BPS 18-Month Improvement Goals & Targets
Winn Brook School Improvement Plan/Action Steps
2011-2012

 Improvement Plan 2011-2012

Goal 1: Students of Belmont Public Schools will be confident, motivated and engaged learners who are equipped with the knowledge and skills to pursue their academic goals and become life-long learners

• Target:  Identify our core curriculum, K-12, and expand the variety of instructional strategies, supports and interventions practiced in all schools to reach all learners.  Articulate the philosophical foundation supporting curricular and instructional strategies.

Action Steps:

• Continue to implement / refine RTI model in Language Arts and Mathematics.*
• Begin the process of aligning curriculums with the new Mass. Frameworks which include the Common Core Standards.*
• Expand and refine the use of 6+1 Traits of Writing.*
• Broaden opportunities for challenging enrichment work for students who demonstrate mastery of grade level standards.
• Increase opportunities for students to create learning goals and track their progress based on Marzano’s research on improved student achievement.
• Implement a progress monitoring and data collection system in order to more effectively respond to students’ specific needs (RtI).

Goal 2: Students of Belmont Public Schools will be responsible, involved citizens who engage in challenging problems and who make a difference in their school, community, country, and world.

• Target:  Increase and expand K-12 opportunities for civic engagement/citizenship education, service learning and expanding global and cultural awareness.
• Target:  Develop a more comprehensive and embedded scope-and-sequence of K-12 opportunities for civic engagement.

Action Steps:

• Broaden pilot of social competency programs.*

Goal 3: Students of Belmont Public Schools will be prepared to be successful and productive workers with 21st century skills and competencies.

Target:  Expand curricular opportunities, and enhance instruction and assessment, to develop and practice skills and competencies that prepare students as 21st century workers.

Goal 4: The Belmont Public School organization will ensure the safety and security of the school community, promote healthy choices, and support the social and emotional growth of every student.

• Target:  Make changes to existing systems, structures, and programs to better address the social and emotional well-being of all students with emphasis on recognizing and managing stress, developing social competencies, and overall, achieving a positive life balance.
• Target:  Demonstrate positive, affirmative steps to achieving a safer and more secure school environment.

Action Steps:

• Review and propose changes to district-wide Kindergarten Screening process.*
• Re-write elementary school handbooks.*
• Increase communication with parents in order to promote acceptance of human differences.

Goal 5: The Belmont Public School organization will attract and retain the most talented and effective teachers, staff and school leaders by offering them opportunities for professional growth within a positive and respectful work environment.

• Target:  Evaluate current systems for effectiveness to support a diverse and high performing professional workforce – implement changes to measurable improve employment practices including selection, retention, and professional development.
• Target: Reestablish a Curriculum Quality Assurance structure to ensure delivery of a coordinated, cutting-edge curriculum across all content areas, K-12.

Action Steps: 

• Implement, support, and sustain the new K-4 ELA/SS Specialist and K-4 Math/Science Specialist structure to ensure Curriculum Quality Assurance for all elementary schools.*
• Articulate expectations and cultural practices in order to support the transition of new teachers.

Goal 6: The Belmont Public School organization will manage community resources in a manner that fulfills financial and academic expectations, and fosters an informed, trusting relationship with the community.

• Target:  Develop, communicate and report progress on an 18 Month Improvement Plan that demonstrates positive returns on investment of community resources (beyond improved standardized test scores).
• Target: Develop a sustainable, long-term plan that will create adequate and predictable funding and preserve the quality of public education at a level that meets community expectations. 

*District-wide action steps