MCSD Strategic Plan

I. Academic Standards and Assessment Report
Organization Description
	Mifflin County School District The organizational structure of the Mifflin County School District is as follows: 8 - Elementary Schools (Grades K-5: Primary Grades K-2; Intermediate Grades 3-5) 3 - Middle Schools (Grades 6-8) 2 - High Schools (Grades 9-12) The planned courses of instruction and assessment programs are matched to the state requirements under Chapter 4 for our primary, intermediate, middle and high school programs.  The state and district benchmarks and/or local assessments have been developed or adopted to address the Pennsylvania Academic Standards.  Monitoring of the programs and data analysis of the results will be completed at each grade level according to descriptions outlined in our district's assessment action plan.
Core Purpose
	Mission
	Educate each student to meet life's challenges.
	Vision
	We envision an innovative, stimulating, and exciting school community where all participants are actively engaged in learning in a safe and secure environment. We offer an excellent educational opportunity where each student acquires the skills necessary to maximize potential and enhance creative thinking.  Each student is challenged and prepared to become a lifelong learner in a global society. We commit to continuous growth and utilization of best practices in assessment and instruction and in the application of technology. We model the "Twelve Traits of Character," embrace diversity and demonstrate responsible citizenship.
Shared Values
	We believe:
	Academic achievement for all students is the district's compelling purpose. The district must provide all students with the opportunity to maximize their talents and abilities. Research-based assessments must be included to identify student potential and to drive instruction. Differentiated instruction is essential for all students to progress in their learning. Students learn best in a safe and secure environment. High expectations are the collective responsibility of students, parents, educators, and community members. Strong character directly and positively affects performance and success. An effective educational system anticipates, plans and acts in response to a changing world. Sound financial management is necessary to support education.
Goals
	Based on the results of the perception surveys, an analysis of student achievement results, recommendations from the staff, administration, and community input, the following goals were identified as priorities for the strategic planning process. Goal: Assessment
	Description: Develop and select objective assessments that are integrated with the planned course curriculum, aligned to the Pennsylvania Assessment Anchors, and meet the needs of diverse students in a variety of educational settings. Goal: Character Education
	Description: Promote the understanding of the importance of the 12 Traits of Character as a foundation for the development of a civil society. Goal: Collaborative Relationships
	Description: Enhance and expand collaborative relationships with students, parents, business/industry, and community individuals, groups, and agencies. Increase our number of partnerships with, but not limited to, the Career and Technology Center, CareerLink, and higher education. Goal: Curriculum Review Cycles
	Description: Utilize a data-driven process to develop and implement planned course curricula that are aligned with the Pennsylvania Standards, emphasize eligible content and meet the needs of diverse students in a variety of educational settings. Goal: Early Childhood Education
	Description: MCSD personnel will study pre-kindergarten programs and investigate the feasibility of implementation in Mifflin County. Goal: Elementary Report Card Review
	Description: MCSD personnel will investigate elementary report cards to determine if changes would be beneficial. Goal: Fiscal Responsibility
	Description: The goal is to increase the benefit of the financial resources by using cost efficient management strategies. Goal: FOUR-YEAR GRADUATION RATE (for districts and schools that graduate seniors)
	Description: Graduate rate will meet an 80% threshold and/or show growth. Goal: Infrastructure
	Description: To promote the success of all students by using the high quality management of the Mifflin County School District's buildings, grounds, and resources for a safe, efficient and effective learning environment. Goal: MATHEMATICS
	Description: All students will meet AYP benchmarks in Mathematics, as measured by the annual state-wide PSSA assessments. Goal: Professional Development
	Description: Professional development activities for teachers and administrators will focus on data analysis, differentiated instruction, and diverse learners. Ultimately, the purpose of professional development is to improve student learning. Therefore, an improvement in standardized assessment scores is expected. Goal: READING
	Description: All students will meet AYP benchmarks in Reading, as measured by the annual state-wide PSSA assessments. Goal: SCIENCE
	Description: All Students will reach AYP benchmarks in Science as measured by the annual PSSA. Goal: STUDENT ATTENDANCE (any school that does not graduate seniors)
	Description: Student attendance will exceed a 90% threshold and show growth. Goal: STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN STATE ASSESSMENTS
	Description: At least 95% of eligible students will participate in required state-wide assessments. Goal: Technology Integration
	Description: The goal of the Technology Plan is to enhance and enrich student learning, productivity, and communication and educational opportunities through the effective use of 21ST Century tools that are used to enhance the process of teaching and learning. Goal: Writing
	Description: All teachers will teach the required components as dictated by the Pennsylvania Writing Standards.
Academic Standards
	The academic standards for student achievement have been adopted from the Pennsylvania Academic Standards as found in Chapter 4, Section 4.12 of 22 Pa.Code.
Graduation Requirements
	Students must satisfy the following areas to earn a diploma from the Mifflin County School District.
	A student must accumulate a total of at least 23 credits to meet graduation requirements. A student must successfully complete the following required courses to meet graduation requirements:

