St Charles School Plan for Continuous Growth 2017-2020 Christ has no body but yours, no hands, no feet on Earth but yours. (St. Teresa of Avila) May 2017 Page 1
St. Charles School Plan for Continuous Growth 2017-2020 School Mission: To empower and affirm the leadership in each child in a Christ-centered learning environment. School Vision: Our students will learn, work and pray together in answering the call to leadership for service to God and community. School Charism: We are Leaders of Light: Inspired by the example of Jesus and blessed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. School Context St. Charles Catholic Elementary School is located in the Baturyn area of Edmonton. St. Charles shares a city park and field area with Baturyn Public School. Our school population is 328 from K-6. We presently have 26 staff members (17 teachers, 7 support staff: 1 secretary, 4 SNTAs and 2 custodial staff). Three school buses, one Kindergarten bus and three special needs mini-buses presently serve the needs of students who require transportation. St. Charles is a 1-1 device school with a strong Catholic 21 st Century Learning Environment. St. Charles has been working with the Leader in Me Program within a Catholic context for the past 8 years. Our school has a diverse population that has a highly skilled multidisciplinary team to support the inclusion of all our students in our daily programming. These supports are augmented by our literacy, numeracy and science focus for all students. May 2017 Page 2
Review of Previous Year s Goals: Goal Achieved/continue modify Evidence/data used School Goal 1 St. Charles Catholic School will demonstrate competency in Mark Three: Animated by a Faith-Infused Curriculum of The Five Marks of Catholic School Identity by achieving each of the benchmarks. School Goal 2 Through the establishment of a Literacy and Mathematics Communities of Practice students at St. Charles Catholic School will demonstrate growth in their writing skills and math computation. School Goal 3 St. Charles Catholic School will encourage health and wellness for all students and staff. We will continue with our goal by continuing to work on Mark 2 and focus on Mark 3 as a new goal. retreats for all grade levels at the parish We will modify our goal by including a focus on science skills and knowledge along with continuing a numeracy and literacy focus. We will expand our actions by continuing the implementation of the Mental Health Strategic Plan with an expanded focus on inclusivity and diversity. We are continuing this goal based on: the call from Archbishop Smith to focus on the Pastoral Letter maintaining our positive relationship with the parish as indicated by the Satisfaction Survey staff desire to expand knowledge in incorporate gospel teachings, scripture and doctrine We are modifying our goal based on: evidence of growth on PAT writing scores a need for increased achievement on the Math Computation and Science PAT response to the district focus on student academic excellence School Profile Chart Some students are reading and comprehending below grade level which is impacting all subject areas Fountas & Pinnell Results We are continuing this goal based on: improved Our School results excellent results on the Accountability Pillar positive response by staff May 2017 Page 3
School Goals which are part of the culture of the school: Raz-Kids Mathletics Incorporated 2014 Daily Five/CAFÉ Strategies Makerspace Incorporated 2014 Broadcast Incorporated 2014 Continued to date Social Justice Committee Incorporated 2013 Dreams for Kids/Sign of Hope Carnival Incorporated 2016 St. Charles Market Incorporated 2014 Faith Friends Incorporated 2016 7 Habits Leader in Me Incorporated 2009 1-1 Devices Incorporated 2010 Church Member Involvement Incorporated 2014 the positive data from the Mental Health Indicator report increased student needs and diversity and learning styles PAT results May 2017 Page 4
Data Analysis: Areas to celebrate Accountability Pillar Areas to Celebrate District Satisfaction Survey Areas to Celebrate Measure Category Overall Measure Evaluation Safe and Caring Schools Excellent (improved) Program of Studies Excellent Quality of Education Excellent (Improved Significantly) PAT Acceptable Good PAT Excellence Good Work Preparation Excellent (improved) Citizenship Excellent (improved) Parental Involvement Excellent School Improvement Excellent (Improved Significantly) Students: 4-6 (All 25 questions on the Survey were at 100%) I can make choices about my learning School rules are fair My school teaches me to make healthy food choices and to be active What I learn in religion class makes me a better person My school gives me the opportunity to use a variety of technology tools Parents: My child is developing reading and writing skills that will prepare them for the future My role as the primary educator of my child is respected by the school Please indicate your level of satisfaction with the cleanliness of the school At school my child is developing technology skills that enhance his or her student learning I feel welcome in my child s school Staff: 40 of the 43 questions were above the District. School professional development provides me with an opportunity to improve my work skills School/department finances are being allocated in keeping with our core value of fairness I am satisfied with the communication from my school/department Regression Analysis Areas to Celebrate Acceptable St. Charles District Province Standard English 91.2% 92.3 % 91.5% = Math 73.7% 73.5% 76.2% = Social Studies 84.2% 82% 81.3% = We maintained overall achievement in English Language Arts and Mathematics with consistent results from the previous year. Social Studies May 2017 Page 5
