School Improvement Plan 2010 – 2011 in relation to
Belmont Public Schools’ 18-Month Improvement Plan

Belmont Public Schools 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:  Expand the variety of instructional strategies, supports and interventions practiced in all schools to reach all learners.

2010-2011 Improvement Plan: 

• Expand and refine the use of 6+1 Traits of Writing in grades 3 and 4.
• Expand the training opportunities and the implementation of Kathy Richardson’s “Assessing Math Concepts” program into grade 1.
• Develop and pilot a schedule of consistent assessments, benchmarks, and a data-reporting format for reading in grades K-2.
• Re-examine our current service delivery model, especially scheduling structures and staff allocations, as we continue to develop our RTI program.
• Expand technology opportunities that support classroom instruction.
• Advocate for the expansion of the ELL program at Butler to meet the increasing range of student needs. 

Belmont Public Schools 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 opportunities for civic engagement/citizenship education, service learning and expanding global and cultural awareness.
  • Target:  Articulate core values and demonstrate progress in developing a school culture and climate that reinforce core values.

2010-2011 Improvement Plan: 

• Expand the Butler School recycling program to include containers, in addition to the current paper program.
• Investigate different options for service learning such as the Pennies for Peace program and the Community Y.E.S. (Youth Engaged in Service) Hours program.
• Investigate different options for “Social Competency Programs” such as Open Circle.

Belmont Public Schools 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 to develop and practice skills and competencies that prepare students as 21st century workers.

2010-2011 Improvement Plan:

• Pilot the use of “Inquiry Circles” in grade 3 (and possibly grade 4) that develop the student skills of persistence, thoughtfulness, and fluency with electronic literacy.

Belmont Public Schools 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 current systems and structures so as to better address the social and emotional well-being of all students with emphasis on making healthy choices, recognizing/managing stress, and achieving a positive balance.
  • Target:  Demonstrate positive, affirmative steps to achieving a safer and more secure school environment.
    

2010-2011 Improvement Plan:

• Reinvigorate the once strong “Butler-Boston Friends and Family Program.”
• Implement and utilize new school security system.
• Develop protocols for traffic flow and safe drop-off/pick-up of students, in conjunction with the Belmont Police Department.
• Explore protocols/rules for increasing playground safety.

Belmont Public Schools 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:  Foster new systems and initiatives which promote selection and retention of high performing employees and provide them the professional learning  required to implement the 18 Month Improvement Plan.

2010-2011 Improvement Plan:

• Explore structures to improve curriculum coordination at the elementary level.
• Explore ways to engage more of the parent/guardian community in school-wide initiatives.
• Provide professional development for staff to meet the needs of a wide range of student learners, including: “RTI” training, FUNdations training, and ELL. 

Belmont Public Schools 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).

2010-2011 Improvement Plan:

• Continue regular reports, via school newsletter, PTA meetings, SAC meetings, and SC meetings.
• Post information on school website.