HPS State of The Schools 2014

State of the Schools Address
The Beginning of the Transformation

DR. SERGIO PAEZ SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT APRIL 16, 2014
Holyoke Public Schools
Welcome!
The HPS mission is grounded in shared beliefs, the district's Accelerated Improvement Plan (AIP) and supported by targeted community initiatives. Strategic Objectives and Priorities
FOR DISCUSSION
4
3
Mission
Three Pillars
HELI (Holyoke Early Literacy Initiative)
Dropout Prevention Plan
Reducing Teen Pregnancy
2 District Accelerated Improvement Plan 1 Core Beliefs
The HPS mission is grounded in shared beliefs, the district's Accelerated Improvement Plan (AIP) and supported by targeted community initiatives. Strategic Objectives and Priorities
FOR DISCUSSION
The HPS Mission includes our plans for improving the state of education in Holyoke going forward
The three pillars include initiatives that we are currently implementing to target the needs of the school community
The Accelerated Improvement Plan (AIP) is the district turnaround plan
The components of the AIP include Inst. Leadership, Data Cycle, Literacy, PD, and ELL and SPED best practices
The HPS Core Beliefs are the fundamental beliefs that ground all work in the district
We wanted to start first with a brief review of core beliefs.
Strategic Objectives and Priorities
FOR DISCUSSION
4
3
Mission
Three Pillars
Our work in the Holyoke Public Schools is based on a set of core beliefs regarding education. Core Beliefs
Education is a fundamental civil right
Education is the greatest equalizer in society
Schools are the fiber of our country
Social justice is our foundation
Every child can learn
Our core beliefs ground all the work at HPS and present many challenges for our District
6
How is the right to be educated exercise in Holyoke?
FOR DISCUSSION

The vision of the Holyoke Public Schools is that every
student
will graduate from high school ready for college success

without remediation and for success as a worker and citizen in a global society.
Source: MA DESE
How is the right to be educated exercise in Holyoke?
Holyoke Graduation Rates by Subgroup

2011-2012
FOR DISCUSSION
84.7%
52.8%
48.0%
42.6% 26.1% 23.1%
State
All students Low income
Hispanic
Students with disabilities
ELL
Source: MA DESE
Academic Achievement translates to Economic Development
Unemployment Rate by Education Attained

12% 10% 8% 6% 4% 2% 0%
Median Weekly Earnings by Education Attained

$1,800
$900
$0
Note: Data are for persons age 25 and over. Earnings are for full-time wage and salary workers. Source: Current Population Survey, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Research also indicates that quality public schools can stimulate economic growth and development for the entire community. Impact of Education on Property Values and Community Development
5% increase in students test scores in a given school district 2.5% increase in parents willingness to pay for houses in that school district Increase in human capital in the community Improving school quality is central to attracting middle-income buyers to cities, which is usually a requirement for urban revitalization Research shows that high human capital cities, cities with higher average educational levels, grow faster than lower human capital cities
Increased economic development and community wealth
Researchers conclude that a better educated local workforce can produce a better paid workforce, adding to wealth in a region
Source: Black, Sandra, Do Better Schools Matter? Parental Valuation of Elementary Education (1999). Weiss, Jonathan, Public Schools and Economic Development (2004). Gottlieb and Fogarty 1999, Burtless 1996, Card and Krueger 1996a, 1996b. Varady, David P. and Raffel, Jeffrey A., Selling Cities: Attracting Homebuyers through Schools and Housing Programs. (1995)
10
Our students' reading proficiency significantly lags that of children in all cities with similar populations in Massachusetts. % of Third Grade Students Reading Proficient or Advanced
100
Gateway Cities; MCAS 2013 Holyoke has the lowest 3rd grade reading proficiency compared to other gateway cities
49 49 50 50 51 51 55 58
62
66 State Average: 57% Gateway City Average: 42%
27 28 29 13 0
35 35 35 36 37 37 37 32 34 34
40
43 44
Springfield
Third grade performance is indicative of future success. 89% of students proficient in 3rd grade are likely to graduate from high school
Source: DESE
New Bedford
Leominster
Barnstable
Revere
Chicopee
Everett
Malden
Westfield
Chelsea
Quincy
Lynn
Lawrence
Worcester
Fall River
Fitchburg
Attleboro
Haverhill
Holyoke
Tauton
Brockton
Pittsfield
Methuen
peabody
Lowell
Boston
Salem
11
Beyond just 3rd grade, our district achievement data show us that we have significant work ahead of us to improve student outcomes.
MCAS Composite Performance Index (CPI)