PAT/Diploma analysis Areas to Celebrate shows an =, however the change in data was on the cusp of a positive, which is consistent with last year We achieved above the province in: English Language Arts Standard of Acceptable: 91.2% (province: 82.5%) * In writing we scored 98.2% compared to the provincial average of 90.3% Standard of Excellence: 21.1% (province: 18.9%) * In writing we scored 17.5% compared to the provincial average of 12.3% Social Studies Standard of Acceptable: 84.2% (province: 72.9%) Standard of Excellence: 36.8% (province: 21.7%) *Our Standard of Excellence results in Social Studies improved by 16% from the previous school year Our School Survey Areas to Celebrate Science *Our Standard of Excellence results improved overall from 21.3% to 24.6% with the Standard of Excellence in Skills improving from 19.1% to 35.1% Social Emotional Outcomes: St Charles Compared to the District: Students Participation in school clubs: 57%-53% Students Positive sense of belonging:85%-82% Students Positive relationships:90%-84% Hours per day spent using phone:.4 hr/day-.5hr/day Students with positive homework behaviors:78%-74% Students with positive school behavior:95%-93% Students who are interested and motivated in their learning: 92%-89% Effort:96%-94% Students with moderate or high levels of anxiety:16%-21% Physical Outcomes: St Charles compared to the District Students consuming less than 5 sweet or fatty foods per day:70%-58% Hours per day spent doing moderate physical activity: I hour Drivers of Student Outcomes: St Charles Compared the District Bullying and Exclusion: 19%-23% Feel safe attending school: 87%-75% Positive Teacher-student relations: 8.9/10-8.6/10 Positive Learning Climate:7.9/10-7.4/10 Expectations for Success:9.2/10-9/10 Time student lived in Canada:94%-72% Aboriginal Status:8%-11% Multiple Choice: May 2017 Page 6
Religious celebrations are important in this school: 97%-95% Attending a Catholic School helps me to explore my love God and service to community: 96%-92% 5 Marks of Catholic School Identity Assessment Areas to Celebrate The area where we grew was: Mark Two: Imbued with a Catholic Worldview Students have opportunities to pray every day in school and at various times during the day. Every classroom has a prayer center with the standard items. The school community gathers for liturgical celebrations at least once a month. Whenever possible, Eucharist is celebrated in the local parish. Areas to target for growth Data Source Measures Goals in response to data Accountability Pillar Measure Category: There are not areas of decline or areas that have dropped. We have either maintained or improved. Achievement Measure Evaluation: There are not areas of decline or areas that have dropped. We have either maintained or improved. Improvement Measure: There are not areas of decline or areas that have dropped. We have either maintained or improved. Overall Measure Evaluation: There are not areas of decline or areas that have dropped. We have either maintained or improved. In reviewing our results we have improved significantly, improved or maintained. Our overall results are for the majority excellent with PAT good. In PAT Achievement for Excellence and Acceptable we maintained in improvement so this is an area to continue to work on Several areas that we will continue to work on and address are: STUDENT LEARNING ACHIEVEMENT: PAT- Acceptable; PAT- Excellence We will work on this through our goals of Literacy, Numeracy and Science District Satisfaction Survey There were no scores below the District average for students. Parents: 25% of parents responded Student Discipline Parents: We hope to have a greater number of parents respond to the District Satisfaction Survey May 2017 Page 7
Child s additional services and supports. School uses a variety of methods to help my child learn. Professional development of staff is a priority at my child s school. My child is developing math and number skills that will prepare them for the future. Staff: I m satisfied with the way student discipline is handled in our school Our school is providing the necessary supports for children with special needs. Non-academic needs of students are met in our school through a variety of supports and services. The School Conduct Policy has been revised and posted in the student agenda to ensure clear communication with our parent community on student discipline is shared. Continued use of our student profile sheet to determine where additional services are needed. School Continuous Growth Plan will continue to focus on numeracy improvement. We continue to encourage every staff member to access professional development to enhance their professional skills. Staff: Staff were given opportunity to give feedback and revise the School Conduct Policy. Continued use of our student profile sheet to determine where additional services are needed. Regression Analysis PAT/Diploma analysis There has been a decrease in Science (-) from the previous year. We achieved below the province in the following subject areas: This is being addressed with our Goal of Literacy and science through TechBook implementation, collaboration with science consultant, teacher participation with district COP and PAT review with the Bennett Centre. Our analysis shows us that we need to focus on: May 2017 Page 8
