Ellen Semeniuk

EDL 646-Kelish
September 8, 2016

School Effectiveness Survey Results

The results from my School Effectiveness Survey are based on written surveys
received back from ten school employees. I surveyed six teachers, the librarian,
custodian and two aides who work closely within the classroom and work directly
with our students. I wanted to get a broad base of opinions so as to get a better
idea across the school setting.

In the area of communication the scores were all very similar. These were questions
1-5. The scores in this area ranged from 14 to 16 which suggested we were doing
okay in the area of communication. The two areas which were the lowest in the
specific area of communication were free and open communication between parents
and administration and that student and parents know what the school
administration expects of them. We could do better in this area if we are able to
make parents and students feel more welcome at our school.

In the area of Instruction we had a range of scores from 12-19. Most of the scores
ranged from 15-18 which would suggest that we are doing well with instruction.
Interestingly, one of the lowest scores and one of the highest scores were both in
this category. The lowest score was question 9 which received an average of 12
points. This is based on teachers meeting the educational needs of all children in
reading, writing, math science and history. We did just receive our CAASP scores
and although we improved our test scores this year, our scores are very low
compared to the rest of California and nationally. On the other hand, question 8
received a score of 19 one of the highest on the survey. This says that teachers set
high but appropriate and achievable goals for students.

For the behavior section there were both high and low scores. The high score was
the statement that asked if the students are informed of how they are expected to
behave in school and at school activities. The low score was on the statement that
students are disciplined in a fair and consistent manner. This information tells me
that the administration is not doing a very good job of making clear discipline
decisions so that the kids have clear rules and boundaries.

Scores were similar in the building and grounds. The survey showed that the
building is well maintained and taken care of but scores were lower on the portion
that states staff members and students work together to keep the school clean and
attractive. I do notice that students sometimes throw garbage on the ground and
spit their gum out on the grounds outside. Students often write on the walls or on
the desks with pencil. As a staff we need to do a better job at modeling cleaning
the grounds and taking care of our school. We also need to hold students
accountable for keeping the grounds and classrooms clean

In the safety category, scores were again low on the statement that there is an
atmosphere of respect and trust in the school and somewhat higher on the
statement that social and cultural difference are respected.

The last section was based on school climate. Most scores ranged from 10-19 on
the survey except for parent participation which was the lowest overall. It is clear
we need to be more proactive in encouraging our parents and parent groups to
participate in school functions and activities. We need to provide more opportunities
for parents to participate in positive ways at our school.

School Effectiveness Action Plan

Dear Staff,

Thank you for participating in the survey and for your input and comments. I would
like to address the highest to lowest scores. The three highest scores from the
survey show we are doing a good job keeping the school clean, setting high
standards for our students and considering the needs of our various learners.

The three lowest scores show we still need work in these areas. I will address these
from lowest to highest scores based on the answers to the School Effectiveness
Survey.

1). Parent and parent groups actively participate in school Activities. (Scored lowest
with 10 points) To address this issue:

Parents will be informed of school activities in a timely manner (at least 1-2
weeks prior) and all communication will go home in the languages our school
community serves.

Administration will provide more opportunities throughout the year to

facilitate parent involvement including, parent/student sports night, art night,
technology night, etc.

Principal will institute a coffee with the principal each month on the second
Friday so that parents feel encouraged to come in and chat with me and share their
thoughts.

Postcards will be designed to send home to parents alerting them to school

news and positive comments regarding their students progress academically and
behaviorally in the classroom.

2). Students are disciplined in a fair and consistent manner. (Scored 11 on the
survey) To address this issue: School will use school wide PBIS-expectations will be
taught directly. Administration will follow the student handbook to address fair and
consistent discipline. Peer and adult mentors will provide communication based
therapy to address underlying behavioral causes. Friend groups or lunch buddies
group to discourage bullying, violent behavior. Students will be held accountable to
clean/beautify school grounds in response to negative behavior. (i.e. gum chewers
will clean up gum, graffiti will be cleaned off of walls, sweeping for littering). School
will focus on the prevention of problem behaviors by focusing on culturally
competent, family friendly behavior support.

3). Teachers are meeting the educational needs of all children in reading, writing,
science, and social studies. To address this issue:

Teachers will be provided with professional development opportunities to

attain new skills to teach to their subject matter.

Teachers will be given time to collaborate vertically with their same subject
teachers at different grade levels to help bridge the gap between grade levels.

School will provide a clear tracking system to monitor student progress and
will provide early intervention as soon as possible to our underachieving students in
specific subject areas.

Teachers will be given opportunities to develop strategies to help develop

writing skills across all subject areas and in various content areas.

Teachers will be provided with opportunities to visit other teachers

classrooms in our County to help develop best practice.

These areas will be the three we address for now and I will strive to implement
programs and support to deal with them effectively and strategically. I will monitor
the progress of each and I will send this survey out again in three months to see
how things are going. Thank you for participating in this survey and your
commitment to our school.

Sincerely,

Ellen Semeniuk