2009-2013
English Language Arts (ELA) Math

87 State 66 87 87 87 87 79 80 80 80 81
63 Holyoke 48
67
67
53 50 2012
67 57 58 44 42 2011 58 46 44 2012
61 45
50
51 48 2011
52
51 40 42 39 34 2009 2010
SPED (HPS) ELL (HPS)

40 2009
44 2010
47 2013
46
2013
Three important ideas to keep in mind

1. 2. 3. Our school/district is built exactly to produce what we are producing Working hard does not equal effectiveness Experience does not always translate to effectiveness
Source: MA DESE
12
A breakdown of District performance on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) by subgroup reveals a wide achievement gap. District MCAS % Proficient/Adv 2013, by subgroup
MA: 69%
FOR DISCUSSION
59%
59%
MA: 61%
54%
54%
28%
25%
Hispanic
26%
Low Income White
13% 9% 6%
SPED
13%
ELL
# of students:
ELA
595 698 263 219 890 43 107 533
Math
607 241 201 812
65
106
Source: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Non-Low Income
District: 33%
30%
District: 30%
13
A Call for Action: Many schools in Holyoke may be at risk of moving to level 4 or 5.
Number of Schools by Accountability and Assistance Level
Level 4 and 5 schools
DRAFT
Commitment needed to turnaround Level 4 schools:
Exiting Level 4 status[requires] renewed commitment of teachers and investments of time, money and new ideas for the improvement (Gov. Patrick)
Morgans Level 5 status:
Placed under receiver, Project GRAD
Will require significant changes to the staff and structure of the school
Source: DESE (2013); Lowell Sun; MASSLIVE.com
14
How do you tell your friend he has an ugly baby?
15
Response to intervention (RtI) can serve as a good model for systemic school improvement. Increased Focus on Core Instruction
From a model primarily focused on supplemental and intensive services To a model focusing almost entirely on core instruction
Intensive (5%) Intensive (25%)
Supplemental (15%)
Supplemental (40%) Core (35%)
Core (80%)
Academic
Academic SocialEmotional
SocialEmotional
16
Enrollment has been steadily declining over the past 10 years while the budget per student has increased during that same time period. HPS District In-Seat Enrollment Spend Per Enrolled Student
DRAFT
School Committee Appropriation only($K)
7500 7056
$12
10.4
10.6
10.4
10.4
6485
6256
5901 5896 5877
5782 5573
5000
$7
1) Total enrollment has declined at an annual rate of 2.5%* since 2004 and by a total of ~1,500 students 2) However, spending per enrolled student has increased at a similar rate (~3% annually). 2. About 1200 students left our district to charter schools or as school choice ($12,000,000 loss every year)
Note: 2.5% and 3% respectively represent a Compound Annual Growth Rate of -2.5% and 3% over an 9 year period (2004-2014) Source: HPS, DESE
8.9
6121
6025
9.5
10.3
10.6
10.9
11.5
17
We are revising the budget process to ensure that our resource allocation aligns with our core beliefs and district priorities. SY 2014-2015 Budget Priorities
DRAFT
1. Better align budget to the stated priorities of the AIP 2. Ensure supports for all students 3. Address anticipated multi-million dollar (4.5 million) funding gap
18
Next, we will discuss how our work this year aligns with the objectives included in our AIP. Strategic Objectives and Priorities
FOR DISCUSSION
4
3
Mission
Three Pillars
HELI (Early Literacy Initiative)
19
All School Improvement Plans are aligned to the four strategic objectives of the Accelerated Improvement Plan (AIP). Strategic Objectives from the AIP
1 Instructional leadership 2 Data cycle 3 K-3 Literacy 4
FOR DISCUSSION
4-12 Literacy
Improve instructional quality by building leadership capacity throughout the district to continuously improve teaching and learning
Use data effectively through a cycle of inquiry to examine and improve practice on a continuous basis, especially in ELA and mathematics
Effectively implement best practices in early literacy such that 40% of all Holyoke children will be proficient readers by the end of third grade by 2014
Focus on literacy in grades 4-12
Activities and structures
Classroom visits Instructional plan review Educator evaluation Improvement plan monitoring Principal meetings District Instructional Leadership Team Schools Instructional Leadership Teams Implementation team Director meetings
ANet assessments ANet data teams Benchmark Assessment System High school quarterly assessments Checks for understanding and reteaching
District literacy model (e.g., workshop model with Guided Reading) Benchmark Assessment System Reading intervention (e.g., Leveled Literacy Intervention, System44, Read180)
Benchmark Assessment System District literacy model (e.g., workshop model with Guided Reading) Reading intervention (e.g., System 44, Read180)
Professional learning
ELL and SPED best practices Holyoke Public Schools
20
Building a cycle of planning, instruction, data and inquiry will help improve core instruction for ALL students. Instructional Cycle
13. REFLECT on reassessment data and cycle more broadly 14. IMPROVE by noting key takeaways to improve practice for next cycle
FOR DISCUSSION
1. BUILD UNIT by identifying standards that need to be covered 2. UNPACK THE STANDARDS including priority Common Core standards and WIDA standards from Curriculum Maps
Standardsbased planning
3. ANALYZE THE LEARNING NEEDS of the students to be taught