Our School 5 Marks of Catholic School Identity Assessment Mathematics Standard of Acceptable: 73.7% (province: 76.7%) Standard of Excellence: 1.8% (province: 13.9%) *Computation is an area for growth Science Standard of Acceptable: 70.2% (province: 85.7%) Standard of Excellence: 24.6% (province: 32.3%) * knowledge is an area for growth Students exceeds or meets all the district averages. Need to work on: Mark Three: Animated by a Faith- Infused Curriculum. An excellent Catholic School has an academic curriculum that integrates a vision of faith within the learner outcomes and teaching strategies. Mathematics Working with decimalsplace value Basic facts-need to be memorized Word Problems: Identifying words/situations that indicate specific operations Inverse operations Science Knowledge acquisition, retention and retrieval, especially in Trees and Forests unit Aerodynamics & Flight: parts of a plane Skills of analyzing and inferring Students exceeded or meets all the district averages in all area The curriculum reflects the Church s understanding of the unity Goals Goal 1: By the end of the 2017-2018 school year, our students will grow in their understanding of our Catholic identity as expressed in Mark Three: Animated by a Faith- Infused Curriculum, of the Five Marks of Catholic School Identity and Learner Competencies Formed through Catholic Education Catholic Education District Correlation: Edmonton Catholic School District Goal: Live and enhance the distinctiveness of Catholic education. 1.1 Demonstrate the distinctiveness and advantages of Catholic education. a) Cultivate and support a Catholic ethos/environment within each site. b) Demonstrate a way of life rooted May 2017 Page 9
in the Catholic Christian call to discipleship and service. c) Ensure that permeation of faith remains central in all our day to day practices. 1.3 Demonstrate commitment to and excellence in Catholic education Demonstrate commitment to and excellence in Catholic education. h) Continue to enhance and strengthen our Catholic identity through the Five Marks of Catholic School Identity Implementation Plan (2015-2018) (Five Marks of Catholic Education) and continue teacher faith formation through the Five Marks of Catholic School Identity and the Excellent Catholic Teacher (The Excellent Catholic Teacher). Sub Goal a) By June 2018, St. Charles staff will deliver a faith-infused curriculum that reflects the Church s understanding of unity, truth and Gospel teachings. Strategy Principal, and teachers will establish a comprehensive Catholic faithinfused curriculum. Actions 1. Each class will lead and participate in a social justice project that reflects our Catholic beliefs, including our call to serve others (active discipleship) 2. All grade levels will experience a parish retreat 3. Planning of a third Student Faith Day with sessions for all students involving various members of the parish staff, Indigenous Learning Services, our District Chaplain. 4. Student led prayer over broadcast, Gospel and reflection shared weekly as a school community 5. Faith Friends will continue as a social support group that is infused with faith including exercise with God 6. Each class will partake in a field trip that provides service to others 7. Staff and students will be invited to participate in Scripture club 8. Seminarian will be working with staff and students to bring the Gospel to life using the Pastoral Letter 9. Compilation reference guide for teachers regarding resources for religious instruction and reflection. 10. Collaboration with grade partners and chaplains to ensure religious education Measures/ Evidence of effectiveness 1. Students will complete assignments that reflect faith-infused curriculum, one of which will be highlighted at each Demonstration of Learning. 2. Staff and students will advertise their social justice projects to the school community. 3. Social Justice Projects will be shared in the school newsletter and at school wide assemblies. 4. Social Justice field trips will be shared to the school community in the school newsletter and on broadcast/assemblies. 5. St. Charles School Good News video was shared by ECSD Facebook and Twitter promoting awareness of the importance of Catholic Education. 6. Staff and students will reflect on Gospel readings and teachings at staff gathering. May 2017 Page 10
