New Graham Middle School schedule, providing equitable access to electives, support and enrichment/extension for all students, and including co-teaching, Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) and Response to Instruction (RTI).
Graham Middle School is an inclusive school that seeks innovative ways to use all staff to directly support student learning. We have implemented our Co-Teaching inclusion model, our Response to Instruction (RTI) model, a comprehensive electives program, and our Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) within our new 8-period cascading instructional bell schedule. These Model Programs and Practices serve as the cornerstone for our efforts in closing the achievement gap.
Our 8-period cascading schedule allows our students to have at least one elective. This is important because in the past, students who were English learners and had Individualized Education Program (IEP) plans wouldn’t typically have had an elective. Now, with our new schedule, all students have a choice elective, and are able to get the support and/or enrichment that they need.
Our coordinated integrated instructional model of co-teaching allows specially-designed instruction and rigorous academic instruction in English language arts and mathematics to be delivered to groups of students with disabilities, English language development needs, and regular education students effectively, in the same classroom. Co-teaching is offered in all grades (6-8). This is accomplished through the planning, integration and coordination between an education specialist and a general education subject area teacher. The enhanced skill-set and knowledge of both partners benefit all the students in the classroom.
Our Response to Instruction (RTI) model allows for time during the day to be used to differentiate instruction. Selected students receive either extra support or enrichment in a core subject (English language arts or math), depending on what they need. Students are assigned to an RTI period based on data, including CAASPP tests and District assessments.
The Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) is an instructional model that allows our teachers to design and deliver lessons that address the academic and linguistic needs of English learners while enhancing the overall learning environment for all students. SIOP-based teaching benefits all students, not just those who are learning English as an additional language.
Distinguished from the district’s model. The District has two middle schools. The schools worked collaboratively over 18 months to develop plans to implement a new schedule that allows for all students to have a choice elective, access to intervention and enrichment, and co-taught classes for students with disabilities. These model programs now represent the District’s model.
Results and outcomes: Academic assessment gains for Graham Middle school have been small over the past four years. In English Language Arts, Graham improved 4 percentage points and 8 percentage points in mathematics. Results for Subgroups have been flat. Student performance on CAASPP tests showed an overall increase of 1 percentage point in English language arts and math from 2016-17. 68% of students scored “standard met” or “standard exceeded” in ELA. 66% of students scored “standard met” or “standard exceeded” in math. Socioeconomically disadvantaged students’ scores increased 2 percentage points in ELA and 4 percentage points in math over the previous year. These results, along with results from the California Dashboard indicated a need for change to better support all students and let the two middle schools to restructure the schedule. This is the first year of implementation and Graham staff is eagerly waiting for assessment results.
LCAP:
These model programs and practices are outlined in the District’s Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). Goal 2, Action 10 describes RTI. Goal 2, action 4 describes the SIOP implementation. Goal 3, Action 1 describes the middle school schedule and co-teaching initiatives.
Mountain View Whisman School District LCAP Goal 2 calls on schools to “close the achievement gap for all student groups in all areas” by implementing consistent and equitable instructional programs across the District. Goal 3 of the District’s LCAP focuses on programs and practices that will provide students access to a broad course of study. Our district’s Strategic Plan calls for students to demonstrate proficiency in English language arts, math, and science, and for all students to have access to electives.
The District’s strategic plan goals and its LCAP goals align closely and provide a roadmap for progress toward all students demonstrating the attributes profile of a graduate: Student Achievement, Achievement Gap, Inclusive and Supportive Culture, Human Capital and Resource Stewardship.