	1.		English		Four Years		4.0	Credits
	2.		Social Studies		Four Years		3.0	Credits
	3.		Science		Two Years		2.0	Credits
	4.		Biology		One Year		1.0	Credit
	5.	*	Mathematics		Four Years		4.0	Credits
	6.	**	Computer		One Year		0.5	Credit
	7.		Health		One Year		0.5	Credit
	8.		Fitness		Four Years		2.0	Credits
							17.0	Credits
	9.		Electives				6.0	Credits
			TOTAL				23.0	Credits
	* If a student successfully completes course work at the Career and Technology Center in 10th, 11th and 12th grades, he/she will be exempt from taking the senior year social studies and senior year math courses.

A student must successfully complete a GRADUATION PROJECT to meet graduation requirements. This project, consisting of both oral and written components, will be graded according to the approved rubric. The purpose of the culminating project is to assure that students are able to apply, analyze, synthesize and evaluate information and communicate significant knowledge and understanding.   To meet graduation requirements, the following classes must participate in an extra-curricular activity, complete the activity, and have the advisor sign off.

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Goals, Strategies and Activities
	Goal: Assessment
	Description: Develop and select objective assessments that are integrated with the planned course curriculum, aligned to the Pennsylvania Assessment Anchors, and meet the needs of diverse students in a variety of educational settings. Strategy: Benchmark Assessments
	Description: Select and administer benchmark assessments and provide professional development in their use. Activities:

Strategy: Data Analysis
Description: Results from benchmark and teacher developed assessments must be utilized to assist all students in achieving proficiency in all areas of instruction. Data can be used to support the learning of individuals and small groups of students, and to evaluate curriculum, assessments and learning materials.
Activities:

Strategy: Teacher Developed Assessments
Description: Ensure that teacher developed assessment materials are valid, reliable and aligned to standards and assessment anchors.
Activities:

Goal: Character Education
Description: Promote the understanding of the importance of the 12 Traits of Character as a foundation for the development of a civil society.

Strategy: Broad based distribution of information regarding 12 Character Traits.
Description: Develop lines of communication to make information, projects, plans, and ideas for promoting the 12 Traits of Character to all Mifflin County Students (including CTC) and employees including administration, principals, counselors, educators, administrative assistants, support staff, cafeteria staff, maintenance staff, and bus staff. Promote positive interaction to improve the school climate and to enhance the educational experience. Combine the recognition of the importance of the 12 Traits of Character in all aspects of life in and out of school by modeling the traits.
Activities:

Strategy: Committee Formation
Description: Form a committee to develop and implement strategies to re-introduce and inform faculty, students, parents, business leaders and the community as a whole of the 12 Traits of Character.
Activities:

Strategy: Motivation to Adopt 12 Traits of Character
Description: Motivate students to utilize the 12 Traits of Character. Develop meaningful activities at all educational levels to engage students.

Activities:

Strategy: Improve the control of and monitor the use of facilities after hours
Description: To do a better job of coordination of activities after hours to determine which groups know how to follow the guidelines established by the school district.
Activities:

Strategy: Improve the efficiency in the operation and use of equipment
Description: To produce the desired effect with the use of the equipment in each building without
Activities:

Strategy: Reduce or eliminate overcrowded conditions/under-utilitized facilities
Description: Make sure there aren’t more students in classrooms than are allowed by law or that cause unhealthy conditions.
Activities:

Goal: MATHEMATICS
Description: All students will meet AYP benchmarks in Mathematics, as measured by the annual state-wide PSSA assessments.

Strategy: 4Sight Testing
Description: Utilize 4Sight Testing to help determine ability levels and areas of both strengths and weaknesses.
Activities:

Strategy: Data Analysis
Description: Utilize data from all available sources to help determine areas of both strengths and weaknesses.
Activities:

Strategy: High School Mathematics Lab
Description: Extended learning opportunities for tutoring to enhance student performance in mathematics.
Activities:

Strategy: Mathematics Proficiency
Description: Students will be given additional academic tools to assist them in becoming proficient or better on annual PSSA exams given in grades 6-8.
Activities:

Strategy: PSSA Math Prep Course
Description: Extended learning opportunities comprised of remediation for students who have been identified as not being proficient in mathematics.
Activities:

Goal: Professional Development
Description: Professional development activities for teachers and administrators will focus on data analysis, differentiated instruction, and diverse learners. Ultimately, the purpose of professional development is to improve student learning. Therefore, an improvement in standardized assessment scores is expected.

