Yucaipa High School Yucaipa, California WASC Report 2010-2011
Transcription
Yucaipa High School Yucaipa, California WASC Report 2010-2011
Yucaipa High School Yucaipa, California WASC Report 2010-2011 Table of Contents Chapter 1—School Profile page 1 Chapter 2—Student Performance Data Analysis and Determination of Critical Academic Needs page 33 Chapter 3—Progress Since the Last WASC Visit page 50 Chapter 4—Focus Group Committee Reports Section A: Organization page 66 Section B: Curriculum page 95 Section C: Instruction page 120 Section D: Assessment and Accountability page 134 Section E: School Culture and Support for Student Personal and Academic Growth page 152 Chapter 5—Yucaipa High School WASC Action Plan page 182 Appendix page A ii WESTERN ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES VISITING COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON Dr. George L. Blek Consultant MEMBERS Mr. Steven Cazares Assistant Principal Mr. Kenneth J. Goeken Assistant Director of Special Education Mrs. Georgina Hanna-Wilson Teacher Mr. Robert Jauregui Assistant Principal Mrs. Sheila Masters Guidance Counselor Mr. Michael Zulfa Principal iii YUCAIPA-CALIMESA JOINT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION Mr. Jim Taylor President Dr. Chuck Christie Clerk Ms. Jane Smith Member Ms. Patty Ingram Member Mr. Matt Russo Member iv YUCAIPA-CALIMESA JOINT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE CABINET Dr. Sherry Kendrick District Superintendent Ms. Melissa Moore Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources Mr. George Velarde Assistant Superintendent, Business Services Dr. Victoria Schumacher Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services v YUCAIPA HIGH SCHOOL SITE ADMINISTRATION Mrs. Sherry Smith Principal Mrs. Christina Pierce Assistant Principal Mr. Joe Hyde Assistant Principal Mrs. Christine Gianunzio Assistant Principal Mr. Matt Carpenter Activities Director Mr. Mark Anderson Athletic Director Mrs. Karen Brossia Head Counselor Mrs. Michelle Pauls Counselor Mrs. Myra Reichmann Counselor Ms. Lisa Reyes Counselor Mrs. Pam Sibley Counselor Mr. Evan Sternard Counselor vi YUCAIPA HIGH SCHOOL SELF-STUDY SUPPORT TEAM Mr. Rick Piercy Chairperson Mr. Scott Kennedy and Mrs. Christina Pierce Report Co-Coordinators Sara Cooper and Debbie LeLong Organization – Vision and Purpose, Governance, Leadership and Staff, and Resources Focus Group A Co-Chairs Sylvia Eichorn and Kate Flowers Standards Based Student Learning: Curriculum Focus Group B Co-Chairs Steve Randall and Erin Wallace Standards Based Student Learning: Instruction Focus Group C Co-Chairs Kathryn Elliott and Danielle McCoy Standards Based Student Learning: Assessment and Accountability Focus Group D Co-Chairs Karen Brossia and Dave Matuszak School Culture and Support for Student Personal and Academic Growth Focus Group E Co-Chairs vii YUCAIPA HIGH SCHOOL SELF-STUDY FOCUS GROUPS CATEGORY A: ORGANIZATION Cooper, Sara LeLong, Debbie Bensley, Rodney Brunette, Chris Calbreath, Liz Castro, Tommy Davis, Mike DeMarco, Melissa (par) DesRochers, Joey DeZonia, Chelsea (stu) Eichman, John Eminizade, Nikki (stu) Gavigan, Sheryl Gerber, Janet Gill, Betty Graham, Cheryl Gustafsson, Jessica Hicks, Brad Huggins, Sheila Kessinger, Ashli Lopez, Tammy Luine, Lorna Marshall, Jeff Martin, Monty Maxwell, Teri O’Reilly, Pat Pedrino, Shelly Graham, Cheryl Piercy, Rick Reichman, Myra Reynard, Tony Rodriguez, Yolanda Russell, Michelle Sellers, Teresa Smith, Patrick Taylor, Jim (board) Wall, John Westwick, Nathan CATEGORY B: CURRICULUM Bagg, Mike Eichorn, Sylvia Flowers, Kate Stange, Tana Alexander, Cheryl Allen, Christa Alonzo, Jessica Butler, Marianne Campbell, Pam Champion-Stucker, Cynthia Chavez, George Cheek, Tamani Davis-Mundine, Laureen Dryden, Bobi Farrell, Winston (stu) Gifford, Lori Gonzalez, Rosa Herold, Amber Holton, Nigel Johnston, Melinda Kennedy, Scott Kivett, Dave Knopp, Brenda Matyas, Helen McLoughlin, Adrian Mullen, Scott Pauls, Michelle Perotti, Marie Rambaud, Trish Richardson, Peggy Riley, Cynthia Sibley, Pam Smith, Jane (board) Steenhausen, Drew Stout, Jeff Taylor, John Troy, Terry Vermeersch, Sharon (par) CATEGORY C: INSTRUCTION Randall, Steve Wallace, Erin Leemkuil, Brianna Whiting, Sharon Adams, Scott Aguilar, Heather Andrews, Lorraine Beyronneau, Karen Cook, Mark Ennes, Donnette (par) Estrella, Debra Ethington, Bonnie Fiello, Kristen Full, Michael Graham, Holly Hampton, Mary Hernandez, Stacy Hill, Kelsey (stu) Jones, Kim Lacanlale, Donald Matteson, Michael Mitts, Carat Mogensen, Marlene Orr, Donna Perazzo, Darla Price, Justin Reyes, Lisa Reynolds, Paul Roque, Tony Schultz, Nick (stu) Sherman, Erika Solla-Smith, Kim Torres, Julio Weleff, Chris Williams, Leann CATEGORY D: ASSESSMENT Elliott, Kathryn McCoy, Danielle Grisafe, Lora Solis, Frank Calbreath, Andy Carney, Jason Castro, Jake Chavez, Cindy Christiansen, Janel Christy, Nicole Derby, Susanne Edelman, Andrea (stu) Franco, Margaret Gorby, Michael Gross, Brandee Horn, Donna Johnson, Susan Kendrick, Kristy Leon, Heather Lewis, Kevin Lybarger, Ty Mead, Joe Molina, Myrna Perryman, Susan (par) Salinas, Scott Saline, Christiana Seaton, Heather (par) Skinner, George Slider, Tom Spurgeon, Terry Sternard, Evan Stewart, Tom Sullivan, Shelby Updike, Margaret Valencia, Spike CATEGORY E: CULTURE Brossia, Karen Matuszak, Dave Carpenter, Matt Womack, Darryl Adler, Stephanie Anderson, Mark Aranda, Vanessa Bannister, Sharon Cruz, Bobby deBaun, Linda Fletcher, Tammy Gutierrez, Hope Hitter, Lou Kappeler, Jon Leuty, Steve Lievsay, Timothy McDonald, Mary McKibban, Teri McManus, Audrey Mobley, Mike Morrison, Jasmin (par) Murillo, Armondo Nieto, Jimmy Nixon, Lani Parker, Melissa Paul, David Perez, Jeffrey (stu) Perry, Steven Pitcher, Jeff Presler, Robert Raymer, Melisa Richter, Tammy Sialana, Mike Simon, Josh Tate, Gary Trujillo, Eric (SRO) vonKaenel, Amber Walker, Fred Wolfe, Jody viii YUCAIPA HIGH SCHOOL HOME GROUPS ADMINISTRATION MATHEMATICS SOCIAL STUDIES Christine Gianunzio Joe Hyde Christina Pierce Sherry Smith Christa Allen Rodney Bensley Andy Calbreath Matt Carpenter Bobby Cruz Mike Davis Holly Graham Nigel Holton Kim Jones Danielle McCoy Christiana Saline Josh Simon Shelby Sullivan Amber vonKaenel Nathan Westwick Leann Williams Vanessa Aranda Sharon Bannister Chris Brunette Jason Carney Tommy Castro Tamani Cheek John Eichman Bonnie Ethington Michael Full Brianna Leemkuil Heather Leon Kevin Lewis David Paul Steve Randall Drew Steenhausen John Taylor Terry Troy COUNSELING Karen Brossia Michelle Pauls Myra Reichmann Lisa Reyes Pam Sibley Evan Sternard ART Linda deBaun Lori Gifford Brad Hicks Debbie LeLong Jeff Marshall Robert Presler ENGLISH Scott Adams Sara Cooper Linda deBaun Kate Flowers Jessica Gustafsson Ashli Kessinger Monty Martin Teri McKibban Joe Mead Carat Mitts Scott Mullen Donna Orr Jeff Pitcher Cynthia Riley Patrick Smith Scott Smith Tom Stewart John Taylor Darryl Womack FOREIGN LANGUAGE Liz Calbreath Susanne Derby Sylvia Eichorn Marlene Mogensen Lani Nixon Michelle Russell-Heinze Julio Torres PHYSICAL EDUCATION Sheryl Gavigan Sheila Huggins Dave Kivett Dave Matuszak Paul Reynolds Frank Solis Jeff Stout Jody Wolfe SCIENCE Jessica Alonzo Janel Christiansen Kathryn Elliott Kristen Fiello Lou Hitter Jon Kappeler Brenda Knopp Donald Lacanlale Michael Matteson Pat O’Reilly Rick Piercy Tammy Richter Tana Stange Sharon Whiting SPECIAL EDUCATION Cheryl Graham Hope Gutierrez Amber Herold Donna Horn Adrian McLoughlin Mike Mobley Steve Perry Justin Price Tony Roque Scott Salinas John Wall Erin Wallace TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE Mike Bagg Betty Gill Scott Kennedy Mary McDonald Jeff Pitcher ROP Christina Biskup Tammy Fletcher Myrna Molina Marie Perotti Tony Reynard Jean Valkenburg Margie Vance Chris Weleff ROTC TSGT Timothy Lievsay LTC Emmanuel Valencia ix Chapter 1 School Profile Chapter 1: School Profile Demographic Data Yucaipa, California Yucaipa Community Yucaipa High School is a part of the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District located in Yucaipa, California. Yucaipa is part of the Inland Empire and is nestled in the highland foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, about an hour’s drive east of Los Angeles. The city of Yucaipa is a one high school town. The school was founded in 1959 and moved to its present 70-acre Yucaipa Boulevard location in the mid-sixties. This one high school town serves three distinct communities in two counties. San Bernardino County contains Yucaipa and Oak Glen, and Calimesa is in Riverside County. Most residents commute to other nearby cities, or to the urban sprawls of Los Angeles and Orange County, for work. Family and Community Trends The median household income is $50, 693. Strong family values, with a focus on education and youth activities, are central to this community. Between 2000 and 2008, Yucaipa had a population increase of 20.7%. As of July 2008, the population of Yucaipa was 52,063. At one time, the Inland Empire was one of the fastest growing areas in the United States; however, recently this area has been severely impacted by the economic and foreclosure crisis. Yucaipa High School WASC Document 2 2008 Demographic Data Median Age Median Household Income Median Price New Home Median Price Existing Home Median Contract Rent Owner Occupied Units Renter Occupied Units 36.1 $50,693 $445,500 $269,000 $1,010 13,835 4,472 City’s Growth Trends 1990 1,418,380 2000 1,709,434 % Change 20.50% 1990 32,824 2000 41,207 % Change 25.50% 1990 13,319 2000 15,193 % Change 14.10% Yucaipa High School Population/County 2008 % Change 2014 2,055,766 18.60% 2,323,000 Population/City 2008 % Change 2014 52,063 25.70% 55,313 Households/City 2008 % Change 2014 18,307 19.70% 19,281 WASC Document % Change 14.50% 2020 2,608,729 % Change 12.30% % Change 6.80% 2020 59,074 % Change 6.80% % Change 6.00% 2020 20,592 % Change 6.80% 3 Parent and Community Organizations Parents and community members serve on district level and school level decision-making committees. At the district level, parents are invited to participate in committees such as, but not limited to, DSALT, textbook adoptions, the Budget Advisory Committee, the District’s English Language Advisory Committee (DLAC), and the District’s Gifted and Talented Committee (DGAC). At the school level, parents serve and participate on committees such as, but not limited to the School Site Council (SSC), the PTSO, WASC Leadership Team and WASC focus groups, the English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC), Dropout Advisory Committee, Turf and Track Committee, and the Gifted and Talented Committee (GATE). Parents and community members have a direct and positive impact on the school programs listed by providing input regarding fiscal, operational, educational and cultural issues. Often, parent and community volunteers provide assistance with tutoring, beginning of the year schedule pick up, registration, school mailings and organize booster clubs through extra-curriculum programs such as athletics, band and debate team. The school’s booster clubs are active and provide extensive support to their respective programs. Because of the one-town high school atmosphere, Yucaipa’s local businesses are always supportive of the school’s programs. For example, local businesses have donated time and money to the athletic and band programs, provided meals to students, and helped fund the new football turf. The city of Yucaipa and the school district have graciously shared facilities to support local sports and extra-curricular activities. School/Business Relationships Yucaipa High School has strong relationships with local businesses and post-secondary institutions. Many students work and job-shadow at local businesses. The school’s work experience and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program is working diligently to build relationships with local businesses in order to expand job-shadowing and mentoring programs. Yucaipa High School has also recently implemented a STEM Engineering Advisory Committee that acts as a liaison and support system for creating and building connections between the school and the engineering community. Through the Career Center, the school has maintained a strong relationship with Crafton Hills Community College; local universities such as The University of Redlands, and local University of California schools; and military services. These local schools provide site visits and financial and academic information. For example, at Yucaipa High School’s College Night, Crafton Hills Community College sends a bilingual representative to assist students and parents with financial aid paperwork. This has become an annual event that continues to expand along with our student population. WASC Accreditation History Yucaipa High School WASC Document 4 Yucaipa High School last participated in the full WASC accreditation process during the 2004-2005 school year. At that time, we received a six-year accreditation with a threeyear interim visit in the spring of 2007. Yucaipa High School Information Yucaipa High School is rich in tradition and is noted for its beautiful college-like campus. It is a comprehensive high school located in a semi-rural area of San Bernardino County. The school has undergone several transformations in the past decade. In 1995 the M, N (MPR), O, and P buildings were added; and in 2004, the Q (Math and Social Studies/Activities Office, Career Center, and Student Store) and the T buildings (Dance/Wrestling/Fitness Center) were added. The last two years, the district completed modernization on the older portions of the I- building (administration building) along with exterior surroundings including new handicap ramps and ADA compliant bathrooms. This year, extensive work was done to house the new ninth grade students. Fifteen portable buildings were added to provide classrooms for many of these additional students. The building that used to house our previous agriculture classes is in the process of being remodeled in order to provide additional science laboratory facilities. A large, open quad created in the space amongst the M, N, P, and Q buildings sets the scene for outdoor assemblies, rallies, and lunchtime carnival-like activities. From club rush and patriotic observances to ethnic dance demonstrations during Multi-Cultural Week, Yucaipa High School is proud to have such facilities, which augment the experience of its students. Due to housing and the economic crisis, the Yucaipa school district has experienced decreasing enrollment. A new high school was to be established in 2010-2011; however, due to the declining enrollment and as a means to fiscally conserve, the district made the decision to keep the new school a middle school and eliminate the Yucaipa High School Ninth Grade Campus. Ninth grade has now joined the main 10-12 campus in 2010-2011 making it a 9-12 comprehensive campus. Incoming freshmen come from two middle school feeders, Park View Middle School and Mesa View Middle School. In 2006-2007, Yucaipa eliminated the 4X4 block scheduling system, and reverted back to a sixth period traditional day. Yucaipa High School continues to offer a wide variety of core and elective courses to its students. Although the Yucaipa School District has been hit with serious state and federal budget cuts, it continues to work hard not to let the cuts affect student social and academic growth. The district operates on a modified traditional calendar, starting classes in mid-August and finishing the year in the second week of June. Students and staff take a one week vacation for Thanksgiving, two weeks in December/early January, and two weeks for Spring Break. (See calendar in Appendix.) With an agreement by bargaining units to accept six furlough days to help solve the District’s budget crisis, the 2010-2011 school Yucaipa High School WASC Document 5 year was subsequently shortened by five days. First semester ended immediately prior to our Winter Break and Second semester will end June 2. Beginning with the 2009-2010 school year and after reaching agreement with YCEA (Yucaipa-Calimesa Educators’ Association), Yucaipa High School implemented a “late start” teacher collaboration schedule. Once a month for a sixty-eight minute period, teachers focus on school-wide topics in an attempt to improve student learning. In these interactions, they analyze data, share best practices, and develop strategies. Topics are selected by a joint pre-collaboration team of teachers and administrators. School Purpose Vision Yucaipa High School is a place where all students are: • Challenged at their highest level • Responsible citizens • Able to develop connections between school and their future • Supported by school and community • Given access to all programs • Actively involved with technology across the curriculum Mission Statement The students, parents, and staff of Yucaipa High School work hard to prepare students with the academic, social, and aesthetic skills needed to become responsible, successful, contributing members of our society. Our students can develop self-confidence, an appreciation for others, and proper work ethics so they may experience the best that life has to offer. Our environment, enhanced by supporting and caring relationships between students, parents, staff and administration, provides the students with a variety of opportunities to learn, to think critically, to set goals, and to make decisions. Student Achievement Goals (formerly called ESLR’s) In the 2009-2010 school year, Yucaipa High School decided to change the ESLR’s acronym and name (Essential Student Learning Results) to Student Achievement Goals. In addition, the newly formed WASC Leadership Team, with input from staff, parents, and students, updated the terminology of these goals in order to make them more measurable and clearly defined. During the WASC self-study review, Focus Groups and Home Groups (departments) spent time analyzing these goals in depth as they relate to instruction, curriculum, and assessment. Yucaipa High School WASC Document 6 The Yucaipa High School student is expected to be: A Responsible Citizen Who: ● Respects cultural differences and shows concern for others ● Demonstrates a healthy lifestyle ● Cares for the environment ● Participates actively in the community An Independent Learner Who: ● Sets and accomplishes personal goals ● Creates and completes a Personal Learning Plan ● Demonstrates academic honesty and integrity ● Prepares for the transition from high school to higher education or the workforce ● Meets or exceeds subject-specific content standards and district requirements for high school graduates A Critical Thinker Who: ● Practices complex problem solving in all areas ● Analyzes and evaluates data, and applies conclusions to real-life situations ● Utilizes technology as an academic resource ● Demonstrates competence in mathematical applications ● Reads fluently, with comprehension and analysis An Effective and Creative Communicator Who: ● Works collaboratively to accomplish group goals ● Writes clearly and concisely ● Uses technology as a tool for communication and effective presentations ● Interprets and articulates ideas Status of School Performance Yucaipa High School is neither a Title I school, nor is it a part of the II-USP and the CSR program. Overall, the school tends to do well academically, but sub-group achievement has been a challenge over the last several years. More information on the school’s status of school performance is outlined and detailed under the student performance data section. Enrollment Over the last several years, the demographics have changed drastically. As seen in the 10-12 enrollment data graph, the enrollment has declined over the last three years. Yucaipa’ enrollment in 2009-2010 was 2,169. Although the 2010-2011 data is not shown on the chart below, the school’s current enrollment is 2,970. This larger enrollment number is due to 9th grade students being included in the student body this year. Besides this, the graph below clearly indicates a declining enrollment the last three years due Yucaipa High School WASC Document 7 primarily to the housing market and economic crisis. The school has seen an increase in the number of Hispanic/Latino students and in English Language Learners and Special Education students. Yucaipa High School Student Enrollment Specific Grade Level Enrollments Grade Level 07-08 08-09 09-10 10-11 th N/A N/A N/A 790 th 850 765 796 771 th 740 680 735 762 th 673 600 638 648 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 Grade For the last three years the largest ethnic groups have been white (61%) and Hispanic (31.5%). Other ethnic groups represented are Asian (1.07%), African American (1.9%), American-Indian (.8%), Pacific Islander (.3%) and Filipino (.8%), and other for the remaining .5%. Yucaipa High School WASC Document 8 Ethnicity 08-09 09-10 10-11 White 64% 62.50% 61% Hispanic 30% 31.50% 31.50% Asian 2% 2% 1.00% Black/Other 4% 6% 3.50% Special Populations 10-11 08-09 09-10 Learning Center 103 107 167 Specialized Instruction Classes 103 91 145 GATE 188 200 246 ELL (1-5) 97 97 131 Free/Reduced Lunch 692 797 1319 ( inc l ud e s 9 th g ra d e ) Language Proficiency Numbers Over the last several years, Yucaipa High School has seen an increase in ELL students. Because of this, the staff has recognized a need to provide culturally appropriate learning opportunities. The district and school administration have made identifying and appropriately testing English Language Learners in accordance with state and local regulations a priority. The school district uses California English Language Development Test (CELDT) and the CSTs in English Language Arts (ELA). In addition, ELL students level 1 and 2’s and struggling 3’s are supported with ELD English and support classes. ELL level 4 and 5 students are clustered into English Language Arts, Social Studies and Science classes where teachers engage in SADAIE strategies to support these students. More information about Yucaipa High School’s ELL program is detailed under School Instructional Programs. Academic Year Total ELL Students % of Student Population ELL Spanish Speaking Students ELL Other Languages 07-08 106 5% 101 5 08-09 97 4% 96 1 09-10 97 4% 89 5 142 4.8% 134 8 10-11 * *includes 9th grade students Yucaipa High School WASC Document 9 CEDLT status of ELL students: 06-07 07-08 08-09 09-10 4 10 9 8 4% 8% 6% 8% 35 33 41 40 35% 27% 35% 38% 37 59% 39 35 37% 48% 34% 33% 16 13 11 9 16% 10% 9% 8% 8 9 16 14 8% 7% 14% 13% 100 124 31% 106 100% 100% 100% 100% Advanced Early Advanced Intermediate Early Intermediate Beginning Number Tested Yucaipa High School WASC Document 10 Socio- Economically Disadvantaged Free and Reduced Lunch Yucaipa High School’s free and reduced population has increased each year. This school year, Yucaipa High School has 45% of students who are on free and reduced lunch. YHS Free and Reduced NSLP Percentages School Year Free / Reduced 01-02 325 1879 17 02-03 491 2002 25 03-04 418 2011 21 04-05 466 2096 22 05-06 458 2045 22 06-07 573 2069 28 07-08 560 2041 27 08-09 692 2012 34 09-10 797 2025 39 10-11* 1319 2905 45 Enrollment Percentage *includes 9th grade students. Class sizes Yucaipa High School currently has 111 teachers including ROP instructors. Support personnel include a principal, three assistant principals, six and one half counselors, one librarian, one athletic director, one activities director, a San Bernardino Sheriff School Resource Officer and 61 classified staff members. The school contains 124 classrooms, 5 class-size computer labs, a foreign language lab, and a media center. Yucaipa High School’s class size in core and elective classes average thirty-six students on a six-period day schedule. PE classes have an average of 55-60 students. Yucaipa High School WASC Document 11 Graduation Rates Yucaipa High School’s graduation rates have improved and drop - out numbers have decreased. The school and the district’s 2008-2009 drop- out rates are better than the county and have decreased significantly in the most recent data. In order to continue focusing and addressing the drop-out issue, the Principal has implemented a Drop-Out Committee. The Drop-Out Committee is comprised of district and school site administrators, teachers, parents and community to discuss and create a plan to address the drop-out rate. The chart below contains the district’s current graduation status in relation to the 2010 AYP. The graduation rates were improved enough to allow us to meet Safe Harbor requirements for many of our significant subgroups (as noted for all areas where a “pending” from Sept 2010 was revised to a “Yes” in the revised AYPs that the California State Department of Education released in January 2011). Met All AYP Components Met ELA AYP Components Met Math AYP Components Met Graduation Rate YCJUSD (old) No No No pending YCJUSD (revised) No No No Yes Pending Yes Yes Pending Yes Yes Yes Yes Pending Yes Yes Pending Yes Yes Yes n/a Pending Pending Pending Pending Yes Yes Yes n/a YHS 9 (old) No No No Pending YHS 9 (revised) No No No n/a YHS (old) No No Pending Pending YHS (revised) No No Yes Yes Site GVHS (old) GVHS (revised) GVHS IS (old) GVHS IS (revised) OVEC (old) OVEC (revised) This next chart provides details regarding the 2009 and 2010 graduation rate, as well as the 2011 target graduation rate. Site 2009 Grad Rate 2010 Target Grad Rate 2010 Actual Grad Rate Growth from 2009-2010 2011 Target Grad Rate YHS 80.76 81.68 92.73 11.97 90 Yucaipa High School WASC Document 12 Dropout Rates Drop Out Data: Adjusted Grade 9-12 1-Year Dropout Rate: Year 2009-2010 Yucaipa HS Not yet released District Not yet released County Not yet released State Not yet released 2008-2009 2007-2008 2006-2007 1.9% 4.5% 4.7% 4.0% 5.6% 5.6% 5.8% 5.9% 7.0% 5.7% 4.9% 5.5% Attendance Attendance at Yucaipa High School is both high and consistent, maintaining an Average Daily Attendance (ADA) of approximately 95% in the last three years (95% in 20092010, 94.85% in 2007-2008, and 95.41% in 2008-2009). Yucaipa High School’s Attendance office has worked diligently to improve attendance and maintain accurate attendance records. This school year the school and district have made attendance a priority. Parents were educated on the education code pertaining to attendance at Back-to School Night and Freshman Orientation, and this information continues through parent/student conferences. Teachers are required to enter daily attendance through our ABI system. Furthermore, Yucaipa High School has dedicated one certificated support staff member to oversee and monitor attendance issues taking place at the school. This individual works closely with law enforcement officials and often conducts home visits, and/or SART/SARB conferences. . An automated caller phone system notifies parents on each day of absence in one or more periods. Attendance letters are sent home once a student reaches three unexcused absences. Once a student has accumulated six verified and/or unverified absences, a second attendance letter is sent to the parent; and a SART ensues. A frequent result is that students attend Saturday School in order to recover ADA for these absences. Students with excessive absences and/or truancies are sometimes given SART contracts and thereby monitored closely. If teachers notice a serious attendance issue, they are encouraged to contact parents immediately and complete an attendance alert form. This puts a student into contact with an administrator regarding his/her attendance. If a student exceeds the limits established by the administrative attendance contract, then consequences may occur. Students who are identified as chronically truant are referred to the School Attendance Review Board (SARB). Our school and district policy and parental support are contributing factors to the low absence rate. Yucaipa High School WASC Document 13 Expulsions and Truancies Between 2007 and 2010 school year, the expulsion and truancy numbers have decreased. In 2007-2008, Yucaipa High School had 28 expulsions, 244 suspensions and a 24.1% truancy rate. In 2008-2009, these numbers significantly decreased. Yucaipa had only 9 expulsions, 136 suspensions and a 20.55% truancy rate. Administration believes the numbers have decreased due to having two lunches rather than one; developing new clubs such as diversity council to help with racial and diversity tensions; and adding new programs to assist at-risk students, EL students and Special Educations students. Refer to tables attached. Yucaipa High School Expulsion and Truancy Rate- Last Three year Comparison Year Enrollment Truancy Rate Expulsions 2009-2010 2008-2009 2007-2008 2006-2007 N/A 2,175 2,253 2,240 N/A 20.55% 24.10% 92.50% N/A 9 21 10 Violence/Drug Suspensions Expulsions N/A N/A 96 2 153 0 104 0 Dangerous Incidents N/A 7 0 0 Firearm Overall Total Expulsions Suspensions N/A N/A 9 136 24 244 10 167 Yucaipa High School Staff Data Teacher Certification Information 07-08 08-09 09-10 10-11 Certificated 95 93 89 117 Classified 72 67 61 72 National Board Certificated 0 0 0 1 Alternative Pathways 0 0 0 0 Pre-Interns 0 0 0 0 Emergency Permits 0 0 0 0 Advanced Degrees 55 53 54 67 Yucaipa High School WASC Document 14 Staff Education Level Data below is for the 2008-2009 school year and only shows 10-12 YHS teachers. (9th grade was not a part of the Yucaipa High School that year) Education Level School Gender Doctorate YUCAIPA HIGH Master's Degree Master's Degree +30 Bachelor's Degree +30 Bachelor's Degree Less than Bachelor's Years of Service Avg. Avg. Years of Years in None Reported Total Staff Ed. the Service District 0 (0.0 %) 42 13.7 11 Female 0 (0.0 %) 2 (4.8 %) 17 (40.5 %) 20 (47.6 %) 3 (7.1 %) 0 (0.0 %) Male 1 (2.7 %) 5 (13.5 %) 14 (37.8 %) 14 (37.8 %) 3 (8.1 %) 0 (0.0 %) 0 (0.0 %) 1 (1.3 %) 7 (8.9 %) 31 (39.2 %) 34 (43.0 %) 6 (7.6 %) 0 (0.0 %) 0 (0.0 %) 13 (4.1 %) 129 (40.8 %) 164 (51.9 %) 10 (3.2 %) 0 (0.0 %) Total Female 37 15.4 13.5 0 (0.0 %) 79 14.5 12.2 0 (0.0 %) 316 13.8 11.3 District wide Male Total 1 (0.9 %) 9 (7.9 %) 43 (37.7 %) 55 (48.2 %) 6 (5.3 %) 0 (0.0 %) 0 (0.0 %) 114 14.3 12.2 1 (0.2 %) 22 (5.1 %) 172 (40.0 %) 219 (50.9 %) 16 (3.7 %) 0 (0.0 %) 0 (0.0 %) 430 13.9 11.5 10.6 Female 52 (0.4 %) 2,666 (19.5 %) 2,463 (18.0 %) 5,749 (41.9 %) 2,752 (20.1 %) 24 (0.2 %) 0 (0.0 %) 13,706 12.5 Male 84 (1.5 %) 1,083 (19.8 %) 934 (17.1 %) 2,196 (40.1 %) 1,111 (20.3 %) 70 (1.3 %) 0 (0.0 %) 5,478 13.3 11 136 (0.7 %) 3,749 (19.5 %) 3,397 (17.7 %) 7,945 (41.4 %) 3,863 (20.1 %) 94 (0.5 %) 0 (0.0 %) 19,184 12.7 10.7 Countywide Total Statewide Female 1,268 (0.6 %) 38,938 (17.5 %) 43,849 (19.7 %) 106,237 (47.8 %) 31,613 (14.2 %) 391 (0.2 %) 4 (0.0 %) 222,300 13 10.8 Male 1,252 (1.5 %) 15,697 (18.6 %) 15,201 (18.0 %) 38,205 (45.3 %) 13,483 (16.0 %) 414 (0.5 %) 4 (0.0 %) 84,256 13.3 11.1 3 (0.9 %) 3 (0.9 %) 1 (0.3 %) 4 (1.2 %) None Reported Total 0 (0.0 %) 2,520 (0.8 %) Yucaipa High School 54,638 (17.8 %) 59,053 (19.2 %) 144,443 (47.1 %) 45,100 (14.7 %) WASC Document 0 (0.0 %) 320 (96.7 %) 331 7.9 6.8 805 (0.3 %) 328 (0.1 %) 306,887 13.1 10.9 15 Staff Development Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District is supportive of the professional development of all teachers and staff, all of whom have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of staff development activities each year. The table below outlines a partial list of those staff development activities that have, on the basis of assignment, been available to Yucaipa High School teachers and support staff members. Since the last WASC visitation, the following staff, professional and development and trainings. Since 2008 Training Location Participants CLAD / BCLAD Training Various Certificated BTSA Support Provider Training County Support Providers California State/University of California UCR Counselors School Safety and Security District/School Site Site Security/Certificated AVID Training RIMS AVID Teachers ABI District Certificated/Classified AP Workshops College Board AP Teachers SchoolFusion School Site Certificated English Language Learner Training School Site Certificated CAHSEE Workshop Intervention Training School Site CAHSEE Teachers Data Director Training District/School Site Certificated API/AYP Data Examination School Site Certificated Secretary Training District/School Site Classified Training Differentiation District Optional Buy Back days for Certificated Assessment Strategies School Site Certificated Technology (CUE & District Technology Liasons, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Email, District and School Site electronic ABI gradebooks, science data collection devices and sensors) Optional Buy Back days for Certificated, Teacher Collaboration (2008-2010) Safety- sexual harassment, earthquake and fire drills Certificated and Classified lockdown, School Site Textbook adoption training Science and District Social Studies Certificated Science and Social Studies teachers 2009 - 2010 New math textbook adoption training Special education aide training District Certificated math teachers District Classified 2010 -2011 WASC Training Pivot Learning Accrediting Commission District WASC Leadership Certificated . Yucaipa High School WASC Document 16 Student Performance Data Yucaipa High School Student Performance Data is detailed and discussed in chapter two. Yucaipa High School Instructional Programs Yucaipa High School’s instructional program has undergone extensive reconfiguration. Most core departments have adopted textbooks aligned with state content standards, developed end-of-course common finals, completed curriculum calibration, and developed curriculum maps. Due to the recent budget cuts, YCJUSD could not afford to purchase new ELA textbooks. Along with elective departments, the staff is working towards infusing technology to enhance their learning environment and the school is preparing students for careers that involve technology through Career Technical Education classes, STEM opportunities, and the Perkins Grant. Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District continues to implement standards alignment, curriculum mapping, and common assessments/course-ending examinations. Currently this school year the school district has contracted with Intel Assess, a professional test generating company, in the areas of ELA and Math. Standards alignment has been in place and under regular review and readjustment for several years now. Teachers continue to work in their departments to develop curriculum maps that assure all students are progressing through the same curriculum in roughly the same sequence with core standards alignment. Departments have been working towards developing common course benchmarks and semester ending assessments. They engage in discussions regarding student data accumulated from these common assessments, and compare it with data from the related California Standards Tests (CSTs). Through collaboration time built into the regular teacher schedule and voluntary PLC meetings before and/or after school, Yucaipa High School teachers and staff are actively involved in a functional, professional learning community model. Robert Du Four’s Big Four questions provide a foundation for discussions as teachers “brainstorm” ways to meet students’ academic needs and close the school’s subgroup population achievement gap. This year, teachers will also be exposed to opportunities to learn more about standards-based grading. Administration has supported teachers with research-based information, professional books, staff developments, voluntary trainings and department collaboration time in order to help teachers understand and learn how to incorporate standards-based grading into their instructional programs. The standards-based grading initiative is in the very early stages of exploration and Yucaipa High School is confident that this topic will expand further in the next few years to come. Academic intervention is offered during the school day through Learning Centers, ELL Support classes, CAHSEE Math and English Support, AVID classes, and in-class peer tutors. A+ Computer Lab, APEX Online Learning, and restart classes are provided for credit-deficient students. This school year we are also looking to explore the opportunities that APEX Online Learning offers for enrichment purposes. District Yucaipa High School WASC Document 17 adopted support materials such as Accelerated Reader, Read 180, and EL Hampton Brown materials are used for systematic review and to support math and language arts skills. Free after-school tutoring opportunities for intervention are available to all students in the library four times a week, and English Language Learners have extra lunch access to tutoring. Students needing assistance in writing skills have the opportunity to receive extra help through the newly designed writing center available to them after school. After-school restart classes and on-campus adult school classes in core subjects have been added to assist students who are deficient in credits. Yucaipa High School is known for its strong academic programs. In 2005, Yucaipa High School received the title Distinguished School. The school has strong academic programs for high achieving students, as well as a strong support program for students struggling academically. The school’s classes are aligned with A-G requirements and the school offers NCAA courses. Scholars are recognized as National Merit Scholars and are recipients of highly recognized scholarships and awards, including appointments to the military academies. Seventy-eight percent of YHS graduates attend two-year or fouryear colleges, universities, and/or technical schools. The school provides struggling and at-risk students with support in the areas of mentoring and intervention programs. All students are valued and respected at Yucaipa High School. Yucaipa High School uses student performance data to create support programs for all students depending on needs as well as interests. They are the following: English Language Learner Program The school’s performance data clearly indicates that English Language Learners are not meeting No Child Left Behind expectations. As a result of this, Yucaipa High School has made these students a priority and has worked diligently to create and maintain support programs both socially and academically. Yucaipa High School currently has approximately 142 English Language students. All teachers and administrators have their CLAD certificate or the equivalent. One of the assistant principals, previous ELL student herself, has worked extensively with ELL students and parents, and oversees the program to ensure success for these students. For example, she personally serves on ELAC, DLAC, the Master EL and ELSSA Committees. Counseling reviews all ELL students’ CELDT levels, CST and previous grades. This information is used to determine each student’s academic needs. Counselors then work to schedule ELL students in appropriate classes. Recently Spanish for Native Speaker classes were developed to further support the native Spanish-speaking students. ELL students also have access to four ELL tutors on campus during the day. ELL support lab and tutoring is provided to these students before school, during lunch and after school. Ongoing staff developments and ELL teacher meetings are held as a means of support. During these meetings, staff members discuss best practices, instructional strategies, appropriate CELDT modifications, student progress, and creative intervention programs in order to meet these students’ needs. Yucaipa High School WASC Document 18 Yucaipa High School also orchestrated a new ELL intervention “catch” plan. The plan includes a review of all the ELL students’ transcripts and test scores. Those who were at risk and/or credit deficient at the beginning of the school year attend meetings during which a graduation plan is presented, attendance policies are explained, and a year-long support plan created. These students will then be “monitored” throughout the year by their counselor, ELD teacher, cluster teachers, and other ELL support staff members. These students also have access and are encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities. Since 2008, the school has implemented a Diversity Council and Latino Cultural Club. These two clubs have been extremely popular among the school’s Latino population. Students are involved in school and community-based projects. They generate culture-oriented lunch time activities that are designed to celebrate diversity. This year, the Latino Cultural Club has adopted the theme “Break the Cycle,” which is intended to educate Latino peers on the dropout rate and the importance of higher education. Students with Disabilities Program The school’s performance data clearly indicates that students with disabilities comprise another area of need. As a result of this, Yucaipa High School has made these students a priority and has worked diligently to create and maintain support programs both socially and academically for them, as well. Services for students with disabilities are driven by each pupil’s learning needs as documented in the Individual Education Program (IEP). Yucaipa High School has four special education models: general education classes with learning center support, Inclusion (special education teachers and regular education teachers co-teaching and sharing students) specialized instruction classes (SAI), and Life Skills classes. Students served by the General Education/Learning Center model receive intervention strategies in the regular classroom as well as in small groups or individually in the Learning Center determined by their IEP. Learning Centers are classrooms established to enhance and support the welfare of special education students by more fully meeting the intent of Federal and State mandates supporting Least Restrictive Environment and academic and social goals. Learning Centers afford the opportunity for greater mixing of various disabilities of students to improve academic skills and to promote self esteem, empathy for individual differences, and life-long independence and success. Learning Centers offer flexible scheduling in and out of general education classrooms, and they promote more rapid transition out of the special education programs. The Learning Center is an educational service delivery model designed to meet the individual needs of special education students. This is accomplished through collaboration between general classroom teachers and the Learning Center staff. The Learning Center staff consists of a credentialed special education teacher, and one or two special education instructional aides. First and foremost, the general education teacher provides the first level of Yucaipa High School WASC Document 19 academic support in the classroom. The Learning Center staff provides additional support and intervention as needed. The Specialized Academic Instruction class (SAI) is a form of Special Education service in which an individual student’s needs are addressed, in most cases, in a more restrictive environment than a student in a learning support class. This decision is based on students’ academic needs determined in an IEP meeting. Depending on the academic need, an SAI student may be enrolled in all SAI classes, or a combination of SAI classes and general education classes. The services to be delivered to the SDC student are documented in the IEP. All SAI instructors use state adopted texts to teach core curriculum in which state adopted content standards are addressed. The modifications made by the instructor for the student are driven by each student’s assessment scores and the goals and objectives as stated in the IEP. Using state adopted texts as a vehicle that addresses these standards not only raise each student’s academic achievement but also helps raise CST and CAHSEE scores as well. Yucaipa High School implemented Inclusion classes at the ninth grade level this year. Inclusion classes are specially designed classes that are split between SAI students and general education students. In these classes the general education teacher and the special education teacher team-teach and design the class at a level where SAI students can access the regular curriculum and feel successful. Currently we have ninth grade Inclusion classes in SAI Algebra, SAI Earth Science, SAI English, SAI World Geography, and SAI Health. These classes have been very successful, and Yucaipa High School is looking to expand the model to tenth grade classes next year. Yucaipa High School also has Transition Partnership Program (TPP) classes for 12th grade students. This class helps students’ research career opportunities after high school and provides them with the support they need in order to assist with the transition from high school. Each TPP student has a Department of Rehabilitation meeting during the spring. The purpose of the meeting is to educate these students about the opportunities that are available to them after high school. Yucaipa High School also has a successful Life Skills program. This program focuses on supporting and educating individuals with moderate to severe disabilities. Our program is focused on the individual needs of each student as determined by appropriate assessments such as The Brigance 2, Basics 2 Curriculum Framework for Students with Severe Disabilities, criterion-reference assessments, and observational assessments. These assessments decipher present levels of performance so a team can address the functional academic and adaptive goals and thereby create objectives that are appropriate for the individual student. Life Skills teachers are using a curriculum that focuses on exposing students to functional academics that are age and ability level appropriate. The Life Skills program accesses the community each week when students travel by city bus to various work sites such as the bank, grocery stores, theatres, parks, city colleges, post office, restaurants, and the public library. Through collaboration with the ROP Work Ability 1 program, students receive vocational training and work experience at local enterprises such as the animal-rescue society (YAPS), Lloyd Copeland Garage Doors, Kopper Kettle, Gourmet Pizza Shoppe, KinderCare, Crafton Hills Community College, and the Yucaipa Public Library. The Yucaipa High School WASC Document 20 teachers focus on the needs of these students and enjoy having the opportunity to give these students skills to help them become independent citizens. Raising a student’s academic achievement is a challenge, especially if the student has existing behaviors that impede learning. As a result, behavior support plans are written for any special education student who exhibits such behaviors. Case carriers monitor students with a Behavior Support Plan (BSP) very closely, and IEP meetings are reconvened if necessary. Students served by the SAI programs may further receive interventions and strategies in the existing learning centers as well as mainstreamed classes as written in each student’s IEP. It is the desired goal of the IEP team that these interventions and strategies will help to raise a student’s academic achievement. AVID Program The AVID program at Yucaipa High School is designed for students who elect to take a series of college prep courses and become part of a program that will prepare them for entrance into a four-year college or university. This program has been very successful, especially among the school’s subgroup populations such as ELL and socioecononomically disadvantaged students. The courses emphasize rhetorical reading, analytical writing, collaborative discussion, tutorial inquiry study groups, preparation for college entrance and placement exams, college study skills and test taking strategies, note-taking, and research. AVID students generally come from groups underrepresented at our four year colleges and universities. Over the years, the number of AVID students has increased substantially. This is discussed further in Chapter #3. Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Program / Advanced Placement Programs The GATE program at Yucaipa High School has historically been centered on two categories, AP classes and fine arts/co-curricular offerings. The Advanced Placement courses are offered in all academic subject areas and are extremely challenging to even the brightest student. AP class enrollment is comprised of both GATE and non-GATE students. A list of AP courses is listed below. Advanced Placement Classes include: AP English Language and Composition AP Modern World History AP U.S. Government AP Art AP Calculus AP Biology AP English Literature and Composition AP US History AP Macro Economics AP Spanish AP Statistics AP Physics AP Data Yucaipa High School WASC Document 21 2008 2009 2010 Number of tests taken 575 557 482 Number of tests passed 310 301 288 Percent of tests passed 54% 54% 60% Percent passing Rate 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Biology Test 55% 71% 47% - 70% 56% 62% 63% 44% 41% Calculus AB 96% 79% 71% 83% 76% 86% 72% 72% 80% 65% Calculus BC 79% 77% 61% 71% 81% 81% 71% - 100% 100% Economics: Macro 0% 71% 64% 50% 86% 52% 66% 63% 58% 75% English Language & Composition 59% 56% 51% 37% 34% 30% 48% 55% 42% 61% English Literature & Composition 49% 61% 65% 67% 58% 68% 77% 54% 62% 50% European History 35% 36% 45% 34% 27% 47% 38% 41% 49% 45% Government & Politics: US 75% 43% 45% 42% 57% 39% 58% 64% 66% 67% Physics B 69% 75% 75% 59% 61% 68% 54% 65% 70% 33% Psychology Spanish Language - - - 100% 0% - - 100% - - 56% 50% 64% 76% 68% 75% 52% 72% 83% 67% 38% Statistics 20% 20% - - - - - 25% 71% Studio Art: Drawing 100% 100% 78% 56% 80% 77% 78% 80% 57% 40% Studio Art: 2-D Design 48% 14% 100% 33% 100% 50% 50% 50% 0% 100% U.S. History 32% 24% 29% 31% 26% 38% 38% 31% 33% 66% Overall Number of students tested 52% 50% 51% 47% 47% 53% 51% 54% 54% 60% AP TEST COMPARISONS +3 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Biology Test 22 17 34 - 37 16 21 19 16 17 Calculus AB 23 34 24 36 29 22 29 58 56 48 Calculus BC 24 31 31 34 27 26 17 - 1 4 Economics: Macro 1 7 11 28 21 27 41 43 43 32 English Language & Composition 63 39 82 67 58 69 122 99 112 114 English Literature & Composition 57 41 43 39 45 41 52 74 58 36 European History 49 66 42 111 124 105 112 54 72 53 Government & Politics: US 4 21 22 33 23 33 45 55 38 33 Physics B 26 24 20 32 13 22 13 17 20 12 Psychology - - - 1 1 - - 1 - - Spanish Language 32 42 25 25 22 12 25 32 35 36 8 Statistics 5 5 - - - - - 12 7 Studio Art: Drawing 2 6 18 18 15 13 9 10 7 5 Studio Art: 2-D Design 23 14 1 6 1 6 4 2 7 1 75 96 103 87 101 85 128 99 85 83 Total Tests Taken U.S. History 426 463 478 543 528 511 628 575 557 482 # of Tests Passed 222 233 245 254 248 271 322 310 301 288 A large portion of our AP students are GATE students. GATE school site parent meetings and district wide (DGAC) meetings are held several times a year. Additional Yucaipa High School WASC Document 22 workshops focusing on college readiness and the application process (fall) as well as registration for the following year (spring) are held in the evening through our counseling and career center departments. SAT Over the last several years, Yucaipa High School has averaged 40% of the Senior class participating in the SAT. Below is a chart detailing information regarding the number of students tested and the average scores. Academic Grade 12 Year 06-07 07-08 08-09 09-10 652 682 663 N/A Number Tested 263 264 259 Percent tested 40.34 38.71 39.06 Critical Reading Average 480 499 498 Math Average Writing Average 475 495 497 479 490 489 Total > 1,500 number 106 125 121 Total > 1,500 percent 16.3 47.03 46.7 CTE and ROP Programs The Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act (Perkins) funds Yucaipa High School’s Career Technical Program (CTE). It was originally authorized in 1984, and reauthorized in 1998. The purpose of Perkins is to provide individuals with the academic and technical skills needed to succeed in a knowledge- and skills-based economy. Perkins supports career and technical education that prepares its students both for post-secondary education and the careers of their choice. States receive block grants and local districts apply for funds following criteria established by the state in accordance with the stipulations of the federal law. Local funds generally are to be used for the following types of activities in careertechnical programs: • Serving as a catalyst for change by driving program improvement • Developing a strong accountability system that ensures quality and results • Strengthening the integration of academic, career and technical education • Ensuring access to career and technical education for special populations, including students with disabilities • Developing and improving curriculum • Purchasing equipment to ensure that the classrooms have the latest technology • Providing career guidance and academic counseling services • Providing professional development and technical assistance for teachers, counselors and administrators • Supporting career and technical education student organizations (pathways, technology classes, etc.) Yucaipa High School WASC Document 23 Yucaipa High School is well known regionally for its innovative technology resources and student programs. Over the past three years the technology department has been concentrating on creating multiple pathways to allow for Career Technical Education (CTE) opportunities for students in Desktop 3D, Engineering, Graphic Design, Computer Aided Drafting, Video Production, Digital Journalism, and, most recently, Digital Photography. The faculty uses a campus-wide website and communication hub that is district supported. It unifies assignments, scheduling, lesson planning, documentation and interactive online discussion for teachers and students. The Perkins Grant has allowed Yucaipa High School to purchase important industry supported software as well as hardware that foster innovative teaching such as electronic whiteboards, digital projectors, document cameras, video cameras and digital SLR cameras. These technology resources assist students in becoming effective and creative communicators (Student Achievement Goals). Yucaipa High School’s CTE program also collaborates with the Colton-RedlandsYucaipa Regional Occupational Program (ROP) to offer high quality courses for students. Many courses are part of a sequenced program leading to either a certificate or preparation for vocational certification tests. ROP courses in various career fields are available on the YHS campus to students 16 years of age and older. Employability Workshops teach interviewing skills and help students create resumes and complete applications. The Workability I Program focuses on the vocational aspirations of special-need students CTE/ROP Course Offerings 2009-2010 Accounting I Desktop 3-D Advanced Studio Automotives Introduction (ROP) Digital Video Intermediate Production Automotive Steering, Suspension and Break (ROP) Digital Video Advanced Production Auto Engineering Performance (ROP) Introduction to Design Clinical Medical Assistance (ROP) Law Enforcement Occupations (ROP) Computer Graphic Design 1 (CTE) Law Enforcement—CSI (ROP) Computer Graphic Design 2 (CTE) Medical Services Occupations (ROP) Construction Technology (ROP) Medical Terminology/Medical Front Office (ROP) Child Care Occupations (ROP) Physical Therapy Aide –Rehabilitation (ROP) Desktop 3-D Photography Elementary School Teaching (ROP) Principles of Engineering Digital Publishing (Journalism) Retail Merchandising (ROP) Small Business Management (ROP) Yucaipa High School WASC Document 24 Counseling Department The Yucaipa High School counseling and career center staff members have developed a comprehensive guidance program that assists all students in acquiring the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to become effective students, responsible citizens, and lifelong learners. One goal of the Yucaipa High School Counseling Department is to design a personal learning plan that matches each student’s aptitudes and interests. Each student is assigned to a counselor who assists with personal guidance, academic planning and postsecondary preparation. The ultimate goal of our guidance program is to ensure that all students graduate with the competencies necessary to make self-directed, realistic decisions and to be successful contributors to society. YHS Career Center The Career Center is an extension of the Counseling Office. Its purpose is to provide students with information and resources to explore employment and educational opportunities. The goal of the Career Center is to help students present themselves as candidates for employment as well as applicants for college, technical and vocational schools. The Career Center also works with Regional Occupational Program (ROP), organizes the school’s career fair, helps students to explore job and volunteer positions, brings in college representatives and guest speakers, works with military recruiters on ASVAB testing, and focuses on students who are interested in attending Crafton Hills College. Yucaipa High School WASC Document 25 Career Center Activities and Student Participation Name of Event Total Visitors to Career Center during school year 6266 Colleges & guest speakers 54 ASVAB test & Interpretations 175 Career Units with English classes 390 Crafton Hills Senior Day 226 CHC applications process 186 CHC placement test 183 CHC counseling (Extra counseling EOP) 140 CHC Orientation classes 188 Tutoring program 88 ROP Distinguished Student Awards 3 students ROP Ambassadors 6 ambassadors ROP Workability Program 25 students Work Investment Act 6 students Career Fair Vendors 30 Career Fair Seniors 400 Military (students that joined) 12 Military counseled students 300 Jobs obtained by students through Career Center 45 Volunteer 68 School Grading Policy Yucaipa High School evaluates its students using the following letter grades: A, B, C, and F. The D grade was eliminated many years ago in order to raise the bar for student achievement. Students must meet or exceed course standards at a rate of at least 70% (or whatever represents “meeting the standards” in that course) in order to receive credit for coursework. Recently, during the 2009-2010 school year, inquiries were raised by the YHS Leadership Team members as to the effectiveness of the school district’s “No D Policy.” The “No D Policy” became a subject of inquiry because there is a general concern among Yucaipa High School staff members that the number of students failing courses, due to the elevated passing percentage, is creating at-risk students who are becoming credit deficient at a rate that is higher than it would be if there was a D grade. These inquires triggered a large-scale analysis of the overall effectiveness of the “No D Policy” from its inception. The results are displayed below. Yucaipa High School WASC Document 26 Course Specific Failure Rates- Semester 1 Academic Year Grade Enrollment Number Failed Percent Failed Enrollment Number Failed Percent Failed Enrollment Number Failed Percent Failed Enrollment Number Failed Percent Failed 2005-2006/T2 10 Eng/362 67 19% Math/351 110 31% SS/419 89 21% Sci/368 72 20% 2005-2006/T2 11 Eng/330 58 18% Math/291 98 34% SS/397 80 20% Sci/162 54 33% 2005-2006/T2 12 Eng/390 38 10% Math/183 34 19% SS/359 26 7% Sci/136 22 16% 2006-2007 10 Eng/683 92 14% Math/681 192 28% SS/672 130 19% Sci/663 198 30% 2006-2007 11 Eng/667 106 16% Math/660 185 28% SS/668 110 17% Sci/395 110 28% 2006-2007 12 Eng/638 63 10% Math/305 68 22% SS/703 74 11% Sci/166 38 23% 2007-2008 10 Eng/706 98 14% Math/705 132 19% SS/700 102 15% Sci/693 182 26% 2007-2008 11 Eng/640 101 16 Math/638 147 23% SS/636 105 17% Sci/366 90 25% 2007-2008 12 Eng/601 29 5% Math/422 44 10% SS/609 45 7% Sci/151 40 27% 2008-2009 10 Eng/725 98 14% Math/720 155 22% SS/722 120 17% Sci/771 172 22% 2008-2009 11 Eng/661 84 13% Math/635 138 22% SS/669 95 14% Sci/401 73 18% 2008-2009 12 Eng/519 21 4% Math/405 42 10% 636% 58 9% Sci/190 19 10% 2009-2010 10 Eng/799 116 15% Math/778 198 25% SS/761 117 15% Sci/850 167 20% 2009-2010 11 Eng/722 113 16% Math/715 184 26% SS/707 117 17% Sci/444 95 21% 2009-2010 12 Eng/718 16 2% Math/449 45 10% SS/683 25 4% Sci/170 17 10% Percent Failed Enrollment Number Failed Percent Failed Enrollment Number Failed Percent Failed Course Specific Failure Rates- Semester 2 Percent Failed Number Failed Academic Year Grade Enrollment Number Failed 2006-2007 12 Eng/674 44 7% Math/320 66 21% SS/765 67 9% Sci/151 33 22% 2007-2008 10 Eng/717 97 14% Math/713 183 26% SS/706 113 16% Sci/698 153 22% 2007-2008 11 Eng/658 138 21% Math/639 168 26% SS/666 123 19% Sci/346 68 20% 2007-2008 12 Eng/624 39 6% Math/415 44 11% SS/653 46 7% Sci/142 32 23% 2008-2009 10 Eng/737 111 15% Math/730 190 26% SS/726 126 17% Sci/696 131 19% 2008-2009 11 Eng/687 85 12% Math/627 157 25% SS/656 71 11% Sci/343 70 20% 2008-2009 12 Eng/529 19 4% Math/374 33 9% SS/648 35 5% Sci/156 18 12% 2001-2002/T1 10 Eng/261 29 Math/339 54 SS/361 61 Sci/350 45 2001-2002/T1 11 Eng/366 37 Math/325 62 SS/371 75 Sci/157 28 2001-2002/T1 12 Eng/434 31 Math/237 20 SS/308 31 Sci/134 8 2001-2002/T1 10 Eng/272 62 Math/400 74 SS/355 49 Sci/342 55 2001-2002/T1 11 Eng/348 40 Math/326 67 SS/360 67 Sci/162 19 2001-2002/T1 12 Eng/365 29 Math/192 23 SS/360 26 Sci/111 7 Enrollment Through the YHS Leadership Team, the faculty is now working with YHS Administration and District Administration to reconsider the “No D Policy” and its implications on student achievement and graduation rates. In addition, the YHS administration has begun the process of educating the faculty on standard-based grading. Beginning in 2009-2010, and continuing into 2010-2011, the principal lead a voluntary PLC group on standards-based grading. Administrators have encouraged teachers to read How to Grade for Learning by Ken O’Connor and will facilitate discussion on its contents during staff meetings, department-chair and department meetings. Intervention Programs for At-Risk Students Yucaipa High School provides a variety of resources for at-risk and/or under-achieving students: ● ● ● ● ● School Intervention Team (SIT) School Attendance Review Team (SART) AVID Program SBCP Individual Education Plan (IEP) Yucaipa High School WASC Document 27 ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 504 Plans School Resource Officer Drop Out Committee Bilingual Administrator for Spanish Speaking Students Twenty-two special education aides Comprehension EL support program Four EL tutors Lunchtime tutoring for EL students Structured ELD program After school tutoring Peer tutoring through the Career Center The Writing Center Saturday school programs Saturday School Algebra and Earth Science Support Academies Transfer Committee Grade Level Intervention Meetings High School RTI Plan Parent Community Organizations Yucaipa High School is fortunate to have a high number of involved parents who offer their time and support: ● Parent Booster Clubs for Co-Curricular and Extra Curricular ● PTSO ● School Site Council ● Parent Information Nights such as Parent Orientation, Back to School Night, Financial Aide Night and ABC’s of College Planning ● Dropout Advisory Committee ● ELAC/DLAC ● GATE Athletics Sports are very important to the students and community of Yucaipa High School. The school participates in the Citrus Belt League (CBL) and adheres to all CIF division league rules and regulations. Each year, YHS holds mandatory parent and athlete meetings to insure a safe, wholesome environment for fans, spectators, and the athletes. In addition to this, Yucaipa High School is proud that many of our athletes are also strong academic students, who are meeting all NCAA requirements, and in many cases, obtaining academic and athletic scholarships to colleges and universities. This year, the joint venture with the city and Crafton Hills College regarding the installation of a pool has come to fruition. The pool, a modular stainless steel, state-of-the-art design, is on the grounds of Crafton Hills College campus, just west of the high school. Yucaipa High School WASC Document 28 Yucaipa is a community that supports its school academically and athletically. Sports continue to be very important with student participation approaching 1000 participants, roughly one-third of our student population. The athletic philosophy has three components: 1) Helping kids grow up 2) Enhancing academics 3) Striving for excellence This three-pronged philosophy ensures a healthy environment for student-athletes within the context of the overall educational goals of the district. The community has raised funds and installed an artificial turf in the stadium. This improvement allows for football, soccer, track, band, and physical education to use the stadium throughout the year – something that was challenging with natural grass. In 2007-08, Yucaipa High School boys’ swimmers were both CIF and National Champions. In 2008-09, our girls’ soccer and boys’ water polo were CIF semifinalists and our baseball team was 6th ranked in the nation. Our twenty-two sports are thriving. In 2009-2010 Yucaipa High School also earned CIF second place in baseball and the cross country team made the state finals. MEN'S ATHLETICS Fall Cross Country Football Water Polo Tennis Winter Basketball Soccer Wrestling (Coed) Track & Field WOMEN'S ATHLETICS Fall Winter Cross Country Basketball Golf Soccer Tennis Water Polo Volleyball Spring Baseball Golf Swimming Volleyball Spring Softball Swimming Track & Field Band/ Choir/Performing Arts Yucaipa High School has a thriving, award-winning music department consisting of a wide variety of instrumental and vocal ensembles. Symphonic Band is the advanced instrumental group and is the public musical representative for community and competitive concert events. Concert Band is a training ensemble that prepares students for advancement to the Symphonic Band. This year, Symphonic Band received the honor of performing as a guest ensemble at Disneyland's Community Arts Showcase, and both Yucaipa High School WASC Document 29 bands recently earned “Superior” ratings at the Serrano High School Music Festival. The Symphonic Band also competed in the 2010 San Diego Heritage Music Festival. There are also two after-school instrumental ensembles: the Thunderbird Marching Regiment (in the fall) and the Jazz Band (in the spring). The Thunderbird Marching Regiment, one of the top twelve marching bands in SCSBOA 1A category this year, is a full, competitive marching band and color guard unit and competes throughout Southern California. The YHS Jazz Band is a classic big band and performs at many community events in the Yucaipa area and beyond. The Concert Choir is a large, non-auditioned vocal ensemble available to any students who wish to begin or develop their vocal training. Once a student has successfully completed a year in Concert Choir, he or she becomes eligible to audition for the Madrigal Singers, an elite group of vocalists who perform advanced high school choral repertoire at many community and competitive events. The Madrigal Singers have successfully competed in major events in the past few years as far as San Francisco, New York, and China. This school year, they earned an “Excellent” rating at the Beckman High School Choral Festival in Irvine and a Silver Rating at the 2010 San Francisco Heritage Festival. Clubs Clubs are an integral part of students’ lives at Yucaipa High School. Students have a wide variety of choices: 2010-2011 clubs Alive Club Best Buddies Gay Straight Alliance Jazz Band Interact Key Club Invisible Children Block Y Motorsports Mountain Bike Club Gay-Straight Alliance Snow riders Club Dance Club Diversity Council California Scholarship Federation Forever Dance Club Leo's Club (Run off campus) French Club Co-ed Volleyball Book Club French Club Latino Cultural Club Friends of Rachel School Safety, Cleanliness and Facilities Yucaipa High School is committed to maintain a safe and orderly environment for all staff and students. Our school has a Comprehensive Safe School Plan that is part of a larger Comprehensive District Plan. The plan is evaluated and updated on an annual basis by the school’s Safety Committee and the city’s local law enforcement agency, in collaboration with YHS Administration. The campus monitor staff supervise the school site, parking lot, and perimeters of the campus throughout the duration of the school day. Yucaipa High School WASC Document 30 The front gate is monitored and visitor names are logged along with license plate numbers upon entering the campus. A surveillance system containing thirty two cameras, which are located throughout the campus, is utilized and monitored. YHS is a closed campus and is gated and fenced. Emergency drills are conducted on a regular basis and provide opportunities for staff and students to practice the correct procedures for possible incidences of fire, earthquake, evacuation, and lockdown. Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Response Plan, Injury and Illness Prevention Program, and Comprehensive School Safety Plan are written and updated yearly. YHS has undergone inspection by the Fire Marshall in the summer of 2009 and was found to be in compliance with all applicable fire codes. Fire extinguishers are checked on a monthly basis and recharged every July. The facility is monitored regularly and includes precautions that proper lighting is implemented, safe walkways are maintained, exit signs are clearly visible, gates are locked appropriately, and restrooms and classrooms are maintained in a clean and working manner. An assistant principal attends quarterly safety meetings and monthly School-to Police meetings, which are held at the district office. Yucaipa High School takes part in the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Operation Clean Sweep and Safe and Drug Free Program. Yucaipa High School follows the safety plan developed for the school to ensure that all students are provided a safe, drug free campus. Components of the plan are as follows: ● Providing communication through registration packets and principal’s newsletters ● Utilizing the services of the School Resource Officer and the Probation Officer ● Complying with the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District’s guidelines of disciplinary actions for secondary students ● Acting upon the findings that result from the investigations done by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department during Operation Clean Sweep ● Attending monthly meetings with representatives from the Sheriff’s Department s in the form of the Police/School Liaison Committee ● Arranging parent meetings to address specific incidents in school and community ● Presenting student assemblies to address the safety plan components ● Implementing the Crisis Response Plan for any school-wide emergency ● Heeding the guidelines of the PE curriculum Drug Education is provided through a coordination of efforts with the staff and the Associated Student Body using a variety of programs and methods: ● Red Ribbon Week ● Presentations by LLUMC students regarding AIDS awareness ● Assemblies supporting safe and healthy choices ● SLAM presentation prior to prom in Spring ● District Drug Task Force We have implemented using drug sniffing dogs as part of campus safety at Yucaipa High School. The district has contracted with Interquest Canine Detection Service to perform Yucaipa High School WASC Document 31 random searches of Yucaipa High School classrooms and grounds. The dogs are trained to perceive illicit drugs, prescription drugs, alcohol, gunpowder, and some explosive materials. There is evidence that such searches can reduce student inclination to bring drugs, alcohol and weapons to school. Yucaipa High School Fiscal Report Fiscal Year Accounts 07-08 Funding / Program 0 General Fund 3550 Perkins/VEA 4201/4203 Title III 6760 / 61 1x (Arts, Music, PE,Libr & Disc) 7396 / 98 7080 Supp Counseling 07-08 08-09 2,241 Enrollment 08-09 09-10 2,175 09-10 10-11 2,181 10-11 2,937 Exps Per Pupil Exps Per Pupil Exps Per Pupil Exps Per Pupil 10,789,630 4,815 9,420,975 4,331 9,241,816 4,237 11,771,200 5,397 35,213 16 32,049 15 30,056 14 48,879 22 24,179 11 6,739 3 12,303 6 23,731 11 150,953 67 33,122 15 0 0 192,248 86 199,403 92 0 7091 EIA-LEP 3,277 1 13,466 6 7,200 3 10,677 0 5 7156 IMFRP 37,336 17 33,623 15 24,333 11 0 0 7250 SBCP 94,092 42 128,553 59 88,907 41 7390 Pupil Ret Blk Grant 23,240 10 23,512 11 0 233,350 107 0 ● Years 05-06 through 09-10 - Expenditures are actual and enrollment is for grade configuration of 10th through 12th. ● Year 10-11 - Expenditures based on budget and Unofficial CBEDS for grade configuration as 9th through 12th. ● Effective 08-09, midyear, some previously restricted programs became unrestricted and are included, if applicable, in General Fund Yucaipa High School WASC Document 32 Chapter Two Student Performance Data Analysis and Determination of Critical Academic Needs Yucaipa High School WASC Document 33 Ch. 2 Student Performance Data Analysis and Critical Academic Needs Summary The most recent WASC self-study process began in March 2009 as the newly formed WASC Leadership Team reviewed school-wide performance data from the previous three years. CST (overall and clustered), EAP and CAHSEE test results were compared and analyzed. API and AYP reports were also reviewed during the analysis as the team identified trends, strengths and weaknesses. Based upon the findings and trends in data as shown in the tables that follow, the team then proposed three areas of critical academic need. These were then presented to the Department Chairperson Committee and the entire faculty. With their input, the three critical academic needs were refined and written into their present form. The WASC Leadership Team revised the ESLR’s to make them more measurable and also proposed changing its name from ESLRs to Student Achievement Goals for the sake of having a more self-explanatory term. These changes ensued after again getting more input from the Department Chairperson Committee, from individual departments, and ultimately from the entire faculty. Conversations between the math and science departments confirmed that many students struggle with fundamental algebra skills in their respective classes. Most classes in all subjects deal with both the process and skills in writing. Therefore, the faculty agreed that this would be a natural area to address in many different classes at various levels across the curriculum. It was also readily apparent that English Learners and Students with Disabilities are struggling to meet their learning targets and proficiencies, and therefore need additional support and consideration to achieve academic success. Critical Academic Needs Our first, second, and third critical academic needs were correlated closely with our Student Achievement Goals (formerly ESLRs) and are parenthetically quoted after each critical academic need, below. Improving Algebra I and related skills applies to A Critical Thinker Who demonstrates competence in mathematical applications and practices complex problem solving skills. (“Students will improve their algebraic skills in pertinent subjects such as Algebra 1, Integrated Math I and II, Algebra II, and Chemistry.”) ● Improving writing conventions and strategies is directly related to An Effective and Creative Communicator Who writes clearly and concisely and interprets and ● Yucaipa High School WASC Document 34 articulates ideas. (“Students will improve writing conventions and writing strategies across the curriculum in order to improve ELA proficiency levels.”) ● Improving English language arts and math proficiencies in all subgroups, but especially EL and Students with Disabilities, is encapsulated by An Independent Learner Who prepares for the transition from high school to higher education or the workforce and meets or exceeds subject-specific content standards and district requirements for high school graduates. (“Subgroups, such as EL and students with disabilities, will improve ELA and math proficiencies.”) DATA AND ITS IMPLICATIONS WITH RESPECT TO STUDENT PERFORMANCE API The first set of data analyzed was the overall API results. For the 2008-2009 academic year, the data indicated that Yucaipa High School did meet the API school-wide growth target. Yucaipa High School scored 773 and the growth target was 754. Although the school made improvements in this area, the school did not make adequate progress in the subgroup area of Student with Disabilities, and as a result the school did not make the overall API growth. The data, below, is a detailed analysis of the 2008-2009. The team surmised that although ELL was not a significant subgroup for the 08-09 school year, it would probably be recognized as a distinct subgroup of its own in the future. Since data indicated that this group had been performing lower than school averages in ELL and mathematics, the team decided to target it for additional support and emphasis. 2008-2009 API Data Number of Students included in the 2009 Growth API 2009 Growth 2008 Base 2008-09 Growth Target 2008-09 Growth School wide All Subgroups Both School wide and Subgroups 1342 773 754 5 19 Yes No No API Median API Similar Schools 2009 Growth 2008 Base 761 751 Yucaipa High School Met Growth Target Click on the median value heading to link to the list of 2008 Base API similar schools. This list contains schools which were selected specifically for the reported school for the 2008 Base API Report. WASC Document 35 2009-2010 Data Subgroups Subgroup API Number of Students Numerically Significant Included in 2009 API in Both Years Specific Subgroup African American (not of Hispanic origin) 19 American Indian or Alaska Native 13 No Asian 26 No 2009 Growth 2008 Base 2008-09 Growth Target 2008-09 Growth Met Subgroup Growth Target 717 700 5 17 Yes No Filipino 10 No Hispanic or Latino 421 Yes 5 No White (not of Hispanic origin) 845 Yes 798 779 5 19 Yes Socioeconomically Disadvantaged 490 Yes 718 694 5 24 Yes English Learners 127 No Students with Disabilities 130 Yes 484 489 16 -5 No Pacific Islander After the results of the 2009-2010 performance data was released, the team met again to analyze the new API data. Though Yucaipa High School performed well on its API (by exceeding its school-wide growth of 773 by seven points), it did not meet its overall API, for once again Students with Disabilities did not show adequate growth. Number of Students included in the 2010 Growth API 2010 Growth 2009 Base 2009-10 Growth Target 2009-10 Growth School wide All Subgroups Both School wide and Subgroups 1374 780 773 5 7 Yes No No Similar Schools API Median API 2010 2009 Growth Base 771 757 Met Growth Target Click on the median value heading to link to the list of 2008 Base API similar schools. This list contains schools which were selected specifically for the reported school for the 2008 Base API Report. Subgroups Specific Subgroup Subgroup API Number of Students Numerically Significant Included in 2010 API in Both Years Black or African American 15 American Indian or Alaska Native 9 No Asian 22 No 2009 Base 2009-10 Growth Target 2009-10 Growth Met Subgroup Growth Target 734 720 5 14 Yes 804 798 2 6 Yes No Filipino 10 No Hispanic or Latino 440 Yes 8 No White 825 Yes Two or More Races 13 No Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 2010 Growth Socioeconomically Disadvantaged 519 Yes 737 718 5 19 Yes English Learners 125 Yes 635 626 9 9 Yes Students with Disabilities 158 Yes 487 480 16 7 No AYP The team also analyzed AYP information. In 2009-2010, Yucaipa High School met 15 of 18 criteria by achieving school-wide goals but fell short in the criteria concerning the Yucaipa High School WASC Document 36 Hispanic and socioeconomically disadvantaged. (ELL and Students with Disabilities did not have a large enough number to count.) Another area of concern for the team concerned the low proficiency-percentage in mathematics, so the team decided to scrutinize the math strands. (The result of this data is shared later in the document under CST Data Strand Analysis.) Criteria: Participation Rate Percent Proficient Academic Performance Index (API) EnglishLanguage Arts Mathematics Yes Yes Yes No Yes - Additional Indicator for AYP Yes Graduation Rate Met 2009 AYP Criteria Participation Rate GROUPS School wide Percent Proficient EnglishLanguage Arts Mathematics EnglishLanguage Arts Mathematics Yes Yes Yes Yes African American or Black (not of Hispanic origin) -- -- -- -- American Indian or Alaska Native -- -- -- -- Asian -- -- -- -- Filipino -- -- -- -- Yes Yes Yes No -- -- -- -- White (not of Hispanic origin) Yes Yes Yes Yes Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Hispanic or Latino Pacific Islander Yes Yes Yes No English Learners -- -- -- -- Students with Disabilities -- -- -- -- In 2009-2010, the data revealed that Yucaipa High School once again did not meet overall AYP. Aided by the 10% Safe Harbor Model, we made significant improvement by meeting 17 of the 18 AYP criteria, but we did not make adequate progress regarding Students with Disabilities, which clearly indicated our need to continue focusing on improving this subgroup. The team also concluded that even though the math-growth targets were met, the individual math strands should be of continued concern. (This information is outlined under the CST Data Strand Analysis, below.) Yucaipa High School WASC Document 37 English-Language Arts Participation Rate GROUPS Mathematics Target 95% Met all participation rate criteria? Yes Target 95% Enrollment First Number of Day of Testing Students Tested Rate Met 2010 AYP Criteria Enrollment First Number of Day of Testing Students Tested Alternative Method Met all participation rate criteria? Yes Rate Met 2010 AYP Criteria Yes 786 768 98 Yes 787 775 98 Black or African American 10 10 100 -- 10 10 100 -- American Indian or Alaska Native 5 5 100 -- 5 5 100 -- Asian 10 10 100 -- 10 10 100 -- Filipino 6 6 100 -- 6 6 100 -- 256 251 98 Yes 257 253 98 Yes 5 5 100 -- 5 5 100 -- 461 452 98 Yes 462 455 98 Yes School wide Hispanic or Latino Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander White Two or More Races 8 8 100 -- 8 8 98 -- Socioeconomically Disadvantaged 310 300 97 Yes 310 302 97 Yes English Learners 76 75 99 -- 77 76 99 -- Students with Disabilities 94 82 88 -- 94 88 94 -- English-Language Arts Target 56.8 % Alternative Method Mathematics Met all percent proficient rate criteria? Yes Target 58.0 % Met all percent proficient rate criteria? Yes GROUPS Valid Scores School wide 152 Number At or Percent At or Met 2010 AYP Above Proficient Above Proficient Criteria 116 76.3 Alternative Method Valid Scores Yes 152 Number At or Percent At or Met 2010 AYP Above Proficient Above Proficient Criteria 122 80.3 Black or African American 1 -- -- -- 1 -- -- -- American Indian or Alaska Native 0 -- -- -- 0 -- -- -- Asian 1 -- -- -- 1 -- -- -- Filipino 4 -- -- -- 4 -- -- -- Hispanic or Latino 24 19 79.2 -- 24 22 91.7 -- Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 0 -- -- -- 0 -- -- -- 122 94 77 Yes 122 97 79.5 Yes -- White Alternative Method Yes Two or More Races 0 -- -- -- 0 -- -- Socioeconomically Disadvantaged 37 26 70.3 -- 37 26 70.3 -- English Learners 7 -- -- -- 7 -- -- -- Students with Disabilities 17 9 52.9 -- 17 10 58.8 -- Additional Subgroup API Information Yucaipa High School’s Hispanic and Economically Disadvantaged student population has made great strides in API growth. Each year they have made progress and have met API targets. The 2009-2010 school year was the first year Yucaipa High School’s ELL population was large enough to count as a significant subgroup. Based on the increasing number of ELL students over the last few years, Yucaipa High School expected the Hispanic subgroup to grow even more significant and, hence, become an even more important area of focus. Yucaipa High School’s Students with Disabilities student population has not met its target for the last three years. As a result, improving the academic achievement of this subgroup was selected as one of our critical academic needs for the upcoming school year. Yucaipa High School WASC Document 38 Table 1: Academic Performance Index by Student Group PERFORMANCE DATA BY STUDENT GROUP PROFICIENCY LEVEL All Students White African-American Number Included 2008 1351 2009 1342 2010 1374 2008 873 2009 845 2010 825 Growth API 754 773 780 779 798 804 Base API 735 754 773 761 779 798 Target 5 5 5 5 5 2 Growth 19 19 7 18 19 6 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Met Target 2008 26 2009 19 Asian 2010 15 2008 22 2009 26 2010 22 PERFORMANCE DATA BY STUDENT GROUP PROFICIENCY LEVEL Hispanic English Learners Number Included 2008 395 2009 421 2010 440 Growth API 700 717 Base API 665 700 Target 7 Growth Met Target 2008 139 2009 121 Economically Disadvantaged Students with Disabilities 2010 125 2008 398 2009 490 2010 519 2008 132 2009 130 2010 158 734 635 694 718 737 489 484 486 719 626 651 694 718 475 489 479 5 5 9 7 5 5 16 16 16 35 17 15 9 43 24 19 14 -5 7 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No CAHSEE Overall, Yucaipa High School does relatively well on the CAHSEE exam. Below is data comparing the last two years. The 10th grade data again indicated that English Language Learners and Students with Disabilities had pass rates far below the school-wide pass rate. February 2010 February 2009 Census 2009 % passed Mean Scale Score % passed Mean Scale Score % passed th 86 388 85 386 84 th 40 341 20 332 35 th 34 344 33 339 24 th 85 385 83 383 82 th 36 342 33 340 38 th 10 Grade Math Spec Ed 40 347 36 344 38 All grades ELA 82 383 82 384 n/a All grades Math 79 381 79 380 n/a 10 Grade ELA 10 Grade ELA EL 10 Grade ELA Spec Ed 10 Grade Math 10 Grade Math EL Yucaipa High School WASC Document 39 Grade 10- ELA CAHSEE Proficient and Above Looking at the Grade 10 ELA CAHSEE data, Yucaipa high school needs to continue working on increasing CAHSEE results for Hispanic, ELL and Students with Disabilities. This data is another piece of information that supports the third critical academic need. Year Baseline 07 - 08 08 - 09 09 - 10 33.4% 44.5% 55.6% Grade 10 all students 58.5% 61.6% 63.5% Grade 10 Hispanic students 43.2% 49.8% 47.3% Grade 10 ELL students 20.0% 20.7% 20.5% Grade 10 Students with Disabilities 9.9% 19.4% 17.5% Grade 10- Math CAHSEE/CAPA Proficient and Above Looking at the Grade 10 Math CAHSEE data, Yucaipa High School needs to continue working on increasing CAHSEE results for Hispanic, ELL, and Students with Disabilities. The following data confirms the need to focus on the third critical academic need. Year Baseline 07 - 08 08 - 09 09 - 10 32.2% 43.5% 54.8% Grade 10 all students 55.7% 54.6% 55.9% Grade 10 Hispanic students 43.1% 39.5% 43.3% Grade 10 ELL students 23.5% 20.7% 28.4% Grade 10 Students with Disabilities 13.4% 22.4% 15.1% During the 2010-2011 school year, Yucaipa High School is rolling out a program entitled, “Campaign 380” as a way to inform teachers and prepare students for the CAHSEE. School site personnel are being provided with multiple resources designed to help prepare students for all future CAHSEE administration. These resources are primarily test preparation lessons based on release questions from past exit exams. The preparation activities are essentially mini-lessons designed to take 10-20 minutes per day for a total of three weeks. Many teachers utilize resources like this as “bell-work” and typically administer these lessons at the beginning of each period. EAP Data This data supported the school’s need to focus especially on writing. After analyzing this data, the school leadership made the decision to strongly encourage all 11th grade students to complete the voluntary EAP tests in both ELA and in math. (Only 22% of all 11th grade students completing this “readiness” test appeared to have the skills necessary for college level writing.) EAP 2009 - 2010 Participation ELA Percent Ready for Percent Ready for Percent Ready for College Participation Math College ELA College Math Math - Conditional YHS YCJUSD County 99% 88% 85% 22% 22% 15% 84% 82% 84% 9% 9% 9% 49% 49% 42% State 84% 21% 77% 15% 42% Yucaipa High School WASC Document 40 CST ELA and Math Analysis English Language Arts CST English Language Arts cluster analysis revealed that “writing strategies” consistently had the second to third lowest mean percent correct out of all categories for all grade levels (9-11) during the last three years. Yucaipa High School WASC Document 41 Yucaipa High School WASC Document 42 Mathematics The CST mathematic cluster analysis data revealed that students were having difficulty in Algebra I, Algebra II, Integrated Math 1, and Integrated Math 2. It was the opinion of many of our math teachers that the core of these difficulties stemmed from a lack of indepth understanding of the fundamental Algebra I concepts, which serve as a foundation for the understanding of advanced mathematical relationships and skills. It was believed that this deficiency may lead to difficulties in dealing with more complex ideas as indicated in lower scores in such categories as functions, quadratics, and graphing of equations. Lower scores in these strands support this hypothesis. Even though during the past four years, math CST scores have generally improved overall in all classes, the number of students in Algebra based classes that are % proficient or above averages 30%. In addition, many of our science teachers, especially those incorporating algebra and related math skills (Chemistry and Physics) into their classes noted difficulties our students encounter when science concepts contain algebraic skills and relationships. These factors led to the development of a critical academic need to ensure that all students have a solid foundation in Algebra I skills. The following CST data were examined and used to formulate this critical academic need. Yucaipa High School WASC Document 43 Yucaipa High School WASC Document 44 Yucaipa High School WASC Document 45 . Yucaipa High School WASC Document 46 Yucaipa High School WASC Document 47 Percent Proficiency and Above (Advanced) Based on CST Math Scores Algebra I Year % Proficient or Above 06 ‐ 07 07 ‐ 08 08 ‐ 09 09 ‐ 10 5 1 0 14 Algebra II Year % Proficient or Above 06 ‐ 07 07 ‐ 08 08 ‐ 09 09 ‐ 10 21 26 30 31 Yucaipa High School WASC Document 48 Integrated Math I Year % Proficient or Above 06 ‐ 07 07 ‐ 08 08 ‐ 09 09 ‐ 10 23 3 1 4 Integrated Math II Year % Proficient or Above 06 ‐ 07 07 ‐ 08 08 ‐ 09 09 ‐ 10 7 26 19 34 Summative Math Year % Proficient or Above 06 ‐ 07 07 ‐ 08 08 ‐ 09 09 ‐ 10 25 34 34 43 IMPORTANT QUESTIONS THAT HAVE BEEN RAISED BY ANALYSIS OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE, DEMOGRAPHIC, AND PERCEPTION DATA ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● How can we better support and accelerate achievement in our growing ELL population? How can we better support and accelerate achievement in our Students with Disabilities? Can we develop an emphasis of writing across the curriculum that reinforces and increases writing skills and strategies of all of our students in all of their classes? Why do so many of our students lack a fundamental understanding of Algebra I and related skills, and how can we effectively address this deficiency? How can we better support both the “middle student” who struggles in core classes and the student who challenges himself/herself academically by enrolling in advanced classes? How can we emphasize and improve reading comprehension skills that increase student success and achievement in all other academic areas? Is our present traditional schedule and calendar the best suited for supporting the academic needs of our students? Is our present schedule the best for allowing faculty and staff adequate time to develop and implement strategies that maximize our students’ academic achievement? How do we develop a school culture that truly values academic achievement and success above all other competing interests? Yucaipa High School WASC Document 49 Chapter 3 Progress Since the Last WASC Visit Yucaipa High School WASC Document 50 Chapter 3. Progress since the last WASC visit Significant Changes since the Last Full Visit Since the 2004-05 school year, Yucaipa High School has changed in the following ways: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Added 9th grade students, staff, and facilities (2010-2011) Transitioned through a new principal (2008-09) and six new assistant principals Eliminated the 4x4 block schedule and replaced it with a traditional, six period school day (2006-07) Implemented a student “late start” schedule once a month with a 68 minute teacher collaboration time built into the school day (2008-09) Adopted Data Director enabling teachers and administrators to access assessment data Adopted ABI software so students and parents have immediate access to grades in all classes; all teachers now post grades on ABI. Adopted School Fusion software so students and parents have immediate access to class assignments, class calendars, announcements, lecture notes, etc; most teachers now utilize School Fusion to engage students and post important information Adopted AERIES electronic attendance; all teachers take attendance each period electronically; this information is available to parents. Added CAHSEE support classes Added Saturday academies in ELA and Mathematics Added new clubs such as Diversity Council, Gay-Straight Alliance, and Friends of Rachel (the latter being a national service club teaching students to value and treat others with respect, kindness, and compassion) Expanded AVID program including the number of students enrolled as well as support classes (tutorials) All teachers are now trained and certified in teaching strategies and techniques for ELL students; 100% of administrators and teachers are CLAD credentialed or hold an equivalent certification IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING OF SCHOOL WIDE ACTION PLAN As the instructional leader of our school, the principal bears the primary responsibility for implementing and monitoring the school wide action plan. The School Site Council with teachers, classified staff, parents, and students oversee the Single Plan for Student Achievement which incorporates the “action plan.” Each year the School Site Council, with input from all representative groups, re-visits the plan, analyzes appropriate data and statistics including projected growth targets, and makes adjustments/modifications if Yucaipa High School WASC Document 51 necessary. The Department Chairperson Committee and Leadership Team also serve as bodies through which the action plan progresses and evolves. Collecting and analyzing student performance data is a vital component of the “action plan” and occurs on a regular and ongoing basis through the various leadership groups, and at the individual teacher level through faculty, department, and teacher collaboration meetings. RESPONSES TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE 2005 WASC VISITING COMMITTEE 1. “There should be a serious examination of the current 4x4 block schedule that involves all the stakeholders in order to ascertain its effectiveness and whether other models might be more effective in meeting the educational needs of all students.” With an emphasis on CST scores and the emergence of the API as a measure used to evaluate schools, the YHS staff (faculty and administration) realized that the 4x4 block schedule by its very nature presented problems related to the state testing schedule in the spring. Under the 4x4 block schedule, some students finished a class in January. Other students who were enrolled in that same class in January did not finish the class until June. Thus, the accelerated “term” that was part of the 4x4 schedule posed problems for both groups of students taking CST exams in the spring. Fall term students had a twothree month “gap” from when they completed the course and the actual time when they took the appropriate state exam in that subject. Teachers also had difficulty covering the same standards with their spring-term students before the test day owing to the fact that students had only started the course in January. In addition, it was believed that while many students took advantage of the fact that the 4x4 schedule allowed them to complete eight classes in a single year and “accelerate” their education, other students seemed to use this “excuse” to fail classes since they had additional opportunities built into the schedule to retake classes during upcoming terms. Even though students only took four classes instead of six at any one time, it also appeared that for some students the “accelerated “ pace of completing classes in a single term may have created difficulty in successfully learning state standards in such a short time period. Faculty and administration held numerous discussions to address these problems. One “solution” to the testing time “gap” between completing a course and taking the state test almost two months later was to establish review days for core classes immediately prior to state testing for students completing classes during the fall term. Two separate “review days” were eventually implemented in which students returned to their fall term classes just before state testing. For students enrolled in spring-term class, teachers adopted a “no frills approach” to ensure that all key standards were addressed. In addition, the 4x4 block schedule allowed the flexibility of having some students who encountered difficulty in their core subjects to be concurrently enrolled in support classes (Geometry, Algebra 2, and Biology). These strategies demonstrated positive results as indicated by the fact that during the final year of the 4x4 block schedule, our school’s API rose 31 points registering its highest gain yet. Despite this success and our attempts to adapt the many positive aspects of the 4x4 block schedule to the CST testing dates, the Yucaipa High School WASC Document 52 YHS Administration and YCJUSD discontinued the 4x4 schedule after the 2005-06 school years. With the loss of the 4x4 block schedule, many faculty still realized the instructional benefit of “longer blocks of learning time” to increase student understanding. The Leadership Team began to explore other models of “block scheduling.” A “block scheduling” subcommittee was formed with volunteers to investigate the concept of a traditional, yearlong schedule that still incorporated two-three “block days” with longer periods of instruction. Committee members visited schools with modified, block schedules, researched and investigated the idea further, and then developed a schedule with three block days and two “traditional” six period days during the week. The block days had eighty-seven minute periods similar to the ninety minute periods we had used in the 4x4 block schedule. This hybrid schedule was then proposed to the staff. Numerous meetings and discussions were held. In the spring of 2007, the faculty voted sixty-seven percent in favor of adopting this new schedule. However, our governance system present at that time required a seventy-five percent approval to proceed with its implementation. Since that time, the faculty voted to change the seventy-five percent requirement for a school wide change to a more realistic sixty-six percent requirement (2/3). The concept of a modified “block schedule” is currently being revisited by Yucaipa High School faculty. 