HIGHLIGHTS
ACHIEVING GOALS
1. Improving Learning
2. Teaching Methods
3. Student Assessment
4. School Accountability
5. Measuring Achievement
6. Professional Opportunities
HIGHLIGHTS
As a growing community in Northern Nevada, Coral Academy of Science (CAS) continued to progress towards its goals and objectives with many success stories. School’s enrollment increased 9.5 % from the previous year 2008-2009 (See Appendix B for the enrollment history.)School’s graduation rate increased to 80% as compared to that of WCSD and the State, respectively 77.3% and 68.7%. Coral Academy of Science remains to be a viable choice school for grades K-12 in Northern Nevada.
An important celebration was that the school is now K-12 as set forth in the charter applications. CAS Elementary received “High Achieving” designation once again in the 2008-2009 school year as measured by the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) act. Middle and high school students made adequate yearly progress towards the AYP goals.
Another success story was that CAS has been named among the top 1500 high schools in the United States, in the “Challenge Index” list published annually by Newsweek magazine.
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ACHIEVING GOALS
1. Improving Learning
Specifically the following programs were the highlights of last year towards achieving the mission and goals in this area;
- Having a rigorous and relevant curriculum aligned with Nevada state standards has always been the core of the educational programs at CAS. The school continued to keep its high expectations by challenging its students with honors level courses in all core subject areas (English, Math, Social Studies and Science). More Advanced Placement courses were started to be offered at the High School level. AP English Lit and AP Government courses were added in the course offerings.
- CAS continued the process of development and refinement of the curriculum maps by using the Curriculum Matrix developed by the International Center for Leadership in education.
- Response to intervention/instruction model has been utilized to identify students, monitor progress and change intervention strategies for all students.
- To ensure success for all, students receive assistance from tutors comprised of qualified volunteer parents, teacher aides, and members of the faculty. After school programs, focused on academic areas such as homework assistance, or collaboration with the regular teacher for re-teaching areas of specific student difficulty.
- Grades are reviewed by the administrators on a regular basis, through the CAS student information system, to monitor students, and ensure they are on-track. When students are identified that they are not performing at an acceptable rate, data are reviewed and a teacher/parent conference is held. A plan to succeed is then developed for that student.
- READ 180 reading remediation program was implemented for grades 6-11. Students who read below grade level were identified using MAP and READ 180 test scores and placed in the program. The program was very well accepted by our students and continues to be part of our remediation strategies.
- Elementary curriculum included Houghton Mifflin Reading, FOSS science and SAXON math programs.
- The music program continued to grow. Instruments are introduced as early as fourth grade. Beginning, intermediate and advanced levels of strings and bands classes are offered for all grades. School has a marching band who marched in the Nevada Day Parade in Carson City.
- CAS offered fine arts classes to promote multi-dimensional thinking. Classes emphasize sculpture, sketching, relief, watercolor, and acrylic painting. Art classes made it available our students to participate in very local and state competitions.
- Foreign language classes in Spanish, Japanese, and Turkish promoted cultural sensitivity and international awareness.
- A comprehensive Physical Education program provided physical development, health and wellness, stress relief, team building, leadership and self-confidence.
- Project based instruction are modeled in most classes, (Advanced classes and project competitions)
- Technology Integrated curricula was implemented. (Integrated units with computer classes and application of subjects from core classes)
- CAS maintains a web site where grades and homework may be checked daily by parents. The site is being used by all staff to ensure parents are well informed of their child’s progress.
- Extracurricular activities and after school programs that encourage personal growth, leadership potential, cooperative relationships, and community spirit including Chess Club, Book Club, Mural Club, Soccer Club, Aikido Club, Student Council, MathCounts, FIRST Robotics, Robotics Teams, Science Olympiads, SimCity Future City Club, Girl Scouts, Jazz Band Club, School Newsletter, National Honors Society, SAT/HSPE Preparation Club, Sports Club, MathMatters Club, Swimming Club, Volleyball Club, Drama Club, Travel Club, Turkish Club, EcoTours, Yearbook.
