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 K5 and the Early Childhood Special Education program are located in the Franklin building and grades 612 are in the Morgan building. Total number of students at Franklin is 245 and Morgan, 257.
In addition to the preschool and K12 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 fourdayaweek basis and our kindergarten classes are on an all-day, every day schedule.
Management of our school is directed by a sevenmember Board of Education. The Board meets on the third Monday of each month, and special meetings are called if necessary. The superintendent is an exofficio member of the school board. There is a fulltime 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 nonlicensed 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
- 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.
Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) / State-mandated measures of student progress in reading, math and written composition / Accountability
Student and school progress reports / Reading: 3rd, 5th, 7th, & 10th grades (9th-12th grades in alternate years). Mathematics: 3rd, 5th, 7th, & 11th grades (9th-12th grades in alternate years). Written composition: 5th grade.
Basic Standards Tests (BST) / State-mandated measures of whether students meet Minnesota's standards in reading, math and written composition / Certify students for graduation
Accountability / Reading and math starts in 8th grade, written composition starts in 10th grade (testing continues in 9th-12th grades until students pass the tests)
Northwest Evaluation Assessment / District-purchased national measures of student achievement in several areas / Report student achievement compared with national achievement Identify students eligible for Assurance of Mastery / Grades 1-10
Early Childhood Assessments
DIAL- R and
Work Sampling / District-purchased measures of early development and learning readiness / Identify the development stages in areas of learning and personal growth
Inform parents/guardians and community of the student's learning readiness / Pre-K and K-2: three times a year
Options for parents/guardians and teachers at earlier stages (birth to age 3)
Test of Emerging Academic English (TEAE) / State-mandated measures of English proficiency for non-English speaking students / Student and school progress reports / English-language learners in 3rd-12th grades
American College Test (ACT), Scholastic Aptitude, Test (SAT) and Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) / Student-purchased national measure of college aptitude / Inform and facilitate applications for post high school education
Help District evaluate its education programs / Most students take these tests in 11th grade
Call the High School Guidance Office for information
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 ResultsGRADE 3
Cedar Mountain Reading Average / State Reading Average / Cedar Mountain Math Average / State Math 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 Mountain Reading Average / State Reading Average / Cedar Mountain Math Average / State Math 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 Mountain Reading Average / State Reading Average / Cedar Mountain Math Average / State Math 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 Mountain Reading Average / State Reading Average / Cedar Mountain Math Average / State Math 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 Reading Average / State Reading Average / Cedar Mountain Math Average / State Math 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 Reading Average / State Reading Average / Cedar Mountain Math Average / State Math 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 Reading Average / State Reading Average
% / %
DNM / 16 / 8.8
PM / 24 / 15.8
M / 32 / 37.2
E / 28 / 38.1
GRADE 11
Cedar Mt Math Average / Math State 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.