Suggested Structure of Second Focus Group Meeting

 

Introductions – welcome newcomers, Parents, Students (5 min.)

 

Description of Focus Group Task(s) (5 min.)

1.     Analysis of student data and achievement

2.     Determination of growth needs (what needs attention?)

3.     Written document on findings

 

WASC Criteria

Read as a reminder the particular criterion for your group. (5 min.)

 

Expected Schoolwide Learning Results (ESLRs) (10 min.)

            Read as a group. Ask clarifying questions.

 

Review CST and CAHSEE Data(20 min.)

Larger Groups may split into smaller groups and assign the review of one or the other to a group.

Discussion – What areas may need improvement?

 

What area or subject would your group like to look at in detail.(10 min.)

 

Please make sure that all are aware of the Accreditation area of the web site(http://www.connectingwaters.org/accreditation/index.htm).

 

Fill out meeting report and email back to self-study coordinator (gclark@connectingwaters.org) and school director(snelson@connectingwaters.org) within 5 working days. Report should have 1) What Growth needs did you see(What needs improvement) 2)What area or subject would your group like to look at? 3)Problems or questions that came up around the accreditation process, 4) Suggestions to the leadership committee.

 

Packet of appropriate paperwork

WASC Criteria

ESLRs with associated growth areas from learning records( http://www.connectingwaters.org/accreditation/data/docs/ESLRs&Growth.html)

CST and CAHSEE test results

http://www.connectingwaters.org/accreditation/data/docs/CHSE303.pdf

http://www.connectingwaters.org/accreditation/data/docs/CHSM303.pdf

http://www.connectingwaters.org/accreditation/data/docs/CHSE03All.pdf

http://www.connectingwaters.org/accreditation/data/docs/CHSM03All.pdf

http://www.connectingwaters.org/accreditation/data/docs/CST03Demog.pdf

 

Please respect all participants and finish up in 60 minutes.

WASC/CDE Focus on Learning Schoolwide Criteria

A. Standards-based Student Learning: Curriculum and Instruction

1.   All students participate in a rigorous, relevant, and coherent standards-based curriculum that supports the achievement of the academic standards and the expected schoolwide learning results. Through standards-based learning (i.e., what is taught and how it is taught), the expected schoolwide learning results are accomplished.

2.   All students have access to the school's entire program and assistance with a personal learning plan to prepare them for the pursuit of their academic, personal and school-to-career goals.

3.   Upon completion of the high school program, students will be able to meet all the requirements of graduation.

4.   To achieve the academic standards and the expected schoolwide learning results, all students are involved in challenging learning experiences. All teachers utilize a variety of strategies and resources, including technology and experiences beyond the textbook and the classroom that actively engage students, emphasize higher order thinking skills and help them succeed at high levels.

B.   Standards-based Student Learning: Assessment and Accountability

5.   Teachers employ a variety of strategies to evaluate student learning. Students and teachers use assessment results to enhance the educational progress of every student.

6.   The school, district, and community regularly review student progress toward achievement of the academic standards and the expected schoolwide learning results and report to the parents and other stakeholders of the community.

7.   The assessment of student achievement in relation to the academic standards and the expected schoolwide learning results drives the school's program development and resource allocation and use (i.e., the human, material, physical, and financial resources are sufficient and utilized effectively to support students in accomplishing the academic standards and the expected schoolwide learning results)

C. Support for Student Personal and Academic Growth

8.   All students receive appropriate support to help ensure academic success.

9.   Students have access to a system of personal support services, activities and opportunities at the school and within the community.

D. Culture

10. The school is a safe, clean, and orderly place that nurtures learning. The culture of the school is characterized by trust, professionalism, and high expectations for all students, and a focus on continuous school improvement.

E.   Leadership and Staff

11. Based on student achievement data, the school leadership and staff make decisions and initiate activities that focus on all students achieving the expected schoolwide learning results and academic standards.

12. A qualified staff facilitates achievement of the academic standards and the expected schoolwide learning results through a system of preparation, induction, and ongoing professional development.

13. Leadership and staff are involved in ongoing professional development that focuses on identified student learning needs.

14. The school leadership employs a wide range of strategies to encourage parental and community involvement.

F. Vision and Purpose

15. The school has a clearly stated vision or purpose based on student needs, and current educational research and the belief that all students can achieve at high levels. Supported by the governing board and the central administration, the school's purpose is defined further by expected schoolwide learning results (The expected schoolwide learning results stress attainment of the academic standards.)