- Parents are notified immediately, if a teacher suspects that a student may be having difficulty in mastering a specific skill. All CAS teachers are available after school to assist students with homework.
- Good communication is established among administrators, teachers and parents through CAS Internet-based School Program. We have two 1:1 fully equipped computer labs and one portable computer lab consist of 24 wireless laptops to help students develop computer skills, as well as to assist with class projects and assignments.
Coral Academy of Science offered many distinctive educational features including:
- Three state of the art computer labs in middle and high school.
- State of the art life science, physical science, biology and chemistry labs.
- Separate science, art, music and computer labs in elementary.
- LCD projector and CCTV system equipped classrooms.
- A small staff: student ratio of 12:1, with class sizes in Core Subjects not exceeding 24:1 in secondary and 18:1 in elementary.
- Advanced classes in Math and Science.
- Fine arts classes emphasizing sculpture, sketching, relief, watercolor, and acrylic painting.
- Numerous electives, including band, string, art, Spanish, advanced math and science.
- Value centered learning opportunities using cooperative learning skills, leadership training, project management, communication, presentation, personal integrity, reflection and self-development.
- Spanish classes to promote cultural sensitivity and international awareness, and further high school credits
- In and out of school competitions for developing academic, social, and behavioral skills in our students.
Behavioral Support
Coral Academy of Science is dedicated to creating a strong, dynamic learning community where any student who applies himself/herself can be successful. The school uses a Progressive Behavioral Support program (PBS) as part of the RTI process. In an effort to reduce the number of disciplinary referrals and suspensions, the school has implemented a combination of incentive programs, contests and rehabilitative disciplinary approaches. Value centered education is embedded throughout the curriculum and is encouraged by staff through rewards for good behavior and attendance and consistent consequences for inappropriate actions. Integrity, honesty, responsibility, respect, compassion, and self-discipline are the pillars of the school’s behavioral philosophy which has been formulated to protect students and maintain a calm and positive atmosphere for learning.
Above all, Coral Academy of Science promotes mutual respect. All educators and staff model expected behaviors and work collaboratively to create a nurturing and respectful environment that is student centered and family focused. Teachers and support staff are provided with in-service classes and materials using a variety of behavioral support resources including; Multiple Intelligences, Behavioral intervention strategies, Student leadership, and Teaching with Dignity.
School-wide incentive programs have been implemented to motivate students behaviorally and academically. Incentives are:
- Academic Cards - Awarded for superior academic achievement and to reinforce distinguished effort every semester. Cardholders are recognized in a special ceremony each semester and receive an award packet and special pens and pencils. In addition, only cardholders are allowed to attend school assemblies, drama performances, speeches, presentations, and participate in “Free Dress Days”. All non-card holders watch these events on the school’s closed circuit TV system.
- Academic Excellence Card - Students who attain a 3.8 – 4.0 GPA receive a receive a “Gold Pass” that allows them to attend a field trip with another class, have a pick from a grab bag filled with various prizes (free dress pass, movies, pizza, etc.), or negotiate an assignment with a teacher. Students who achieve a 4.0 GPA are awarded two Gold Passes, are taken off campus for lunch, and receive monthly rewards.
- Falcon Card – Students who attain a 3.5 – 3.79 receive a Silver Pass, rewards in each class and are able to pick from the grab bag. They can delay turning in an assignment for 3 days, and have the privilege of being a teacher’s aide for the day.
- Pride Card – Students who receive A’s in all of their classes for conduct receive a “Bronze Pass”, awards in their classes, a Slurpee, and have the privilege of being a teacher’s aide for the day.
- Grade Level Competition – This competition is designed specifically to reinforce appropriate behavior. Students of each grade earn daily points for positive behavior and lose points for infractions of the rules. The class with the most number of points each quarter in 6th – 8th grades and 9th – 12th grades, wins a week of free dress and snow cones. Grade section winners are announced and posted weekly. Points start over each quarter. The class that accumulates the most points by the end of the school year wins an all expenses paid field trip to a local fun spot and a week of free dress.
