On March 15th, 2007, an update to Bess Streeter Aldrich's site-based plan was approved by a team of parents, staff members, and its administrator. Over the previous months teams of staff and parents worked to develop detailed actions plans to implement various strategies.
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Mission
The mission of Bess Streeter Aldrich Elementary is to guarantee academic excellence and the development of principled young people who become active, inquiring and compassionate life-long learners. Our school community provides innovative opportunities and challenging programs of intercultural understanding through guided inquiry. |
| Vision Bess Streeter Aldrich is a school that instills a passion for learning and empowers students to actively participate in the learning process. By embracing the gifts and talents of each individual, students will acquire and exhibit positive attitudes enabling them to become model citizens in our diverse world. |
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Objectives |
Strategies and Action Plans
STRATEGY 1
We will develop and implement plans to incorporate the International Baccalaureate Attitudes and learner Profiles within our school culture.
PLAN 1:
| Step 1: | Update Aldrich web site to include definitions and at-home activities for Profiles and Attitudes. Information should be prominent and age-appropriate. |
| Step 2: | Inform parents of Attitudes and Learner Profile on a regular basis. |
| Step 3: | Introduce Attitudes and Profile at Curriculum Night by classroom teachers. |
| Step 4: | Hold a separate International Baccalaureate curriculum night to provide more detailed information and allow time for questions. |
| Step 5: | Publish articles in the school's weekly newsletter. |
| Step 6: | Distribute a physical copy with details of Learner Profile and Attitudes that families can post at home. |
| Step 7: | Evaluate the effectiveness of the parent education programs. |
PLAN 2:
| Step 1: | Ensure that all adults in the building are supporting school-wide essential agreements. |
| Step 2: | Create teacher checklist to reflect on use of school-wide essential agreements. |
| Step 3: | Provide time at staff meetings for staff to reflect/discuss school-wide expectations. |
| Step 4: | Install large bulletin boards in front hallway to highlight Profile and Attitudes in action. |
| Step 5: | Identify and invite speakers/presenters/performers who demonstrate Attitudes and Profile to address the students. |
| Step 6: | Develop a school-wide program to transition new students and families into the International Baccalaureate Learner Profile and Attitudes. |
| Step 7: | Evaluate the effectiveness of the school-wide programs. |
PLAN 3:
| Step 1: | Incorporate International Baccalaureate Attitudes and Profile into existing classroom practices and routines. |
| Step 2: | Utilize student/parent reflections at least once each semester. |
| Step 3: | Provide opportunities to share unique teaching strategies for Attitudes and Profile. |
| Step 4: | Purchase classroom literature to enhance student learning of Attitudes and Profile. |
| Step 5: | Evaluate the success of the above. |
STRATEGY 2
We will develop and implement plans to increase assessment scores.
PLAN 1:
| Step 1: | Analyze yearly data from district assessments, Terra Nova, ELO tests and AWA. |
| Step 2: | Review the district K-5 continuum of language skills as provided in current district curriculum guides. |
| Step 3: | Develop common vocabulary to be able to teach students how to interpret and answer questions. |
| Step 4: | Schedule grade level and vertical team meetings following assessment data collection to discuss assessment analysis and implications for mastery of language skills at all grade levels. |
| Step 5: | Explore possible Parent Education Nights which will be presented by non-classroom professionals to address issues in parenting/classroom, i.e., what is "typical" age appropriate behavior; preventing learned helplessness. |
| Step 6: | Evaluate the effectiveness of the plan by comparing changes in total school score and students scores from the previous year's assessments. |
STRATEGY 3
We will develop and implement plans to foster staff team building.
PLAN 1:
| Step 1: | Develop an advisory board made up of one person from each grade level and one specialist to report to the principal about issues that impact vertical planning in the building. |
| Step 2: | Inform staff of pertinent building issues through regular emails or meetings. |
| Step 3: | Implement a system to allow for optional peer-coaching and non-evaluative observations. |
| Step 4: | Review and revise International Baccalaureate essential agreements for each grade level and for the school as a whole. |
| Step 5: | Focus on the International Baccalaureate attitude of the month for all staff members. |
| Step 6: | Invite guest speakers/consultants to address pertinent topic at the time. |
| Step 7: | Create a book study group on a pertinent topic each year for all certified staff. |
| Step 8: | Evaluate the effectiveness of the goal to increase vertical planning within the building. |
STRATEGY 4
We will develop and implement plans to effectively communicate between parents and the school.
PLAN 1
| Step 1: | Communicate relevant information with the Aldrich Community: |
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| Step 2: | Conduct a parent survey to determine the most appropriate and effective forms of communication. |
| Step 3: | Provide professional staff with opportunities for training and implementing school-related web sites. |
| Step 4: | Install an electronic marquee or sign board to enhance communication. |
| Step 5: | Evaluate the effectiveness of the communication between parents and staff. |