Effective instruction
10. PLAN specific reteach strategy for students and their misconceptions 11.RETEACH where appropriate, differently from original teaching
Teacher reflection
4. DESIGN LESSONS with a focus on reaching all students
5. IMPLEMENT the lesson plan, utilizing high-quality instructional practices

Adapted instruction (and reassessment) Data analysis Assessment
12.REASSESS students for mastery
6. Checking for Understanding & ADAPT as needed
8. REVIEW the data for trends
9. PERFORM ITEM ANALYSIS by working the problem, tracking students, and understanding mistakes
7. ADMINISTER rigorous assessments to determine student mastery of standards
The instructional cycle will be the focus of all professional learning this year. Holyoke Public Schools
21
Now we will discuss the goals and initiatives associated with our Three Pillars. Strategic Objectives and Priorities
FOR DISCUSSION
4
3
Mission
Three pillars
22
We recognized the importance of improving Early Literacy and have accelerated work in that area. Proposed 3rd grade Reading Targets
% of 3rd Graders Proficient in Reading 1. Structured lessons
Initiatives in Place to Achieve Literacy Goals
80%
2. Frequent assessment
60%
3. Coaching for teachers
40%
4. Monitoring at the classroom level
5. New Scope and Sequence
13%
6. Rigorous curriculum
2013 actual 2014 target 2015 target 2016 target
23
The HELI Kindergarten Readiness Workgroup is working on three long-term goals and short-term (this year) objectives.
D Current Members: HPS Assistant Superintendent; HPS Director of Early Learning; Metcalf PreSchool; Criterion Early Intervention; Square One; Head Start; VOC/WIC; La Linda Manita/Holyoke Health Center; Coordinated Family & Community Engagement Programs; Greater Holyoke YMCA; Strategies for Children; Davis Foundation
Specific Objectives this Year

Open pre-K classrooms at Kelly, Lawrence, Morgan and EN White in Fall 2014 1. Identify common, stringent definition of K ready 2. Increase proportion of current pre-K students meeting the definition Define and promote common definition of on track for literacy indicators for AGES 1-3
Long-term Goals
Universal pre-K in Holyoke
95% of entering Kindergarteners are ready for literacy based on a common assessment
All care providers of 0-4 year olds adopt readiness strategies & outcome targets
24
FOR DISCUSSION
4
3
Mission
Three pillars
25
Dropouts have generally declined since last school year, due to a number of dropout prevention programs currently in place.
Alternative Graduation Program Graduation Coach Program
DRAFT
Target Population: Currently 25-30 students
Recent dropouts Teenage mothers
Provide coaches for students who are at risk of dropping out (e.g., students who have low MCAS scores or who were retained in the past)
Other students who would like an alternative pathway to graduation or credit recovery program
Students meet one-on-one or in small groups with graduation coach once per week
Features of the program:
Credit recovery (Apex and Plato)
Flexible hours
Multiple locations Computer-based instruction/learning Online & in-person support Individualized Learning Plans Social-emotional support Access to credit recovery teachers
Coaches provide continuous support for students to ensure success
Source: HPS; HPS website: Graduation Coaches video
Flyers for these programs are available at the door!
26
FOR DISCUSSION
4
3
Mission
Three pillars
27
Holyoke continues to have the highest teen pregnancy rate in the state, highlighting the need for awareness and prevention efforts. Teen Pregnancy Rate:
Births per 1,000 females, ages 15-19 (2010) 120 99 84
DRAFT
49
Holyoke
36
State
17 10
Hispanic mothers
White, non hispanic mothers
Total
Source: Mass.gov (Dept of HHS); Mass Alliance on Teen Pregnancy; Care Center, WGGB
28
As a community, we are working to address the problem of teen pregnancy. Awareness and Prevention Programs
Holyoke Public Schools: Implementing an evidence based Sexual Health Education Program (Grades 6-9) and operating School Based Health Centers (Teen Clinics) at Holyoke High School, Dean Technical High School and Peck Full Service Community School HASHPACC (Holyoke Adolescent Sexual Health and Pregnancy Prevention Accountability Committee): collaborates across with community members to lay the foundation for teens to make healthy choices and to provide accurate, comprehensive sexual health education Holyoke Youth Task Force to address teen pregnancy: Community-wide collaboration towards lowering the citys teen pregnancy rate and STDs Girls Inc., Holyoke: Science-based program to prevent teen pregnancy and to educate teens about the risks of STIs Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy-Youth First Program in Holyoke: Prevents teen pregnancy, increases opportunities for young parents, and empowers teens to make healthy decision about relationships, sex, and parenting. The Care Center: Alternative education program that prepares and empowers teen mothers - 85% of women served are Latina/Hispanic
DRAFT
29
Good News to Share!