- Mystery Item – This program was developed to keep the hallways clean. Every day an item is identified in the hallway as the “Mystery Item”. Students that choose to participate, picks up an item found in the hallway and brings it to the Dean of Students. If it is the “Mystery Item” the student receives an award; if it is not, the student is responsible for taking the items to the appropriate place such as a trashcan or lost and found.
- Keep the Bathrooms Clean Contest – This contest is a Girls vs. Boys event. Restrooms are checked weekly and cleanliness is tallied on a monthly basis. The gender that wins is awarded a day of free dress and a prize. Signs are posted announcing the results of the weekly inspections and monthly winners.
- Behavior Plans - Students with severe behavioral issues are placed on Behavior Plans and monitored daily. If they perform as expected they receive incentives of increasing significance weekly. If the student has appropriate behavior for an entire month, they are recognized for their effort by being removed from the Plan.
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2. Teaching Methods
In an effort to raise teaching standards and academic achievement Coral Academy of Science implemented a series of professional practices:
- Team teaching and thematic units are employed within and between grade levels.
- Value centered learning opportunities using cooperative learning skills, leadership training, project management, communication, presentation, personal integrity, reflection and self-development are being utilized.
- Coral Academy of Science utilizes variety ways to address the needs of its staff. We survey our staff for their developmental needs. Based on the analyses of the survey and school improvement plan we will shape our full day staff development days and focus on training each individual staff member. We had several teachers attending seminars, workshops and online classes about variety of topics last summer. CAS has two major meeting groups as part of Professional Learning Communities. Grade levels consist of teacher teaching the same students. Departments, on the other hand, consist of teachers teaching the same subject at the same or different grade level. These communities seek to transform our school into a community as characterized by environment to be fostering mutual cooperation, emotional support, personal growth, and a synergy of efforts. Tied up with the school improvement plans, the answers to the following questions are studied in PLCs; ensuring students to learn, culture of, collaborations, and focus on results.
- CAS professional development map includes major orientation meetings and workshops before each school year. Professional development day agendas are prepared based on staff needs and aligned with the school improvement plan. End of the year professional days help the school to evaluate the success of its programs.
- Teachers are required to design weekly lesson plans as well as annual curriculum matrix that are aligned with Nevada State Standards. The matrix, the syllabi, and weekly lesson plans are approved by the school’s Executive Director and deans, and are posted on the website for parental access.
- Teachers meet monthly for department and grade level collaboration. Discussions and activities are focused on enhancing curriculum or resolving instructional issues.
- Teachers meet bi-weekly for Teaching, Learning and Technology standards-based curriculum/lesson plan building sessions and discuss techniques for enhancing student performance.
- Teachers are provided with a Tablet PC and instruction in technology use and integration.
- New faculty are formally evaluated three times in a year and returning faculty are formally evaluated once a year.
- Teachers observe co-workers classes to learn new strategies and offer peer-to-peer reflection at least once a month.
- The school’s administrators physically perform walk-through classroom observations daily. Teachers offer a minimum of four hours of instruction weekly beyond the State mandated hours.
- Teachers work collaboratively with the Dean of Academics and tutors who work both within the classroom setting and after school to assist students with specific difficulties. The after school program operates from 2:30 P.M.-3:30 P.M. daily
- Teachers and staff work commit themselves to be available to students for assistance in all curricular areas from 7:45 A.M. through 3:15 P.M.
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3. Student Assessment
- Student assessment includes assessment tools from statewide accountability tests to district benchmark or interim tests to everyday classroom tests. Formative Assessments are incorporated into classroom practice to provide the information needed to adjust teaching and learning. Summative Assessments are given periodically to determine at a particular point in time what students know and do not know.
