Continuous
monitoring through the use of benchmark testing, teacher-made tests
and remedial instruction assist the staff in assessing progress
toward school improvement goals. There is an emphasis on writing
school-wide. Students' daily use of journaling and the incorporation
of rubrics to assess progress are ongoing. Instructional materials
and methods are based on best practices training. Teachers are encouraged
to attend and to share information gained from workshops and conferences
at team and staff meetings. Continuous training and high expectations
of and for all staff members yield good results for Silver Trail's
students.
Results: School Grades: 2001 A; 2002 A; 2003
A.
Practices that Promote High Performance:
- Continuous monitoring through the use of benchmark testing
- Students' daily use of journaling and the incorporation of rubrics
to assess progress
- Instructional materials and methods based on best practices
training
The principal's
leadership style reflects shared decision-making and is evident
at all levels. The principal works with an administrative team of
school leaders and utilizes faculty, departmental, and team meetings
for communication and decision-making. Teachers help interview new
faculty members, chair committees, plan school events and activities,
and manage faculty meetings. Parents and teachers are given an opportunity
to have input on decisions regarding student placement, instructional
material and methods as well as other decisions that affect the
quality of education at Silver Trail. Both written and verbal communication
with all stakeholders is an important goal that serves to promote
informed decision-making.
Results: FCAT (NRT) scores higher than district
and state percentile ranks for reading and math in grades 6-8.
Practices that Promote High
Performance:
- Empowering departments and teachers to make decisions reflecting
instructional needs
- High expectations for teachers
- Formal recognition of teacher accomplishments
A collaborative atmosphere
is prevalent in the school due to the principal's emphasis on working
together as a team in order to increase student learning and provide
a safe school environment. However, collaboration extends beyond
the building. The school is also a part of the Flanagan Innovation
Zone. The principals of Flanagan High School, two middle schools
and the elementary schools of the area meet during the school year
to articulate information that will assist staff in meeting the
needs of the students and to plan activities that will maximize
success at all levels. The Innovation Zone also offers staff development
focusing on the transition at critical points when students are
moving from elementary to middle to high school. Parents are included
in Zone meetings and become part of the communication loop across
levels.
Results: FCAT (SSS) Reading
and Math scores for grades 6-8 higher than district and state averages.
Practices that Promote High Performance:
- Collaborative atmosphere with a team approach
- Development of the Flanagan Innovation Zone to extend collaboration
and communication across
all levels K-12
- Involving parents in the communication and decision making loops
across levels
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