Strategic Objectives and Priorities
FOR DISCUSSION
4
3
Mission
Three pillars
HELI (Early Literacy Initiative)
30
We are meeting needs of all students by investing in additional student support, allowing us to reduce the SPED referral rate. SPED Referrals by Month Additional Student Supports (12-13 and 13-14) Referrals have declined by
70
DRAFT
10% YTD when compared to last school year

60
50
60
56
More effective use of Building-Based Student Teams (BBST) in schools Realignment in the use of guidance counselors Re-thinking the use of Tier 2 intervention Improved school/classroom interactions to avoid excess evaluations Proactive approach when students are having difficulties Overall savings in staff time, through identification of students with learning disabilities and better, more appropriate services for all students
50
47
47
40 31 30
38 35 29 26 21 36
20
10
0 SEP OCT NOV 2012-13 DEC 2013-14 JAN FEB
Source: HPS SPED Department
31
We have seen success in reducing the suspension rate and will continue to implement programs designed at reducing it further.
DRAFT
Reportable Incidents Grades K-8

7,000
Reportable Incidents Holyoke High School

10,000
Days of Suspension Holyoke High School

4,000
6,564
9,033
9,000 3,000
3,342
8,000 6,000
23% reduction
2,000
53% reduction
15% reduction
7,000
6,962
1,569
5,556
1,000
6,000
5,000
5,000
2012-2013 (Mar YTD)

Source: HPS
2013-2014 (Mar YTD)
2012-2013 (Mar YTD)
2013-2014 (Mar YTD)
2012-2013 (Mar YTD)
2013-2014 (Mar YTD)
32
Attendance rates are also seeing small improvements.
Cohort Attendance Rates SY12-13 vs. SY13-14

95%
0.7% increase 94.3% 93.9% 1.5% increase 1.0% increase
94%
94.0%
94.0%
93.0%
93%
92.4%
92%
2012-2013
91%
90%
Current 2nd graders

Source: HPS 1005 days
2013-2014
Current 3rd graders

603 days
Current 4th graders

279 days
33
Finally, we will discuss the Holyoke Public Schools mission, which will guide our work going forward. Strategic Objectives and Priorities
FOR DISCUSSION
4
3
Mission for the Future
Three pillars
34
Our mission for the Holyoke.
future includes many ambitious goals for

DRAFT
Holyoke Public Schools Mission for the Future Ensure we are the school of choice for all of our parents
area
Urban development plan The greatest development is going to take place in the downtown School expansion plan New building approval application was re-submitted a few weeks ago to
ensure that Lawrence School will be upgraded to house more students - McMahon building update will continue to be a priority to do building upgrades and potential expansion
2-way bilingual program (starting with exploratory program in Pre-k)
Expansion of Pre-K program (Pre-K spaces in at least 4 schools)