receives the same academic rigor as other subjects 11. Intentional integration of Gospel teachings into other subject areas 12. Staff will have access to a variety of digital resources to assist with Gospel teachings 7. Staff will participate in a Community of Practice to share best practices in faithinfused curriculum and religious education rigor. Sub Goal b) By June 2018, St. Charles community partners will deliver a faith-infused curriculum that reflects the Church s understanding of unity, truth and Gospel teachings. Strategy St. Charles community partners in collaboration with school staff will create opportunities for student faith formation Actions 1. Parish team will speak to staff and students regarding gospel teachings, Church documents and how to incorporate them into our lessons. 2. Our Sister from Indigenous Learning will provide reflection during celebrations. 3. District chaplains, parishioners and community volunteers will share their faith and indigenous knowledge 4. Parish Priest will visit classrooms and deliver lessons with a faithinfused science focus 5. Students will work with the seminarian in bringing the gospel to life 6. School chaplain is involved with planning and promoting the St. Charles Parish Youth Group 7. CWL and Knights of Columbus provide financial support for transportation to our service field trips Measures/evidence of effectiveness 1. Staff and student will know members of the St. Charles parish and welcome them into their classrooms 2. Staff and students will better understand scripture as a result of our Sister from Indigenous Learning and parish member reflections. 3. Faith Formation Day will enhance teachers and student s faith formation 4. Seminarian feels part of our school community 5. Students have a better understanding of ministry in the church 6. Teachers and students have increased awareness of the importance of scripture as presented in the Pastoral Letter Review Date 1: March, 2018 Review Date 2: June, 2018 May 2017 Page 11
Goal 2: By June 2018, all teachers (classroom, learning coach and administrators) will increase their knowledge and skills in the areas of: a) fostering a collaborative culture which promotes a growth mindset for high achievement and, b) engaging in best practices across and within their disciplines. Success will be visible through student progress and success and reported stakeholder feedback. District Correlation: ECSD Goal 1: ECSD students are successful. 1.1 1 Identify and implement best practices that align with excellent early learning pedagogy and learning environments to realize transformed education as described in the May 6, 2013, Ministerial Order on Student Learning. An excellent start to learning necessitates a focus upon developing competencies and, in particular, the foundational competencies of literacy and numeracy, content and procedural knowledge 1.2 Ensure the education experiences meet the diverse needs of our learners and are available to all students. ECSD Goal Four: ECSD has excellent teachers, school and school district leaders Edmonton Catholic School District Key Strategies: 4.1 Ensure that every school and department creates the conditions to improve student learning and achievement within the context of a Catholic learning community. a) Engage in professional learning aligned with our district plan, Literacy and Numeracy: Learning Deeply, which focuses on the Ministerial Order on Student Learning (May 6, 2013) and enhances the conversation, creativity, collaboration, and capacity of our learning community. b) Ensure that assessment practices focus on improved student learning. Assessment data gathered into a student profile leads the learning team, including the student, to a deeper understanding and greater ability to target teaching and improve learning. Multiple sources of assessment data including district and provincial exam results inform instruction for school improvement in identified areas. c) Ensure that schools and departments are given flexibility in allocating resources Sub Goal a) By June 2018, student will experience a variety of instructional supports that increase their literacy achievement. Strategy Principal and teachers utilize strategic texts and professional development to deepen professional Actions 1. Teachers are encouraged to have a writing goal their Professional Growth Plans 2. Teaching staff will participate in two collaborative planning days with the author of How Do I Get Them to Write? 1. Students and staff will participate in a Measures/ Evidence of effectiveness 1. Deeper levels of collaboration, professional trust and creative problem solving exist; teachers are resources for one another in supporting May 2017 Page 12
knowledge and dialogue about literacy practices that may enhance student learning specifically in reading and writing. writing residency. 2. Teachers have all received the book How Do I Get Them to Write? in June 2017 3. Teachers will implement new strategies presented in How Do I Get Them to Write? 4. Teachers will use common language to teach writing 5. Teachers will use free writing in all areas of the curriculum 6. Guided reading boosters will be provided in class by learning coach to support all learners enhance their literacy skills 7. Leveled Literacy Intervention will continue to be offered to struggling readers 8. Ongoing running records to guide instruction 9. Analysis of PAT results during Community of Practice to highlights strengths and areas for growth 10. Learning Coach will provide in class support to both teachers and students 11. ELL students will have inclusive supports including additional supports from the Learning Coach and our Seminarian who is providing small group vocabulary acquisition the progress and success of all students 2. Exploration of text as a resource for teacher learning and deliberate practice 3. School Wide Narrative Writing Assessment 4. F and P data 5. PAT results 6. Satisfaction survey results 7. Accountability Pillar Student Learning Opportunity and Student Achievement measures 8. Fewer students on the