2. “The Board, in cooperation with the site administration, should reconsider the Efficacy of the requiring second year Algebra as a graduation requirement for all YHS students beginning with the class that graduates in 2008.” After the 2005 WASC recommendations, the YCJUSD Board of Education reconsidered the efficacy of requiring a second year of Algebra. As a result of district and site level discussions, the Board of Education made the decision to remove a second year of Algebra as a requirement, and thereby align our graduation requirements to other California schools. 3. “The faculty should re-examine its teaching strategies in an effort to advance from ‘teaching to the standards’ to truly embracing ‘standards-based teaching.’” During the last six years, the YHS faculty has made strides to advance from “teaching to the standards” to truly embracing “standard-based teaching.” State Standards now drive classroom instruction. Subject specific standards are posted and/or are clearly identified during instruction. Teachers have created curriculum maps and assessments in ELA, Math and Science. Administration and teachers use Data Director to analyze standardsbased data. Two staff meetings have been dedicated to analyzing content data involving CST scores disaggregated into specific standard strands. Teachers are incorporating new instructional strategies and new levels of standards-based questioning techniques to support all students learning including English Language Learners and Special Education students. Colleagues spend time during department meetings and collaboration time discussing standards-based instruction – its meaning, implications, and possible implementation. Yucaipa High School WASC Document 53 During the last two years, teachers and administrators have participated in voluntary professional learning communities that included discussions and professional book readings on standards-based grading. Our site leadership team participated in a districtwide year-long professional learning community training involving standards-based grading. In addition, teacher evaluations have been a tool used to open up discussions about standards-based grading. Yucaipa staff members continue to work on improving instruction and student success in a standards-based learning environment with rich and lively discussions that take place during PLC time and as they collectively begin to embrace standards-based teaching. 4. “The administration and faculty should expand the AVID program in order to increase the number of students engaged in college preparatory courses and completing the UC/CSU requirements.” Since 2005, the number of AVID students and the number of AVID sections has increased to meet student request. In light of the financial constraints placed on the district the last couple of years, the Yucaipa High School administration has worked hard to maintain the AVID program. Unfortunately, because of the district’s FTE situation, class numbers rose in AVID classes this year and one combo class was created. This is a temporary solution to the financial impact the state budget has had on the school and the AVID program. Over the last three years, the school’s AVID numbers have continued to rise. The program has added new sections. In 2005, the school only had two sections, this year Yucaipa High School has six sections. NUMBER OF AVID ELECTIVE ENROLLMENT BY GRADE Grade 9 2007 2008 0 2008 2009 0 2009 2010 0 2010 2011 87 Grade 10 51 63 59 61 Grade 11 56 53 51 72 Grade 12 27 35 52 37 Total Enrollment 134 151 162 257 Yucaipa High School WASC Document 54 PERCENTAGE OF EACH GRADE REPRESENTED BY AVID STUDENTS Grade 9 2007 2008 0.0% 2008 2009 0.0% 2009 2010 0.0% Grade 10 6.4% 8.2% 7.4% Grade 11 7.7% 7.3% 7.0% Grade 12 4.2% 5.6% 8.2% Grade The chart, below, reflects the fact that the majority of AVID students continues to be Hispanic or Latino. PERCENT OF AVID ELECTIVE ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY American Indian or Alaska Native 2007 2008 0.0% 2008 2009 1.3% 2009 2010 1.2% Asian 1.5% 2.6% 0.0% Pacific Islander 0.0% 0.0% 0.6% Filipino 0.7% 0.7% 0.0% Hispanic or Latino 56.7% 64.2% 65.4% Black or African American 3.0% 4.0% 4.9% White 29.9% 20.5% 27.8% Multi-Racial 0.0% 6.0% 0.0% Other 8.2% 0.7% 0.0% Ethnicity AVID Junior/Senior Seminar is approved as an A-G course. By having AVID A-G approved students can now receive college credit for taking AVID as an elective. The school has also increased the number of tutors in its program. Currently, there are two adult tutors and two college tutors recruited from the University of Redlands. The district’s financial issues had an impact on the AVID program for the last couple of years. Although the school was able to maintain the academic program, AVID teachers were not able to attend conferences. The coordinators were able to continue attending the coordinator workshops, but during the last two years, the AVID and administration teams were able to attend neither summer nor fall sessions. However in 2010-2011 an AVID team was able to attend the fall conference. Also, in the past, the AVID coordinator was given an extra preparation period; however, with the tight FTE situation, that individual Yucaipa High School WASC Document 55 had to pick up another class section. The coordinator’s position is now split between two teachers and compensated with a stipend. 5. “Communication and guidance need to be augmented so that all students and parents know and understand student progress toward the standards as well as all the opportunities available to students upon graduation from Yucaipa High School and in the future.” Yucaipa High School has taken an active approach to increase communication and guidance for all students and parents. Starting in ninth grade, students are provided with four year graduation plans with counseling assistance. Each year during registration time, counselors visit classrooms, holding collaborative discussions about registration. There is a question/answer session at orientation night as well. Afterwards, counselors call in students individually to discuss their needs and assist them in registering for classes. Yucaipa High School holds several parent nights throughout the year such as Orientation, Back to School Night, ABC College Planning, and Financial Aid Night. Yucaipa High School has an interactive website that provides a variety of information about items such as, but not limited to, the school, administration, counseling support, academic resources, class web sites, sports, school bulletin, and extra-curricular activities. It is updated on a daily basis. Each teacher provides students with a detailed syllabus explaining the purpose of the class, the grading policy, credits and assignments. Many teachers maintain a classroom web site through “SchoolFusion” where notes and information about assignments are posted. Yucaipa High School has an ABI (Aeries Browser Interface) computer Internet program that allows students and parents to monitor grades and attendance. ASB students read a daily bulletin during morning announcements and the bulletin is posted on the Yucaipa High School web page. Yucaipa High School has a very informative Career Center wherein students learn about post-secondary options, access the COIN system to research careers and colleges, and speak to career counselors about post-secondary options. Administration utilizes Global Connect Communication System to send out mass messages to students, parents and the community. During IEP meetings, there is a strong emphasis on transition plans for students with disabilities. Each year, the transition plan is updated. Counselors work closely with administration and conduct an extensive graduation check on all seniors at the beginning of the year. Students who are creditdeficient meet frequently throughout the year with either the counselor and/or administration. Students are given opportunities to recover credit through summer school, A+ curriculum, and additional classes before school and after school, restart classes, Saturday School, and have the option to attend Adult School. On a weekly basis, the school administration meets with the counseling department to discuss at-risk students, their goal being to create extensive intervention plans that can be updated annually. This year, Yucaipa High School provided freshman with an in-depth Freshman Orientation at the beginning of the school year (based on the RtI Intervention Model). Yucaipa High School WASC Document 56 6. “There should be a review of the process of developing the school’s master schedule, especially with an eye towards using student data in its creation.” The Yucaipa High School staff is always interested in exploring new and creative ways to support at-risk students, sub-group populations and credit deficient students. Throughout the year, administration scrutinizes and analyzes student data in order to help students make a more meaningful master schedule: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● CAHSEE classes are available to assist students who have not passed the CAHSEE. A math-flow chart was integrated to assist students in registering for the proper math course. This articulation has been especially helpful with middle school to high school transition. Restart classes were added to the master schedule to assist students with credit recovery opportunities. Read 180 elective is available for struggling readers to help improve reading skills Students such as, but not limited to, ELL, AVID, Special Education, and GATE were clustered based on needs with teachers who had strong instructional programs and used research-based strategies to meet their learning needs. A “house” model is being considered that assigns special education teachers to support non special education teachers, so special education students are better supported. An “inclusion” model, which will include tenth graders next year, has been implemented for ninth graders, a model that is meant to help each student transition into a least restrictive classroom environment. An additional ELD class has been added to the master schedule to assist English Language Learners, who are placed in this class according to CELDT scores and academic needs. A small team of teachers are exploring differentiated instruction opportunities for Algebra II and ninth grade English. Spanish for Native Speakers has been added to the master schedule. The Writing Center is assisting students with paragraph and/or sentence structure, thesis statements, editing and vocabulary. 7. “Communication between the District and the school needs to improve, especially as it relates to facilities management, instructional programs and the adoption of new policies.” Communication between the district office and the school has improved. Yucaipa High school staff members and district office personnel have worked collaboratively to build positive working relations over the past several years. Some of the ways in which communication has improved is as follows: ● The District has worked diligently to include school site members on committees such as, but not limited to, DSALT, PLC trainings, staff developments, DLAC, Yucaipa High School WASC Document 57 ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● DGAC, School to Police, Drop Out Advisory and curriculum mapping and common assessments. During the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009, the District implemented a “Welcome Back” meeting for all district employees. Last year’s and this year’s “Welcome Back” was cut in order to help conserve funds. Over the last several years, Yucaipa High School has gone through extensive facilities modernization. The administration building was completely remodeled; older classrooms and the library were repainted and given new carpet. The agriculture area that was no longer in use was cleaned up and the old agricultural building is being redesigned for science laboratories. The district has also made school grounds a priority. The District and YCEA have worked together to design and implement Air Quality lists. With modernization, the district has had the opportunity to become more ADA compliant. District office personnel each year presents “Honorary Years of Service” pins at Back to School staff meetings. District Office Personnel have implemented question-and-answer “Road Shows” to educate all staff members on the budget crisis and its impact on instructional programs. The new Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources has worked collaboratively to develop and maintain positive working relationships with YCEA and CSEA. In the 9-12 expansion, 9th and 10th-12th grade teachers had articulation opportunities in the spring in order to help make the transition easier. District office and Yucaipa High School Administration worked collaboratively to create and improve facilities in order to create a 9-12 comprehensive campus. 8. “Stakeholders should begin to discuss and strategize for the opening of a new high school in 2010, as this will have significant impact not only on Yucaipa High School but also on the entire community.” Due to the recent economy and housing crisis, the Yucaipa–Calimesa Joint Unified School District has seen a decline in enrollment. As a result, the Board of Education determined that the school district was not in need of opening another high school. Mesa View Middle School will remain a middle school. In order to be fiscally conservative, the district made the decision to close down the 9th grade campus and move these students to the high school making it a 9-12 comprehensive campus. To ease the transition, the following was made a priority: ● Department articulation meetings. th ● 9 grade teachers were invited to spring staff meetings and leadership meetings th ● Priority was given to ensure 9 grade teachers had the proper facilities, voice in transition decisions, classroom needs, instructional materials, etc. th ● 9 grade representation was included on the WASC Leadership Team. Yucaipa High School WASC Document 58 9. “The school should work with the District to allocate time in the teachers’ work day for professional development activities.” The faculty began investigating this recommendation along with the possibility of implementing a modified block schedule. Through the YHS Leadership Team the faculty was surveyed on this topic. Results revealed an overwhelming support (80%) for the concept of “collaboration” and/or “professional development” during the regular school day. Up until this point in time, District “buy-back days” on a variety of topics (technology, instructional strategies, and analyzing test results) were offered after school. These days were “voluntary,” and teachers were compensated for attending them using money received from the state. However, the District no longer received this money and has since stopped offering these trainings. Teachers were also “released” from their regular classroom duties to meet at the District Office to collaborate on specific topics and complete specific tasks such as to curriculum pacing guides or common semester and final exams. Substitutes covered the teachers’ classes during this time. In addition, a portion of the monthly faculty meetings were also devoted to topics related to professional development such as assessment strategies and differentiated instruction. These “band-aid” attempts at professional development did not address the recommendation effectively. As the faculty explored the concept of allocating time for collaboration and professional development within the regular school day, it became apparent through detailed analysis that the YHS schedule simply did not have enough “total instructional minutes” to allow this change without adding instructional minutes to the daily schedule. Any such change would therefore necessitate negotiations between the District and the teachers’ union. Again, through the YHS Leadership Team, a subcommittee of volunteers began exploring this topic. After visiting several schools that have “collaboration and professional development time” built into the teachers’ regular professional day, a plan was formulated and presented to the faculty for a vote. The proposal added 10 minutes to the professional work day while including teacher “collaboration and professional development” time twice a month. The proposal did not pass. In the spring of 2009 with additional faculty input, the proposal was modified to include a single “collaboration and professional development” time during the school day for 68 minutes, but only once a month. The school day was lengthened by five additional minutes to meet state guidelines for instructional time. A collaboration committee including members of the Leadership Team, Department Chairpersons, and a separate “sub-committee” developed the topics to be addressed during these times. The plan passed with a 71% acceptance. (A 2/3 or 66.66% had been set as our new model for achieving “consensus” in adopting any school wide change.) The plan was also accepted by YCEA (Yucaipa Calimesa Educators Association). Topics for teacher collaboration and professional development for our first year (2009-2010) included vertical and horizontal teaming; technology skills; assessing and analyzing student data based on CST scores (both school wide and subject/teacher specific); benchmark tests and semester exams; realigning course pacing guides; and strategies for assisting students performing Yucaipa High School WASC Document 59 at basic, below basic, or far below basic. At the end of the 2009-2010 school year, the effectiveness of our “collaboration and professional development” times were evaluated by the faculty. Concerns and/or suggestions for improving this time were incorporated into the new plan proposed for the 2010-2011 school year. The new plan was then voted on and received an approval of 86% to continue this schedule for the upcoming school year. Year One/What Did We Learn? ● Collaboration wasn’t ideal, but it was a start. Many and varied topics made collaboration seem fragmented. ● A “voluntary” pre-collaboration team was developed to plan collaboration time. The staff seemed concerned about getting more input on topics, and administration seemed concerned about department accountability. Year Two/Progress Being Made: ● A year-long theme based on department goals has been established as related to data analysis, Student Achievement Goals (formerly ESLR’s), and our “Critical Academic Needs.” ● Rick Du Four’s “essential” teaching questions have become a mantra: ○ What do we want students to learn? ○ How do we know students are learning? ○ What do we do with students who do not learn? ○ What do we do with students who learn? The “pre-collaboration” team will be an established committee. The “voluntary” nature of the committee made the meetings less effective since it was rarely the same group each time. Pre-collaboration will meet prior to department-chair meetings so that when department chairs meet; there will be carefully developed plans for collaboration time in place. It was noted that collaboration time was only as valuable as the department chairperson facilitating the meeting was prepared. The “Survey Monkey” program and School Fusion blogs will be implemented to aid in ease and proliferation of staff input. Departments will share progress or products to the entire staff as part of collaboration accountability. Finally, school-wide topics will be handled in small group or department settings. 10. “Departments and courses with high failure rates should reflect upon modifying teaching and assessment practices to maintain high standards while demonstrating more successful student learning outcomes.” Yucaipa High School teachers have spent more much time reflecting on the number of failing students and learning how to modify teaching and assessment practices to close their failure gap. Teachers have been reviewing not only student failure rates, but also CST results through Data Director. Teachers have been given opportunities to research Data Director information and discuss ways to reduce failure rates during staff meetings, department meetings, BRACE meetings, voluntary standards-based grading training, during PLC time and through the evaluation process. Teachers have spent time discussing Yucaipa High School WASC Document 60 and answering Robert Du Four’s four big questions in order to help them determine department instructional issues and ways to reduce student failure rates. Administrators have assisted teachers on identifying failure rates and have worked with teachers to identify exactly why they are failing. These discussions have included the concern of English Language Learner and Special Education student failure rates. As a result, several staff trainings have occurred to educate teachers on the latest ELL research-based instructional strategies, namely how to modify for English Language Learner students, how to interpret an IEP, and how to accommodate and modify for special education students. Yucaipa High School has made progress embracing these students and learning how to modify their instruction in order to meet their social and academic needs. 11. “The successful implementation of the YHS vision is dependent upon a collaborative relationship between a strong leadership team and a willing faculty.” Since the last WASC visit, Yucaipa High School faculty has seen a series of turnovers in administration. Because of this turnover, it was clear that the new administration needed to rebuild trust and relationships. Over the past three years, administration has made building trust and relationships a priority. Administration and the school faculty work collaboratively in areas such as these: ● Monthly leadership team meetings take place to discuss school issues and strategize solutions. ● Monthly department meetings are held to discuss instructional needs and school business issues. ● Monthly staff meetings occur when school business is shared and an instructional component is included. ● The pre-collaboration team meets a week prior to collaboration days to determine collaboration time focus and to monitor and analyze the year-long theme for professional growth. ● A Dropout Committee was formed to address the drop-out issue and to discuss solutions to help reduce the drop out numbers. ● BRACE cluster meetings are held to support teachers who work with special education students, English Language Learners, and AVID students. ● Weekly administration meetings are taking place with administration, counseling, the ASB director, and the athletic director to discuss upcoming events and/or concerns. ● The Principal has facilitated voluntary standards-based grading PLC in order to educate staff members on a standards-based grading system. 12. “The school’s action plan should be amended so that it becomes more closely aligned with the school-wide critical areas for follow-up.” Each year, Yucaipa High School administration and School Site Council review the school’s yearly data in order to identify students’ academic needs. Adjustments to the school site plan goals are made each year to address these needs. This year, the WASC Leadership Team and School Site Council took things one step further. They worked Yucaipa High School WASC Document 61 closely to analyze, edit and align the School Site Plan to the WASC action plan. Both documents address the school’s critical academic needs. In addition, the WASC Leadership team included an action item to monitor and update the action plan on a yearly basis. STEPS TAKEN TO IMPLEMENT 2005 WASC SELF-STUDY ACTION PLAN ACTION ITEM #1 – Communication Communication among all stakeholders will increase, so that students, parents, faculty, staff, and community will be aware of what is expected of and available to students who attend Yucaipa High School. Progress/accomplishments ● AERIES browser interface is used to electronically track and communicate student attendance information on a daily basis. ● The faculty posts grades regularly on ABI so students and parents can monitor academic progress. ● An interactive, current YHS web site is maintained providing students, parents, and the community with important dates, announcements, events and club information, etc. ● Email has greatly increased communication among staff, staff with students, and staff with parents. Email addresses of all faculty members are available for students and parents on the YHS web site. ● A voicemail system now works effectively in each teacher’s classroom ● An electronic marquee in front of the school now announces important dates and events to the community. ● Most teachers maintain SchoolFusion pages for their classes which include such features as a calendar of assignments, announcements, lecture notes, etc. ACTION ITEM #2 – Guidance and Support Opportunities for students and parents to access guidance and support resources shall increase, so that all students will be successful in meeting graduation requirements and preparing for life after high school. Progress/accomplishments ● YHS Career Center regularly schedule college and technical school presentations for interested students throughout the school year. ● Many departments have developed course-sequencing guides to assist students in taking the correct courses for intended majors in post secondary institutions or future, career choices. ● The counseling department has implemented a series of evening workshops for students and parents dealing with the college application process as well as financial aid. Yucaipa High School WASC Document 62 ● ● ● ● ● The counseling department now assists students with on-line application process for Cal State and UC institutions. Through the counseling department, all students complete a graduation and postsecondary education plan that is revisited and updated as graduation approaches. Department chairpersons assist counselors in monitoring student course selection, especially for those courses requiring prerequisites. New opportunities to support student learning and academic success have been implemented including CAHSEE support classes, restart classes for students failing core academic classes, peer tutoring, differentiated instruction, and Saturday core subject “academies” for students needing extra help. AVID program has increased the academic success, graduation rates, and subsequent enrollment of traditionally under-represented student groups in four year universities. ACTION ITEM #3 – Student Personal Accountability Appropriate student behavior and respect for themselves and for their school community will increase and be conducive to learning and mastery of the standards. A YHS Code of Conduct and Academic Integrity policy has been developed and distributed to all students and parents. Student and parent signatures are required on this form. ● Individual teachers review the Code of Conduct and Academic Integrity policy and relate it to their classroom rules and guidelines as established in a course syllabus. ● Administration monitors referrals issued to students for cheating and/or breaking guidelines of academic integrity. Negative consequences increase as student infractions increase. ● A student Diversity Council has been developed to promote positive student attitudes towards others. Diversity Council sponsors assemblies and school wide events that promote tolerance, understanding, and respect for others. ● ACTION ITEM #4 – Core Academic Skills The core academic skills – reading, writing, computation, and problem solving – will improve, resulting in more students fulfilling graduation requirements. Alternative mathematics courses, now being taught, include integrated math, math tech prep, statistics, and AP Statistics. ● The Career Center, in conjunction with the counseling department, and teachers have developed a peer tutoring program made available to all students needing assistance. Teachers recommend “peer tutors” who are available in core academic subjects each day after school in the library. Individual teachers also ● Yucaipa High School WASC Document 63 offer student tutoring on a voluntary basis before school, at lunch, and after school. ● Student interventions are also offered through CAHSEE preparation classes, restart classes and Saturday “Academies.” ● School wide “critical” academic needs being reinforced by all teachers include writing and algebra skills, when and where appropriate. Yucaipa High School WASC Document 64 Chapter 4 Focus Group Committee Reports Focus Group A: Organization – Vision and Purpose, Governance, Leadership and Staff, and Resources A1: Organization Criterion 1. “To what extent does the school have a clearly stated vision or purpose based on its student needs, current educational research and the belief that all students can achieve high levels?” 2. “Is the school’s purpose supported by the governing board and the central administration and further defined by expected school-wide learning results and the academic standards?” A1 Summary: Yucaipa High School has created clear and coherent Vision and Mission statements that were developed with representatives of all stakeholder groups. This Vision and Mission are acknowledged and supported by the District and Board. Yucaipa High School’s Vision and Mission are based on student needs, state and national standards, current educational research, and current student data gathered from all standardized test and content specific benchmark exams. The Vision and Mission statements follow and support a belief that all students can learn and will participate in a challenging curriculum that is rigorous and meaningful. The curricular and instructional goals are based on the school’s vision of desired student learning, established graduation requirements, national and state content standards, college entrance requirements, student needs, and interests. The Vision and Mission statements are further defined and clarified by Yucaipa High School’s “Student Achievement Goals” (formerly ESLRs). Yucaipa High School’s adopted Student Achievement Goals are supported by all stakeholders and are visibly and academically implemented through all aspects of this campus. An annual process has been developed to monitor, review, and change (if necessary) the Vision and Mission statements to ensure that they are current with national and state content standards, that they incorporate current educational research, and that they address student needs. Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 66 Findings Evidence General/School Wide Findings Yucaipa High School has developed clear Vision and Mission statements that are based on student needs, state and national standards, current research, and current student data gathered from standardized student assessments (i.e., CAHSEE, CELDT, EAP, AYP, API), and content specific benchmark exams. See http://ycjusd.yhs.schoolfusion.us under The Vision and Mission statements are developed, assessed and modified by all stakeholders and supported by the District and Board. Revisions are made annually by the participation of department chairs, the school site council, administration, and the YHS leadership team. The last two in-depth and formal reviews occurred in 2004 and 2010. Significant changes were made in 2004, and minor changes were made in 2010 to address growing student needs, content standards, and data collection results. All stakeholders took part in these amendments. See the meeting notes from department The Yucaipa High School Vision and Mission statements are based on a strong belief that all students can achieve academic success. This shared belief is put into action in a variety of classes, programs, interventions, and all parts of Yucaipa High School “Principal’s Office” tab to reference established Vision and Mission statements. Data Director software-reference/ CAHSEE and CST Rest Results. Content Specific Benchmark ExamsReference Results/Data from Department Chairs. Teacher Collaboration Meetings Department Meetings (Home Groups) Faculty Meetings chair meetings, school site council meetings and leadership team meetings. See 2004 Vision and Mission Statements. See 2010 Vision and Mission Statements. AP Classes Restart Program After-school Tutoring 0 and 7 Period Options Peer Tutoring ELL Programs, 504’s, IEP’s Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 67 campus life that support student learning. Parents are informed and educated on the school’s Vision, Mission, and Student Achievement Goals and their connection with academic performance standards. Parent Survey #3-5 School Site Plan and School Site Council The Vision and Mission statements and the faculty’s underlying philosophy of overall student success are further defined and clarified through the Student Achievement Goals. These goals take the broad Vision and Mission objectives and are applied within the classroom and school wide activities. These goals are measurable, obtainable and give clear direction and purpose to our site. All YHS staff members have influence and support the implementation of the Vision, Mission, and Student Achievement Goals within the classroom. These goals were developed to complement and assist teachers in Yucaipa High School Counseling and Career Center Saturday Academic Academies Global Connect Phone Service SchoolFusion Student Achievement Goals Meetings Development of WASC Critical Academic Needs Principal’s Newsletter Parent Meetings (Back to School Night, Parent Orientation, College Night, Financial Aid Night, booster organizations, parent conferences) Certificated and Classified/Surveys Extra-curricular Activities (athletics, performing arts, lunchtime activities, clubs, assemblies) Staff-student Discussions Grade Level Assemblies Department Meetings Parent Conferences 504’s, IEP’s, Parent/Student EL Meetings Counselor Career Units Teacher Syllabi Faculty, Classified, Department, Collaboration, Administrative Meetings Data Director Information School Site Plan Classroom Discussions and Expectations Class Syllabi Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 68 aiding students in mastery of content standards and preparedness for standardized assessments that contribute to AYP and API. Registration Packets Department Findings All departments provided feedback on how they implement and reinforce the Vision, Mission, and Student Achievement Goals. Department Reports Challenged at their highest level All departments reported that they strive to implement a challenging, rigorous, and relevant standards-based curriculum while offering support systems for struggling students. Teachers also reported that they take student levels and abilities into consideration and modify instruction accordingly. Examples include the use of both heterogeneous and homogeneous grouping, cooperative learning, classroom simulations and projects, graphic organizers, interactive notebooks, and rich-print environment. Yucaipa High School Home Group Feedback Classroom Observations Teacher and Student Surveys AP Classes ELL CAHSEE Support Class Syllabi Science Notebooks Interviews Teacher Lesson Plans Standards-based Grading Tutoring Team Teaching (in some math classes) 504 Plan Modifications/Accommodations Grading Rubrics Writing Center Peer Tutoring Program Tutoring (by teachers before and after school/during lunch) Learning Centers Restart Program and Summer School Read 180 Software Program PowerPoint Restart Classes Saturday Academic Academies (algebra Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 69 and earth science) Writing Center Differentiation Responsible citizens All departments reported that they implement activities that help students develop into responsible citizens. Activities include classroom management and expectations, opportunities for students to share their thoughts, opportunities to work in cooperative groups, sportsmanship, Code of Academic Honesty and Integrity, connection with environmental issues, community service, and Acceptable Use Policy on the Internet. Classroom Observation Certificated/Student Surveys Class Syllabi Club Charters Student/Teacher Discussions School-Wide Assemblies Grade-level Behavior-modification Assemblies Discipline Chart YHS Website Registration Packets IEP Individual Goals Career Units Lesson plans Simulations Lab Activities CTE/STEM Projects ROP Classes Classroom Observations Teacher/Parent/Student Surveys Blog activities Elective Courses Connections between the school and future All departments reported that they understand the importance of connecting their academic content to real-life applications. These include classroom simulations, History Alive, current events, labs, problem- solving activities, guest speakers, and projects where students apply previous Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 70 knowledge to make real-life connections. Service-oriented clubs (iMatter, Best Buddies, Interact, Block Y, Friends of Rachel) Community events PE Fitness Portfolio IEP Transition Plans Math Tech Prep Solar Boat Competition Support by school and community Due to the fact that Yucaipa and Calimesa support one high school, community members support the high school in a variety of ways. Examples include funding raising activities, booster club support, food for school events, donations of equipment, and parent/community volunteers for the support of sporting events, testing, tutoring, speech/debate, and the band. Booster Club Community service Organizations (Kiwanis, Rotary) PTSO Lion’s Club Community Recreation Programs News Mirror and Press Enterprise Newspaper Articles School site festivals and competitions Athletic Events Visual and Performing Arts Events (exhibits, contests, concerts, and performances) Access to all programs Yucaipa High School offers universal access to its classes and programs. Students have access to higher level courses as well as support and intervention classes, and trade/career oriented programs. Counselors work closely with students to place them in appropriate classes according to desires and learning needs. All classes contribute to students achieving graduation requirements. In science classes, students have access to earth science, biology, marine biology, chemistry, chemistry, AP Biology, AP physics, anatomy and physiology. In Yucaipa High School Master Schedule Graduation Plans Career Units Counseling Notes Tutoring Logs CTE Meetings ROP Meetings Administration/Counseling Weekly Meetings Course Guides Counseling Registration Classroom Visits Counseling Appointments A-G Requirements Board Policies on Graduation Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 71 English classes, students have access to regular English (in all four grades), Honors English (in 9th and 10th grade), AP Language and Composition (in 11th grade), and AP Literature and Composition (in 12th grade). In social sciences classes, students have access to World Geography, US History, Modern World History, AP European History, AP US History, Government, and Economics, and AP Government and AP Economics. In math classes, students have access to Algebra I, Integrated I and II, Geometry, Algebra II, Trigonometry/Math Analysis, AP Statistics, Statistics, and AP Calculus. Elective classes include Performing Arts (Band, General Music, Madrigals, Choir, Drama), ROP (Medical Terminology, Medical Occupations, Woodshop, Auto Engine Performance, Construction Technology, Retail Merchandising, Small Business, Law Enforcement), English (Forensics, Creative Writing), Foreign Language (Spanish, French, German), Fine Arts (AP Studio, Beginning/Advanced Art and Design, Ceramics, Arts & Crafts, Photography), and Principles of Engineering, Technology (Desktop 3D, Graphic Design), support classes (AVID and Athletic Conditioning). In addition, students with special needs have access to, depending upon their IEP needs, Learning Center, SI, and Life Skills classes; and ELL students have access to ELD English classes and related support classes. Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 72 Technology across the curriculum Faculty reported that most teachers are incorporating technology on a daily basis into their classes in order to enhance the learning environment and to communicate with students and parents more effectively. Some teachers reported that they utilize PowerPoint, LCD projectors, laptops, and ELMO in lieu of traditional equipment. Some teachers incorporate innovative, technology tools such as Interwrite Smart Boards, digital software, multimedia input devices, science-based data-collection devices/sensors, and blogging. Teachers reported that beyond phone calls and conferences with parents, teachers communicate with parents via ABI, SchoolFusion, and email. Yucaipa High School CAD Software Video/Photo Editing Software Digital Presenter & Projector PowerPoint Graphing Calculators Data Collection Devices and Sensors Classroom Observations Teacher/Parent/Student Surveys Teacher/Parent/Student Surveys Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 73 A2: Governance Criterion “To what extent does the governing board have policies and bylaws that are aligned with the school’s purpose and support the student achievement goals (formerly ESLR’s) and academic standards based on data-driven instructional decisions for the school; delegate implementation of these policies to the professional staff; and regularly monitor results and approve the single school-wide action plan and its relationship to the Local Educational Association (LEA) plan?” A2 Summary: Board members are community members who are elected to four year terms. All meetings of the YCJUSD Board are conducted in strict compliance with the Brown Act. The Board sets policy for YHS graduation requirements, approves textbook selection, and provides support to YHS in implementing its programs as well as expectations for curriculum, instruction, program functions, and policies of the school. The school Board regularly evaluates and monitors student performance, overall school operations, and fiscal health of the school. The Board oversees all finances of the District. The Board is involved in the ongoing and year-to-year regular review and refinement of the school’s Vision, Mission, and Student Achievement Goals through it policies. The superintendant and assistant superintendants maintain regular communication with the administration at YHS and report regularly to the Board. The Board is also provided an annual report on results of the state testing. YHS is the only accredited comprehensive high school within the YCJUSD and is recognized as such by the California Department of Education. YHS is administered by a principal who is supported by an administrative staff of assistant principals and teachers who are charged with the implementation of ED code, Board policies and administrative regulations. YHS maintains a School Site Council which consists of parents, students, community members, and staff. The School Site Council annually examines, updates and revises if necessary the Single Plan for Student Achievement which incorporates the WASC Action Plan. The Single Plan for Student Achievement is then approved by the Board annually. Parents may participate as members of the School Site Council, English Language Advisory Council, Gifted and Talented Education, and other advisory committees such as Parent Teacher Student Organization. Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 74 District Level The policies and procedures regarding the selection, composition and specific duties of the Yucaipa Calimesa Joint Unified School Board members are implemented according to Board policies and CDE ED Code. The Board’s policies and procedures are directly connected to Yucaipa High School’s Vision, Mission, and Student Achievement Goals. Local Education Agency Plan Board Member Interview District Interviews Board Meeting agendas/Minutes Board Policies CDE Ed. Code Board Member and District Administrator Administrative Interview Evidence Narrative Board Policies, YHS Vision Statement Board Member Interviews District Administrator Interviews Some community members understand the Board’s role. Parent Survey Parent Interview Minutes of the Regular Meetings of the The Board is involved in the ongoing and year-to-year regular review and refinement of the school’s Vision, Mission, and Student Achievement Goals (SAGs) through its policies. Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District Board Member Interviews District Administrator Interviews Single Plan for Student Achievement Document Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 75 The Board is responsible for setting policy, and the professional staff is responsible for implementing those policies. Board Member Interviews District Administrator Interviews Site Administrator Interviews Weekly Principal’s Bulletin Weekly Board Report Faculty Handbook Teacher Evaluations Teacher/Administrator Discussions Faculty Meetings The Board regularly evaluates and monitors student performance, overall school operations, and fiscal health of the school. Board Member Interviews District Administrator Interviews Weekly Board Reports Board Meeting Packets Site Level YHS is an accredited high school within the YCJUSD and is recognized as such by the California Department of Education. Board Policies, Minutes of the regular meetings of the Yucaipa Calimesa Joint Unified School District GG Member Interviews District Administrator Interviews YHS maintains a School Site Council, which consists of parents, community members, and staff. This body adheres Yucaipa High School Single Plan for Student Achievement Document Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 76 to all state regulation associated such an organization. ELAC Agendas/Minutes GATE Agendas/Minutes PTO Agendas/Minutes Parents are encouraged to participate in the school’s governance. Board Policy and Administrative Regulations Board Packet Agendas Parents may participate as members of the School Site Council, ELAC, GATE, and other advisory committees. Membership in YHS’s Parent Teacher Student Organization is encouraged. Parents are encouraged act as leaders and participants in PTSO as well. Parents can access the District information through its website. Additionally, parents may speak at governing Board meetings during the public participation section or speak about agenized items. Broad based and Collaborative The Department Chairperson Committee is composed of teachers elected by their peers to represent their respective departments. The school principal and assistant principals also attend these meetings. During monthly meetings, this group addresses and decides curriculum and budgetary issues. Generally, the principal sets the agenda; however, department chairpersons often bring up issues that have arisen within their own departments. Student achievement data (including AYP, API, CAHSEE pass rates, CST results, and graduation rates) are reviewed annually. Yucaipa High School Department Chairperson Minutes Development of CAHSEE Support Classes Implementing New Classes (such as Statistics, AP Statistics, Spanish for Native Speakers, Principles of Engineering, and Restart classes for credit-deficient students. Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 77 A3: Leadership and Staff Criterion 1 “To what extent based on student achievement data, do the school leadership and staff make decisions and initiate activities that focus on all students achieving the expected school-wide learning results and academic standards? To what extent do the school leadership and staff annually monitor and refine the single school-wide plan based on analysis of data to ensure alignment with student needs?” A3 Summary: Yucaipa High School’s formalized governance system consists of four main interactive bodies with representatives from all members of the school community. The four leadership bodies include the Department Chairperson Committee, the Leadership Team, the newly formed PreCollaboration Team, and the School Site Council. These groups work together to ensure that school wide decisions, activities, programs, and classes focus on the student achievement goals (ESLRs) and academic standards. The school leadership and staff annually monitor and refine the single plan for student achievement by analyzing student achievement data ensuring that student needs are addressed through allocating appropriate time and resources and by offering appropriate programs and classes. The school community and leadership work together to develop a positive school culture, to celebrate excellence in both academic and co-curricular areas, and to encourage and challenge all students to achieve their highest potential. All school stakeholder groups have opportunities to express new ideas and provide input for school wide polices, programs, and decisions with the overall goal of improving student achievement and fulfilling the school vision and mission. This input is valued, respected, and often serves as the impetus for positive, effective school-wide change. Broad based and Collaborative The Department Chairperson Committee is composed of teachers elected by their peers to represent their respective departments. The school principal and assistant principals also attend these meetings. During monthly meetings, this group addresses and Yucaipa High School Leadership Team Minutes Leadership Team Charter Change of school wide approval needed to implement a change in schedule from 75% to 66.666%. Development of the ballot and implementing staff voting for “late start” collaboration schedule. Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 78 decides curriculum and budgetary issues. Generally, the principal sets the agenda; however, department chairpersons often bring up issues that have arisen within their own departments. Student achievement data including AYP, API, CAHSEE pass rates, CST results, and graduation rates are reviewed annually. The Leadership Team consists of peerelected classified staff and peer-elected certificated staff. The administration attends meetings in the form of the nonvoting principal or an assistant principal representative. Monthly Leadership Team meetings are open to all staff members who may attend and address topics as “visitors.” A chairperson is elected by the team to run the meetings. With input from all staff, the chair also organizes the agenda. The main purpose of the Leadership Team is to bring schoolwide issues to the attention of the administration. The Leadership Team is also the body through which school wide changes are initiated and votes conducted. Most faculty believe they are well represented through their representatives on various leadership bodies. Yucaipa High School Faculty Survey Pre-Collaboration Team Minutes Topics/Format for Teacher Collaboration Meetings are formally developed. The Late Start/Teacher Collaboration days occur monthly and the last 65 minutes. Teacher Survey Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 79 The School Site Council consists of faculty, classified, parent, and student representatives, all elected by their peers. The principal is also a member of this group and generally sets the agenda. The main goal of the School Site Council is to monitor and update the Single Plan for Student Achievement, making adjustments in resources, time, and programs/classes. Student achievement data including AYP, API, CAHSEE pass rates, CST results, and graduation rates are reviewed annually and used in making revisions to the plan if needed. The Single Plan for Student Achievement incorporates the WASC Action Plan objectives. School Site Council Minutes CASHEE Support Classes ELL Aides and Tutoring Tutoring Programs at Lunch and After School for all Students Club and Class Advisor Stipends Single Plan for Student Achievement Saturday Academic Academies The newly formed Pre-Collaboration Team consists of Leadership Team members, department chairpersons, and “at large” staff members whose primary responsibility is to establish topics and guidelines for teacher collaboration held once a month. The principal and assistant principals also attend these monthly meetings. This team has developed an evaluation system for accessing the effectiveness of teacher collaboration time. As stated above, the Late Start/Teacher Collaboration day occurs monthly, minutes are kept, and topics/formats are developed. The Student Council provides input and feedback regarding school-wide decisions such as changing and updating the school-wide Student Achievement Goals, developing Critical Academic Needs, selecting Student Council Agendas and Minutes Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 80 appropriate student motivational speakers, and planning school wide activities. School Plan Correlated to Student Learning The school’s Single Plan for Student Achievement is adjusted each year based upon student assessment data such as AYP and API results, class failure rates, CAHSEE pass rates, and graduation rates. Learning targets are set both school wide and for specific subgroups. Each year, the plan is approved by the YCJUSD School Board. The Single Plan for Student Achievement has been rewritten to include the newly updated Student Achievement Goals and Critical Academic Needs. The Single Plan for Student Achievement is aligned with the WASC Action Plan. AYP and API results, class failure rates, and CAHSEE pass rates are also shared with the Department Chairperson Committee as well as with the entire faculty at faculty meetings. Individual departments work together to develop strategies to address student deficiencies and improve student performance through department meetings and teacher collaboration meetings. Yucaipa High School School Site Council Agendas and Minutes School Board Agendas Single Plan for Student Achievement Faculty Meeting Agendas Department (Home Group) Agendas and Minutes Pre-collaboration meetings Teacher Collaboration Meetings Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 81 A4: Leadership and Staff Criterion 2 “To what extent based on student achievement data, does the school leadership and staff make decisions and initiate activities that focus on all students achieving the expected school-wide learning results and academic standards? To what extent does the school leadership and staff annually monitor and refine the single school-wide action plan based on analysis of data to ensure alignment with student needs?” A4 Summary: All certificated and classified staff are fully qualified for their assigned areas based on district certification requirements. Student achievement data are considered when creating the master schedule. Formal evaluation and informal observations are used to monitor teacher effectiveness on a regular basis. Department chairpersons consider expertise as well as teacher preference as they work with administrators in developing the master schedule. The four main leadership groups function effectively in internal communication, planning, and addressing staff concerns. Yucaipa High School’s leadership and staff regularly engage in professional decision-making, and they initiate school-wide and department-specific activities that focus on all students achieving the expected school-wide learning results and academic standards. The Administrative Team annually monitors and refines the single school-wide action plan based on analysis of data to ensure alignment with student needs, but this is not typically done in conjunction with staff members. Employment Policies/Practices The District and school site have clear employment policies and practices related to the statutory qualification requirements of staff working at Yucaipa High School. The Human Resources Department has dedicated staff members who create and Yucaipa High School Credential Analyst/Personnel Technician (Certificated & Classified) E-mail Edjoin.org communicates vacancy Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 82 announcements for certificated and classified positions. implement the screening process for all applicants seeking employment in the district. This process involves checking that teachers and paraprofessionals are fully qualified for assigned areas based on District and State certification requirements. Qualifications of Staff The District and school site have established procedures to ensure that all teachers and paraprofessionals are fully qualified for assigned areas based on the District and State certification requirements. Site administration conducts formal evaluations and informal observations of certificated and classified staff. Monitoring may also include peer support systems to identify needs for ongoing support. The District credential analyst reviews monthly reports from the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools regarding upcoming credentials set to expire. Expiring Credential Alerts are submitted on employees’ check stubs about credentials set to expire in 180 days. Information from Site Administration PAR Committee (Peer Assistance and Review) Mission Terms Statement Evaluation forms with teacher objectives is based on the California Standards for the Teaching Profession. The process of assigning staff members in order to maximize the use of their expertise is effective. Information from Site Administration Interviews with Principal Staff requests are processed through the Department Chairs to ensure staff expertise and experience are appropriately applied throughout the department. Department Meeting Minutes Maximum Use of Staff Expertise Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 83 When developing the Master Schedule administration makes a concerted effort to place teachers in appropriate classes based on teacher data, student performance, and individual requests and characteristics. Assessment data is regularly used to make decisions regarding student placement as well as most teacher assignments and staffing. All teachers are credentialed in their area of instruction. Department Meeting Minutes Department Teaching “Grid” with Teacher Class Requests Submitted to Administration CST Scores Class Pass/Failure Rates No Child Left Behind requires all teachers to be “highly qualified.” District Requirements Defining and Understanding Practices/Relationships There are written policies and handbooks that define staff responsibilities, operational practices, decision-making processes, and relationships of leadership and staff. These are not readily accessible to all credential and classified staff. The Principal’s Weekly Bulletins regularly address issues relating to operations practices and staff Yucaipa High School Faculty Handbook Leadership Team Bylaws School Site Council Bylaws Principal Bulletins Staff Meeting Agendas Leadership Team Minutes Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 84 responsibilities. Informational items are routinely given at staff meetings to ensure clarity of District and site policies. Internal Communication and Planning Yucaipa High School has a Leadership Team, Pre-Collaboration Committee, School Site Council, and a Department Chair Committee. These groups are made up of administration, teachers, parents, students, and classified staff as appropriate. Staff members have the opportunity to submit questions and concerns regarding school issues to the teams. The teams evaluate and act on areas of concern and communicate with the staff. These forums allow for communication in which all staff members have a voice. Through the existing structures, YHS is able to expedite the process of conveying information regarding student and staff related material (i.e. school policies and procedures, expectations and responsibilities of staff, District memorandums). Collaboration Schedules Department Chairperson Meeting Agendas Pre-Collaboration Committee Agendas School Site Council Agendas and Minutes Staff Meeting Agendas Principal Bulletins Leadership Team Agendas and Minutes Department Meeting Agendas Staff Meeting Agendas School Site Council Agendas and Minutes Staff Actions/Accountability to Support Learning Participants within the Leadership Team, the Pre-Collaboration Committee, the School Site Council, the Department Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 85 Chair Committee, and faculty meetings are functional and effective at facilitating internal communication, planning, and conflict resolution. On the agendas and in the minutes of these participants’ groups can be found evidence of communication, planning, and resolution of issues. (The processes and procedures for involving staff in shared responsibilities, actions, and accountability to support student learning include collegial strategies that implement innovations and encourage improvement.) Leadership Team Agendas and Minutes Pre-Collaboration Committee Agendas Department Meeting Agendas Pre-Collaboration Committee Agendas Staff Meeting Agendas Leadership Team Minutes School Site Council Agendas and Minutes Teacher Collaboration Topics Development of Collaboration Schedule Formation of the Pre-Collaboration Committee Exploration of Alternate Schedules to better support student learning Evaluation of Existing Processes The school leadership groups continually review the existing processes to determine the degree to which actions of the leadership and staff focus on successful student learning. This is an ongoing process involving the various members of the leadership structure and has proven to be effective. Student Assessment data (AYP, API, CST scores, AP scores, class failure rates, benchmark exam data) is a frequent topic as these groups work to improve Yucaipa High School. Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 86 A5: Leadership and Staff Criterion 3 “To what extent are leadership and staff involved in ongoing research or data-based correlated professional development that focuses on identified student learning needs?” A5 Summary: Identifying student learning needs has been and continues to be the focus of Yucaipa High School’s professional development plan. Steps have been taken to continually improve teaching practices. The staff has been supported by the administration to enrich the school environment and support all students. Current educational theory topics are incorporated into professional development opportunities. We are currently in the process of implementing a Professional Learning Community through staff development activities. Support of Professional Development The staff is supported by time, personnel, material, and fiscal resources for planning and professional development to facilitate all students achieving the academic standards and expected schoolwide learning results. Staff meetings, teacher collaboration meetings, and department meetings include and support professional development topics and activities. Staff meeting topics have included training on Data Director, SchoolFusion, ABI, assessment strategies, ELL strategies, and differentiation. Teachers are encouraged to attend Voluntary PLC meetings before and after school dealing with topics such as standards-based grading. The Principal’s Weekly Bulletin emphasizes a different educational strategy or tool each Yucaipa High School Faculty Meeting Agendas Teacher Collaboration Meeting Topics/ Agendas Department Meeting Agendas Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 87 week. Some teachers have been able to attend professional development outside the district at local, state, and national conferences (such as AVID, AP, and Teachers Teaching with Technology). Supervision and Evaluation Staff are formally and/or informally observed in the classroom one to four times per year. Teacher observations and evaluations emphasize the standards for the teaching profession including effectiveness of instruction as well as the professional development of the educator. A teacher who receives a less than satisfactory evaluation has the following resources for improvement: peer observation/coaching, suggested reading, attending conferences, and/or specific course or workshops. Administration Observation and Evaluations Teacher Survey Measureable Effect of Professional Development Yucaipa High School needs to improve its procedures for monitoring the effectiveness of professional development. Presently, the principal in conjunction with the District administration, sets topics for professional development presented during staff meetings. The PreCollaboration Committee sets the topics for teacher-collaboration meetings each month and has developed a “feedback” system for monitoring the effectiveness of these meetings. Yucaipa-Calimesa Yucaipa High School Staff development is aligned with the Single Plan for student achievement. The principal has a short term plan and three year plan. Collaboration Team agenda/minutes Leadership Team minutes Department Chair meeting minutes Department Meeting agendas and minutes Teacher/Parent/Student Surveys Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 88 School District has established some staff development protocols which are part of the principal’s personal three year staff development plan. In general, teachers believe that the topics and training they receive through staff meetings and that are part of collaboration meetings are helpful. However, at this time, there appears to be no defined process in place for quantifying and linking the effectiveness of professional development on improving student performance. Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 89 A6: Resources Criterion “To what extent are the human material, physical, and financial resources sufficient and utilized effectively and appropriately in accordance with the legal intent of the program(s) to support students in accomplishing the academic standards and the expected school-wide learning results?” A6 Summary: Yucaipa High School utilizes human, material, physical and financial resources effectively and appropriately with the legal intent to support students in accomplishing the academic standards and the Student Achievement Goals. Monies have been allocated for academic support programs such as CAHSEE support classes, re-start classes for credit recovery, AVID, EL support, and Saturday Academies for core classes. Findings Evidence Allocation Decisions Working with funds provided to the school by the District, the Department Chairperson Committee and School Site Council are involved in the decisionmaking process regarding resource allocation to programs and classes at Yucaipa High School. The Single Plan for Student Achievement, the School Vision, Mission, Student Achievement Goals, Critical Academic Needs, Academic Standards, and student assessment data are used as the foundation for making these decisions. Yucaipa High School Department Chairperson Committee Agenda School Site Council Agenda and Minutes Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 90 Each department is allocated a certain amount of money by the principal. Both collectively within a department, and as individuals, teachers then make decisions on how to utilize the financial resources they are provided for classroom supplies and instructional materials. School supplies and materials are available to meet the needs of all students and are supported by appropriate funds. Every classroom has sufficient, but not up-todate core textbooks and supplemental materials. Department Meeting Agendas and Minutes Department Budgets Teacher Instructional Materials Budgets Teacher/Parent/Student Surveys Parent involvement in the decisionmaking process at the school Board level needs improvement. Teacher/Parent Surveys Practices Yearly audits are conducted beginning at the District level through the supervisors for Food Services, Associated Student Body, attendance reports, the Inventory of Assets and Capitalized Equipment and Proper Disposition of Surplus Property, and health benefits. An external auditor comes in annually. Both a District and school-site budget are developed by the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services and subsequently approved by the Yucaipa-Calimesa USD School Board. The school -site budget is discussed and approved by the elected Yucaipa High School District Business Manager Communiqué Yearly formal internal ASB Audit of the Activities Office ASB Treasurer of Student Council and/or the file. School Board Agendas and Minutes School Site Council Minutes Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 91 School Site Council members Facilities Teacher, Parent, and Student Surveys Instructional supplies and materials are available and adequately meet the needs of all students. However, as State and District budgets decrease, a strain on resources is emerging within the classrooms. For example, many teachers are now purchasing classroom supplies and instructional materials from their own funds. All classes have limited access to at least three computer labs. Fire Marshal Inspection Teacher/Parent/Student Surveys Classroom Observations Some classrooms, departments, and individual teachers utilize modern instructional technologies (such as computer project units, smart boards, and ELMO) while others do not, or do not have these available. Computer Lab Logs Leadership Team Agenda and Minutes Teacher/Parent/Student Surveys Classroom Observations At least one department, English, does not have current, standards-based textbooks. Teacher Survey English Department Meeting Agendas and Minutes Department Chair Meeting discussions The school is clean, safe, free of graffiti and able to adequately support all classes and programs. Instructional Materials and Equipment Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 92 Focus Group A - Unordered List of Areas of Strength ● YHS has a strong, site-based governance system that involves four Leadership bodies (Department Chair, Leadership, Site Council, and Collaboration Committee) that enhance communication between staff and administration. These groups are composed of representatives from all stakeholders. In association with the entire school community, these groups interact to monitor student assessment data and propose necessary changes to address student needs and improve student achievement. A positive working relationship exists between the faculty, staff, parents, students, and administration. ● The school leverages its resources effectively. Examples include teacher collaboration time, technology/equipment allocation, increased special program participation, and support (AVID), all of which allow, among other things, for students to access their grades and assignments online and increase the number and diversity of elective and support-course offerings that are available. ● The Vision and Mission statements are clearly defined. ● The Board and site administration work well together. ● The District has and uses clear employment policies consistent with statutory requirements. All staff members are appropriately placed according to expertise. Teachers are credentialed and work in their field of credentialing. Focus Group A – Prioritized List of Areas for Growth (highest to lowest) 1. With staff input, Yucaipa High School needs to develop a clear, written, staff- development plan along with a procedure for evaluating its effectiveness related to improving student learning. 2. More faculty and staff involvement is needed at the District level when considering district-wide decisions (two examples being professional-development topics and the noD policy). Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 93 3. The school needs to be brought up to date in terms of educational technology in all classes and computer labs. Alternate funding resources should be sought to purchase and reduce the technology learning gap. 4. More staff development and teacher collaboration time is needed to address such areas as improving technology skills, assessing student data to modify instruction, and developing benchmark exams. 5. The school needs to continue to increase parent and student awareness and access to resources and programs that monitor and increase student achievement, and it needs to actively involve them in school-wide decision making and governance. The faculty handbook, including written policies and procedures, needs to be more accessible and constantly refined to reflect changes within the school and educational policies. The school should consider the possibility of formulating a parent/student handbook. 6. The School Wide Action Plan needs to be revisited by all leadership groups on an annual basis in relation to the most recent student achievement data. A formal and annual discussion, evaluation, and revision process for the school Vision and Mission statements should be incorporated into meeting agendas, and all stakeholders should be involved. Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 94 Focus Group B: Standards Based Learning: Curriculum B1: Curriculum Criterion “To what extent do all students participate in a rigorous, relevant, and coherent standardsbased curriculum that supports the achievement of the academic standards and the expected school-wide learning results?” B1 Summary: Yucaipa High School students are engaged in an accessible and meaningful curricular program. Students have access to a large variety of college-preparation, career-oriented and vocationbased courses that meet students’ needs for the future. In addition, many support classes are scheduled to meet the needs of special-needs students. Many teachers apply current-educational research in their classes to support student learning. Courses use defined subject-specific state and/or national academic standards that are linked with concepts, skills and Student Achievement Goals (SAGs). Curriculum in individual disciplines is rigorous, with a variety of honors and advanced placement courses offered in all core subject areas, as well as some elective courses. Students regularly engage in curriculum that ties previous knowledge, concepts being taught in the classroom, and real-world applications. Courses are closely aligned to the State Standards. Departments are making strong efforts to integrate curriculum to support our identified critical areas of need. Additionally, curriculum is reviewed annually to insure that it meets A-G requirements for the University of California and California State University. Findings Evidence Current Educational Research and Thinking All teachers use current educational research. Most employ a variety of educational research such as standards-based grading, differentiated instruction, Bloom’s taxonomy, sheltered English instruction for ELL students, formative assessments, constructivist teaching and learning theory, Web 2.0 technology, and collaboration to create meaningful learning for students. Yucaipa High School YHS WASC Teacher Survey YHS WASC Classified Staff Survey Classroom Observations SchoolFusion Teacher Websites Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 95 Standards-based Grading Voluntary PLC Meetings Principal’s Newsletter Staff Meeting Minutes Department Chair Meeting Minutes Teachers in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) engage in collective inquiry working collaboratively by using critical questions involving teaching and learning. Principal communications Many departments have shared best practices or instructional strategies, and standards-aligned lessons with other department members during late start/collaboration time. Collaboration Meeting Summaries Pre-Collaboration Minutes Some faculty attend workshops and conferences throughout the year such as AP Conferences, Ed Tech Conference, and the CUE Conference. Some of these professional development workshops and conferences attended by teachers are self-initiated. Opportunities for professional development initiated by District and Administration have been limited for some teachers. YHS WASC Teacher Survey Information regarding current best practices, such as standards-based grading and the forty developmental assets are provided to teachers in staff meetings, PLC meetings and through weekly principal’s newsletters. Department chairs participate in professional reading, which is shared with their departments. Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 96 Academic Standards in Each Area Each content area has defined state and/or national content standards where students receive a rigorous academic curriculum aligned with the standards. All core classes and some elective classes incorporate State Standards into their curriculum. Many departments have already developed curriculum maps; some are in the process of developing curriculum maps. Many departments have common course outlines/syllabi and common assessments aligned to the standards. Common grading policies are being developed in some departments, but they are not in place in most core and elective courses. Some departments have used late start/collaboration meetings to develop these. Staff Curricular B1 Documents Survey California Content Standards (CDE) California Frameworks Department Curriculum Maps Collaboration Meeting Summaries Department Benchmark Assessments The English department is currently developing curriculum maps aligned to the State Standards in English Language Arts in 10th and 11th grades. (9th grade completed the maps during 2009-2010.) Teachers communicate the standards/objectives for the day’s lesson through a variety of methods. Some of the methods are syllabi, handouts, classroom posters, whiteboard and projector postings, and verbal statements. Some departments do not have current standards-based textbooks in place. The English and foreign language departments have textbooks that are over ten years old. Department Meeting Minutes Course Syllabi Classroom Posting of the Standards Classroom Observations Teacher Evaluations by Administrator Course Textbooks Teacher Interviews YHS WASC Teacher Survey Collaboration Meeting Summaries Department Meeting Minutes School Vision, Mission Statement, Congruence Many staff members provide standards-based assessments or rubrics to clarify standards and performance levels to students. Departments Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 97 Student Achievement Goals, Critical Academic Needs, and DuFour’s Big Four Questions. have begun productive discussions as to how their departments address and incorporate into the curriculum, instructional strategies and assessments, Vision and Mission statements, Student Achievement Goals (formerly known as ESLRs), Critical Academic Needs and DuFour’s Big Four questions. Seniors are required to complete ten hours of community service as part of their government and economics class, helping them to develop as responsible citizens. Students from all grade levels have an opportunity to participate in different types of community service activities. YHS Service Clubs’ Community Service Sign-ups and Records. Each student receives a Code of Academic Honesty and Integrity form that they sign, promising to adhere to the school’s academic integrity expectations, thus fulfilling the Student Achievement Goals of an independent learner who demonstrates academic honesty and integrity. Code of Academic Honesty and Integrity (signed by students) Most students see a clear relationship between the concepts being taught in the classroom and the material on which they are being assessed. Most teachers frequently make connections with classroom learning and concepts and real-world applications. Guest speakers from various career and technical fields are invited to speak in classrooms as well. Most teachers frequently promote life skills that develop students as responsible citizens in the world outside of the classroom. Benchmark Scores YHS WASC Student Survey YHS WASC Teacher Survey Department/Home Groups’ Written Responses to WASC Leadership “Homework Request” Community Guest Speakers from Various Fields (FIDM, Graphic Designers) Teacher Interviews CST Scores Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 98 Student Work—Engagement in Learning On a daily basis, students are engaged in indepth standards-based curriculum that focuses on creating independent thinkers and creative communicators. Students are involved in a variety of standards-based activities that build upon prior knowledge. Most teachers and students use technology on a daily basis as an academic resource as well as a tool for communication and effective presentations that promote student engagement and critical thinking. Students are able to monitor their own progress using a variety of technologies. All teachers report grades using an online grade book (ABI) that allows parents and students to view students’ progress. Due to changes in ABI parent and student log-on, some students have experienced trouble accessing this program. Many teachers also use SchoolFusion to post homework, make announcements, submit files that include classroom notes, provide links to websites that provide instructional resources and tutorials, allow students to submit projects, and allow student comments on class discussions. Students can serve as active members of school websites by viewing, peer-editing, evaluating and in some ways administrating student assignments, blogs, and surveys. Advanced students in publication classes function as editors/leaders, advising and editing other students’ work. Yucaipa High School YHS WASC Student Survey YHS WASC Teacher Survey Engagement Study Discovery-based Projects Classroom Observations ABI YHS SchoolFusion Classroom Websites School Student Publications (Epigraph) Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 99 Accessibility of All Students to the Curriculum All students have access to a rigorous academic curriculum aligned with the state and/or national standards that allow them to meet the graduation requirements, college entrance requirements, and provide them with career-related technical skills. YHS Course Guide YHS WASC Student Survey YHS WASC Parent/Guardian Survey YHS WASC Teacher Survey The school has an open access policy for AP classes, providing that students have met prerequisites and there is space available. AP Course Listing AP Test Results YHS Course Guide Interview with Counseling Department Chairperson. Ninth Grade Inclusion Program Accommodation/Modification/IEP At-a-glance Sheets Classroom Observations YHS WASC Teacher Survey Master Schedule YHS graduation requirements are closely aligned with A-G and NCAA requirements. Students with special needs are supported in a variety of ways to provide them access to a highquality curriculum, including an innovative ninth grade inclusion program. A special education teacher co-teaches with an English or math teacher within a regular education classroom. This special education teacher provides modifications and academic support for her students Most teachers differentiate within their lessons to meet the needs of special-needs students. Students with an IEP have access to a learning center staffed by a credentialed special education teacher and an aide. Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 100 The school also offers support classes for the approximately 130 English Language Learners (ELL) enrolled at Yucaipa High School. Two ELD (English Language Development) courses are offered to level one and two English learners and struggling level three ELL students. In the ELD writing class, support is also offered for other subject areas. These classes are taught by a teacher who was previously a CLAD instructor. ELL students are strategically clustered and heterogeneously mixed throughout the regular class offerings with three to four ELL students per class. (All teachers at YHS are CLAD certified.) Interview with Vice Principal YHS Course Guide Supplementary teacher resource materials for ELL students are available in the following subject areas: History, World Geography, Earth Science, Chemistry, English 9-12, Geometry and Algebra II. After several years, YHS has met its AYP goal with ELL students but this is still an area that requires constant attention in order to facilitate success and access to the curriculum for ELL students. Textbook Department List of Supplementary Materials for ELL Students Many ELL students have the opportunity to enroll in the Spanish for Native Speakers I and II courses that challenge and meet the needs of the Spanish native speaker in a Spanish language class that also fulfills the A-G college entrance requirements. ELL Student List A number of ELL students (levels 4 or 5) are enrolled in AVID. AVID teachers are researching the possibility of having an ELL/AVID program for 9th and 10th grade students. AVID Student List Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 101 The counseling department recognizes the need to increase the number of female students in career and technical courses. Therefore, it is taking active measures to increase the number of female students registering for career and technical courses. Career Technical Education (CTE). (Teachers, counselors and administrators attend non-traditional population workshops.) A representative of the physical education department expressed concern about limited elective course enrollment numbers, gender diversity in PE electives, and course offerings for students with disabilities. In addition, there is disagreement about our District’s interpretation of Senate Bill 601/602. Yearly, during registration, alternatives are available for sign up but like other electives on campus, without enough student demand these courses are not full enough to be viable. WASC Curriculum Feedback From P.E. 2010 Document Senate Bill No. 602 Interview with Principal YHS Course Guide Registration Data A majority of students and parents surveyed found the overall curriculum to be sufficiently challenging, relevant and coherent. Also, the majority stated that they were able to take the classes they needed to graduate. Some students have not been able to take the classes that they indicated as their first choice out of the three choices originally selected by the student at the time of registration. Elective offerings have been limited due to budget constraints. Yucaipa High School recognizes the need to promote elective courses equally. YHS WASC Parent Survey YHS WASC Student Survey Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 102 Integration Among Disciplines Integration among disciplines at the school is increasing, especially involving the areas of critical academic need: writing, algebraic functions, and ELL and special needs students. The English, History and Foreign Language departments have begun discussing ways to improve student writing in the 2010-2011 year. During 2009-2010, the Science and English department have begun focusing on writing, an area that represents one of the Critical Academic Needs. The school does not currently have a systematic approach to writing across the curriculum, but this is being investigated by the English department. During the 2009-2010 school year departments began to have inter-departmental collaboration. For example, the Foreign Language Department and History Department discussed ways for students to make connections and reinforce their knowledge of content acquired in one subject from the other subject with regards to historical figures, world events and social and political issues. The science department integrated algebraic functions into their lessons with using proportions to find the distance of planets and stars. Furthermore, the math department, specifically in the areas of geometry incorporated concepts of drafting and design while evaluating properties of triangles and their congruencies. Algebra II and Chemistry teachers worked during collaboration to discuss ways to help make students more successful in both disciplines. Yucaipa High School 2009-2010 Collaboration Summaries 2009-2010 Inter-departmental Collaboration Minutes Critical Academic Needs (CAN) Goals Math Curriculum Department Meeting Minutes Classroom Observations State and National Content Standards Collaboration Meeting Summaries Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 103 Department Chair, Pre-Collaboration Team and Leadership Team Meetings and Minutes The District has a policy of on-going evaluation of the curriculum for each program area. The English Department is completing curriculum maps and has developed preliminary benchmark assessments. Data Director Board Policies ELA Benchmarks The math department developed curriculum maps two years ago and also created benchmark assessments in 2010. There is further need for revision of the benchmark assessments in some courses. Math Benchmarks Department Meeting Minutes Collaboration Summaries Leadership Team Meeting Minutes Leadership Team Survey of Faculty Regarding the “No D” Policy Pre-Collaboration Team Meeting Minutes Department Chair Meeting Minutes School Site Council meeting minutes The Department Chair, Pre-Collaboration Team and Leadership Team meetings facilitate horizontal and vertical articulation within departments and between various departments. Curricular Development, Evaluation, and Revisions All departments meet once a month for department meetings and again for a late-start collaboration meeting. Curricular issues, grading policies, and critical areas of need are frequently discussed at these meetings. Regarding grading policies’ impact on curriculum, the “No D” policy has been a frequently discussed topic. The District perspective since the last WASC review in 2005 has been in support of this policy. During 2009 and 2010, this policy was brought to the Leadership Team Committee by faculty members. A survey was conducted of the Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 104 faculty. More than 66% of the faculty that responded favored re-implementing the D grade. The YHS Leadership Team then sent a letter to the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services requesting the District reconsider its present No D Grade Policy. At the time of this writing, this issue remains under discussion. Policies—Rigorous, Relevant, and Coherent Curriculum Yucaipa High School assesses the curriculum and its rigor, relevancy and coherence in a variety of ways. Each year, before the master schedule is created, the administration, counseling, and department chairs balance scheduling concerns with the interests of students and staff, and, in so doing, attempt to provide appropriate curriculum opportunities to all. For example, the administration makes sure ELD classes do not conflict with Spanish for Native Speakers classes. Another example is making sure AP classes do not conflict with one another. Administrators and counselors meet twice a year to review A-G course rigor. Board policy Administration Meeting minutes Department Meeting Minutes Leadership Team Meeting MInutes Counseling Meeting Minutes YHS has many opportunities in place for students to complete courses, such as the A+ Curriculum program, Restart class, 0-7 period class offerings and summer school. Algebra and Earth Science are offering Saturday Academies in order for students to improve their grades. A+ Curriculum Master schedule YCJUSD 2010 Summer School Registration Form Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 105 This being said, Yucaipa High School recognizes the need to establish a more standardized routine of examining curriculum rigor, relevancy and coherency. Articulation and Follow-up Studies The school has developed two CTE (Career and Technical Education) pathways that prepare students for direct entry into industry or postsecondary education. Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is a pathway under STEM (Science Technology, Engineering and Math) that affords students interested in a career in engineering priority admission to Cal Poly Pomona and San Diego State University. A number of courses are offered under the Health Science pathway, some leading to certification (Certified Medical Assistant). YHS is currently in the process of developing several more.CTE pathways. Career Technical Education (CTE) Meetings and Agenda Perkins Meeting and Agenda Course Guides ROP K-14 Alliance Interview with Counseling Department Chairperson Follow-up studies are informally being done in small groups (for instance, in AVID and Career Technical Education), but this is not being done systematically. Counseling staff who have participated in follow-up studies with CalPath (a group of area counselors) have had significant trouble locating graduates based on the information provided by the students during their senior year. Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 106 B2: Curriculum Criterion “Do all students have equal access to the school’s entire program and assistance with a personal learning plan to prepare them for the pursuit of their academic, personal, and school-to-career goals?” B2 Summary: All students at Yucaipa High School have equal access to the school’s entire academic program and are given assistance in developing an individual graduation plan to prepare them for the pursuit of their academic, personal and school-to-career goals. Evidence of this includes a variety of course offerings, opportunities for student-parent-staff collaboration, and yearly contacts with counselors to develop and monitor student plans that facilitate transitions from high school to college or the workforce. Yucaipa High School’s open enrollment policy allows all students to take AP classes and, hence, experience a college-level curriculum while gaining advanced preparation for post-secondary studies. Several different career pathways such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) are offered for students wanting to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering and math related fields. Counselors assist students in the selection of the required courses to help students realize their post-secondary plans and career goals. Enrollment in these courses assists students with achievement of the academic standards and Student Achievement Goals, preparing them for a successful career in the global marketplace. Yucaipa High School offers opportunities to students for career exploration based on their interests and future goals, The Career Center, for example, sponsors activities that prepare students for post-secondary education and pre-technical training. In this way, students are able to explore future options and make connections between their current educational coursework and their future educational and vocational aspirations. College-preparatory programs such as AVID offer support to students with their core classes and prepare them for the rigors of college. Students, parents and counselors take part in creating a learning plan based on students’ interests and post-secondary plans. Parents, students, teachers and counselors help to monitor these plans when the students’ interests, needs and goals change. Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 107 Findings Evidence Equal Access to the School’s Program and Personal Learning Plan Assistance Yucaipa High School students can choose from a variety of course offerings that allow students to set and accomplish their academic personal and school-to-career goals. Students are allowed full access to the same curriculum, including ELL students and special-needs students. To better prepare students for the transition from high school to higher education, Yucaipa High School has open access to AP classes, affording students the challenge of a college level curriculum (provided the prerequisites are met and there is space available). This open access policy at Yucaipa High School allows students to select a variety of courses based on their personal, career and academic goals. Due to budget constraints, access may be limited. Some students are further supported through the AVID program where students receive support with their core classes. Through ROP, students can participate in one or more career-related and technical-education classes. YHS Course Guide ROP 2010-2011 Schedule and Course Descriptions YHS WASC Student Survey YHS WASC Parent Survey YHS WASC Teacher Survey YHS WASC Classified Staff Survey AP Course Listing AP College Board Approved Syllabus YHS Course Guide Class Rosters Showing Enrollment of ELL, Special Ed, etc. Most students create and complete an individual graduation plan with the assistance of the counselors. This graduation plan is used as a basis for course selection and exploration of future career options. Counselors meet with students at each grade level (whole class or by small group). Individual Graduation Plans At the 11th and 12th grade levels, counselors conduct a career unit in English classes where they do a credit check and revise the earlier plan received by the student. In the senior counseling Counselors’ schedule meetings with students, often Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 108 unit, students are divided into three to five breakout groups, for example, (A-G), community school and trade tech. The 10th grade English curriculum maps now include a career unit to be conducted in conjunction with the Counseling Department. through the Career Center, in each grade level to check current course work, grades, and goals. Duties for All Counselors List National Standards for Counseling Counselor Interview 10th Grade English Curriculum Maps Variety of Programs – Full Range of Choices Yucaipa High School provides some avenues for career exploration, preparation for post-secondary education and/or pre-technical training for all students. College representatives from public and private schools are invited to speak to students in the Career Center throughout the year. Professionals from the community including professionals such as graphic designers are invited to classrooms to give informational speeches to students. YHS WASC Student Survey YHS WASC Parent Survey YHS WASC Teacher Survey FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising) Guest Speakers from Various Professional and Technical Fields Students have access to COIN, an online career guidance system allowing students further opportunity for career exploration. COIN can be accessed from school or their home computer. COIN Online Career Guidance System Comprehensive career assessment is available through ASVAB, a test administered by the U.S. military to measure students’ knowledge and skills in a number of areas helping students with career selection. About 600 juniors and seniors took the ASVAB The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 109 last school year (2009-2010) through the YHS Career Center. The results that students receive within several weeks after taking the test indicate what career paths they scored into and should pursue. Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) has a college preparatory program and classroom activities that prepare them for post-secondary studies. AVID program Another opportunity for career exploration is provided through counseling in the form of career units. Counselors and Career Center staff are available to help students. There are annual visits from counselors for students to evaluate their current post high school goals with their course selections for the next year, re-evaluate their current career goals and further explore options. Student-Parent-Staff Collaboration Students, staff, parents, and counselors meet in parent or teacher requested 504 or IEP meetings to help students plan a personal Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports National Standards for Counseling 110 course of study for the following year. These meetings take into account a student’s strengths and weaknesses, academics, behavior plans and needs, and interests. Counselors’ schedules for meeting with students for each grade level to check current course work, grades, goals, and utilize the Career Center. Parents can access the ABI program available on the SchoolFusion website for information about their student’s grades, attendance, and class progress (e.g. homework assignments). The YHS SchoolFusion website also provides information on school activities, calendar of events, and other school-related information. ABI/SchoolFusion YHS WASC Parent Survey AVID parent information sessions are held to familiarize parents with the goals of AVID. Parents learn about the college-going process and related needs for their students. Students who participate in AVID agree to enroll in a rigorous college preparatory sequence of courses that includes at least one AP course each school year. AVID parent information sessions Meetings are held for parents of English Language Learners (ELL) and Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) students to disseminate academic and other school-related information such as homework policy, support offered to these students, college information, timelines and A-G requirements. ELAC Agenda and Meeting Minutes GATE Agenda and Meeting Minutes Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 111 Monitoring/Changing Student Plans Ninth and tenth graders are seen in the classroom by counselors and given a course guide/review at the time of registration. The eleventh and twelfth grade counselors conduct a college unit in English classes where a credit check is completed and students’ earlier plans are monitored or changed. As part of the senior college/career unit, students are grouped by post-secondary interest and are given specific information accordingly. Students’ plans are then updated and reviewed by semester. In the AVID program, AVID teachers are allowed complete access to their students’ ABI data. This allows the AVID teacher to discuss and monitor their students’ actions across the curriculum. AVID Curriculum 912 Students are allowed to enroll in an AP class if they want to take on the challenge of an advanced placement class and wish to receive college credit by taking and passing the AP Exam at the end of the course. If a student is not finding success in an AP class, the counselors speak to the teacher, and the student and parent/s decide whether the student will remain in the class or be switched into a regular class. This is done on a student by student basis. The (AP U.S. History has a college unit after the AP testing is completed.) AP US History College Board Approved Syllabus Parents, teachers, students, and counselors can request repeated meetings for 504 or IEPs as needed to address student academic or behavioral issues. Students with IEPs are assigned to a case carrier who routinely monitors students’ progress and communicates with teachers, students, and parents as needed to support student learning. IEP meetings 504 Plans and Meetings Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports Interview with Counselors National Standards for Counseling A counseling plan is made for all grade levels regarding student college and career plans. 112 Post High School Transitions For students interested in continuing their education after high school at the local community college, Crafton Hills College, there are various ways that the Career Center provides assistance to students with this transition. In the spring, Crafton Hills workshops are held, beginning with a tour of Crafton. Students are given help in the application process, study guides are provided to prepare for the college placement test, and appointments with college counselors are set up. The college counselors go over the placement, make suggestions for classes and write up an Education plan. Qualified students are informed of the EOP program as well. AVID students receive support with their core classes and tutor assistance with college tutors that allow students to achieve academic success in high school. AVID also prepares students to enter and succeed in college by teaching basic skills required to manage college level courses and graduate. Crafton Hills Senior Day List of Career Center Events 2009-2010 AVID Visits to College Campuses AVID Standardized Test Preparation WCR (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration and Reading) Based Lessons in AVID Classes. Cornell Note Taking in All AVID Classes Students who are on the Arts and Media Pathway can receive unit credit from Crafton Hills College by receiving a ‘C’ or better in Advanced 3D class or Advanced Graphic Design and passing the final at Crafton. Interview with CTE Teacher The Transition Partnership Project (TPP) is a partnership between YCJUSD, SELPA and the Department of Rehabilitation. It is a career education class partly funded by the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation to support the mandated transition needs stipulated in the revised IDEA 2004 for special needs students. Students participate in specialized Transition Partnership Project (TPP/English 12) Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 113 academic instruction in English 12 and Career Choices curriculum. The career assessment inventories and coordinated set of transition activities administered by the TPP staff give students needed job skills. Students are linked to work experience programs and also apply for Department of Rehabilitation services for post graduation employment services. The SI Life Skills classes provide support to individuals between the ages of 14 and 22 who are intellectually disabled (ID). Each student has an Individual Transition Plan (ITP) in addition to an Individual Education Plan (IEP). Students are given work experience on campus with various jobs such as Xeroxing for the staff, doing laundry, and running errands. Students are given access to the surrounding community when the students travel by bus to various localities such as the bank, grocery stores, park, post office and various work sites. Students are given opportunities for career exploration and receive vocational job training as well as assistance in job placement. Students are supported in preparing for the transition from high school to the workplace/independent living by providing them with necessary job and life skills. Students who have gone through the program frequently gain paid positions in the community, and some become volunteers at, for example, YAPS (Yucaipa Animal Placement Society) and the Yucaipa Library. Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports ROP Workability Program Interview with SI Life Skills Teacher List of Students Who Received Job Placement in the Community ITPs/IEPs 114 B3: Curriculum Criterion “To what extent are students able to meet all the requirements of graduation upon completion of the high school program?” B3 Summary: Upon graduation, most students at Yucaipa High School are able to meet all the requirements of graduation through a rigorous academic curriculum aligned with District, State and/or National standards and State frameworks. All students have access to a variety of course offerings that allow students to not only meet graduation requirements but fulfill the A-G requirements for UC and Cal State University entrance. There has been an increase in the number of career-related technical programs offered to students that provide them with career-related and technical skills that prepare them for the transition from high school to post-secondary studies or the workforce. Through the Career Center, students are afforded various opportunities (including workshops and visitations) for exploration of college and career opportunities that suit their interests and strengths. Findings Evidence Fulfillment of Graduation Requirements Upon completion of the high school program, most students meet the graduation requirements. The staff monitors progress of students toward these requirements, ensuring students’ understanding of these requirements. Support is provided to ensure that students are meeting all requirements. Students are required to complete 225 credits out of a normal six-classes-per-year, 240-unit pace. Students are offered multiple paths to graduation: Graduation Checks by Counselors Parent Meetings, Workshops, Phone Calls Registration Process Zero Period (flexible scheduling) List of Graduation Requirements YHS Course Guide 1. The Basic Graduation path sees students complete the 225 credits in designated subject areas. 2. The A – G path contains the minimum requirements of the Basic Graduation path except that it encourages students to take college-preparation classes, i.e., a fouryear opportunity door. Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 115 3. The Basic Graduation path is supplemented by Adult Education enrollment. 4. The Green Valley High School path involves a transfer from YHS and graduation from GVHS. Students can receive supplemental instructional support to help them pass the California High School Exit Exam by taking CAHSEE support classes. CASHEE Math and English Support Classes Students have the opportunity to re-take certain classes during summer school. Summer School Course Offerings The graduation rate for 2008-2009 was 92.7%. The dropout rate for 2008-2009 was 1.3%. YCJUSD Graduation Rate Chart College Visits Career Days Financial Aid Nights College Parent Nights College Application Resume Writing Personal Statement and College Exploration Workshops YHS Course Guide YHS WASC Teacher Survey YHS WASC Student Survey Classroom Lesson Plans Classroom Observations Real World Applications – Curriculum In past years, during 1-2 day career units across grade levels, students participate in skills and personality assessments that helped them to better understand careers and college opportunities that may best suit their personal strengths. Resumes were also created with students. Unfortunately, with recent budget constraints many of these activities have been eliminated. Some courses on campus bring in guest speakers to connect the curriculum with real-world applications. Also, all ROP courses on campus meet industry standards. Students can earn certificates, such as the Certified Medical Assistant certificate (CMA). Many teachers incorporate real-world application projects within the curriculum. This includes, but is not limited to, physics and math classes whose members work with a business to analyze energy efficiency. Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 116 Meeting Graduation Requirements Students at Yucaipa High School have a variety of academic support programs to ensure students are meeting all requirements including passing the CAHSEE. CAHSEE Support classes are offered within the actual school day as an elective. CAHSEE tutoring is also available. These include Restart classes, which allow students to begin a course anew after school and on weekends. This flexibility allows students to meet the graduation requirements. CAHSEE Support Classes (LC) CAHSEE Tutoring Sign-in Sheet CAHSEE Pass Rate Restart Classes – Offered After School and on Weekends Graduation Checks Other interventions in place to help students stay on the path to graduation include the Read 180 program, a program through Scholastic. This program provides students who are reading below grade level the opportunity to improve their reading level. This class is an elective class and provides students with high-interest books appropriate to the student’s reading/instructional level. Computerized modules are utilized where students receive individual assistance, and they also receive instruction from the teacher in small groups. Read 180 Program Lunch and After-School Free Peer Tutoring Offered Through Counseling Writing Workshops Independent Study Contracts IEP Goals/Supports that Facilitate Graduation YHS Course Guide Master Schedule Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 117 Free T-Bird Peer tutoring is available during lunch time and after school, and the YHS Writing Center helps students develop their writing skills in the EMC during both lunches and often after school as well. Support classes for students who are placed in classes such as SI Modern World History, SI Math, SI Biology, SI English classes) per IEP recommendations are offered. The inclusion of these support programs have helped students meet high school graduation requirements and allowed close monitoring of these students’ learning plans. Yucaipa High School Focus Group B – Unordered List of Areas of Strength • Teachers adhere to State Standards providing students with quality curriculum. • A large portion of the faculty have embraced professional development topics regarding current educational research, standards-based grading, best practices, and the overall concept of a professional learning community. • Teachers collaborate within departments using time set aside to come together and discuss teaching strategies, curriculum pacing, and a variety of other concerns among the department. Example of our collaboration include data analysis, best practices, grading policies, curricular maps and assessment, supportive subgroup and special needs students, use of technology, and innovative teaching strategies. • The concept of teachers interacting as part of a Professional Learning Community is developing. Teachers are investigating such topics as standards-based grading, sharing best practices, analyzing student achievement data, and developing common practices. Collaboration time, department meetings and faculty meetings are used to foster these interactions and provide time to accomplish specific tasks. • The Career Center is staffed full-time and available 7:30 am to 3:00 pm. Students have access within this center to obtain information on colleges, career, technical and military pathways. • Students are supported through a variety of programs and classes including: IEPs, Special Education programs, ELL programs, AVID program, CAHSEE support classes, Saturday Academies, tutoring programs, Read 180, TPP classes and SI Life Skills classes, AP classes for GATE students and Restart classes for credit deficient students. Focus Group B – Prioritized List of Areas for Growth (highest to lowest) 1. Curriculum maps, benchmarks and standards-based textbooks need to be in place for all departments and course offerings. 2. An expansion of our elective course offerings needs to occur and result in a greater variety of career pathway courses that create connections to industry, prepare students for post-secondary education, and/or lead to certification in a particular field. 3. A systematic approach to writing should be provided to support departments that are focusing on the second critical area of need dealing with writing. 4. Improvement and expansion of the AP, ELL and GATE programs needs to occur. Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 118 5. A systematic method of following up with graduates to learn about their post-high school education and career needs to be developed. (Information pertaining to counseling growth occurs in Focus Group E) Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 119 Focus Group C: Standards Based Student Learning: Instruction C1: Instruction Criterion “To what extent are all students involved in challenging learning experiences to achieve the academic standards and Student Achievement Goals (formerly ESLR’s)?” C1 Summary: California State Standards, State Curriculum frameworks, as well as national guidelines serve as the foundation for instruction in each academic area. School-wide Student Achievement Goals are emphasized and reinforced in specific classes throughout the school. Teachers employ a variety of innovative, instructional strategies based upon educational research, professional development, and collaboration that actively involve students in learning. Teachers work hard to develop a “community of learners” in each of their classes while using performance data and differentiation to address individual student needs. Findings Evidence Results of Student Observations and Examination of Student Work Most students are engaged in classroom lessons as active learners. Among classes containing mostly freshmen and sophomores, particularly those that are not considered college preparatory, there are more instances in which a lack of engagement appears. There was some indication that EL students and, to a lesser extent, special education students are more likely to have less engagement within the classroom. Most teachers utilize a variety of strategies (direct instruction, interactive notes or notebook, cooperative groups, peer tutoring, project-based learning, technologies, classroom Yucaipa High School Department Lists (of strategies that engage students) Teacher/Parent/Student Surveys Classroom Observations Teacher/Parent/Student Surveys Classroom Observations Home Group (department) Responses Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 120 simulations, PowerPoint presentations) to engage students of all ability levels and backgrounds in the learning process. Students are aware of specific content standards and how the school-wide Student Achievement Goals apply in each of their classes. Student Surveys Classroom Observations Student Interviews Teacher/Parent/Student Surveys Class Syllabi Classroom Observations Class Websites (SchoolFusion) PLC Meetings Collaboration Meetings Teacher/Parent/Student Surveys Classroom Observations Home group (department) Responses Student Understanding of Performance Levels Teachers clearly communicate the state standards and performance levels for all areas of study to students through a variety of methods. Predominantly, this information is disseminated to all students at the beginning of the semester. Most teachers communicate the standards or lesson objective/s before or during each chapter or unit through a variety of methods including syllabi, handouts, verbal communication, class websites (SchoolFusion), and classroom posters. Some teachers post and identify the standard and/or objective for each lesson on a daily basis. Some teachers, as a way of implementing “standards based grading” procedures, equate levels of performance as delineated in state, standardized tests scores to classroom assessments in this manner: (Advanced = A, Proficient = B, Basic = C, Below Basic and Far Below Basic = F). Differentiation of Instruction Most teachers employ specific techniques to engage EL students (use of REALIA, vocabulary development, demonstrations), learning disabled, and GATE students. Some Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 121 IEP Meetings Students have a clear understanding of the expected level of performance based on the California State Standards and school-wide Student Achievement Goals. Students are aware of the meaning of performing “far below basic,” “below basic,” “basic,” “proficient,” and “advanced” on state tests department benchmarks. Student Surveys Student Interviews and Dialogue (with 50 students) Classroom Observations Students indicate that teachers clearly communicate course curriculum content, grading methods, and test requirements. Students have a positive perception regarding their learning experiences. They indicate that their coursework is relevant and teachers actively engage and support their learning process. Most students believe that the classes that they are currently taking are preparing them for next year’s coursework and for college, that classes were challenging, and that teachers supported them in the learning process. Students also indicated that they understood how their performance on standardized tests affected the teachers are commonly using differentiation as a technique to engage students with diverse backgrounds (ELL) and ability levels. Teachers differentiate instruction on a variety of levels (at the class level: core vs. Honors vs. AP classes, and within classes: heterogeneous and homogeneous grouping strategies, re-teaching, peer tutoring), and also evaluate its impact on student learning within the classroom. Student Perceptions Yucaipa High School Student Surveys Student interviews and dialogue with 50 students Classroom observations Student surveys Student Interviews and Dialogue (with 50 students) Classroom Observations Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 122 choice of classes in high school. Most students responded that their teachers effectively communicate course outlines, grading methods, and test requirements Students, in general, were familiar with the school wide Student Achievement Goals (formerly ESLR’s) and how these were being emphasized by teachers in specific classes. Yucaipa High School Student Survey Classroom Observations Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 123 C2: Instruction Criterion “To what extent do all teachers use a variety of strategies and resources, including technology and experiences beyond the textbook and the classroom, that actively engage students, emphasize higher order thinking skills, and help them succeed at higher levels”: C2 Summary: Instructional approaches involve all students as active learners and help them develop an array of techniques to organize, access, scaffold, and apply knowledge and skills. Varieties of teaching and learning technologies enhance instruction and help motivate students. Courses are evaluated and modified to ensure that they are current, rigorous, and relevant to students. Students are involved in problem solving; constructing meaning; analyzing and synthesizing information; inquiry; critical thinking; communicating visually, in writing, and orally; and are presented with opportunities to improve and revise their work. Teachers function both as content experts as well as coaches and/or facilitators of student learning. Students utilize library and electronic information sources to conduct research projects in many classes. Students are frequently provided opportunities to apply their learning to real world experiences or simulations, participate in selected educational activities outside the classroom, and make connections between classroom concepts and their future education and career interests and goals. Current Knowledge Most certificated staff have participated in content-related reading, and all of the staff collaborated on developing summative vs. formative assessment strategies, standards-based teaching, differentiation, and ELL strategies. They also have focused on improving technology skills such as ABI, SchoolFusion, Data Director, electronic grade book, PowerPoint, email, graphing calculators, data collection and science sensors, smart boards, and ELMO). Half of the staff participated in conferences (AVID, AP, ELL/SDAIE, RIMS/CTAP, CUE, World Yucaipa High School Teacher Survey Collaboration (via faculty, and G meetings) Conference Request Forms Previous District “buy-back” Days Voluntary PLC (meetings before and after school) Teacher Interviews Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 124 Language Jamboree) and continuing education classes (both in the area of educational research as well as their specific content areas). District Teaching Requirements Teachers employ a variety of instructional strategies to function as coaches to facilitate student learning. These include differentiation in the form of small group instruction and alternative assessments, SADIE and EL techniques. Student, Parent, and Teacher Surveys Classroom Observations Teachers implement technology-based lessons and/or presentations such as via PowerPoint, ELMO, smart boards (in all departments); graphing calculators, data collection devices, and software applications (in the technology and mathematics departments); Socratic seminars (in the English and History departments); simulations and role playing via History Alive, Teacher/Parent/Student Surveys Classroom Observations Home Group (department) Responses All teachers are certified to teach English Language Learners. More than half have watched related TV or DVD programs or done individual Internet research. Some foreign language teachers have traveled outside the country to increase their understanding of the language and culture that they teach, while other teachers have completed advanced degrees in their subject areas or in education. During monthly department meetings, faculty members share instructional strategies, analyze student performance data, and address areas for improvement. Teachers as Coaches Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 125 Simulated United Nations, and mock trials for Socrates, Galileo, and King Charles (in the History Department); inquiry/open-ended laboratory investigations, project-based learning as with cell and atom models, genetics and ecology posters (in the Science Department); geometry constructions, graphing functions, history posters that outline important events, cooperative learning and grouping of students (in the science, English, mathematics, history, fine arts, PE, and Foreign Language Departments), and guest speakers (in the Science, Foreign Language, History, and English departments). Examination of Student Work Teachers organize student learning to assist students to construct meaning; understand basic concepts and vocabulary; build upon prior knowledge; apply concepts to new situations; develop higher order thinking and problem solving skills; communicate effectively through a variety of modalities; research, evaluate, and analyze data; and to function as both an independent and collaborative learner. Most departments and most classes within each department incorporate at least one activity or project that requires the student to apply previously learned knowledge. Within core classes taught by various teachers, the specific project and number of projects done may vary significantly, but there are a number of courses in which the same project is used by all teachers of the same course. Yucaipa High School Teacher/Parent/Student Surveys Classroom Observations Home group (department) Responses Cornell Note Taking (Science, History) and Interactive Notebooks (History) Graphic Organizers (History, English, Science) Growth in Writing (English) Lab Reports (Science) Department lists of projects that require use of previous knowledge (Home Group Responses) Teacher/Parent/Student Surveys Classroom Observation Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 126 Projects that require organizing, accessing and applying knowledge are found within core classes as well as advanced classes within most departments. The Math Department, for example, utilizes the Kings Pathway project in Algebra I and Integrated I as well as several culminating projects in the Statistics class. In science, students develop observation, data organization and analysis skills (in Earth Science and Biology), and they refine and develop these skills further (in Chemistry, AP Biology, and AP Physics). Teacher/Parent/Student Surveys Classroom Observations Department Responses (Home Groups) Collaboration Minutes Most students participate in at least one such project during the academic year with many participating in multiple projects. Student Survey Most parents surveyed believed that curricular assignments are built upon previous classes and knowledge, and that their students participate in several projects emphasizing past knowledge, research, and discovery. Parent Survey Students actively use and are exposed to a variety of technologies in computer labs (research projects in English, History, and science; software applications in technology classes) as well as individual classrooms (ELMO, PowerPoint presentations, graphing calculators, science data collection devices and sensors, smart boards). Teacher/Parent/Student Surveys Classroom Observations Department Responses (Home Groups) Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 127 Many teachers structure learning in integrated blocks or sequences that build upon each other. Cornell note-taking as well as other interactive notebook strategies are used in many subjects (science, history, mathematics) to assist students in constructing and building meaning in related concepts. Teacher/Student Surveys Classroom Observations Department Response (Home Groups) Home Group (department) Responses Teacher/Parent/Student Surveys Classroom Observations Real World Experiences All departments reported that students are involved in learning experiences that emphasize real world applications or experiences. Examples follow. History In the History Department, students are given the opportunity to apply their new knowledge within the classroom through projects and simulations. History also works to create real-world connection within the class in many different ways. During lectures, connections are made through discussion and examples. Through activities and simulations, students can see how things work in the real world, for example through a 1800’s farming game, a stock market project, elections and congressional law making simulations. Students also connect to the real world through assignments and guest speakers. Students are exposed to real-world technology through the use of the SchoolFusion websites, including interactive blogging, online homework submission, online quizzes, posted make up work and notes; Internet research for projects (such as academic digital collections); and the use of presentation software PowerPoint projects. Yucaipa High School Mock United Nations Real-life Day-to-day Economic Simulation French Revolution Simulation, Industrial Production Simulation Trials (Socrates, King Charles, Galileo Current Events Assignments) Community Service Requirements for Twelfth Graders Senior Poll Workers Guest Speakers (Vietnam, WWII, Current Military, City Council, UCR Psychology, Trade Schools, etc. Speech and Debate Team AVID (Junior Class Trip, Field Trip Museum of Tolerance, Career Fairs) Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 128 Foreign Language In the Foreign Language Department students are given ample opportunities to apply their knowledge within the classroom. Teachers use role play to allow students to be actively involved in the learning process as well as dialogue which engage and motivate students to use speaking and listening skills in Spanish. Letter writing and the use of current events are also strategies that encourage students to actively use their knowledge. Current events allow students not only to go beyond their everyday experience but to see what is occurring in the Spanish-speaking community. Non-Spanish speaker students also conduct interviews with native Spanish-speaking students within the school to encourage peers to get to know each other. Role Play Dialogue Letter writing Current events (for example, online newspapers; Spanish newspaper, i.e., La Prensa) Interviews (non-native speakers of on-campus native speakers) Cultural Events (Dia de los Muertos, Cinco De Mayo, and Mexican Independence) Class Discussions on both Current Events and Historical Events. Literature-embedded Discussions of Controversial Issues Use of research skills to find a current event and develop a written or oral response. English In the English Department, students are given the opportunity to apply their new knowledge within the classroom through projects, oral presentations, collaborations in small groups, and class discussions. English teachers work to create real-world connections within the class through the use of literature and applicable business or college writing skills. Students are often asked to discuss current events or share personal experiences that connect to the literature. English teachers often integrate, as part of their lessons, current cultural or social issues that relate to the fiction or nonfiction selected in order to motivate a higher-level of interest in the students. As part of class discussions, English teachers work to connect political, social or historical issues to the literature to allow the students to develop a wellYucaipa High School There is discussion about the differences between reality vs. fiction and how they affect real world events or decisions by developing a brochure. SchoolFusion is used for blogging on social or ethical dilemmas that are present in the curriculum/literature. College-application essays respond to various issues in a personal narrative form. Students examine current political speeches, discursive advertisements, and campaign commercials (regarding appeal strategies). Regarding moral issues in the family and the community, persuasive writing is generated. There is participation in the Poetry Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 129 rounded perspective and often encourage them to think globally about a topic. Within the written and oral discussions students are encouraged to develop and demonstrated their argumentative and discursive skills on a cultural, social, political or ontological issue and apply it to the activity, lesson or literature. Opportunities to experience real-world situations and discuss an applicable solution presently are connected to inclass discussions of curricular assignments with room for growth outside the scope of English or class. Out Loud National Competition. Graphic Organizers (such as a K-WL chart) is used in order to demonstrate prior and learned knowledge on a specific topic. Analysis of subject-specific topics (such as archetype heroes in Beowolf). Science The Science Department teachers have made it a common practice within their classrooms to tie in real-world experiences in the classroom as well as outside of the classroom in their everyday lives. Teachers utilize their lab activities, classroom lectures, and technology to incorporate these examples of science in everyday life into the students’ curriculum. This is accomplished by incorporating the latest scientific data, events, techniques, or examples into their lectures, activities, and technology use as well as personal experiences. Teachers also practice implementing examples of current science into their labs, lectures, and technology by embedding current trends, fads, or examples that are relevant to students lives or interests. Yucaipa High School Use of current events in classroom activities, labs, and lectures that are in the news, on the World Wide Web, or featured on television. (Ex: Hurricanes on the Weather Channel, Iceland Volcanic Eruption 2009, Tornado coverage, Oil spill in the Gulf, latest Astronomy-Comet Hartley 2, Biomedicine, Human clinical trials, Space related physics, etc.) Teachers personal experiences in field of Science brought into the classroom and used. (Diving, Stormchasing, volcano research, geology related experiences, science related trips in specific science areas) Hands on Field activities for students to experience it as it applies outside of the classroom. (Clubs/Ecology club, Field trips, Star Parties, visits to the San Andreas Fault locally, experiments done outside near campus that relate to earth science, biology, chemistry, physics, or marine biology) Students do projects or activities where they create the science using Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 130 their personal life experiences or personal interests to incorporate the science. Special Education The Special Education Department has taken several steps to provide students with opportunities for real-world experiences. When a student is on an IEP, it is required that they have a transition plan to life outside of public education. Each student is given goals and objectives to reach for planning their life after high school. We work with the Department of Rehabilitation for services they can receive after they leave high school. We have the workability program that prepares them for the workforce post graduation. The TPP class is another avenue in which we prepare them for the real world. The Transition Partnership Program is a class where they learn to fill out job applications, resumes, and learn to interview. There are guest speakers from different areas of the private sector that help give the students an idea of what goes on in real world applications of what they learn. All of these programs provide the student transition to life outside high school. Students have learned steps in the job application process. The students can use the accommodations and modifications in their IEP in state colleges and junior colleges. Mathematics The Math Department members work to incorporate real-world examples into their teaching. They discuss how understanding the equations helps in job fields such as construction or civil engineering. They work to use real-life examples for finding information such as knowing the area to replace carpet in a home or the height of a building without having to actually measure it. Several math teachers speak Yucaipa High School Construction Related Geometry Civil Engineering Examples: Earthquakes, Building and Bridge Design, Hydrology and Drainage. Costs (replacing carpet, square feet calculations) Financing Home or Car In Trigonometry, students find the height of flagpoles and trees. In Statistics, guest speakers talk to Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 131 from their own experience as civil engineers or bring in guest speakers who talk about how they use math in their jobs every day. One class that really stands out is an elective called Tech Prep Math, which consists completely of everyday Math. They discuss many practical math-related items such as interest rates, investment, debt/ income ratio, and mortgages. The class is a project-oriented class in which the students do simulations of budgeting, accounting, financial, investment situations, etc., that they will often see as adults. the class about using math in particular types of jobs such as land surveyors, GIS specialists, statistical analysis of airline travel. In Tech Prep, students research historical trends in rental rates vs. home prices and the ramifications of buying home furnishings with credit cards. They also use calculators to determine debt levels, interest payments, investments, and interest compounding. Technology Department Yucaipa High School has growing career and technical programs that emphasize job skills. Within the different pathways, we are in several different stages of development: Two pathways are in the planning stage (arts/media/ entertainment and marketing/sales/ service), four others are in the planning stage in that they have classes offered but don’t have links to jobs or colleges (finance and business/education and child development/information technology/ business trades and construction), and two others are fully functioning (health science and medical technology/engineering and design). We also have career-related class offerings in law enforcement, automotive engineering, and ROTC. Yucaipa High School Art/Media emphasizes arts, performing arts, digital publishing, photography and film production. Finance/Business emphasizes accounting, business law, retail merchandising and small business ROP Education emphasizes elementary school teaching. Information Tech emphasizes Desktop publishing, and graphic design, and construction technology. Health Science/Medical/Medical Terminology emphasizes physical therapy, sports medicine, and attaining a certified medical assistant certificate. Engineering/Design/Introduction to the Principles of Architecture Design emphasizes civil engineering, capstoning, and admission to Cal Poly Pomona. Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 132 Focus Group C - Unordered List of Areas of Strength ● ● ● ● ● Teachers use a variety of instructional strategies to actively involve students in the learning process including but not limited to direct instruction, peer teaching, cooperative groups, technology-based lessons (software applications, PowerPoint lectures, DVD or video clips, graphing calculators, data collection devices and sensors, ELMO), interactive notebooks, simulations, project based learning, and role playing. Students frequently apply their learning to real-world simulations, learning experiences outside the classroom, and to their prospective educational and/or career goals. Teachers assist students in learning more difficult concepts by having students build on prior knowledge and skills. All teachers are certified to teach ELL students. All teachers provide students and parents with a detailed class syllabus that explains grading, classroom procedures, and student expectations for learning and behavior. Focus Group C - Prioritized List of Areas for Growth (highest to lowest) 1. Teachers need to more clearly identify content standards and expected levels of performance, so students can focus on specific learning targets. When feasible, grading rubrics can be developed and used to facilitate this process. 2. All teachers need to relate student learning to specific content standards, school-wide Student Achievement Goals, and the Critical Academic Needs. 3. A cross-curricular approach is needed to develop a strategic instructional process that can help all students organize, access, and apply knowledge to a new concept or skill (i.e., define the question or problem, conduct research, create or develop a procedure or summarize findings, and then test or apply what has been learned). 4. Increased support is needed for EL and Students with Special Needs especially within core classes. Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 133 Focus Group D: Standards-based Student Learning: Assessment and Accountability D1: Assessment and Accountability Criterion “To what extent does the school use a professionally acceptable assessment process to collect, disaggregate, analyze and report student performance data to the parents and other shareholders of the community?” D1 Summary: The Yucaipa High School community regards assessment as very important to the educational process. There is an integrated system of monitoring in place to allow for detailed access to a variety of sources of data. Teachers use regular formative and summative assessments to monitor student achievement and make decisions regarding instruction. Teachers select the most relevant assessments to guide their ongoing monitoring of student achievement. Depending on the assessment, the results are analyzed by teachers and the results are reported to students and parents in order to provide feedback regarding how individual students are progressing towards mastery of the content standards in their classes. Teachers report student achievement in the form of a letter grade on all progress reports and report cards. District policy dictates that letter grades must be reported in the form of A, B, C or F. As maturing individuals, students connect their achievement to their achievement goals. Students are encouraged to consider their academic progress when planning for their future, both in school and beyond. Parents have access to and are regularly informed regarding student data, progress, and performance . All members of the Yucaipa High School community from administration and teachers to parents and students have access to abundant assessment information. Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 134 Findings Evidence Professionally Acceptable Assessment Process District and School The school and District maintain Data Director and ABI programs to collect, monitor and disaggregate student achievement data. Data Director compiles year to year results of STAR tests as well as some school-based assessments. STAR results are also mailed home annually to all parents as soon as those results are available from the State. All parents and students are provided with confidential log-in access to allow them access to ABI. The school mails out teacher-generated progress reports quarterly to all students (more often for students in jeopardy) as well as formal report cards at the end of each semester in January and June. Data Director ABI Fall STAR Report Letters Progress Reports Report Cards Staff Teachers employ a variety of assessment strategies. Summative assessments suited to content areas are used by most teachers to provide the formal grade-related data and to guide instruction. Formative assessments are used daily by almost all teachers to guide their classroom instruction. Data Director provides teachers with feedback regarding their student results from the prior year, in specific standards clusters. These results are analyzed by departments to reflect on the effectiveness of curriculum maps as well as to initiate discussion regarding best practices. Collaboration time is often focused on how to include student achievement data in making instructional decisions, particularly for subgroups such as ELL and special education students. The Yucaipa High School Data Director ABI Teacher Surveys Classroom Observations Home Group Research Collaboration Time Agendas and Minutes Progress Reports Report Cards Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 135 majority of teachers update their ABI records at least weekly to provide ongoing information about student achievement. Progress reports are completed at the quarters for all students, with students in jeopardy of failing a class receiving an extra progress report in advance of both the “official” progress report as well as the actual report card. Parents and Students Students and parents report that teachers use a wide variety of assessment strategies to assess student learning. A large majority of students feel that teacher assessments accurately reflect their classroom learning. The majority of both students and parents report that teachers employ a wide variety of instructional and assessment strategies. Almost all parents report feeling well informed regarding the progress of their student in terms of learning the standards relevant to their classes. ELL parents report similar results, but with smaller majorities. The majority of students and parents use assessment information of all kinds to help them plan the program of their students. Parent Surveys Student Surveys STAR Results Letters Progress Reports Report Cards Teacher Websites (SchoolFusion) Basis for Determination of Performance Levels Staff The determination of performance levels is at the discretion of the classroom teacher. Performance levels take the form of a letter grade of A, B, C or F, as directed by District policy. The letter grades are intended to match State performance levels with A corresponding to “advanced,” B to “proficient,” C to “basic” and F to both “below Yucaipa High School School G Grade Policy Teacher Survey Student Survey Parent Survey Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 136 basic” and “far below basic.” Teachers compile the results of the assessments and have individualized methods to categorize where students fit into the performance levels. The teacher then reports a final letter grade. The letter grade is reported on the formal report cards at the ends of both semesters. Letter grades are used to determine student program needs. Students may be required to retake classes that are required for graduation or as a prerequisite for another class. Letter grades are also used during registration to help inform students, parents and counselors about the most appropriate course selections for subsequent years. Yucaipa High School Course Guide Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 137 D2: Assessment and Accountability Criterion “To what extent do teachers employ a variety of assessment strategies to evaluate student learning? To what extent do students and teachers use these findings to modify the teaching/learning process for the enhancement of the educational progress of every student?” D2 Summary: Yucaipa High School uses a multitude of formal and informal assessments to monitor student progress. These assessments are used as a basis to enhance the teaching/learning process. Depending on the content area, teachers select the most appropriate assessment for measuring the learning of students in their own classroom. Yucaipa High School is continuing to incorporate the District’s Data Director system to analyze current and past students’ CST, CAHSEE scores and results of District benchmarks. These scores are analyzed within departments and by individual teachers during department meetings and collaboration time, and subsequently used to guide instruction, evaluate and monitor student performance, develop department goals, and identify areas to improve instruction. As they incorporate assessment information into classroom instruction, teachers emphasize the student achievement goals (formerly ESLR’s) to ensure students develop the skills to think critically and communicate effectively while becoming responsible, independent, and reflective learners. ABI and SchoolFusion are valuable tools in keeping students and parents aware of their educational progress within their individual courses. Findings Evidence Appropriate Assessment Strategies: All departments and teachers use a wide variety of assessments when evaluating student learning projects, tests, quizzes, benchmarks, papers, quick writes, folders, notebooks, mini papers, movie assignments, and portfolios. Department Homework Parent Survey Student Survey Teacher Survey Data Director Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 138 CAHSEE Teacher Rubrics Classroom Observations A large majority of the students surveyed agreed that teachers’ assessments accurately reflected what they have learned. Student Survey Demonstration of Student Achievement: Formative and summative benchmark assessments are used in core departments to demonstrate mastery of academic standards. These benchmarks were developed by departments and through the District office using the Intel Assess company. The District’s formative benchmarks were developed as a requirement tied to the PI status of the District. Variety of student work is displayed within classrooms demonstrating student achievement of standards. Students demonstrate student achievement goals daily. All classroom discussions, in-depth practice of academic standards, note-taking, teacher prompts, student questioning, daily assignments being submitted, correct use of subject vocabulary by students, cooperative groups, and connections to the real world are all examples of students thinking critically, being independent learners, effective and creative communicators, and responsible citizens while addressing academic standards. Yucaipa High School Department Benchmarks District Benchmarks Data Director Intel Assess Classroom Observations Student Work Department Homework Classroom Observations Student Work Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 139 Curriculum Embedded Assessments: Departments use collaboration time to evaluate and sometimes modifying curriculum maps and benchmark assessments to increase student achievement on CST and CAHSEE scores in English Language and mathematics. Student Achievement Goals also address mathematics and English Language. They are discussed during collaboration and by departments with a special emphasis on how to increase achievement of ELL students. All student CST scores are readily available to all teachers. Teachers and departments can access their previous and current students’ CST scores to identify areas of weakness/strengths, so they may modify/enrich the teaching learning process. Monthly Collaboration Feedback Pre-Collaboration Minutes Department Minutes CST Scores CAHSEE Data Director Student Feedback: Most students and parents agreed that they are regularly informed about their academic progress by their teachers on in class assignments, quizzes and tests scores through the use of ABI and teacher/student/parent discussions, emails, school-progress reports. A large majority of students and parents agreed that ABI was updated regularly, keeping them informed of course progress. While most students agreed their teachers updated ABI at least weekly a smaller majority reported they did not check ABI as frequently. Approximately half of the students do not view ABI as a source of teachers informing them of their progress in the class. A large majority of teachers stated they update ABI weekly, and most teachers also employ additional forms of communicating grades to students and parents. Yucaipa High School Student Survey Parent Survey Teacher Survey Department Homework Teacher Rubrics Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 140 Modification of the Teaching/Learning Process: A vast majority of teachers review their students’ performance weekly using both formal and informal assessments. This vast majority use class discussions and student responses to modify teaching/learning daily or weekly while most teachers modify based on formal assessments. Modifications include reteaching and differentiated instruction. Modifications and adaptations are also used for ELL, SE, and 504-plan students. These students may have modified grading and support services. Oral assessments, peer teaching/tutoring, think pair share, SDAIE strategies are used to enhance the teaching/learning process. Classroom Observations Teacher Survey Team Teaching T-Bird Peer Tutoring Learning Centers A+ Curriculum Monitoring of Student Growth: ABI is the only uniform system YHS uses as a way of monitoring and communicating student growth to all stakeholders. YCJUSD directly mails CST and CAHSEE data to all students’ guardians. This information is also available to all teachers through Data Director for their former and current students. Counseling regularly meets with students who are not on track to graduate based on their current grade level. All teachers have their own individualized methods of monitoring their students’ progress through, for example, SchoolFusion class blogs, progress reports, ABI updates, CST scores, formative, and summative assessments. Yucaipa High School Teacher Survey SchoolFusion Teacher Websites Department Homework Teacher Rubrics Counseling Class Syllabi Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 141 D3: Assessment and Accountability Criterion “To what extent does the school with the support of the District and community have an assessment and monitoring system to determine student progress toward achievement of the academic standards and the Student Achievement Goals?” D3 Summary: Yucaipa High School has an effective monitoring and assessing system in place to both determine and share student progress. Assessment data is stored and analyzed over multiple years via the Data Director system, while new learning is tracked on a daily basis via ABI. All teachers use ABI to monitor student progress and to communicate grades to parents. Teachers are also able to access Data Director to view past student performance on a wide variety of State and school-based assessments. Parents and students have access to information regarding student academic progress. All parents and students are provided with access codes to log in to the ABI system where they can check grades in classes as well as attendance. In addition, the District annually mails reports home regarding STAR testing results and CA-PFT results. The school sends progress reports to parents twice per semester approximately every 6 weeks, before distributing finalized grade report cards at the end of each semester. Findings Evidence Assessment and Monitoring Process School and District District has put in place two monitoring systems, Data Director and ABI. Data Director compiles assessment results from the school level and State in one place to track progress from year to year. ABI is a site- level device to provide day-to-day grade support for teachers. ABI is accessible to students and parents to provide accurate, up-to-date information regarding student achievement in their current classes. In addition, schools, district-wide, have Yucaipa High School School Computer Network Interviews with District Administration Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 142 adopted SchoolFusion as a communication tool where teachers construct individualized websites to upload information and other documents relevant to their class. The school has provided ongoing training for teachers in the effective use of Data Director, SchoolFusion and ABI. Collaboration schedule provides for ongoing use of Data Director by staff to evaluate classes and department program effectiveness. Administration has provided reports inside of Data Director to facilitate teacher understanding of CST information. SchoolFusion is used to varying degrees by the staff. Some teachers update daily, some weekly, others monthly, and a few teachers don’t use it at all. Interviews with Site Administration Collaboration Topic Schedule Multi-year Data Results Binders for Teacher School Network Teacher Survey Home Group Homework Answers Staff Teachers use Data Director to access multi-year student assessment data. CST results can be viewed and programs can be assessed. During collaboration time, teachers work together to improve instruction on standards clusters and to examine best practices. Subgroup needs can be identified and weaknesses addressed. Most departments report use of assessment data in modifying instruction both day-to-day, as well as with ongoing reviews of instructional effectiveness as measured by formal means. Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 143 Students and Parents Students report accessing ABI to track their own progress in classes. Students also report using SchoolFusion to access information, announcements and assignments as required by their teachers. Student Survey Parents (both English speaking and the parents of ELL students) use ABI extensively to monitor the progress of their children. They are able to access SchoolFusion to keep in touch with teachers and to access information about what is going on in classrooms. While a majority of ELL parents do use ABI, the proportion is much smaller than that of Englishspeaking parents. Parent Survey Reporting Student Progress School and District Educational Services Division, at the District office, maintains benchmark data on student achievement through Data Director and STAR reporting. The division regularly shares achievement data through weekly Board communications and cabinet meetings. The Board annually hears a report on STAR data with comparisons to prior years’ scores, state and county. The YHS principal regularly shares site data with cabinet and Board via a weekly letter. The District directly mails parents the results of STAR, CAHSEE, CELDT and CAPFT results. The principal shares AYP and API results with the staff and parents at the beginning of the school year as it becomes available. Yucaipa High School Interviews with District Administration Staff Interviews with School Administration Principal Weekly Newsletters Faculty Meeting Agendas Principal Newsletter Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 144 The school sends out regular progress reports and report cards to communicate classroom progress. Progress Reports Report Cards Parent Survey Student Survey District Mailings Parents and Students Parents and students have direct online access to current classroom achievement via the ABI system. In addition to this, the school also sends out hard-copy progress reports. From the District level, the assessment results of STAR, CAHSEE, CELDT and CA-PFT are directly mailed to parents as soon as the CDE makes them available to the District. Parents report a variety of methods for communicating with teachers such as email, regular mail, telephone, direct conferencing. Most parents report a high level of understanding regarding their students’ achievement and progress. Staff Teachers are required to use and maintain ABI as a method of managing grades. Most teachers report using ABI at least once a week or more to keep grades updated and accurate. Many teachers additionally use alternative methods of communicating progress to parents, such as emails, telephone, websites and print-outs. Yucaipa High School ABI Data Teacher Survey Teacher Websites Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 145 D4: Assessment and Accountability Criterion “To what extent do the assessment of student achievement in relation to academic standards and the Student Achievement Goals (formerly ESLR’s) drive the school’s program, its regular evaluation and improvement and usage of resources?” D4 Summary: Yucaipa High School and District continually monitor student achievement and progress using a comprehensive system of assessments. The assessment system emphasizes student knowledge and performance. The student academic goals (SAG) are the foundation of the holistic school program. The school program is extensively influenced by feedback and data related to student performance. As a consequence, the school program is highly responsive to both the assessment system as a source of data and information and the Student Achievement Goals to ensure that all students meet and/or exceed graduation requirements, and are well prepared for life after high school. The information gathered as a result of this monitoring is instrumental in guiding most of the program decision making inside the Yucaipa High School community. The school, with support of the District, assesses its progress in meeting academic standards by analyzing internal assessments, state assessments and standardized tests (CAHSEE, STAR, CST, CELDT, CAPFT) as well as review of state and federal school performance indicators (API and AYP). These and other indicators such as graduation rates, attendance, and college attendance rates are monitored and reviewed both as a whole school but also disaggregated by subgroup breakdown. School performance data is analyzed at the site level and the district level to determine school needs. Programs are developed and/or modified, and resources allocated and adjusted accordingly. Findings Evidence Students and Parents Yucaipa High School parents and students are becoming more educated about using the ABI grade reporting system. The majority of both parents and students report that they use ABI regularly to monitor progress in classes. Yucaipa High School Student Survey Parent Survey Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 146 Parents are informed of student progress and report feeling involved with the planning of their students’ academic program. Parents report feeling more informed about their students school-based assessments than they do regarding state assessments. ELL parents report lower levels of communication and understanding regarding their student’s progress and their own uses of digital communication devices, although still a majority use them and do feel informed. Parents feel included in decisions and planning regarding their student’s school program. Students report that they monitor their own progress using ABI, but to a lower degree than their parents. The large majority of students report that teachers regularly update their ABI at least once a week. Students sometimes apply their knowledge of progress and assessment results to making plans about their academic future. Students feel that the assessments given by their teachers match what they are taught and are learning. Parents and students have been included on all WASC Focus Group committees. Parents and students were extensively surveyed to ensure that their input would be a part of the WASC review process. Staff Parent Survey Student Survey Parent Survey Student Survey WASC Focus Group Rosters WASC Focus Group Minutes Yucaipa High School teachers feel that program decisions at the school level are correlated with assessment data. Most teachers regularly Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 147 update ABI (once a week or more) and rely on it as the most important element in communicating with parents and students. Most teachers report using SchoolFusion to some degree, although it varies. Most teachers use regular (once a week or more) formal assessments to make decisions about and guide their instruction, but a larger majority of them use informal assessments more frequently to modify the day to day instruction. Academic teachers do report difficulty reconciling covering standards with the pressure to teach to mastery. Course-specific, teacher-created common assessments are in place in most departments, and teachers collaborate in order to make the tests and curriculum maps effective. Teacher Survey Home Group Homework Results Classroom Observations School and District Leadership Programs and facilities are in place to support students in planning their programs to achieve success. This happens, for example, through AVID, CAHSEE support, ELL support, Learning Center, Writing Center, Career/College Center, and AP classes. Interviews with Administration and Staff District is kept informed regarding overall student progress in the form of the monthly council meetings as well as presentations to the Board. District reports to parents in the form of letters to that share state testing data (STAR, CA-PFT, CAHSEE, CELDT). The District regularly shares achievement information with the Board with the weekly communications and cabinet meetings. There is an annual meeting to share STAR results, API and AYP data. The District has also purchased programs such as Interviews with Administration Yucaipa High School Master Schedule Council Meeting Minutes School Board Minutes Education Services Mailings Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 148 “Intel-Assess” to help develop standards-based benchmark assessments for ELA and Math. “Read 180” is a program specifically purchased to specifically address learning needs identified via assessments. In the period since the 2005 WASC review, assessment results have caused several program changes at Yucaipa High School. For example, students are placed into math and science classes based on both performance and state assessments. Students are pre-screened before final enrollments are done. As a result, the master schedule is determined based on the learning needs of students. CAHSEE support classes are designed to help students improve their test results. Teachers offer outside of class tutoring, and peer tutoring is available at lunch and after school. The AVID program has grown quickly to help address the learning needs and support for post-secondary goals for students that are often underrepresented (ELL and socioeconomically disadvantaged) in choosing college as a desired outcome of the student academic goals. The student learning center and writing center are examples of new programs to address the support needs of students. Saturday “academies” assist students with difficulties in specific core subjects. Restart classes are offered to students who failed in their first attempt at completing core classes. The principal shares information weekly with the staff using a Friday newsletter, and with the community at large via the school website. Each newsletter includes a professional development piece. Yucaipa High School Interviews with Administration Master Schedule School Facilities Restart Classes Saturday Academies Weekly Newsletters School Website Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 149 The professional development of the staff is driven by the desire to improve student mastery of standards. Monthly faculty meetings regularly include agenda items dedicated to sharing information about student achievement and subgroups, and the staff is very concerned about supporting all subgroups with improvement in all academic areas. The collaboration schedule is continuously evolving to assess the success of instruction based on student performance. Departments meet monthly to discuss their program in addition to the collaboration time. There are various committees dedicated to the achievement of student subgroups (ELAC, GATE, etc.) that incorporate parent participation. Teacher Survey Most departments at YHS reported that parent and student involvement in decision making is very important in areas that affect the student. Teachers reported that as parent and student awareness and use of ABI has increased, both groups tend to be more involved and interested in monitoring progress. Teacher Survey Interviews with Administrators Minutes of Meetings Schedule of Collaboration Events Department/Home Group Questionnaire Focus Group D - Areas of Strength ABI provides faculty with an effective tool for communicating academic progress to students and parents. Faculty can access and analyze standardized, student assessment data through Data Director to support, modify, and improve instruction to address student academic needs. Teachers use a variety of assessment strategies (summative and formative, formal and informal) to gauge student academic progress, and guide instruction. Decisions directly affecting instruction and programs, including professional development, master schedule, and student support, are all made in conjunction with assessment data analysis. Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 150 Focus Group D - Prioritized list of Areas for Growth (highest to lowest) 1. All teachers need to update ABI regularly to provide accurate, current information to students and parents regarding student academic progress. 2. All parents and students, including ELL, need access to ABI so student progress can be effectively monitored. 3. A system needs to be developed for tracking and analyzing student progress towards school-wide Student Achievement Goals, especially as they apply to each core department and elective classes. 4. Teachers need more time to work with assessment data available through Data Director in order to plan and/or modify instruction as necessary. 5. Teachers need more training in “standards-based grading” and differentiated instruction. Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 151 Focus Group E: School Culture and Support for Student Personal and Academic Growth E1: School Culture and Student Support Criterion “To what extent does the school leadership employ a wide range of strategies to encourage parental and community involvement, especially with the teaching/learning process? Evaluate the strategies and processes for the regular involvement.” E1 Summary: Parents and the community are an integral part of the success of students at Yucaipa High School. Yucaipa High School continues to develop a system to help parents be more involved, and for the community to share its expertise with our students. With a community that is becoming more diverse, Yucaipa High School continues to learn more about the community that we serve, and how we can best meet the needs, and utilize the resources that our ever-changing population offers. Recently, Yucaipa High School has done a much better job of communicating to Hispanic parents in their native language. Parents regularly serve on committees when required, but have been regarded as a required element rather than a valued resource. Yucaipa High School actively makes use of parents who want to be involved, but it does not have a system in place for involving parents and community members regularly in problem solving and major decision making. Findings Evidence Regular Parent Involvement Parents are valued members of the Yucaipa High School community. Most parents of Yucaipa High School students feel that they are well informed. Teachers have access to numerous methods of communication with parents, and parent feedback and interaction is valued. Most parents feel that they are an Yucaipa High School Chatter (home calling system) School Website Mandatory Parent Meetings for Athletic Teams Email Accounts for all Teachers SchoolFusion Classroom Websites Marquee Parent Survey Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 152 important part of the planning and execution of their students education program. IEP/504 Meetings Booster Clubs Parents are active members of the decision making process on campus. They are part of various leadership teams including School Site Council, English Language Advisory Committee (ELAC), and the Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO). Parents are also partners in the textbook adoption process, and they regularly help with events on campus such as schedule distribution and testing support. Parents also play a key role in the support of extra-curricular activities such as band, athletics and choir. School Site Council Agenda and Minutes PTSO Agenda and Minutes Recognizing the increased diversity of our students, specifically the Hispanic students, steps have been taken to ensure that students are able to read documents in their native language. The school website can be translated into multiple languages. Most publications are sent home in English and Spanish. All parent meetings are offered in English and Spanish. Use of Community Resources The community around Yucaipa High School plays an active role in helping students to achieve their goals. Local area experts are often sought out to share their expertise with our students. Students are offered the opportunity to work at local businesses during school hours for elective credit and local professionals donate their time in areas where the school cannot adequately meet the needs of students. Yucaipa High School has formed partnerships with the city and local youth organizations to best utilize facilities. Yucaipa High School Service clubs on campus are linked to service clubs in the community. Lunchtime speakers appear at club meetings. S.L.A.M. assemblies – using local law enforcement, fire department, and ambulance services – occur. Facilities improvements are made with community support/resources. Volunteer coaches contribute. Athletic physicals are done by local doctors with proceeds donated back to the athletic department. Health classes have rape-precaution Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 153 Community police officers (School Resource Officers) are utilized daily to ensure the safety of students on campus. Students are consistently offered opportunities to meet with local professionals to research vocational/educational opportunities for their future. speakers. Gyms and sports fields are shared with local youth teams. Youth Basketball donates money to YHS athletics. Health classes get CPR instruction from the fire dept. Job fairs are sponsored by Counseling and the Career Center. Lunch time booths with local businesses offer employment opportunities. Work Experience Course School Resource Officer Career Center Info Career Fair Parent/Community and Student Achievement Teachers use a variety of methods to communicate student achievement goals (SAG) and content standards to parents and sometimes to the community as a whole. The counseling office uses specific events to contact parents to address those areas. Yucaipa High School YHS Website ABI SchoolFusion Websites Course Syllabi ABC’s of College Planning Parent Night Financial Aid Parent Night Incoming 9th Grade Parent Night 4 Year Planning at Back-to-School Night. Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 154 Parents have the opportunity to initiate a student intervention team in order to discuss the best ways to meet their student’s needs. Confidential Counselor Notes in Aeries Intervention Team Meetings Parents annually receive a document that outlines graduation requirements and course prerequisites. Parents are then able to help choose courses and map out an educational plan for their student. YHS Course Guide Parent Signatures on Course Schedule Requests Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 155 E2: School Culture and Student Support Criterion 1. “To what extent is the school a safe, clean and orderly place that nurtures learning?” 2. “To what extent is the culture of the school characterized by trust, professionalism, high expectations for all students and a focus on continuous school improvement?” *Two E2 Documents were written resulting from disagreements within the E Focus group. These two “versions” were then considered side by side. The E2 subgroup as well as the entire E Focus Group then voted on which version to include in the WASC document. The document that appears here is included because it received the most votes and is considered to represent the “majority” opinion. The “minority” report appears in the Appendix. * E2 Summary: The environment at Yucaipa High School is safe, secure, clean and orderly. Facilities at Yucaipa High School are appropriately maintained to provide a safety-first campus. Most staff members believe that matters of safety take priority at YHS. The Yucaipa High staff agrees that students and staff are safe, the campus is secure, and that site and District Administration generally address concerns in a timely manner. There are procedures in place at both the site and district levels that provide for student safety and discipline, campus security, facility maintenance and staff support that reflect an on-going desire to foster and maintain a safe, secure, clean and orderly environment regardless of budgetary issues and funding. A positive school culture is characterized by professionalism, trust and respect. Faculty and staff tend to believe that they are valued as members of the Yucaipa High School educational community as demonstrated through collaboration, staff development, department and staff meetings and various opportunities provided by administration for staff input into the overall school program. Staff members share a common sense of purpose and are encouraged to increase their effectiveness in helping students reach their academic potential. Findings Evidence Safe, Clean and Orderly Environment Teachers, custodians and administrators work with students as a team to maintain a safe, clean and orderly environment. Most teachers agree that, while they would enjoy smaller class sizes, the contractually agreed upon sizes are acceptable and, Yucaipa High School E2 Department Questionnaire WASC Student Survey WASC Parent Survey WASC Teacher Survey Physical Education State Framework Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 156 although not optimal, manageable. Some teachers in physical education classes have expressed safety concerns dealing with recent increases in class size. Policies and practices to facilitate work orders are generally effective according to most staff members. Site work orders are entered into the District’s “Webworks” system which forwards the work orders to the District Maintenance Department where they are prioritized and assigned. Work orders are prioritized based on safety first. “Emergency” work orders are called in and usually repaired or disabled within hours. Maintenance priorities are not site-level decisions. All parties agree that YHS is an appropriately safe facility with administration and staff that demonstrate concern for the safety and well-being of all students. Most staff members, with the exception of some physical education teachers, agree that safety work orders are appropriately prioritized and completed in a timely manner and that classrooms are maintained in safe and working order. E2 Department Questionnaire Custodial Interviews Work Order Records District Maintenance Records Most teachers agreed that all students are scheduled appropriately and safely in classes. Most teachers believe that scheduling is appropriate and safe – the exceptions concerning open enrollment in Advanced Placement classes (when students become daunted by the rigor) and physical education and technology classes (where the supervision of some special-needs students is a concern). E2 Department Questionnaire IEP Records that indicate “appropriate placement” Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 157 Some staff members voiced concern that students with a history of violent behavior are placed in classes without proper teacher notification. Administration says that teachers are, in fact, notified in writing when a student with a history of violence becomes part of their class and administration believes that most teachers cannot recall these sorts of notification because there are not many students at YHS with violent backgrounds to report. Students with a history of criminally violent behaviors are placed in alternative educational facilities within our district or in county programs. Administrative support and policies that assure a safe environment are generally effective. Administration employs a well thought out and thorough plan for disaster drills. Drills are regular and conducted efficiently by administration and staff. However, there were concerns raised regarding disaster drills during lunch and/or passing periods to more fully prepare for genuine nonscheduled disasters. Disaster Plan Disaster Drill Schedules Disaster Drill Debrief Results and Recommendations E2 Department Questionnaire Security Monitor Interviews Campus Entrance and Exit Logs Administrators and security monitors are consistently present during lunch and passing periods to support a safe environment. Security monitors rotate hourly to provide fresh eyes to problem areas. Student disruptions such as fights are rare and effectively controlled. Staff feedback suggests the need for increased campus security to match the increase in student enrollment. Yucaipa High School Administrative Records of staff notification Records of students currently enrolled with a criminal history of violent behavior E2 Department Questionnaire Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 158 Administration, staff and students work well together to maintain a safe school environment. The administration of consequences to support a safe environment is generally effective. Policies are clearly defined and communicated. Staff provided mixed responses when asked about consistency among administration in assigning consequences. While most staff members believe that discipline is fair and firm, according to surveys, it is not always consistent from administrator to administrator. Discipline is generally swift and effective. Security monitors are effective in patrolling the campus throughout the day. Entrances to the campus are monitored and logs are maintained to provide written records of all visitors to the campus. The School Resource Officer effectively utilizes the “Clean Sweep” Citation program to support school discipline. The physical education department makes sportsmanship training and conflict resolution training a top priority that helps to set a school-wide atmosphere of respect and tolerance. ASB clubs also promote programs that teach and positively enforce tolerance and school unity. The end result is that Yucaipa High School is noted county-wide as one of the safest learning environments and safety is, perhaps, our school’s greatest strength. Many activity-based classes review safety guidelines and procedures. Yucaipa High School E2 Department Questionnaire Aeries Discipline Query and Results Administrative Discipline Chart Security Monitor Rotation Schedules Campus Entrance and Exit Logs “Clean Sweep” Program Records Physical Education Department Records Physical Education State Standards ASB Safety and Tolerance Activities Science department syllabi and lab report procedures. Art department syllabi and lesson plans ROP (Auto, Woodshop, Medical syllabi and lesson plans) Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 159 The overwhelming response from students is that they feel generally safe on campus. Parents believe that the school facilities are safe, functional and well-maintained. Parents generally agree that YHS provided a safe learning environment for all students, and the consensus among teachers and staff is that they, too, feel safe on campus. YHS reflects the generally safe conditions of the community. WASC Student Survey WASC Parent Survey WASC Teacher Survey WASC Parent Survey WASC Student Survey Principal Interview WASC Teacher Survey Ninth and tenth grade teachers do bell work and sponge activities daily to prepare students for the CAHSEE. Saturday Academies employ a “boot camp” approach to SAT, CAHSEE, or CST preparation. Data Director is utilized to identify “bubble” students who benefit from extra instruction. Most teachers often volunteer their lunch period, after and before school time for tutoring, club activities, and other support activities. The PE department runs a lunchtime intra-mural program. Coaches monitor and assist High Expectations/Concerns For Students YHS demonstrates significant caring, concern, and high expectations for students in an environment that honors individual differences and is conducive to learning. Parents surveyed feel that YHS is generally responsive to their concerns. Students surveyed feel that their teachers, counselors, and administrators are responsive to their concerns. Caring and high expectations for all students is demonstrated in a variety of ways. This is demonstrated throughout the school. Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 160 Citizenship and ethical values are demonstrated by students in a variety of classes and programs throughout the school. Yucaipa High School students with academic deficiencies. Administration and staff support and encourage students to perform well on all standardized testing. There is an academic code of honesty and integrity. Co-curricular clubs reinforce a community service focus and promote positive citizenship and ethical values. Athletes are held to a code of conduct. Good sportsmanship is demonstrated in PE classes and athletic teams. ASB club activities are numerous and they emphasize tolerance and harmony on campus. The Block Y letterman club began a program to pledge competing as a clean athlete, not to use performanceenhancing drugs (PEDs), and to avoid cheating-to-win. Students regularly demonstrate good ethical behavior in class, during lunch, and during passing periods. Physical Education Department Block Y SchoolFusion Page PEDS: High School Sports Dirty Little Secret (PowerPoint Program) Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 161 Students surveyed overwhelmingly feel that teachers promote the development of life skills by helping them, for example, to respect cultural differences, to demonstrate a healthy lifestyle, to care for the environment, and to participate actively in the community, all of which aims toward helping them to become responsible citizens. Teachers report that they, indeed, frequently promote life skills that develop responsible citizens. Yucaipa High School promotes a rigorous and comprehensive program through AVID, AP classes, extra and co-curricular activities, UC, A-G, and NCAA requirements. WASC Student Survey WASC Teacher Survey Master Schedule AVID Course Curriculum E2 Questionnaire –AVID WASC Student Survey AP Curriculum Course Guide Career Center Support IEP Goals E2 Questionnaire Department Response Leadership Team Minutes Department Chair Minutes Professional Learning Communities (PLC) Agendas Security Staff Meetings Custodial Meetings Collaboration Planning Meetings Monthly Collaboration Meetings Department Meetings Atmosphere of Trust, Respect, and Professionalism There is significant evidence in department questionnaire responses and elsewhere that YHS demonstrates an atmosphere of trust, respect, and professionalism. Responses from departments were overwhelmingly positive regarding a positive working relationship with mutual respect among staff. Collaboration within departments is excellent. Department meetings are conducted with a positive atmosphere that accepts feedback from all stakeholders. Evidence that there is mutual respect between administration and departments regarding policy was mixed. though most departments reported that within their departments, they have a good working relationship with each other and with the administration. Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 162 Yucaipa High School is a focal point in the community and one that boasts a good atmosphere. One example of an outstanding school atmosphere is the recent demonstration of school spirit during the KIIS FM 92.7 radio school spirit competition. YHS won the southern California competition. During competition and the resulting free concert, there was an outstanding display of school cohesiveness and positive atmosphere by students, faculty, and administration. Yucaipa High School Spirit Rally Video Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 163 E3 and E4: School Culture and Student Support Criterion “To what extent do all students receive appropriate support along with an individualized learning plan to help ensure academic success?” “To what extent do students have access to a system of personal support services, activities and opportunities at the school and within the community?” E3 & E4 Summary: Yucaipa High School (YHS) serves approximately 3,000 students. The Yucaipa High School counseling and career center staff members have developed a comprehensive guidance program that assists all students in acquiring the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to become effective students, responsible citizens, and life-long learners. The approach at YHS is schoolwide, focusing on students’ personal, career, and academic interests and goals. Our goal is to design a personal learning plan that matches each student’s aptitudes and interests. Each student is assigned to a counselor who assists with personal guidance, academic planning and postsecondary preparation. Counseling services include appropriate placement and support for students qualifying for EL and/or Special Needs classes. Free academic tutoring is available to all students through a wide array of programs. The ultimate goal is to ensure that all students graduate with the competencies necessary to make self-directed, realistic decisions and to be successful contributors to society. Findings Evidence Adequate Personalized Support Many opportunities are available through the academic program, extracurricular activities, counseling and health services for students to feel connected to the school and supported by it. School Events Calendar Master Schedule Yucaipa High School has a full time health technician who reviews and maintains student Nurse’s Office Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 164 health records and works with the staff concerning special health needs and restrictions of students. The counseling staff works with the students to look at prior experiences and personal needs in relation to both academic courses and career interests. Counselors regularly present and advise students on pertinent information on graduation requirements, A-G college entrance requirements, college testing, community college requirements, NCAA requirements, military and career exploration. Seniors are offered college and career interest workshops including UC application and personal statement workshops, CSU application workshops, career exploration and resume building workshops. The Career Center is an extension of the counseling office providing many students with pertinent occupational information and resources to explore vast employment and educational opportunities. Student Files in Nurse’s Office Health Notes in Aries Notes in IEP Shared Counseling Calendar College/Career Unit PowerPoint Career/Life Activity Sheets in Counseling Office Student Sign-up Sheet for Senior Workshops in Counseling Files Transcripts and Individualized Learning Plan Yucaipa High School Career Center Student Sign-in Sheet in Career Center College Presentation Sign-up Sheets Job and Volunteer Board Career Center Webpage Posters Around Campus Crafton Hills College Senior Day Roster and Sign-up Sheet Completed Applications for Crafton Hills College Recruiter Sign-in Sheet ASVAB Sign-in Sheet ASVAB Results in Career Center Files Crafton Hills College Priority Registration, Testing, Data in Career Center Files Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 165 Yucaipa High School hosts Career/Technical Fairs for all seniors for the purpose of promoting technical careers. Future plans for the expanding these events include military options and additional career/technical schools to promote their offerings. Yucaipa High School has offered a peer tutoring program since the beginning of the 2007/08 school year. The goal of this program has been, and continues to be, empowering struggling students to succeed through the supportive efforts of their fellow students. Students who have participated actively in the tutoring process have reported improved test scores as well as overall improvement in semester grades. For students and parents who would like to have a one-on-one tutor, YHS offers a paid tutoring program. In 2010-2011 we currently have 80 student tutors. The information about the tutoring service is promoted on the YHS Career Center website and a flyer is sent to all elementary and middle schools with a contact person at each site. The Career Center has the master list and it is given to teachers upon request. The counseling staff consists of five full-time and one half-time credentialed counselor. The counseling program includes personal crisis intervention and one-on-one academic counseling based on student needs. While the counseling office does not log outcomes, many students are assisted in solving immediate problems that interfere with their academic and personal/social development. As student advocates, the counseling staff Yucaipa High School Information is shared through YHS website. Dates and times for event are in the shared counseling calendar. A list of participants is kept in career center files. “Chatters” to parents communicate. Tutoring records are kept in the counseling office. Observation of tutoring services occur at lunch in counseling office and after school in the library A community service time log is kept with the Government/ Economics teacher. YHS Website Career Center Files A tutor roster and student contact information is kept in files and in computers in the Career Center. Information is shared in the daily bulletin. Shared Counseling Calendar Counseling Office Group Permission Slips Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 166 recognizes the uniqueness and individual worth of each student. The counseling program focuses on each student’s potential for growth within the context of his or her individual family and culture. Group counseling is also available when a need is identified. Direct Connections Individualized learning plans are created with/for each student at YHS at the time the student enrolls. The plan is updated annually by counselors and shared with students during College/Career Units. The individualized learning plans allow students to track their progress toward meeting graduation requirements, A-G college entrance requirements, and NCAA requirements. Students will schedule/plan courses to be taken throughout high school to achieve their individual goals. The school psychologist at YHS supports students in crisis through screening and referral to behavioral support agencies including Loma Linda University Behavioral Medical Center, Arrowhead Regional, and various counseling agencies in the area. Referrals are made for Early Periodic Screening and Diagnostic Team for counseling services for students with emotional and/or mental health problems. When necessary, students receiving special education services are referred to AB2726 Outpatient Mental Health Services. Collaboration with special education staff is provided for accommodation and/or modifications to students’ curriculum, research-based interventions, and positive behavioral supports. YHS provides on-site solution-focused brief counseling with students as needed with parent Yucaipa High School College/Career Units College/Career Unit PowerPoint Binders of individualized learning plans are in the counselor office. Confidential counseling notes are in Aries. Individualized Education Plans (IEP) Student Intervention Team Meeting Notes Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 167 permission. Staff attends IEPs as necessary to collaborate and consult on the services and supports for special education students to assist them in accessing the general education curriculum. With the new integration of the ninth campus, Special Education teachers at YHS will begin meeting with Special Education teachers from our two middle schools in the spring of each academic year for articulation purposes. Middle school teachers will bring a student file complete with the student’s IEP and Behavior Support Plan (BSP) to share with the newly assigned case carrier. The new case carrier is given the student file and any pertinent information regarding the individual student and their needs. When a student is promoted to the next grade level at YHS, files are once again shared with the student’s newly assigned case carrier. When a student with an IEP or Section 504 plan is going to graduate from YHS with a high school diploma, they are given a Summary of Performance (SOP). The student will take the SOP and a copy of their IEP or Section 504 plan to the Student’s with Disabilities Office at the educational institution of their choosing. The SOP outlines accommodations/ modifications that have helped assist in a student’s success at YHS and new accommodation/modifications that are recommended to toward successful scholarship in a higher education environment. YHS staff has access to a Student Resource Officer (SRO) at all times. When a student is in crisis and may cause harm to self, the counselor or Yucaipa High School Individualized Education Plans (IEP) Meeting dates at Student Services Student files are in case carriers’ classrooms. Cumulative records are in the registrar’s office. Student Meetings for 504 on Students on Shared Counseling Calendar Confidential Counseling Notes in Aries. IEP Interviews occur with Student Resource Officer (SRO). Confidential counseling notes are Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 168 in Aries. administrator will contact the SRO to meet with the student and evaluate his/her safety. When necessary the SRO will contact the Child Crisis Response Team who comes to the school site to interview the student and together decide the most appropriate course of action. Counselors, School Psychologist, administrators and other school staff make referrals when appropriate for support services. When a student is facing individual, family or school-wide problems, they are provided with a list of resources in their community to help them learn to cope with the issues and become successful in life and at school. Confidential counseling notes are in Aries. Confidential counseling notes are in Aries. Registration forms are in counseling files. Grade rosters are in registrar’s office. Attendance records are in attendance office. Strategies Used for Student Growth/Development Over the past three years Restart classes have been an outstanding way for students to recover credits for classes that they were unable to complete with a C- grade or better. Restart classes are offered in the core subject areas and taught by highly qualified teachers. Many at-risk students have recovered credits through Restart classes. The Yucaipa Adult School (YAS) allows YHS students the opportunity to recover a maximum of 20 credits required for graduation. Students must complete a total of 45 hours and all of the work for the course to receive credit. Adult Education classes are offered once every quarter and throughout the summer. Due to transportation issues, some students were unable to take advantage of this credit recovery program in years past. In 2009 the Adult School began offering classes on the Yucaipa High Yucaipa High School YAS Data in Notebook Individualized Learning Plans Confidential Counseling Notes YAS Transcripts Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 169 School campus. Data from July 2007 through 2010 shows that concurrently enrolled minors at the Yucaipa Adult School have been successful in completing graduation requirements. Support Services and Learning Instructional aides are present in general education to support teachers with special education students. They ensure that students receive the accommodations and modifications described in their IEPs. They are linked to special education staff in their classrooms to provide accountability for students and act as liaisons between general education and special education staff. Learning Center students receive one period of specialized academic instruction. They are directly supported by a team consisting of one special education teacher and an aide and also through the information indirectly provided by other aides (that are present in the pertinent classrooms, as noted above). These students, throughout the year, receive support in their core academic classes while working on IEP goals and while learning test-taking strategies that are meant to help them when taking the CSTs and the CAHSEE. SI students receive two or more courses of specialized academic instruction. They are supported by a special educator and an instructional aide in a core academic class such as math, science, history or English. In the 9th grade these students are mainstreamed into health and world geography classes and have the opportunity to be a part of an inclusion earth science, English or algebra course. These courses offer students access to the general Yucaipa High School Aide Schedule Special Education Classrooms IEP Case Carrier Files Master Schedule CASHEE pass rates Special Education Department meeting minutes Instructional Aide Schedules Learning Center Curriculum Master Schedule Instructional Aide Schedule Special Education Department meeting minutes Collaboration Time minutes Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 170 education curriculum while having a special educator who directly supports them with necessary accommodations and modifications. Ideally, the goal is for both educators to become fluid in their roles to become in essence co-teachers working for the success of all students. YHS offers three Life Skills classes with students ranging in age from 14-22. The students are placed in their core subject classes according to their ability. All Life Skills students are taught important job skills, life skills and social skills. Life Skills Curriculum Interview with Life Skills Teacher ROP Workability Lesson Plans with TPP teacher ABI All special education students have access to the services offered through the Career Center which includes attendance at college fairs, a visit to Crafton Hills College, and access to the COIN website where students may take a variety of assessments to help guide them in career choice as well as to explore a variety of jobs, including descriptions and requirements. Students often create portfolios that they can revisit in each year of their high school experience. Crafton Hills College Website Student Transcripts GATE Parent Night Agendas Career Center Special education students are served by a knowledgeable counseling staff that provides information regarding graduation checks to ensure that students are meeting the required credits necessary for graduation. The counseling staff is an integral piece of a team (that also consists of special education staff, administration, and each student’s family) that crafts a path that leads to graduation. Student, Parent, and Teacher Surveys Individualized Learning Plan Counseling Department Senior Interviews/Graduation Checks (sign-in sheets) Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 171 During the junior and/or senior year, a student can take advantage of being a concurrently enrolled high school student at Crafton Hills College. (Few YHS students take advantage of this concurrent enrollment opportunity.) Counseling Department Yucaipa High School offers a comprehensive program of services to English Language Learners. These services are of critical importance, as research has indicated that this group of students is consistently at risk of under-performance and nongraduation when compared to their peers who are native English speakers. English Language Learners (ELL) are given the CELDT (California English Language Development Test) on a yearly basis to assess their English language fluency and proficiency. Based upon these results and in collaboration with counselors, teachers and administrative staff, ELL students are placed in what is considered the most appropriate English class for their proficiency level. The goal of this process is to ensure the greatest possible access to the core curriculum while at the same time facilitating primary language support where needed. Master Schedule Cumulative Records CELDT Scores Aid Schedule ELD Room in D-5 “Brace” Cluster Lists Aries Face Sheet Students who have a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits learning are offered services under Section 504. Meetings are held annually for students who have a Section 504 plan with the student, parent, teachers and an administrator. During this meeting reasonable accommodations are offered to support the student in the general education classroom. 504 folder in Counseling Office Meeting Records in Shared Counseling Calendar 504 Tag on Student Schedule and Aries Face Screen Shared Counseling Calendar Cumulative Record Student Intervention Team (SIT) meetings are held to discuss the progress a student is making in Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 172 his/her classes. The team includes the student, teachers, parents, an administrator, a counselor and any other staff who can provide input on the student’s progress. During the meeting, interventions that are currently taking place in the classrooms are discussed as well as outcomes of those interventions, and further interventions are planned that may help the student be successful at YHS. SIT paperwork is completed using input from all members of the team, including California Star Testing results and vision and hearing results from the school nurse. The paperwork is then signed by all members of the team. Approximately six weeks after the initial meeting, the second SIT meeting takes place and includes all of the members from the initial meeting. Interventions are reviewed and modified as needed. During the second SIT meeting, a student may be designated for assessment by the school psychologist, and SIT paperwork is sent to the District office. When interventions are assisting the student to become successful in class, paperwork is filed in the student’s cumulative record folder. Paperwork at Student Services Confidential Counseling Notes Vision and Hearing Results Yucaipa High School has an effective support system in place to equip students to pass both parts of the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE). To begin with, students who are unable to pass the initial Grade 10 administration of the CAHSEE are afforded numerous additional opportunities to achieve passing scores. Juniors are given two opportunities, if needed, during the year to take the test, and they have an additional three chances given to them during grade 12. Three weeks before each and every CAHSEE administration, students are encouraged to participate in a free tutoring class held after school. This tutoring offers in-depth help in the subject Data director Master Schedule Tutoring Schedule CAHSEE Mathematics and English-Language Arts Study Guides Counselors keep record of students passing CAHSEE on Individual graduation plans. Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 173 content that is specific to either the English Language Arts or Math portions of the CAHSEE. Additionally, CAHSEE Mathematics and EnglishLanguage Arts study guides are provided at tutoring and for any other students requesting one. CAHSEE support efforts are not limited to the above resources. In addition, counselors and administrators screen student CAHSEE scores on a yearly basis for the purpose of identifying students who might benefit from a more extensive preparation plan. This screening uses the standard established by the California Department of Education, which has identified a score of less than 325 as being indicative of a need for extensive help. Students whose score or scores have fallen below this mark are placed into a CAHSEE support class. This becomes one of the student’s six scheduled classes. The student earns elective credits toward graduation while benefiting from an in-depth curriculum of preparation specific to either the ELA or Math portions of the test. Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 174 Equal Access to Curriculum and Support Each year, in late February, counselors begin the registration process for all students. Through history classes, counselors provide information to help students self-select classes for the following year. Information on graduation requirements, college entrance requirements and NCAA requirements are reviewed. Each student is provided with a course selection sheet to complete at home with his or her parent/guardian. Approximately three days after the class presentation and dissemination of materials, students meet individually with their counselors to return the course selection sheet and discuss any questions they may have. The same process is conducted at Yucaipa's two middle-school campuses. In addition to the course selection sheet, incoming 9th grade students are provided with a hard copy of the YHS course guide outlining all course offerings, grade level availability, college preparation and NCAA-approved courses. The course guide is also available on the school website. Incoming 9th grade students and their parent/guardian are invited to an information night at YHS before course selection sheets are collected. The purpose of this meeting is to provide information on graduation requirements, college entrance requirements, and special programs (AVID, EL, AP, special education). Information night is an opportunity for parents and students to meet the administrators, counselors and a staff member representative from every department. Yucaipa High School Shared Counseling Calendar Meetings with Administration Letters to Parents Chatters 9th Grade Parent Night Website Parent Night Agenda Course Guide Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 175 Site administration and counselors work to develop the Master Schedule, which will provide diverse class options. YHS is now on a traditional sixperiod school day. In 2006 the school transitioned from a four-period block schedule to support student learning and retention of curriculum taught in core subjects. It was evident that students who took core classes on block schedule consistently scored lower on the California Star Test (CST). It was observed that students who took a math course that was completed before January and then took the CST at the end of April forgot key information in the interim. The six-period school day gives students an entire eighteen-week semester to digest the content of the class. It also continues instruction of the core subjects through the CST testing period. This year the principal assembled a team of teachers to explore the possibilities of a modified block schedule. Classes at all levels are characterized by diverse student groups. All students, whatever their abilities, are continually encouraged to meet the challenges of a standards-based curriculum. Advanced placement/ honors courses are available to all students, including GATE, ELD and special education students, giving them open access to the thirteen AP/honors courses that are offered each year. While arranging the Master Schedule, it is important that there are as few period conflicts as possible to allow students to take as many AP/honors courses as they elect. Yucaipa High School Master Schedule Shared Counseling Calendar Data Director Interview with Principal Leadership Team Minutes Department Chairperson Committee Minutes Pre-collaboration Team Minutes Master Schedule Course Guide Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 176 Yucaipa High School works with the ColtonRedlands-Yucaipa Regional Occupational Program (CRY-ROP) to provide a collaborative team of academic and ROP occupational teachers who integrate academic and vocational competencies to provide sequenced paths within career majors. High school students can explore career options and apply academic skills to practical problems, enabling them to prepare for the school-to-work or college transition. ROP courses are offered to anyone who is 16 years of age or older. Course content is validated by local business advisory committees, reflecting current industry standards, and approved by the ROP's Governing Board. All ROP courses include instruction on employmentseeking skills including how to fill out a job application, interview techniques and resume preparation. Currently there are eleven different ROP classes offered at YHS. Shared Counseling Calendar Master Schedule CRY-ROP Website Flyers Career Center Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) has been an elective option for students for the past 15 years. The program has grown and now encompasses all four grade levels as we have transitioned to a 9-12 campus in 2010-11. AVID Coordinator Master Schedule Field Trip Permission Slips A-G list ASB Room Master Schedule ASB Advisor’s Calendar School Bulletin Rally Videos Club Lists ASB Student Accounts Co-Curricular Activities Yucaipa High School’s Associated Student Body (ASB) is an elected/appointed group of 25-30 students who serve a variety of roles on campus. ASB plans school dances, rallies, assemblies and senior end-of-year activities. They oversee lunchtime activities, clubs, and all money that comes into ASB accounts ensuring that this money is spent on students. All ASB students are placed in the elective ASB class where they learn leadership skills and team-building. Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 177 In 2008 Yucaipa High School began the Leadership Diversity Council (LDC). LDC consists of approximately 50 students in grades 9-12. These students are selected through an interview and recommendation process. Although five staff members are present at all meetings and activities promoted by LDC, it is entirely student run. LDC helps students learn about and analyze various issues regarding stereotypes, discrimination, diversity, and understanding. Through fundraising efforts, LDC members are able to attend field trips and bring guest speakers/assemblies to YHS to, among other things, encourage the student body to respect cultural differences and to display concern for others. Meeting Minutes Student Schedules Applications Field trips Assemblies School Event Calendar Club student sign-in sheets Activities Office Physicals Game Videos Yucaipa News Mirror Athletic Calendar Team Roster Coach Roster Student Involvement in Curricular / CoCurricular Activities The diverse student population participates in a wide variety of school-sponsored activities such as clubs, sports, drama and core activities designed to maximize opportunities for success. YHS offers nineteen athletic opportunities for students to be involved in during fall, winter and spring. To participate in YHS athletics, students must have an annual physical, a completed emergency card, a 2.0 grade point average or better, and the YHS Athletic Code of Ethics must be signed by both the student and his or her parent/guardian. Involvement in YHS athletics allows students the opportunity to take pride in their school and learn team and leadership skills. A full schedule of sports is available for student participation in the fall, winter and spring. Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 178 Students can also participate in band, color guard, cheerleading, and dance team. Co-curricular Advisor Stipends There are many active clubs on campus for students to participate in community service projects, support the student body and make connections to curriculum. Each club has a staff member volunteer as the advisor to help students become more connected to their school and learn the importance of helping others. Club List in Activities Office Bulletin Announcements Yucaipa News Mirror Club Meeting Minutes Advisor’s Calendar Club Roster Yucaipa High School’s forensics program was established in 1968 and continues to train students in the art of public communication and promotes debate and inquiry. The YHS debate team competes at the state level every year and has won many awards. Forensic Classroom Website Forensic Classroom Trophies Local Newspapers Yucaipa High School offers two distinct print • School Magazine/Yearbook publication classes for students interested in digital media and publishing, yearbook and Digital Publish • Journalism Awards (a digital student news magazine). • Local News Coverage • SchoolFusion Website Student Perceptions After interviewing and dialoguing with student • Interviews in Binder representatives including English Language Learners, Advanced Placement students, students in the AVID program, and students on an Individualized Educational Plan, it was clear that most students feel YHS offers a wide variety of support services. Most of these students have taken advantage of our free and paid tutoring programs as well as the YHS library and computer labs. They Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 179 have also expressed that making personal connections with staff at YHS has further benefited their success in education. Focus Group E - Unordered List of Areas of Strength • The school website is a valuable and informative tool to support parent involvement in the educational experience. • YHS allows access to parents and community members who seek out opportunities to be involved. • YHS supports students through its extensive counseling, career center, credit recovery and comprehensive EL and Special Education services. • Students, teachers, and parents feel that YHS is generally safe, and teachers make an effort to maintain a safe learning environment. • Students feel that teachers & administrators demonstrate care, concern, and high expectations. Teachers demonstrate a genuine atmosphere of trust, respect and professionalism • Discipline is generally swift and effective. Focus Group E - Prioritized List of Areas for Growth (highest to lowest) 1. Communication and involvement needs to be strengthened with all parents and community members in regards to site decisions, the school-wide achievement goals, and content standards. 2. Class sizes should be reduced in activities-based classes to numbers supported by California State Department of Education safety recommendations. Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 180 3. All school site work orders need to processed in an efficient and timely manner. 4. Special needs students in activities classes need to be monitored more closely in order to ensure appropriate placement, and general education teachers need to be better equipped and more empowered to make accommodations and modifications for these special-needs students. 5. YHS needs an effective method for tracking the academic and career paths and success of its students after graduation Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 181 Chapter 5 Action Plan Yucaipa High School Chapter 4: WASC Self Study Reports 182 YucaipaHighSchoolWASCActionPlan ACTION PLAN GOAL #1: IMPROVE AND EXPAND EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION WITHIN THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY Rationale Communication between teachers and students was chosen by each focus group as an area for growth. YHS WASC Student, Parent, and Teacher Surveys indicated there was “room” for improvement in questions related to various aspects of communication Student Achievement Goals (SAG) Addressed: All Student Achievement Goals will be directly and/or indirectly addressed and supported. Growth Targets Student, parent, teacher, and alumni communication will continue to improve by an annual average of at least 5% as measured by responses in future surveys. TASK PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE RESOURCES TIMELINE HOW TO ASSESS PROGRESS HOW TO REPORT PROGRESS Objective 1: Increase the effectiveness of the school’s communication with students and graduates Teachers will regularly update and maintain their online grades (ABI) to provide accurate, current information to students and parents regarding student academic progress. YHS Administration, Department Chairperson’s Committee, Faculty, Registrar’s Office Up to Date Aeries/ABI or similar enterprise level software, how to keep a proper grade book training, troubleshooting, support, increased Internet bandwidth, preventative site and District database preservation measures Annual student and parent surveys each spring. Set department goals for increased inputting and updating. An increase in student and parent usage. Evaluate consistency for each department. Principal’s newsletter, school website, discussions in department chairperson meetings, department minutes 183 YucaipaHighSchoolWASCActionPlan TASK Research, pilot and implement a systematic, analytic method to track and evaluate graduates’ post-high school education and careers. PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE Career Center, Counseling, Activities Office, ASB, Principal’s Office RESOURCES Explore computer software, release time, third party consulting / communication services. TIMELINE 2011-12 Research. 2012-2013 Pilot Programs. 20132014 program launch HOW TO ASSESS PROGRESS Annual updates and discussions. Annual software survey results will be created, delivered, logged and evaluated. HOW TO REPORT PROGRESS Principal’s newsletter, school report card, counseling and career centers will post statistics, department chair and leadership minutes. Objective 2: Increase the effectiveness of the school’s communication with parents and the community Implement parent training and support for tracking grades through ABI and class activity through SchoolFusion. Increase parent and community communication and involvement with school including the possibility of developing an online parent/student informational and procedural handbook. Computer resource assistant, Principal’s secretary, teachers, district tech teacher on assignment. YHS administration, counseling, faculty, Computer resource assistant, faculty, YHS Administration, Department Chairperson’s Committee Training manual (screencasting), funding, evening classes, back to school orientation, FAQ webpage/in registration packets. 20 % proficient by June 2011. 60% proficient by June 2012. 80% proficient by June 2013. Ongoing improvement 2014. Global connect, school webpage, parent newsletters, back to school packets, syllabus; Online/ collaborative presentation software, release time, collaboration. Fall: Educate and publicize school vision, mission and achievement goals. Spring: Evaluate parent participation. Annual: ongoing each year; 20122013 begin exploration of online parent/student handbook. Parent surveys/ inquiries to parents through School Fusion, software usage tracking and monitoring logins. Tracking parent participation, feedback and survey. Results are posted regularly. Principal’s newsletter, website, school site counsel and PTSA, department chairperson, and ELAC minutes, news publicity; monitor “number of hits” with a preliminary on-line handbook. 184 YucaipaHighSchoolWASCActionPlan TASK PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE RESOURCES TIMELINE HOW TO ASSESS PROGRESS HOW TO REPORT PROGRESS Objective 3: Increase the effectiveness of the school’s professional communication (between staff, District office, and other schools) Calendar (highlighting Fall 2011 District office, Asst. recommended District events and Superintendent of committees decisions that affect Formation of Educational Yucaipa High School), established (CIMA), committee meeting Committee Minutes Services, Principal, Winter: Committees Development of Increase staff participation reports. Number of and reports. Faculty Department meet and determine decision-making in district-wide decisions faculty involved on meeting agendas. Chairperson next steps. Spring: committees that District committees. Committee, Evaluation of the include District and Leadership Team, progress. Ongoing: Yucaipa High School faculty Annually. staff. Principal’s Office, Custodial Staff, 20% of all orders Pending work Principal or Online work order Facility/Athletic handled online by orders would be designee will service system reDirector, concerned Streamline work order June 2012. 60% of qued for follow up, provide annual evaluation and communication and follow faculty members, all orders handled reporters could completion data, Asst. Superintendent reimplementation, up between site and online by June 2013. check status of progress report for of Business Services, committee meetings District office. 100% following work orders online. campus work orders. District Maintenance among stakeholders 2013. and Operations Clarify the roles of the major leadership committees on campus (Dept. Chair, Precollaboration, and Leadership Team, School Site Council) Principal, Dept. Chairperson Committee, PreCollaboration, Leadership Team, School Site Council (Core group of leaders from each committee to meet with YHS Admin) Time, staff feedback Begin discussions in Spring 2011. By Fall of 2011, clear delineation of responsibilities. Written document that clearly delineates the roll of each and the interaction of the committees included in the faculty handbook Minutes and feedback, faculty survey, Leadership Team minutes 185 YucaipaHighSchoolWASCActionPlan TASK Improve working relationships between general education and special population teachers. Improve, upgrade, and/or replace the school’s bell system PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE Special Ed teachers, YHS Administration, General education teachers, district student services, psychologists, EL teachers and support staff. Principal, Leadership Team TIMELINE HOW TO ASSESS PROGRESS HOW TO REPORT PROGRESS Google Docs or some other collaborative means of sharing live/static documents, IEPs, training, CELDT level abilities, and modifications. Financial support. 2011-2012 training. 2012-2013 first steps of implementation. Monitor usage of documents, teacher survey results, special education student academic progress. Improve parent survey feedback. Regular review of program. School Site Council reviews usage. Funding, bidding, fund-raising, District support By June 2012, three bids on service. By June 2013 funds secured, By June 2014 new system Teacher survey results Principal’s newsletter, faculty meeting agenda. RESOURCES 186 YucaipaHighSchoolWASCActionPlan ACTION PLAN GOAL #2: IMPROVE AND EXPAND DELIVERY OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES THAT SUPPORT ACHIEVEMENT AND SUCCESS OF ALL STUDENTS Rationale YHS subgroups (EL and Students with Disabilities) have not met AYP/API target scores. Not all students entering Yucaipa High School graduate. “Drop out” rate needs to continue to be lowered. Proficiency levels in core classes at Yucaipa High School need to meet the federal mandate of all students being proficient in all subjects by 2014. Proficiency levels remain below targeted levels needed to meet this mandate. Class failure rates especially at the 9th grade level continue to be relatively high, creating credit deficiency in some students as they progress through school. At present no school wide system within the regular school day exists to help students encountering difficulty in core classes. Inter-department, school-wide strategies (writing, reading, problem solving) will enable teachers in various disciplines to reinforce essential student learning outcomes (Student Achievement Goals, Critical Academic Needs, Core Standards). Student Achievement Goals (SAG) Addressed: All Student Achievement Goals will be directly and/or indirectly addressed and supported. Growth Targets Student graduation rates will increase on an annual basis. Student proficiency rates in all core subjects and within all subgroup categories as measured on CST scores will continue to increase on an annual basis. AYP and API scores will increase by at least 5% on an annual basis. Pass-Fail rates department wide in all core classes will increase by at least 5% on an annual basis. 