Independent School District #2754

Cedar Mountain ISD 2754 2011-12 Annual Report on Curriculum, Instruction, And Student Performance

INTRODUCTION Since 1996 all Minnesota schools have been responsible for updating the community on their schools progress in the areas of curriculum, instruction, and student performance. Consequently each year the Cedar Mountain Annual Report on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Achievement is published.

DISTRICT MISSION AND VISION STATEMENTS Mission: Cedar Mountain Schools, in partnership with parents and community, provides an environment where learners can develop to their fullest potential in a changing world.

Vision: Excellence, accountability, rigor and high expectations are the educational cornerstones that make Cedar Mountain the school of choice.

DISTRICT BACKGROUND INFORMATION Cedar Mountain School District #2754 is the result of a consolidation between the communities of Franklin and Morgan, effective July 1, 1995. Morgan has a population of 960, and is located approximately 100 miles southwest of the Twin Cities, off Highway 68. Franklin's population is 489, and is on Highway 19, 11 miles north of Morgan.

The Cedar Mountain School District serves the communities of Franklin and Morgan and surrounding rural areas. Our school district's instructional organization is preschool through grade 12. Beginning in the 2009-10 school year, grades K-5 and the Early Childhood Special Education program are located in the Franklin building and grades 6-12 are in the Morgan building. Total number of students at Franklin is 245 and Morgan, 257.

In addition to the preschool and K-12 program, our district provides special education services through our regional service cooperative in such areas as preschool coordinator, school psychologist, and a child study coordinator. Our Early Childhood Special Education program is provided half-days on a four-day-a-week basis and our kindergarten classes are on an all-day, every day schedule.

Management of our school is directed by a seven-member Board of Education. The Board meets on the third Monday of each month, and special meetings are called if necessary. The superintendent is an ex-officio member of the school board. There is a full-time principal for in both the elementary and middle school/high school buildings.

In addition, we have a Dean of Students, speech therapist, social worker, a part time school psychologist, seven special education teachers, community education director, and a part time occupational therapist. Nursing services are contracted through the Redwood Comity Public Health. Our school employs 31 other licensed teachers, 5 of whom are part time, and 39 non-licensed personnel. Student transportation is provided through a contract with the Cedar Mountain Bus Company.

Instruction & Curriculum Advisory Council 2011-12

Member Position Term Bob Tews…………….………………..…Supt/Curriculum Coord…………….Ex-offico Patti Machart…………..…………….…..Principal – K - 5.…………………..Continuing David Burkman…………..…………… .Principal – 6 – 12…………………..Continuing Karen Fox……………………………….Teacher………………………………2012 Gina Duck……………………………….Board Member………………………2012 Joe Serbus……………………………….Board Member………………………2012 Cindy Zeman…………………………….Community………………………….2012 Nancy Tews..………….…………………Teacher…..………………………….2013 Tom Engel……………………………….Community………………………….2013 Denise Kirschstein……………………….Community…………………………2013 Barb Kerkhoff...………………………….Community…………………………2013 Barb Tighe….....………………………….Community…………………………2013 Dorothy Nielsen…………………………..Community…………………………2013 Cindy Kopischke…………………………Staff Member………………………..2013 Lori Hacker………………………………Staff Member…………………….…..2013

Cedar Mountain School Board Goals 2011-12

GOALS: To cultivate a tradition of being caring, student centered and family friendly. Progress toward goal: Continue to survey students and parents Staff training on student and parent survey results Provide staff training on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports

To establish an educational setting where the continual growth of students and staff is both encouraged and expected. Progress toward goal: Teacher mentorship is given to new and newer staff Use test results to identify areas of growth Continue training in reading across the curriculum. Expand teacher use of AIMS Web to all K-5 classrooms Strengthen the district remediation program for students performing below grade level Develop a summer school program based on the PLATO learning program Provide training to staff in student management areas through PBIS, CPI and Olweus.

To evaluate and prioritize while addressing the expansion or elimination of programs. Progress toward goal: Conduct parent and student surveys Development of the Middle School concept for grades 6-8, as grade 6 has been moved to the Morgan building. A new web site and improved newsletter are being used to improve communications with community.