struggling readers list 9. Increased standard of excellence results in reading and writing on PAT 10. The outside support from consultants, learning sessions or conferences compliments the ongoing learning and deliberate practice among colleagues within a school Sub Goal b) By June 2018, student success in numeracy will improve as indicated in classroom achievement, end of year MIPI and the Math PAT. Strategy Principal and teachers will deepen professional knowledge, practice and Actions 1. Use of a variety of math calculation resources to improve basic facts 2. Lead teachers will attend district Community of Practice sessions on numeracy and share with colleagues 3. Highlight district math resources Measures/evidence of effectiveness 1. Improved standard of acceptable and excellence as measured on the PAT May 2017 Page 13
dialogue that enhance student learning in numeracy. 4. Analysis of PAT results during Community of Practice to highlights strengths and areas for growth 5. Administer the MIPI at the end of school year to help guide the teaching of targeted math instruction for the next school year 2. Measurable increase in math computation skills 3. Teachers will adopt new strategies as presented by lead Teachers from district Community of Practices 4. Regression Analysis will improve 5. The outside support from consultants, learning sessions or conferences, complements the ongoing learning and deliberate practice among colleagues within a school Sub Goal c) By June 2018, student success in science skills and knowledge will improve as indicated in classroom achievement and the science PATs. Strategy Principal and teachers will focus on authentic and targeted instruction to improve science of overall knowledge component Actions 1. Staff will receive in depth professional learning to support implementation of Discover Education Techbook (1-6) 2. Analysis of PAT results during Community of Practice to highlight strengths and areas for growth 3. Bennett Centre Grade 6 Science Review 4. Lead teacher will attend Community of Practice sessions with Science Consultant 5. Lead teacher will share professional learning and new strategies will support science achievement growth 6. STEM projects in the Makerspace Measures/ Evidence of effectiveness 1. Improved standard of acceptable and excellence as measured on the PAT 2. Teachers will access a variety of summative and formative assessment tools offered by Discovery Education Techbook 3. Implementation of strategies based on District Community of Practice Review Date 1: March, 2018 Review Date 2: June, 2018 May 2017 Page 14
Goal 3: By June 2018, staff and students at St. Charles Catholic School will become more aware of the diverse needs of students and focus on further developing best practices for inclusivity. District Correlation: ECSD is an inclusive school district. 3.1 Implement strategies to ensure that schools focus on the creation of inclusive, safe, healthy and caring environments for all students and staff. ECSD has excellent teachers, school and school district leaders 5.1 Provide professional learning opportunities that build the capacity and leadership of all staff to improve learner success. 5.2 Continue to use the 8 Dimensions of Catholic Leadership to support, encourage and invest in the creative and innovative abilities of all staff. 4.6 Support teachers and system leaders to integrate technology effectively into the learning environment, as outlined in the Learning and Technology Policy Framework. Sub Goal a) By June 2018, staff and students will increase their awareness of diversity of learners and best practices for inclusivity. Strategy Principal, along with the school staff will create opportunities for improved awareness of diverse student needs and best practices for inclusivity Actions 1. Several staff will be attending conferences that support our work with the creation of inclusive, safe healthy and caring environments 2. Each staff member is allocated funds to support additional professional learning 3. Each staff member is participating in at least one personalized PD experience to support inclusive teaching pedagogy outside of the that which the school provides and to share their learning back during staff meeting 4. Careful review of school profile and supports to enhance student programming 5. Implementation of additional assistive technologies to address students programming needs 6. Orange Shirt Day Assembly to acknowledge and celebrate Every Child Matters Measures/ Evidence of effectiveness 1. The outside support from consultants, learning sessions or conferences, compliments the ongoing learning and deliberate practice among colleagues within a school 2. Results in the Our School Survey will continue to remain positive 3. Results from the Accountability Pillar will continue to remain successful 4. Growth in parent satisfaction, as measured in the District Satisfaction Survey, in the following areas: additional services and supports for students May 2017 Page 15
7. Faith Friends group to facilitate relationship building and inclusivity 8. When discussing social interactions and addressing conflicts staff and students will use Jesus example to highlight our Catholic values greater variety of methods to help my child learn increased professional development for staff Review Date 1: March, 2018 Review Date 2: June, 2018 May 2017 Page 16