AYP/STUDENT IMPROVEMENT

AYP Service Providers Assist Districts to Meet NCLB Goals
By: Mary Jenatscheck

The South Central Service Cooperative’s AYP Service Providers assist schools and districts not making adequate yearly progress as based on No Child Left Behind criteria. In this South Central region of the state three AYP Service Providers, Mary Jenatscheck, Jane Schuck, and Sue Rosenow work side by side with school and district personnel in the writing and implementation of improvement plans. Writing the plans requires a systematic review of current practices and identification of potential initiatives leading to student achievement increases. The review includes school and district analysis of test results, establishment of measurable objectives, incorporation of strategies, and outlining professional development. Following completion of the plans, regular ongoing meetings examine its implementation and impact.

While leading districts through the processes of school improvement, various tools assist districts in identifying strengths and challenges. An example is the following checklist, developed by Wisconsin’s CESA 7, which outlines criteria for effective school planning. Respondents ask themselves, “To what degree are the following elements in place in my school or district?”

1. Annual measure of improvement for spring 2008.
2. Periodic assessments during 2007–08.
3. Leadership team membership.
4. Leadership team meeting schedule dates and times.
5. Monitors identified with dates of monitoring with leadership team scheduled.
6. Strategies to improve universal classroom instruction to engage all learners.
7. Strategies to improve interventions for struggling learners and enrichments for advanced learners.
8. Strategies to improve assessment and use of data to inform and improve student learning.
9. Strategies to improve professional learning of all staff.
10. Strategies to improve the collaborative culture of improvement in the school.
11. Strategies to improve the ‘success climate’ where all students experience success.
12. Strategies to improve parent and community partnerships.
13. Strategies for allocation of existing resources.
14. Strategies for all-staff inclusion roll-out and sustainability.

Answers to this survey tool, as well as other instruments, guide in school improvement planning processes.

As a result of district needs, regional workshops are held on key initiatives. Past workshops have focused on students with special education needs, English Language Learners, students living in poverty, and math instruction. A workshop was also held on Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) November 1 & 2. SIOP is a protocol used to assist classroom teachers instructing English Language Learners.

Questions, concerns, or issues regarding AYP service provision can be addressed by calling Mary Jenatscheck at 507-838-8310 or e-mailing mjenatscheck@mnscsc.org.