A focus on Science education; STEM Magnet Middle School AP readiness (additional AP classes, 4 tracks for AP curriculum at the high schools) Expansion of academic and vocational programs at Dean and Holyoke Increased variety of extracurricular activities (sports, arts, music, theater ) Recruiting highly effective teachers/leaders Holyoke Public Schools
35
We plan to develop a two-way bilingual program for gifted and talented students over the next few years.
Objectives of Program Develop literacy skills in 2 languages Develop bicultural skills Provide a challenging and rigorous environment
Current Status of Program Currently, Metcalf has an exploratory PK class with 34 English speaking students learning Spanish Current plan is to have a permanent location to develop the program one or two grades every year
Research has shown that the development of bilingual skills helps with other academic critical thinking skills and acquisition of other languages later in life.
36
The STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) Magnet Theme for the district that incorporates the major components of a STEM education.
Components of a high-quality STEM education
More prepared science and math teachers More rigorous curriculum at all grade levels in both math and science, aligned with Common Core standards Algebra in 8th grade Emphasis on content literacy as well as math and science fluency
37
We are expanding our AP offerings and making it easier for students to enroll in AP classes. AP Class Expansion
Number of qualifying AP scores: Math, Science, English Number of students enrolled in AP classes: Math, Science, English 240 217 96 88 80 180
120
60
120 98 39 32 22 26 60 69 68
0
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014P 2015P 2016P
Source: HPS
0
2011 2012 2013 2014
38
We are also doing a variety of work at the high school to increase academic opportunities for students. Feature of Opportunities we are pursuing:
Cyber
High School
College Dual enrollment College trips and increased college access - Only 4% of students in urban districts go to Ivy League Schools Evening High School State/District Seal of Bilingualism:
- Fully bilingual individuals will earn a seal from the state and district
39
We have also begun recruiting efforts to attract district.

Message for Prospective Candidates
talent into the

What makes Holyoke unique?
Bold leadership team that has outlined a new vision for the future of the district Leaders who work with tremendous urgency to make change for the students of Holyoke An aggressive plan to turn around the district and improve the persistently low results of the school system, while developing a unique set of skills and competencies A unique and vibrant urban community, where many students have limited resources and opportunities
Why should you want to work here?
There is tremendous room for professional growth and development and the ability to have a real impact on the students of Holyoke Holyoke is actively recruiting new hires for many roles across the district Promising, high-performing new hires will have the opportunity to be a teacher leader in their school, through a potential Teacher Cabinet, the Scope and Sequence Team, and other opportunities
40
Lets now reflect on our individual Public Schools going forward.
roles
in the success of Holyoke
What have I done in the last few years to contribute to the

current status of our schools system?
How can I become an active contributor to the solution and

the transformation?
How is my organization aligned with and interconnected to

the work of HPS?
What is my role in the transformation of our city, our future,

and our legacy?
41
An invitation to our city:
There are those who look at things the way they are, and ask why... I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?
Robert Kennedy
42
Thanks!
43

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State of the Schools Address

The Beginning of the Transformation

Holyoke Public Schools

Holyoke Public Schools

HELI (Holyoke Early Literacy Initiative)

Dropout Prevention Plan

Reducing Teen Pregnancy

2 District Accelerated Improvement Plan 1 Core Beliefs

Holyoke Public Schools

The Accelerated Improvement Plan (AIP) is the district turnaround plan

Holyoke Public Schools

We wanted to start first with a brief review of core beliefs.

Strategic Objectives and Priorities

HELI (Holyoke Early Literacy Initiative)

Dropout Prevention Plan

Reducing Teen Pregnancy

2 District Accelerated Improvement Plan 1 Core Beliefs

Holyoke Public Schools

Education is a fundamental civil right

Education is the greatest equalizer in society

Schools are the fiber of our country

Social justice is our foundation

Every child can learn

How is the right to be educated exercise in Holyoke?

Holyoke Public Schools

will graduate from high school ready for college success

Holyoke Public Schools

How is the right to be educated exercise in Holyoke?

Holyoke Graduation Rates by Subgroup

42.6% 26.1% 23.1%

All students Low income

Students with disabilities

Holyoke Public Schools

Academic Achievement translates to Economic Development

Unemployment Rate by Education Attained

Median Weekly Earnings by Education Attained

Holyoke Public Schools

Increased economic development and community wealth

Holyoke Public Schools

66 State Average: 57% Gateway City Average: 42%

Holyoke Public Schools

MCAS Composite Performance Index (CPI)

English Language Arts (ELA) Math

SPED (HPS) ELL (HPS)

Three important ideas to keep in mind

Holyoke Public Schools

Source: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Holyoke Public Schools

Number of Schools by Accountability and Assistance Level

Level 4 and 5 schools

Commitment needed to turnaround Level 4 schools:

Morgans Level 5 status:

Placed under receiver, Project GRAD

Source: DESE (2013); Lowell Sun; MASSLIVE.com

Holyoke Public Schools

How do you tell your friend he has an ugly baby?

Holyoke Public Schools

Supplemental (40%) Core (35%)

Holyoke Public Schools

School Committee Appropriation only($K)

5901 5896 5877

Holyoke Public Schools

Holyoke Public Schools