In May we take the time to reflect on the Continuous Improvement Plan progress for the year. The progress made in literacy (OHIO READS) was the most comprehensive.  Activities included:

• Identification of all youngsters reading below grade level from a multi-criterion assessment in early fall that allowed teachers and support staff to plan intervention supports.

• Purchase of new materials differentiated to the instructional levels of youngsters K-5.

• Training of staff in the new reding series, writing techniques, and differentiation of instruction.

• Extending the school day for students needing reading help so they might use computer assisted instruction in labs before and after school.

• Establishment (with PTA and LINC support) of classroom libraries to enhance student access to a wide variety of narrative and nonfiction books.

• Providing safety nets for students at critical times by using periodic samples of running records of students' oral reading, Harcourt Brace authentic assessments, and other classroom means to quickly identify and help youngsters.

• Continuation of the L.I.O.N.'s parent and senior volunteer training and tutor program for classroom work with individual and small groups in reading and writing.

• Putting a 4th Grade teacher at the 1st Grade to lessen class size and increase individual supports for early childhood readers.

• Assuring the technical support to accommodate all 1-3 Grade readers on CCC computer assisted reading instruction in both classroom and lab settings.

  The only planned activity we were unable to implement was the implementation of Accelerated Reading as a motivational and accountable way of encouraging enrichment reading at 3-5.  Staff is just being trained on Accelerated Reading because of limited technology supports.  We hope to have reading lists available for students for summer bread and complete program participation in early fall.

  Continued good practices included use of the book bag lending library, birthday book club, family book club, evening literacy activities for parents and strong use of the LRC.

  Mathematics instruction continued to be enhanced by:

  • Familiarity with Everyday Mathematics (second year) challenges as an elementary program
  • Extension of the mathematics time block 1-5 to provide more differentiated instruction
  • New, more flexible daily groupings for mathematics challenges in each weekly block
  • CCC computer assisted learning before, after and during the day through increase use of classroom tech centers and the school's two technology labs
  • Acceleration groups for those who could handle the challenge
  
  We increased meaningful communication with parents about student learning through:
  • Expanded use of planners to include the 1st Grade students
  • Redesigning the annual parent survey to better address student learning concerns
  • Changed the curriculum evening to a series of grade level exchanges between parent and teachers to assure awareness of grade level standards, practices and assessments
  • Increased use of the volunteer center as a support structure for teachers
  • Increased parent evening progrmas directly related to supporting student learning
  • Strong ongoing relationships with PTA and LINC organizations (as annually surveyed)

Lincoln Elementary School