grow Dendrites

Key Guidelines for WFSGs  Teachers work in teams with rotating leadership.  Groups meet three times a month minute meetings Peer Observations once each cycle  Groups establish and implement their own action plans based on data disaggregated at the beginning of the school year.  Instructional Council is held once a month for sharing among groups.

Fourth Week of every Cycle One Representative of each WFSG Principal attends every Instructional Council Dear Instructional Council Attendee: At your next WFSG meeting, your leader will ask you to share HIGHLIGHTS of what you heard at the Instructional Council meeting with the rest of your group. I have attached a copy of the minutes. Please review them, highlight key points, and bring them to your WFSG meeting next week. PLEASE DO NOT READ THESE PAGES TO YOUR GROUP. Pick out the most interesting and useful items and share those. Thank you. If you have any questions, please see Gerrie or Heidi at your convenience.

East St. John High School: High School Redesign : Successful Implementation of Extra Help/Recovery Credit Debra H. Schum, Principal Heidi Trosclair, Staff Development