To provide a rigorous core curriculum that not only meets the needs of students but allows them to excel. Progress toward goal: Continue to implement the new Language Arts curriculum. Review the district Science curriculum Identify other measures of success at Cedar Mountain Look at test results in Math, Science & Reading

To provide a rich and rigorous selection of elective course offerings which meet the goals and needs of all students. Progress toward goal: Additional college and AP classes have been added to the curriculum Use PLATO learning to expand electives available to students Develop a School to Work program Continue to use ITV to provide Early Bird elective college classes. A total of 14 online classes are being offered at Cedar Mountain

Staff Development Goals 2011-12 Developed on 6-13-11

 District Staff Development Goal A : 65% of students in grades K-5 will reach or exceed their grade level RIT scores on the spring NWEA tests in reading, math, and language arts.  District Staff Development Goal B : 90% of Cedar Mountain students who take the SHARE survey will report feeling safe and 80% will report feeling connected as measured by the SHARE survey.  District Staff Development Goal C : Students in each grade will obtain the state average of the percent proficient on the MCA-III.

ICAC Goals 2011-12

ICAC Goals 2011-12 District Improvement Plan

1. Work to review the core subject areas, continuing with the Language Arts 2. Work to implement the Response to Intervention (RtI) program 3. Continue and increase use of Aims Web 4. Prioritize curriculum to complete all standards 5. Begin reviewing the Science program 6. Continue to focus on creating a positive school climate. a. Look at PBIS b. Continue to stress wellness with students and staff c. Tie wellness into existing programs d. Educate students on food pyramid and healthy choices e. Evaluate wellness program f. Raise awareness of mental health issues - Yellow Ribbon 7. Incorporate food program changes into district program

Staff Development Activities Relating to Staff Development and ICAC Goals:  K-6 staff was trained to use the new Language Arts series.  PBIS was researched and implementation started by grades 6-12  Power verbs were used in grades 6-12  Professional Learning Communities were developed in the Middle School/High School  District Literacy Plan was developed  Teacher mentoring handbook was developed  Used Aims Web to assess reading fluency grades K-5.  Elementary staff was trained in reading fluency assessments and conducted fluency checks with all students.  Formative assessment training was provided to staff.  Teacher resources were ordered for classroom use.  Extended reading instructional time was given to all students in grades K-8  All new teachers were assigned a mentor.  NWEA test scores were shared with students and used to help students set personal academic goals.  The district Wellness Policy was reviewed and assessed.

Cedar Mountain Assessment Plan Standardized tests are given for a variety of reasons, including reporting student progress and achievement; evaluating curriculum and instruction; identifying strengths and weaknesses; comparing Cedar Mountain students with national, state and other norms; and identifying students who may need some extra help or who may benefit from special programs. Test Description Main Uses Grades Minnesota Comprehensive State-mandated measures Accountability Reading: 3rd, 5th, 7th, & 10th grades Assessments (MCA) of student progress in (9th-12th grades in alternate years). reading, math and Student and school progress Mathematics: 3rd, 5th, 7th, & 11th written composition reports grades (9th-12th grades in alternate years). Written composition: 5th grade. Basic Standards Tests State-mandated measures Certify students for Reading and math starts in 8th grade, (BST) of whether students meet graduation written composition starts in 10th Minnesota's standards in grade (testing continues in 9th-12th reading, math and Accountability grades until students pass the tests) written composition Northwest Evaluation District-purchased Report student achievement Grades 1-10 Assessment national measures of compared with national student achievement in achievement Identify several areas students eligible for Assurance of Mastery Early Childhood District-purchased Identify the development Pre-K and K-2: three times a year Assessments measures of early stages in areas of learning development and and personal growth Options for parents/guardians and DIAL- R and learning readiness teachers at earlier stages (birth to age Work Sampling Inform parents/guardians and 3) community of the student's learning readiness Test of Emerging State-mandated measures Student and school progress English-language learners in 3rd-12th Academic English (TEAE) of English proficiency reports grades for non-English speaking students American College Test Student-purchased Inform and facilitate Most students take these tests in 11th (ACT), Scholastic national measure of applications for post high grade Aptitude, Test (SAT) and college aptitude school education Preliminary Scholastic Call the High School Guidance Office Aptitude Test (PSAT) Help District evaluate its for information education programs

Standards

Cedar Mountain Schools have long recognized that clearly defined education standards set the course for quality and accountability. Due to the 2003 Minnesota Legislature’s repeal of the Profile of Learning graduation standards, all Minnesota schools will be implementing a new set of state standards and credit-based high school graduation requirements. Cedar Mountain Schools is in the process of making this transition. Under the new state requirements, Basic Standards Tests (explained below), grade-level standards, and high school credit requirements are components necessary for a student to receive a diploma. Students in the class of 2011-12 must graduate with 29 credits in various coursework, including English, math, science, social studies and electives in the arts, health and physical education, and world languages. All areas will be expected to incorporate either state or locally developed standards, assessed through statewide tests. Cedar Mountain will continue to integrate standards into its grade-level curriculum.

Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate from Cedar Mountain High School, each student must have completed the required credits earned in the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th years in elective and required courses. Required courses are those that you must take in order to graduate from CMHS. Elective courses are those that you may take to fill your yearly program of subjects and may be chosen from a comprehensive list. Graduation requirements are 29 credits. Credits needed are as follows: four credits of social studies, four credits of English, two credits of physical education and health, three credits of mathematics, and three credits of science.

NWEA Tests Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) test are given to all Cedar Mountain Kindergarten-6th graders. These assessments measure the growth in student achievement over time. While our individual students are taking the computerized adaptive test, the program customizes the test to the student’s achievement level. Each student takes a test in Reading Mathematics, and Language Usage. That means the difference between the scores is the same and it has the same meaning regardless of grade level. MAP is a system that allows each student to receive a unique test, which is dynamically developed for him or her as the test is being administered. MAP offers unparalleled efficiency, flexibility, and most important, improved measurement precision. It is a key component of any comprehensive assessment program.

Cedar Mountain Teachers can use Measures of Academic Progress to:  Place new students in the appropriate course or instructional setting  Focus instruction for new students  Monitor growth in student achievement over time  Determine student proficiency related to the district’s graduation standards  Screen students for Title I eligibility, special education services, and gifted program

2011 MCA-II Reading Results (Results shown as percentages) 2011 MCA-II Results

GRADE 3

Cedar Cedar Mountain Reading State Reading Mountain Math State Math Average Average Average Average % % % % DNM 8.6 13.3 5.7 4.6 PM 8.6 10.5 17.1 12.6 M 42.9 25.4 51.4 40.6 E 40 50.9 25.7 42.2

GRADE 4

Cedar Cedar Mountain Reading State Reading Mountain Math State Math Average Average Average Average % % % % DNM 5.9 11 5.9 8.1 PM 14.7 16.5 11.8 14.9 M 52.9 32.8 64.7 40.7 E 26.5 39.7 25.7 42.2

GRADE 5

Cedar Cedar Mountain Reading State Reading Mountain Math State Math Average Average Average Average % % % % DNM 7.9 8.5 13.2 12.5 PM 7.9 15.2 10.5 18.9 M 52.6 45.4 47.4 36.5 E 31.6 31 28.9 32.1

GRADE 6 Cedar Cedar Mountain Reading State Reading Mountain Math State Math Average Average Average Average % % % % DNM 5.6 10.3 13.9 12 PM 22.2 18 13.9 19 M 33.3 31.8 55.6 44.8 E 38.9 39.9 16.7 24.1

DNM= Does Not Meet the Standard PM= Partially Meets the Standard M= Meets the Standard E= Exceeds the Standard

2011 MCA-II Results

GRADE 7

Cedar Mt State Cedar Reading Reading Mountain Math State Math Average Average Average Average % % % % DNM 27 13.6 32.4 13.8 PM 29.7 20.3 35.1 21.8 M 24.3 29.1 24.3 40.5 E 18.9 37 8.1 23.9

GRADE 8

Cedar Mt State Cedar Reading Reading Mountain Math State Math Average Average Average Average % % % % DNM 18.2 12.9 21.2 19.1 PM 33.3 19 48.5 22.3 M 33.3 31.7 27.3 38.3 E 15.2 36.4 3 20.2

GRADE 10

Cedar Mt State Reading Reading Average Average % % DNM 16 8.8 PM 24 15.8 M 32 37.2 E 28 38.1

GRADE 11

Cedar Mt Math State Math Average Average % % DNM 35.5 34.5 PM 22.6 22.2 M 29 28.2 E 12.9 15

DNM= Does Not Meet the Standard PM= Partially Meets the Standard M= Meets the Standard E= Exceeds the Standard

GRAD Tests

Students must pass new graduation tests that are given for the first time as follows: writing in ninth grade, reading in tenth grade, and mathematics in eleventh grade. The tests are called Graduation-Required Assessment for Diploma (GRAD) tests. They replace the Basic Skills Tests. A student who does not pass the test the first time he/she takes it will have many opportunities to re-take each test. Once a student has passed a test, he/she does not have to take it again. Due to new legislation, students who have not passed the mathematics test will temporarily have an alternative route to graduation. They can demonstrate proficiency in mathematics through successfully completing higher-level courses.

College Entrance Tests

American College Test Composite Scores 2001-02 to 2010-11

2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 Cedar Mt score 22.1 21 21.6 21.3 22.1 21.6 22 22.8 Minnesota 22 22 22.3 22.5 22.6 22.7 22.9 22.9 National 20.8 20.9 21.1 21 21 21.1 21 21.1