- In addition to standardized state mandated tests, CAS uses the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Tests in the fall and spring to monitor the student progress. MAP assessments provide detailed, actionable data about where each child is on their unique learning path
- Academic assessments performed prior to the first day of class, as well as throughout the year, to determine baseline data, provide diagnostic information, and ensure progress.
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4. School Accountability
- School administration works closely with its sponsor WCSD and Nevada Department of education to stay compliant with all statues, codes and regulations. Annual compliance reports are reviewed by the board of the WCSD as the school sponsor.
- To communicate the progress of the school with its stakeholders, accountability report cards are sent to the constituents every year.
- Parent satisfaction surveys are conducted to assess the satisfaction level of parents and receive feedback on programs.
- Student exit interviews are conducted to identify reasons for withdrawal and prevent further withdrawals.
- CAS continues to administer Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) standardized growth based achievement tests in all core subject areas in the fall and spring of the school year to diagnose student readiness and their achievement for each grade level. The MAP tests gives quantitative and comparative data so that an accurate reflection of the school’s progress and standards of achievement are reported.
Parental & Community Involvement
- Coral Academy of Science was founded on the premise that educational success is realized when the essential underlying triad of student-teacher-parent/guardian is in harmony. As educators, we create a partnership among this triad that provides our youth with the support necessary to reach their highest potential - intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically.
- Two-way, school-to-home communication is a key component to the success of our students. Parents are strongly encouraged to participate in their student’s learning and contribute to individualized student success plans. The school’s website has a specially designed tool, ParentConnect XP, which provides current information about each student’s progress, daily lesson plans, homework, grades, attendance, and disciplinary issues. Parents have reliable email access to teachers and/or administrators who respond within 24 hours. Teachers regularly meet with parents at school and perform home visits as needed.
- Additional opportunities for involvement include volunteering for various duties at the school; taking part in Parent Nights, open houses, performances and school tours; attending Board meetings; and joining the Parent/Teacher Club which exists to support the school and needs of the teachers. In past years, the PTC has supported the Math, Physical Education, Music, and Science departments by purchasing supplies and contributing towards various competitions. The PTC also raises money to provide an annual senior scholarship.
- Coral Academy of Science started a formal home visit program supported by the Nevada Department of Education under Innovation and Prevention of Remediation Programs. This home visit program helped to promote understanding and built the kind of collaborative relationships between parents and teachers that leaded to improved student achievement.
- Coral Academy of Science takes great pride in the level of support we receive from the community. When necessary, business meetings are held where parents and community members help the school in all aspects of operations including grant writing, expansion plans, student recruitment, and marketing. In addition, business and community leaders are frequent visitors, mentors, and speakers informing students about college and career options.
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5. Measuring Achievement
Coral Academy of Science has been making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) under NCLB since it came into existence. Please see Appendix A for a detailed list of success stories.
Year |
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL |
MIDDLE SCHOOL |
HIGH SCHOOL |
Classification |
Designation |
Classification |
Designation |
Classification |
Designation |
03-04 |
Not operational |
Made AYP |
High Achieving |
Not operational |
|
04-05 |
Not operational |
Made AYP |
High Achieving |
Made AYP |
Adequate |
<05-06 |
Not operational |
Made AYP |
Adequate |
Made AYP |
High Achieving |
06-07 |
Made AYP |
High Achieving |
Made AYP |
Adequate |
Made AYP |
Adequate |
07-08 |
Made AYP |
Adequate |
Made AYP |
Adequate |
<Made AYP |
Adequate |
08-09 |
Made AYP |
High Achieving |
Made AYP |
Adequate |
Made AYP |
Adequate |
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6. Professional Opportunities
By their very nature, charter public schools create new roles and professional opportunities for educators. CAS’s educators recognize that they are a vital part of the school’s mission. Educators helped to shape the school’s vision and actively participated in the school’s creation. Coral Academy continues to employ and train high quality and highly qualified educators and support staff for the educational work force.
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