187 YucaipaHighSchoolWASCActionPlan TASK PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE RESOURCES TIMELINE HOW TO ASSESS PROGRESS HOW TO REPORT PROGRESS Objective 1: All EL and Students with Special Needs will have enough support to achieve academic success. Increase support for EL and Students with Special Needs especially in core classes. YHS Administration, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, YCJUSD Board of Education, Dept. Chairperson Committee Financial support; Personnel investment, Staff development 2011-2012 (immediate need) and on-going Addition of support personnel and mechanisms for assisting EL and Students with Special Needs. Department and school-wide summaries; Faculty/Student/ and Parent surveys; CST Scores, API and AYP for specific subgroups. Objective 2: All classes in all departments will utilize pacing guides, benchmark assessments, and up-to-date standards-based instructional materials and textbooks. YHS Administration, Department and Develop (if needed) and utilize curriculum maps, Dept. Chairperson All classes and all school-wide benchmark exams, and up Committee, Assistant Planning, departments by 2012- Number of classes summaries; development, and to date standards based Superintendent of 2013; annual and departments Faculty/Parent/ and textbooks and instructional assessment time, Educational Services, assessment and meeting the objective Student surveys; materials in all financial support YCJUSD Board of evaluation CST scores, API and departments and classes. Education AYP 188 YucaipaHighSchoolWASCActionPlan TASK PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE RESOURCES TIMELINE HOW TO ASSESS PROGRESS HOW TO REPORT PROGRESS Objective 3: Develop and implement an effective method for student intervention within the regular school day that is accessible to all students. Formulate and adopt a schedule and/or effective school wide method for assisting students encountering difficulty in core subjects and fundamental skills (interventions) that is part of the regular school day. YHS Administration, Dept. Chairperson Committee, Leadership Team, Faculty and Staff Planning, development, and assessment time, financial support Beginning Spring 2011, implementation 2012-2013 Progress toward goal, faculty and staff meetings and discussions; implementation and evaluation of schedule Department Chair Meetings, Faculty Meetings, Leadership Team Meetings Objective 4: Develop and implement a school-wide approach to writing across the curriculum and reading for comprehension. A systematic approach to writing “across the curriculum” and “reading for comprehension” should be developed, emphasized, and implemented in all departments. YHS Administration, Dept. Chairperson Committee, Faculty Planning, development, and assessment time All classes and all departments 20122013 Number of classes and departments meeting the objective Department and school wide summaries; Faculty/ Student/ and Parent Surveys; CST Scores, API and AYP 189 YucaipaHighSchoolWASCActionPlan TASK PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE RESOURCES TIMELINE HOW TO ASSESS PROGRESS HOW TO REPORT PROGRESS Objective 5: Standards will be clearly identified in all classes along with expected levels of student performance using grading rubrics when appropriate. Within departments and Department and classes, specific content Number of classes school-wide standards should be clearly and departments summaries; identified with expected All classes and all Planning, development, Dept. Chairperson meeting the Faculty/Student/ levels of student departments 2012Committee, Faculty and assessment time objective, and Parent surveys; performance clarified. 2013 departmental CST scores, API Grading rubrics should be reports and AYP developed and used to facilitate this process. Objective 6: Expand course offerings in electives, Honors, and AP classes while developing a greater emphasis on career and educational pathway choices for students. Course offerings in electives, Honors, and AP classes should be expanded Addition of new with the goal of developing YHS Planning, development, classes, a greater variety of career Administration, Master Schedule, and assessment time; development of and educational “pathway” Counseling, Dept. Student and Parent financial support; On-going, 2014-2015 career and choices for students that Chairperson Handbook, and create connections to possible personnel educational Committee, CTE YHS Course Guide industry, prepare students support/changes pathways for Committee for post-secondary students education, and/or lead to job-related skills and certifications. 190 YucaipaHighSchoolWASCActionPlan TASK PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE RESOURCES TIMELINE HOW TO ASSESS PROGRESS Objective7:Allactivity‐basedclasseswillsupportsafestudent/teachersupervisionratios(classsize). YHS Administration, Safety Committee YHS faculty in meetings, Meetings activity-based with YHS Begin exploring the classes, YHS Safety Work with the District to Financial support; Administration and process, 2011-2012; Committee, address class size issues YCEA-YCJUSD Assistant target for agreement Counseling, especially as they relate to Negotiations Superintendent of 2012-2013 Assistant activity based classes. Educational Superintendent of Services Educational Services, YCJUSD Board of Education HOW TO REPORT PROGRESS Reduction and/or compliance in class size and California State Department Education safety recommendations, 191 YucaipaHighSchoolWASCActionPlan TASK PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE RESOURCES TIMELINE HOW TO ASSESS PROGRESS HOW TO REPORT PROGRESS ACTION PLAN GOAL #3: REFINE AND DEVELOP ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROFESSIONAL GROWTH Rationale All certificated staff need to continue to develop their skills as professional educators. More time during the regular, professional work day is needed for professional growth. Professional Learning Communities (PLC) encourage professional growth and empower staff with new skills to improve student achievement and success. Student Achievement Goals (SAG) Addressed: All Student Achievement Goals will be directly and/or indirectly addressed and/or supported. Growth Targets During the next five years, time for teacher collaboration and professional growth within the regularly scheduled work day will increase from its present allotment of approximately 65 minutes once a month. Over the next two-three years, Professional Learning Communities (PLC) will be incorporated into regular staff meetings, department meetings, and collaboration time. The percentage of teachers utilizing standards based grading, differentiation, student achievement data, and student intervention strategies to improve instruction and student success will increase on an annual basis by at least 5-10%. 192 YucaipaHighSchoolWASCActionPlan TASK PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE RESOURCES TIMELINE HOW TO ASSESS PROGRESS HOW TO REPORT PROGRESS Objective 1: Develop a site-based, comprehensive staff development plan that is aligned with the District-wide plan. YHSAdministration, Dept.Chairperson Withstaffinput,develop Planningtime, Classpassandfail Completion, Committee, andimplementaclear, staffsurveysand Latespringofeachyear rates,CSTscores, implementation, written,comprehensive LeadershipTeam, –plandevelopment; discussions, APIandAYPdata, evaluation,and Pre‐Collaboration staffdevelopmentplan Earlyspringofeach financesas alongwithan reviewoftheplan graduationrate Team,District needed,student year‐planevaluation appropriateevaluation onanannualbasis data Assistant assessmentdata tool. Superintendentof EducationalServices Objective 2: Add professional development, collaboration time, and the growth of a Professional Learning Community (PLC) during the defined work day. YHS Administration, Investigate,develop,and Dept. Spring2011–Fall2011 Department implementaplanfor Chairperson Planningtime,staff (staffdiscussions, Chairperson addingprofessional Committee, Completion, surveys,feedback, schoolvisitations,plan Committee development, Leadership implementation, anddiscussions, development) minutes, collaborationtime,and Team,Pre‐ evaluation,and visitationstoother 2011‐2012,2012– LeadershipTeam theProfessional Collaboration reviewoftheplan schools,financesas 2013plan minutes,Pre‐ LearningCommunity Team,District onanannualbasis needed implementation(MOU) Collaboration (PLC)withinthedefined Assistant withannualevaluation TeamMinutes workday. Superintendent ofEducational Services 193 YucaipaHighSchoolWASCActionPlan TASK PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE RESOURCES TIMELINE HOW TO ASSESS PROGRESS HOW TO REPORT PROGRESS Objective 3: Staff will increase its use of standards based grading, differentiation, student achievement data, instructional technologies, and interventions to improve student achievement. Provide staff with additional training and collaboration time in Number of training the areas of: standards sessions offered on YHS Administration, Planning time, staff based grading, each topic on an survey and Dept. Chairperson differentiation of annual basis, discussions, finances Committee, instruction, Participation reports Late spring of each year amount of teacher as needed, Leadership Team, instructional following teacher – planning of staff collaboration time instructional leaders, Pre-Collaboration technologies, training and activities and on an annual basis. professional resources Team, District appropriate student collaboration finalization in the fall Analysis of (textbooks, journal Assistant interventions (for classroom data articles, other Superintendent of example EL and (surveys, student schools) Educational Services Students with Special assessment data) Needs), student data analysis, and educational technologies. 194 YucaipaHighSchoolWASCActionPlan ACTION PLAN GOAL #4: INCREASE AVAILABILITY AND EFFECTIVE USE OF APPROPRIATE INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES IN ALL CLASSES TO IMPROVE STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT Rationale • Students need to see a consistent application of technology across all subject areas. • Only 49% of instructors incorporate appropriate technology into their classroom daily. • Students are enthusiastic about using technology at school. • There are faculty complaints about quality and availability of school technology. Student Achievement Goals (SAG) Addressed: All Student Achievement Goals will be directly and/or indirectly addressed and supported. Growth Targets Percentage of students utilizing curriculum-based technology skills in core classes will continue to increase on an annual basis by at least 5%. Secure funding and complete upgrade of all lab computers by January 2015. 195 YucaipaHighSchoolWASCActionPlan TASK PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE RESOURCES TIMELINE HOW TO ASSESS PROGRESS HOW TO REPORT PROGRESS Formation of and regular meetings of Technology Steering Committee; Completion of YHS Technology Plan short and long term goals; purchase and use of new technologies; Parent, student, and teacher surveys Annual report by Technology Steering Committee; Meeting agendas and minutes; Principal communications Objective 1: Improve and increase the use of educational technologies in all classes. Implement a YHS Technology Steering Committee to oversee funding opportunities, make recommendations for purchases, co-ordinate staff development, and update and manage the YHS Site Technology Plan Principal, technology coordinator, technology teachers, collaboration workshop attendees Secure grants/ partnerships/ matching fund sources to support professional development and technology conference attendance. District and site funding as appropriate. Fall 2011 – form committee with representatives from all departments Winter – Planning Spring 2012 – set long range goals and evaluation; each subsequent year: Fall – revisit goals; Winter and Spring – implementation, and Spring – evaluation; Ongoing 2012-2016 196 YucaipaHighSchoolWASCActionPlan ACTIONPLANGOAL#5:MONITOR,UPDATE,REVISEIFNECESSARY,ANDREVISITTHESCHOOL‐WIDEACTIONPLAN ANNUALLY Rationale Yucaipa High School needs a better system for addressing and integrating the WASC Action Plan items into annual administrative and school wide goals. Yucaipa High School did not systematically revisit, update, and emphasize the Action Plan and its link to the Single Plan for Student Achievement (School Site Plan) Student Achievement Goals (SAG) Addressed: All Student Achievement Goals will be directly and/or indirectly addressed and supported. Growth Targets Assessment and evaluation of appropriate Action Plan goals and objectives will occur each year. 197 YucaipaHighSchoolWASCActionPlan TASK PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE RESOURCES TIMELINE HOW TO ASSESS PROGRESS HOW TO REPORT PROGRESS Objective 1: The School Wide Action Plan needs to be revisited by all leadership groups on an annual basis in relation to the most recent student achievement data. Student assessment data (CST, API, Department Chair, AYP); Student, Fall: Review action Department Chairperson Leadership Team, Principal, parent, and teacher plan based on Committee, Leadership School Site Council, Department surveys; Completion current assessment Team, School Site and PreChairperson and progress toward data. Council, and PreCollaboration Team Minutes, agendas, Committee, Action Plan specific Spring: ReCollaboration will work meeting agendas and release time Leadership Team, goals and objectives; evaluation of goals, together to accomplish minutes; Faculty School Site Council, Annual update of objectives and Action Plan goals and meeting agendas; and PreSingle Plan for timelines (all objectives. Principal’s Collaboration Team Student groups) newsletter Achievement (School Site Plan) Objective 2: The Principal will oversee all appropriate objectives of the Action Plan on an annual basis and coordinate the actions of the appropriate leadership groups. Annual WASC Fall: Review goals, Action Plan objectives, and Check off what has Progress Report by Ensure that the Action Time; All YHS timelines; Winter: been accomplished Principal to staff, Plan is revisited, updated, Principal leadership groups; Take appropriate for goals and School Site Council and revised if necessary. Faculty and staff action; Spring: objectives and WASC Evaluate, assess, and leadership report 198 Appendix A YUCAIPA HIGH SCHOOL MASTER SCHEDULE: 2010-11 FACULTY ROOM EXTENSION LUNC PER. 1 (7:55-8:51) PER 2 (8:58-9:56) PER 3 (10:08-11:04) EMERGENCIES DIAL 1-911 FROM CLASSROOMS PER 4 (11:11-12:44) PER 5 (12:51-1:47) English 12 English 12 Integrated Math 1 Algebra 1 Biology Biology PER 6 (1:54-2:50) H Adams, Scott A-6 1006 A English 12 English 12 English 12 Allen, Christa P-7 1757 A Integrated Math 1 Integrated Math 1 Alonzo, Jessica E-6 1206 A Marine Biology Biology Biology Aranda, Vanessa * Q-206 1192 Psychology Psychology Psychology Bagg, Mike * M-206 1612 (2 & 3) Ext. 1616 Desktop 3D Desktop/Adv Desktop 3D Bannister, Sharon Q-202 1188 B MWH MWH Bensley, Rodney P-10 1760 A Algebra 1 Biskup, Christina O-14/13 1714/13 B Brunette, Chris Q-209 1195 Calbreath, Andy Q-208 1194 Calbreath, Liz A-11 1011 Carney, Jason P-6 1756 Carpenter, Matt P-1/N-2 Castro, Tommy Integrated Math 1 Psychology US History Ext. 1616 Ext. 1616 Ext. 1616 MWH MWH MWH Algebra 1 Algebra 1 Algebra 1 Algebra 1 Sports Med/Phys Ther Sports Med/Phys Therapy Sports Med/Phys Therapy Sports Med/Phys Therapy Sports Med/Phys Ther US History US History Gov/Econ Gov/Econ Gov/Econ Integrated Math 2 Integrated Math 2 Algebra 2 AP Spanish Spanish 2 Spanish 2 B Econ/Gov Econ/Gov US History Econ/Gov Econ/Gov 1751 (1,2) B Algebra 2 Algebra 2 Ext. 1125 Stu Council (N-2) Ext. 1125 Ext. 1125 O-10 1710 B World Geography World Geography World Geography World Geography World Geography Cheek, Tamani P-4 1754 B AP USH AVID 12 AVID 9/10 Christiansen, Janel E-2 1202 A Biology Cooper, Sara C-1 1127 A Cruz, Bobby E-8 1208 A A AP USH Honors Eng 10 AP USH Algebra 2 Algebra 2 Spanish 2 Biology Biology Biology Biology Honors Eng 10 Honors Eng 10 Honors English 10 English 10 Geometry Princ of Engineering Geometry Algebra 1 AVID 10 Algebra 1 B Davis, Mike P-8 1758 deBaun, Linda G-105 1305 Derby, Susanne A-1 1001 Eichman, John P-2 Eichorn, Sylvia * AP Calculus AB Algebra 2 English 12 Adv. Drama English 12 B French 2 French 2 1752 B Gov/Econ Gov/Econ Gov/Econ AP Euro History A-9 1009 B Spanish 2 Spanish 3 Spanish 3 Spanish 2 Spanish 2 Elliott, Kathryn * M-101 1601 A Chemistry Chemistry Chemistry Chemistry Chemistry Ethington, Bonnie Q-205 1191 B MWH AP Euro History MWH MWH MWH Fiello, Kristen E-4 1204 A Biology Biology Marine Biology Marine Biology Marine Biology Fletcher, Tammy A-14 1014 B Med Term/Off Med Occ Med Occ Flowers, Kate * L-3 1553 A English 9 Honors Eng 9 Honors Eng 9 English 9 English 9 Q-105 1185 US History US History F-2 1252 Health Health Health Gifford, Lori I-209 Arts & Crafts 2 Arts & Crafts 2 Arts & Crafts 2 Gill, Betty Comp. Graph. Des 1 Comp Graph Des 1 Full, Michael A Med Term/Off French 1 World Geography US History US History B Health Health Health 1409 B Arts & Crafts 2 Arts & Crafts 2 M-202 1608 B Graham, Cheryl I-103 1403 A Graham, Holly O-6 1706 Gustafsson, Jessica* A-16 1016 Gutierrez, Hope I-101 Herold, Amber Gavigan, Sheryl Algebra 2 AP Calculus AB Algebra 2 Drama English 12 French 1 French 1 Forensics CAHSEE/Eng Supp Comp. Graph Des 1/2 Comp. Graph. Des 1 SI Life Skills/Math SI Life Skills/Math SI Life Skills/Health SI Life SkillslCom/LS Algebra 1 Algebra 1 Geometry A English 11 AP Eng Lang/Comp AP Eng Lang/Comp 1401 A SI Life Skills/Lang SI Life Skills/Lang SI Life Skills/Com/LS C-5 1131 A Learning Center SI English 9-12 SI English 9-12 Hicks, Brad E-8/9 1209 B Intro to Design (E-8) Art & Design 2 Art & Design 2 Art & Design 2 Art & Design 2 Hitter, Lou M-105 1605 A Chemistry AP Physics B Chemistry Chemistry Chemistry ROOM EXTENSION LUNCH PER. 1 (7:55-8:51) PER 4 (11:11-12:44) PER 5 (12:51-1:47) PER 6 (1:54-2:50) FACULTY PER 2 (8:58-9:56) PER 3 (10:08-11:04) SI Life Skills Geometry English 11 Geometry English 11 SI Life Skills SI Life Skills SI English 9-12 C Holton, Nigel O-5 1705 A Horn, Donna D-4 1144 A Huggins, Sheila Gym 1502 B Jones, Kim Q-101 1181 Kappeler, Jon O-15 1715 A Kennedy, Scott M-203 1609 B Kessinger, Ashli L-5 1555 Kivett, Dave Gym 1456 Knopp, Brenda E-1 1201 Lacanlale, Donald M-102 1602 Leemkuil, Brianna Q-201 LeLong, Debbie * TPP 1/SI Eng 12 Statistics Honors Geometry Geometry Geometry TPP 1/SI Eng 12 TPP 1/SI Eng 12 Learning Center PE 2 PE 2 PE 2 AP Statistics Statistics Earth Science Earth Science Photography Yearbook/Dig Pub Honors Geometry Honors Geometry PE 2 PE 2 Statistics Integrated Math 2 Earth Science Earth Science Earth Science Photography Photography Photography Honors English 9 English 9 PE 1 Athletic Cond Biology Biology Honors Eng 9 Honors Eng 9 PE 1 PE 1 Biology Biology Biology A Human Anat/Phys Human Anat/Phys Human Anat/Phys Biology Biology 1187 B US History US History US History US History MWH I-208 1408 B Beg. Ceramics Beg. Ceramics Beg/Adv Ceramics Beg. Ceramics Leon, Heather P-3 1753 B MWH MWH MWH MWH Lewis, Kevin O-11 1711 B World Geography World Geography World Geography Marshall, Jeff I-210 1410 Art & Design 2 B Art & Design 2 Martin, Monty C-3 1129 A English 11 English 11 Matteson, Michael E-5 1205 A Earth Science Earth Science Matuszak, Dave * Gym 1454 B PE 2 PE 2 McCoy, Danielle * P-5 1755 A Algebra 2 McDonald, Mary L-1 1551 A A+ Curriculum English 9 PE 1 Beg. Ceramics MWH World Geography World Geography Art & Design 3/ Art & Design 3/ Art & Design 2 AP Studio Art Arts & Crafts 3 AP Eng Lit/Comp AP Eng Lit/Comp English 11 Earth Science Earth Science PE 2 PE 2 Weight Training/Fit Algebra 2 Algebra 2 Trig/Math Analysis Trig/Math Analysis A+ Curriculum A+ Curriculum A+ Curriculum A+ Curriculum Earth Science (7th period – A+ Curriculum) D McKibban, Teri L-2 1552 McLoughlin, Adrian F-1 1251 Mead, Joe L-8 1558 Mitts, Carat L-4 1554 Mobley, Michael * F-4 1173 in EMC (205) A A A English 9 English 11 English 9 SI Algebra Learning Center SI Algebra English 9 English 9 English 10 English 10 English 11 English 11 English 11 AP Eng Lang/Comp Learning Center (F-4, ext 1257) SI Earth Science Inclusion (O-2/ex 1702) English 9 English 9 SI Algebra SI Earth Science Inclusion (O-2/1702) AP Eng Lang/Comp SI Earth Science Inclusion (O-2/1702) Mogensen, Marlene A-4 1004 Spanish 2 Span Native Spkrs 2 Spanish 2 Spanish 2 Spanish 2 Molina, Myrna H-9 1352 Construction Tech Construction Tech Construction Tech Construction Tech Construction Tech Mullen, Scott A-3 1003 A Read 180 (F-6/1256) English 11 English 11 English 11 English 11 Nixon, Lani L-9 1559 B Spanish 1 Spanish 1 Spanish 1 Spanish 1 Spanish 1 O’Reilly, Patrick O-2 1702 A Earth Science Earth Science Earth Science Earth Science Earth Science Orr, Donna D-1 1141 A ELD Eng 9-12 English 11 English 11 ELD Writing 9-12 Paul, David O-12 1712 B MWH MWH MWH US History US History Perotti, Marie Q-106 1186 Small Business Small Business Perry, Steven O-8 1708 A SI US History Learning Center Learning Center SI US History Piercy, Rick M-104 1604 A AP Biology Chemistry Chemistry Chemistry Pitcher, Jeff A-7 1007 English 10 English 10 G-102 1302 O-7 1707/ Presler, Robert Price, Justin Retail Merch ELD Writing 9-12 Small Business Chemistry Multimedia Prod Multimedia Prod Adv/Dig Video Prod B Concert Band General Music Madrigals Wind Ens/Symph Band A SI Algebra SI Algebra Learning Center SI Algebra LUNCH PER. 1 (7:55-8:51) PER 2 (8:58-9:56) Concert Choir 1455 (PE) FACULTY ROOM EXTENSION PER 3 (10:08-11:04) PER 4 (11:11-12:44) PER 5 (12:51-1:47) PER 6 (1:54-2:50) E Randall, Steve Q-203 1189 B Econ/Gov Econ/Gov Reynard, Tony C-4 1130 B Law Enforcement Law Enforcement Reynolds, Paul Gym 1452 B Richter, Tammy E-3/ 1203 E-5 1205 Riley, Cynthia C-2 1128 A Roque, Tony F-4 1257 A Russell, Michelle A-12 1012 Salinas, Scott I-102 1402 Saline, Christiana O-9 1709 Schleiden, Megan M-103 1603 Simon, Josh Q-207 1193 Smith, Patrick L-7 1557 Smith, Scott A-5 1005 Solis, Frank Gym 1453 AVID/P1 1751 (6) E-3 Econ/Gov PE 1 PE 1 Biology (E-3) Biology (E-5) English 12 English 12 English 12 Learning Center SI Gov/Econ B Spanish 1 Spanish 1 SI Life Skills Lang SI Life Skills Math SI Life Skills Science A Geometry CAHSEE Math Supp Geometry A SI Biology SI Biology Geometry Trig/Math Analysis Trig/Math Analysis English 9 English 9 AP Eng Lit/Comp German 1 A AP Eng Lit/Comp AP Gov & Politics AP Gov & Politics Law Enforcement Law Enforcement Law Enforcement PE 1 PE 1 PE 1 English 12 English 12 SI Math/Algebra SI Math/Algebra Inclusion (P-10) Inclusion (P-10) Spanish 2 Spanish 1 Spanish 1 SI Life Skills SI Life Skills Geometry Learning Center English 9 Geometry SI Algebra 1/Math Geometry Trig/Math Analysis English 9 English 9 German 1 German 1 AVID 9 (P-1) B PE 2 PE 2 PE 2 PE 2 1203 A (0 & 1 per) Biology AVID 9 AVID 11 AVID 11 Q-204 1190 B US History US History Gov/Econ US History US History Stewart, Tom A-2 1002 A English 10 English 10 English 10 English 10 Stout, Jeff Gym 1451 B (0) PE 2 & (1) PE 1 PE 1 PE 1 PE 1 P-9 1759 Geometry Geometry Geometry Stange, Tana Steenhausen, Drew Sullivan, Shelby English 9 Geometry Geometry F Taylor, John Q-103 1183 B Honors English 10 Torres, Julio O-4 1704 B Span Native Sprks 1 Troy, Terry A-8 (office) 1008/ Gov/Econ Work Exper 12 Work Exper 11 1712 (2) (O-12) (only meets Wed. - E11) (only meets Wed. E-11) Spanish 1 English 10 English 10 Spanish 1 Spanish 1 O-12 (2) Valencia,Spike/ Lievsay, Timothy L-10/ 11 1560/ AFJROTC 4 1561 Manage Cadet Corps A-15 1014 Vance, Margie (ROP) E-10 1210 Von Kaenel, Amber Q-104 1184 A F-4/ 1254 A L-7 1557 Wallace, Erin * D-3 1143 A Weleff, Chris H-8 1351 B Westwick, Nathan M-201 1607 Whiting, Sharon M-106 Williams, Leann AFJROTC 3 Aerospace Science AFJROTC 2 MWH English 10 Spanish 1 AFJROTC 1 AFJROTC 1 Medical Occ. CMA (per 6 & 7) Elem School Tchr Elem School Tchr Child Care Occ. Child Care Occ. Child Care Occ. Trig/Math Analysis Trig/Math Analysis Integrated Math 2 Integrated Math 2 Integrated Math 2 SI Eng 9 SI Eng 9 SI English 9-12 Inclusion (L-7) Inclusion (L-7) (F-4) Learning Center SI Econ/Gov SI MWH SW MWH Auto Eng Perform Auto Eng Perform Auto Eng Perform Auto Eng Perform Auto St/Sus/Brks B Tech Prep Math 1 Tech Prep Math 1 Tech Prep Math 1 Tech Prep Math 1 Tech Prep Math 1 1606 A Earth Science Earth Science Earth Science Earth Science Earth Science Q-102 1182 A Geometry Integrated Math 1 Geometry Integrated Math 1 Geometry Wolfe, Jody F-3 1253 B Health Health Health Health Health Health Womack, Darryl D-2 1142 A (0 & 1st per) English 10 English 10 Analysis/Creative Writing English 10 Wall, John Learning Center (F4) G STUDENT’S LAST NAME COUNSELOR EXTENSION A – Bi Pam Sibley 1116 Bj – E Karen Brossia 1115 F – Ka Michelle Pauls 1112 Kb – M Evan Sternard 1021 N – Sa Myra Reichmann 1113 Sb – Z Lisa Reyes 1114 DISCIPLINE AND ATTENDANCE ISSUES 9th and 10th graders Christine Gianunzio - Cheryl ext. 1109 11th graders Joe Hyde – Lora ext. 1105 12th graders Christina Pierce – Marianne ext. 1107 LIBRARY HOURS: 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Mon. – Thurs. 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 - Friday H Yucaipa High School Bell Schedule REGULAR SCHEDULE LATE START DAYS RALLY SCHEDULE SEMESTER FINALS MINIMUM DAY SCHEDULE Lunch A Lunch A Rally A/Lunch A Per 1 7:55 AM-8:51 AM Collab 7:55 AM-9:00 AM Pass 8:51 AM-8:58 AM Pass 9:00 AM-9:07 AM Per 1 Per 2 8:58 AM-9:56 AM Per 1 9:07 AM-9:51 AM Break 9:56 AM-10:01 AM Pass Pass 10:01 AM-10:08 AM Per 3 10:08 AM-11:04 AM pass 11:04 AM-11:11 AM Lunch A 11:11 AM-11:41 AM Pass 11:41 AM-11:48 AM Per 4 11:48 AM-12:44 PM Pass 12:44 PM-12:51 PM Per 5 Day 1 Per 1 7:55 AM-8:30 AM Per 1 7:55 AM-9:55 AM Pass 7:55 AM-8:45 AM Break 9:55 AM-10:08 AM Per 2 8:37 AM-9:12 AM Pass 8:45 AM- 8:52 AM Pass Pass 9:51 AM- 9:58 AM Per 2 8:52 AM-9:42 AM Per 5 10:15 AM-12:15 PM Per 3 9:19 AM-9:54 AM Per 2 9:58 AM-10:44 AM Break 9:42 AM-9:48 AM Day 2 Break 9:54 AM-10:04 AM Break 10:44 AM-10:49 AM Pass 9:48 AM-9:55 AM Pass 10:49 AM-10:56 AM RALLY A 9:55 AM-10:34 AM Per 3 10:56 AM-11:40 AM Per 3 10:34 AM-11:24 AM Pass 11:40 AM-11:47 AM Pass 11:24 AM-11:31 AM Lunch A 11:47 AM-12:17 PM Lunch A 11:31 AM-12:06 PM Pass 12:05 PM-12:12 PM Pass 12:17 PM-12:24 10:08 AM-10:15 AM Per 2 7:55 AM-9:55 AM Break 9:55 AM-10:08 AM Pass 10:08 AM-10:15 AM Per 4 10:15 AM-12:15 PM Day 3 Pass 8:30 AM-8:37 AM 9:12 AM-9:19 AM 10:04 AM-10:11 AM Per 4 10:11 AM-10:46 AM Pass 10:46 AM-10:53 AM Per 5 10:53 AM-11:28 AM Pass 11:28 AM-11:35 AM Per 6 11:35 AM-12:10 PM Per 3 7:55 AM-9:55 AM Per 4 12:24 PM-1:08 PM Per 4 12:12 PM-1:00 PM 12:51 PM-1:47 PM Pass 1:08 PM-1:15 PM Pass 1:00 PM-1:07 PM Pass 1:47 PM-1:54 PM Per 5 1:15 PM-1:59 PM Per 5 1:07 PM-1:55 PM Per 6 1:54 PM-2:50 PM Pass 1:59 PM-2:06 PM Pass 1:55 PM-2:02 PM Break 9:55 AM-10:08 AM Pass 10:08 AM-10:15 AM Per 6 10:15 AM-12:15 PM I J E2 Minority Report K Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District K- 12 Calendar 2010-2011 Revised to Reflect 175 Day Instructional School Year 2010 JULY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 AUGUST SEPTEMBER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 H N T T T H OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 H 2011 JANUARY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 T H H H H H FEBRUARY MARCH 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 H H H APRIL MAY JUNE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 H H 2010-2011 Trimester/Semester Dates Legend T District Holidays Calimesa, Chapman Heights, Dunlap, Meadow Creek T = Teacher Prep Day (students not in attendance) Ridgeview, Valley, Wildwood, and Yucaipa Elementary Schools H = Holiday N= New teachers only All Schools NOT in attendance July 5 1st Trimester - August 16 - November 8 September 6 2nd Trimester - November 9 - March 2 November 11, 25-26 3rd Trimester - March 3 - June 2 December 23, 24, 30, 31 January 17 November 22 - 26 Thanksgiving Holiday Recess February 14 & 21 1st Quarter - August 16 - October 8 December 20 - 31 Winter Recess April 22 2nd Quarter - October 11 - December 17 March 14 - 25 Spring Recess May 30 Park View, Mesa View, Yucaipa High School, Green Valley High School 3rd Quarter - January 4 - March 11 June 2 Last Day for Students 4th Quarter - March 28 - June 2 June 3 Last Day for Teachers Teacher Prep Days (Students not in attendance) August 11,12,13 January 3 June 3 Calimesa Elementary School Chapman Heights Elementary School District Education Center Dunlap Elementary School Early Childhood Development Center 790-8570 790-8080 797-0174 797-5171 790-8550 H Green Valley High School / Yucaipa Adult School Meadow Creek Elementary School Mesa View Middle School Oak View High School and Education Center Park View Middle School 790-8580 790-3207 790-8008 797-7931 790-3285 Ridgeview Elementary School Valley Elementary School Wildwood Elementary School Yucaipa Elementary School Yucaipa High School 790-3270 797-1125 790-8521 797-9163 797-0106 E2: a) To what extent is the school a safe, clean, and orderly place that nurtures learning and b) to what extent is the culture of the school characterized by trust, professionalism, high expectations for all students, and a focus on continuous school improvement? E2 Summary: a) Yucaipa HS is a safe, clean, and orderly school that nurtures learning. However, there is room for improvement—particularly in activity courses. Evidence from those department questionnaires and other sources suggest that existing policies and use of resources may at times compromise a safe learning environment. There are concerns about the process by which safety work orders are addressed. Class sizes and appropriate student placement must improve in order to secure a truly safe school culture. b) A positive school culture is characterized by professionalism, trust and respect. Evidence of staff commitment to continuous school improvement can be found in WASC student, teacher, and parent surveys. Evidence can also be found in department questionnaire answers, in every department meeting, peer coaching, and other formal and informal collaboration. Evidence of students contributing to a positive school culture can be seen school wide. Findings Safe, Clean, and Orderly Environment Evidence Department answers to E2 Questionnaire. Teachers, custodians, and WASC Student Survey administrators work with students as a team to WASC Parent Survey maintain a safe, clean, and orderly environment. WASC Teacher Survey However, there is significant room for improvement. Clear evidence from department questionnaires suggest that existing policies and use of resources too often do not foster a safe learning environment. There is a systemic failure both at the site and district level that too often fails to complete safety work orders in a timely manner. And class sizes and appropriate student placement must improve in order to secure a truly safe school culture. Comment [18]: Evidence would need to be able to defend these statements - stkennedy The evidence defends these statements. -Matuszak Comment [1]: Bold statements with crucial evidence needed to support. Not currently supportive. - stkennedy Crucial evidence can be found in the Evidence Binder. -Matuszak M Safety work orders are too often not appropriately prioritized and completed on a timely basis. This is particularly true with safety work orders submitted by the physical education, art, and science departments where safety is a daily concern. (English, Language, Math, reported no difficulties.) Nearly half of the high school facilities are physical education facilities. PE safety work orders are too often not completed for months, even years. The lack of timely attention to safety work orders presents a significant risk to students. For example, after nearly seven years without heat in the PE locker rooms and weight room a Williams Act complaint was filed by a PE teacher. Great attention is placed on safety by teachers, especially the PE staff. Facilities are regularly inspected and safety work orders are routinely submitted. But, too often they are not completed on a timely basis. Much attention by the PE staff to streamlining and restructuring the work order system to improve its efficiency has been met with resistance from site and district administration and the Maintenance and Operations department (M & O). Increased class sizes are a significant concern regarding safety. Many departments have serious concerns about the dramatic increase in class Safety work order answers from PE, Art, Technology, and Science departments to E2 Questionnaire. Examples of unfulfilled work orders submitted in binder. Samples of safety communications from the PE department submitted in binder. Comment [2]: Are these infrastructure orders or safety items...need to look at them. - stkennedy They are both. Either way, they are safety concerns. See Evidence Binder. Williams Act complaint and response. Samples of safety communications from the PE department submitted in binder. Communications regarding work order system revision submitted in binder. Class size answers to E2 Questionnaire from departments. N sizes—particularly activity classes where safety is the greatest concern. This is particularly true in PE where class sizes have increased from 45 to more than 60. (The PE State Framework suggests 40 or less.) The science department reports unsafe class sizes 36 and suggests 32 as a safe size. The art department reports unsafe class sizes of 38 and that 30 is a safe number. Even some core subjects reports unsafe class sizes. English department reports an unsafe number of 36 students and believes 30 is a safe number to monitor students. Social Science reports 36 and a suggested safe number of 30. Special education, language, Math, and technology reported safe class sizes. The appropriate and safe placement of students in courses requires improvement. PE and Art report significant problems. (English, reports no problem in this area.) Special needs and low performing students are routinely placed in regular PE classes. With class sizes of 60, those students are placed at risk. Full-time Adapted and Modified PE classes where students once received specialized and individual instruction, have been eliminated. Concerns are widespread about the safe placement and notification to teachers about PE State Framework Comment [3]: Not accurate as per Rick Piercy- stkennedy It is accurate according to the evidence submitted by the science department. See Evidence Binder. -Matuszak Comment [4]: Needs verification from Art Dept. Chair – stkennedy Verification from the Art dept. chair was in the Evidence Binder. Please review it. -Matuszak Comment [5]: Maybe this is not so much a safety issue as it is a quality of education issue. We could move this issue to another location in our document-perhaps instruction. - stkennedy Students placement answers from departments in E2 Questionnaire. No, it is a safety issue and should remain in this section. -Matuszak Comment [6]: Is this a PE issue being expanded to include other departments? - stkennedy PE class rosters and schedule of classes. This is as it states an issue with the Art and PE departments. -Matuszak Modified PE memo Comment [7]: Language this bold is a flag. - stkennedy What word will suffice and convey the same message? -Matuszak Student placement answers from departments to E2 O students with violent histories. Current practice blocks teachers from classroom access to student disciplinary histories. Access for teachers can only be obtained from administrative computers. There is a need for better communication from administration to teachers about transfer students with violent backgrounds. There was unanimous agreement by all departments that teachers should be notified at the time of enrollment of any history of violence. Administrative support and policies that assure a safe environment are generally effective. Administration employs a well thoughtout and thorough plan for disaster drills. Drills are regular and conducted efficiently by administration and staff. However, there was an overwhelming request by teachers for disaster drills during lunch and passing periods to fully prepare students for a disaster. Administrators and security monitors are consistently present during lunch and passing periods to support a safe environment. Security procedures are in place to monitor the ingress and egress of campus visitors. Student disruptions, i.e., fights, etc., are rare and effectively controlled. Significant staff feedback suggests the need for increased campus security to Questionnaire. Comment [8]: Where was this? Evidence is needed. – stkennedy See Evidence Binder for documentation. -Matuszak Disaster plan and schedule. Comment [9]: These seems contradictory to previous statements. - stkennedy This statement is supported by the evidence. -Matuszak Comment [10]: Be careful of hyperbole here. - stkennedy This statement is supported by the evidence in the Evidence Binder. -Matuszak Answers to campus security questions from departments to E2 Questionnaire. Comment [19]: Focus Group needs to show the WASC leadership this evidence to insure its credibility. - stkennedy Visitor logs Gianunzio memo All Security responses are included in the Evidence Binder and supports the findings. -Matuszak Comment [12]: Is the word “significant” accurate in this statement? - stkennedy Yes, see the Evidence Binder. P match the dramatic increase in student enrollment. The administration of discipline to support a safe environment is generally effective. Policies are clearly defined and communicated. However, there were mixed responses by staff regarding consistency and timeliness. Strong feelings were voiced by some staff that there must be more consistency among administrators in administering discipline. And there is concern that discipline is not always administered in a timely fashion. The overwhelming response from students is that they feel generally safe on campus. (Thirty-five percent reported that they feel very safe. Forty-seven percent responded that they feel safe.) Parents believe that the school facilities are safe, functional, and well maintained. (Sixty percent feel safe while thirty-two percent believe that they are somewhat safe.) Parents generally agree that YHS provides a safe learning environment. (Fifty percent of parents surveyed feel that YHS is generally safe. Forty-one percent strongly agree that we are safe.) And the overwhelming response from teachers was that they too feel safe on campus. YHS reflects the generally safe conditions in Comment [11]: Contradictory to beginning of the paragraph. - stkennedy Discipline answers from departments to E2 Questionnaire. This statement is supported by evidence in the Binder. -Matuszak Teacher Survey Results? Comment [13]: This needs to be quantified with evidence – stkennedy This is quantified in the Evidence Binder. WASC Student Survey #16 WASC Parent Survey #12 WASC Parent Survey #36 WASC Teacher Survey #43 Q the community. Administration, staff, and students generally work well together to maintain a safe school environment. Discipline is generally swift and effective. Security monitors are very effective in patrolling the campus throughout the day. The campus sheriff deputy effectively utilizes the “Clean Sweep” program that supports school discipline. The Physical Education Department makes sportsmanship training and conflict resolution training (Standard 3) a top priority that helps to set a school-wide atmosphere of respect and tolerance. ASB clubs do the same. The end result is that Yucaipa High School is noted county-wide as one of the safest learning environments and it is, perhaps, our schools greatest strength. Comment [14]: Contradictory... - stkennedy Don’t see the contradiction. Regardless, it is supported by the evidence. -Matuszak Clean Sweep Program Comment [15]: Either we believe the school could improve its security measures or they are effective. One or the other... On the one hand, our monitors are doing their best but the reality is, that we need more to be effective with this increased population. - stkennedy PE State Standard #3 PE standards based assessment S:3 They are generally effective, but need improvement. Your comments may be supported with evidence. Please see the Evidence Binder. -Matuszak High Expectations/Concerns for Students YHS demonstrates significant caring, concern, and high expectations for students in an environment that honors individual differences and is conducive to learning. Parents surveyed feel that YHS is WASC Parent Survey #43 generally responsive to their concerns. (Ninety-three percent of parents surveyed believe staff, teachers, and administrators are generally responsive, responsive, or very responsive to their R concerns.) Students surveyed feel that their teachers, counselors, and administrators are responsive to their concerns. Caring and high expectations for all students is demonstrated in a variety of ways: 1. Ninth and tenth grade teachers do bell work and sponge activities daily to prepare students for the CAHSEE. 2. Saturday Academies employ a “boot camp” approach to SAT, CAHSEE, or CST preparation. 3. Data Director is utilized to identify “bubble” students who benefit from extra instruction. 4. Most teachers often volunteer their lunch period, after and before school time for tutoring, club activities, and other support activities. 5. The PE department runs a lunch-time intramural program. 6. Coaches monitor and assist students with academic deficiencies. 7. Much support and encouragement is offered by administration and staff to perform well on all standardized testing. Citizenship and ethical values are demonstrated by students in a variety of ways: 1. Good sportsmanship is WASC Student Survey #24-26 Principal’s response to inquiry. WASC Teacher Survey #25 PE department feedback S demonstrated in PE classes and athletic teams. 2. ASB club activities are numerous and they emphasize tolerance and harmony on campus. 3. The Block Y letterman’s club began a program to pledge competing as a clean athlete, not to use performanceenhancing drugs (PEDs), and to avoid cheating-to-win. 4. Students regularly demonstrate good ethical behavior in class, during lunch, and during passing periods. Students surveyed overwhelmingly feel that teachers promote the development of life skills that help them become responsible citizens. Teachers report that they frequently promote life skills that develop responsible citizens. (Seventy-five percent of teachers surveyed reported that they frequently promote life skills that develop responsible citizens.) The AVID program supports students progress by: 1. Enrolling students in a rigorous college prep curriculum. 2. Offering a framework of support structures that enables students to become competitive in Block Y school fusion page: PEDs: High School Sports Dirty Little Secret (Power Point program) WASC Student Survey #5 WASC Teacher Survey #14 AVID response to E2 T the college application process. 3. Offering classroom tutorials with AVID trained tutors. 4. Offering AVID course curriculum based on WICR. Atmosphere of Trust, Respect, and Professionalism There is significant evidence in department questionnaire responses and elsewhere that YHS demonstrates an atmosphere of trust, respect, and professionalism. Responses from departments were overwhelmingly positive regarding a positive working relationship with mutual respect among staff. Collaboration within departments is excellent. Department meetings are conducted with a positive atmosphere that accepts feedback from all stakeholders. Evidence that there is mutual respect between administration and departments regarding policy was mixed. The PE department reported a strong feeling of mutual respect during opposing views regarding policy. The English department reported existence of a uniformity of silence and unwillingness to “fight the system” when opposing administrative policies. Department responses to E2 Questionnaire Comment [16]: contradictory to previous work order statements and others. – stkennedy I don’t believe so. Prior comments refer to safety. This comment refers to the academic atmosphere, of trust, respect, and professionalism. Perhaps we need to talk about this. -Matuszak Comment [17]: Wording is shocking. Implies a real tension with Admin. Please clarify with evidence. - stkennedy It may be shocking, but accurate. It is supported by comments from the English dept. See Evidence Binder. -Matuszak Textbook adoption evidence needed here. U Perhaps the best example of an outstanding school atmosphere is the recent demonstration of school spirit during the KIIS FM 92.7 radio school spirit competition. YHS won the southern California competition. During competition and the resulting free concert, there was an outstanding display of school cohesiveness and positive atmosphere by students, faculty, and administration. Spirit rally video. Assessment ---Unordered List of Areas of Strength • Effort by teachers to maintain a safe learning environment are exemplary. • Students, teachers, and parents feel that YHS is generally safe. • Discipline is generally swift and effective. • Students feel that teachers & administrators demonstrate care, concern, and high expectations. • YHS demonstrates a genuine atmosphere of trust, respect, and professionalism. School Culture and Student Support ---Prioritized List of Areas for Growth (in order of most to least need) 1. Improve the safety work order system from site to district levels. The safety work order system requires a complete overhaul: a. Redesign the work order request form to include the following priorities: 1. Safety 2. Security 3. Instruction (Work orders that support instruction.) 4. Routine, i.e., door stops, painting, etc. b. Restructure the M & O feedback system to the work order requestor in order to allow instant and accurate feedback on the status of the work order. c. Re-open the lines of communication between the work order requestor and M & O. And lift the ban on communication between staff and site groundskeeper. 2. Reduce class sizes to assure student safety—particularly in activity courses and appropriately place students in courses to assure their safety— particularly students with special needs. Reinstate the full-time Adapted PE and Modified PE courses. V