Strategy: Data analysis
Description: Data analysis is a necessary process to ensure educationally sound decisions and to improve the quality of teaching and learning. Data analysis allows educators to base instructional decisions on facts.
Activities:

Strategy: Differentiated Instruction
Description: Differentiated instruction requires teachers to modify their approaches and to adjust their implementation of curriculum based on students’ needs and learning styles. In other words, instructional approaches must vary to ensure learning occurs for all students in each classroom. Areas of differentiation may include but not be limited to guided practice, guided reading, evidence-based practices and best practices, LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) strategies, data-based flexible grouping, explicit instruction, multi-sensory approaches, and cooperative learning.
Activities:

Strategy: Diverse Learners
Description: Provide opportunities for classroom teachers to enhance their skills in order to increase the learning potential of our diverse student population.
Activities:

Goal: READING
Description: All students will meet AYP benchmarks in Reading, as measured by the annual state-wide PSSA assessments.

Strategy: DIBELS
Description: Title I Reading Staff will facilitate use of this research-based reading assessment to gather and analyze information in areas that have been shown to be valid predictors for future reading success.
Activities:

Strategy: Guided Reading
Description: The Teaching Staff will use Guided Reading methods within classrooms to provide differentiated instruction for students.
Activities:

Strategy: High School PSSA Reading Prep Course
Description: Extended learning opportunities comprised of remediation for students who have been identified as not being proficient in reading.
Activities:

Strategy: Imagination Station
Description: Title I Language Arts Staff will facilitate use of this computer-assisted Reading program for students who meet established criteria.
Activities:

Strategy: Reading proficiency
Description: Students will be given additional academic tools to assist them in becoming proficient or better on annual PSSA exams given in grades 6-8.
Activities:

Goal: SCIENCE
Description: All Students will reach AYP benchmarks in Science as measured by the annual PSSA.

Strategy: Data Analysis
Description: Utilize PSSA testing data to help reflect on related PA Standards and Eligible Content coverage results to identify areas of both strengths and weaknesses.
Activities:

Strategy: Science Proficiency
Description: Students will be given additional academic tools to assist them in becoming proficient or better on PSSA science assessments.
Activities:

Goal: STUDENT ATTENDANCE (any school that does not graduate seniors)
Description: Student attendance will exceed a 90% threshold and show growth.

Strategy: Developmentally appropriate incentive program
Description: Develop reward programs for students’ attendance (perfect or improvements) in which the incentives are delivered in a manner that is age appropriate.
Activities:

Goal: STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN STATE ASSESSMENTS
Description: At least 95% of eligible students will participate in required state-wide assessments.

Strategy: Improve Participation in PSSA testing.
Description: All eligible students will participate in required Pennsylvania State Assessments
Activities:

Goal: Technology Integration
Description: The goal of the Technology Plan is to enhance and enrich student learning, productivity, and communication and educational opportunities through the effective use of 21ST Century tools that are used to enhance the process of teaching and learning.

Strategy: Course Specific Technology Lab
Description: Students will have the opportunity to enrich and supplement their coursework across the curriculum through accessing technologies made available to them at their respective schools.
Activities:

Strategy: Staff will be trained in the use of MCSD resources and policies
Description: Staff will be trained on all software, hardware and available district technologies
Activities:

Strategy: Students will develop the skills necessary for them to be productive workers and life-long learners
Description: Students will be provided with current and advanced technology and skills.
Activities:

Strategy: Technology Committee
Description: Strategy Description: Technology Committee made of building contacts, computer teachers, Web Masters, Technology Department personnel will be formed and meet regularly.
Activities:

Strategy: Technology Training
Description: Teachers will be aware of and trained in the available technology and be able to implement it into their curriculum.
Activities:

Strategy: The use of technology will become an integral part of learning in all subject areas
Description: The district will maintain, monitor and purchase the necessary hardware and software to ensure that technology is an integral part of learning in all subject areas.
Activities:

Goal: Writing
Description: All teachers will teach the required components as dictated by the Pennsylvania Writing Standards.

Strategy: Collins-Chadwell
Description: The Collins-Chadwell model will be used as a tool for teaching writing.
Activities:

Strategy: Collins-Chadwell Writing Process
Description: All middle school teachers will receive training in the use of the Collins-Chadwell Writing Process over the next three school years. Grade 6 in 2007-08; Grade 7 in 2008-09, and Grade 8 in 2009-10. This model will be utilized to develop writing skills for all students in the middle grades, 6-8.
Activities:

Strategy: Kid Writing
Description: The Kid Writing model will be used as a tool for teaching writing.
Activities:

Strategy: Writer's Workshop
Description: The Writer’s Workshop model will be used as a tool for teaching writing.
Activities:

Measurable Annual Improvement Targets

Each year, the staff is required to conduct an analysis of the assessment data for their students with the purpose of improving curriculum and instruction.  This analysis includes a review of both internal and external assessments.  Although each assessment instrument yields different data, the general review cycle is as follows:

1. At the beginning of the school year, building level administrators assign teachers to grade level teams to review students achievement data.
    
2. Under the direction of principals and with the leadership of literacy coaches, teachers meet and establish annual achievement goals.
    
3. Areas of need are identified and strategies are developed to meet those needs.
    
4. Elementary teachers meet weekly to review strategies and monitor progress.
    
5. Financial and staff resources are allocated to meet as many goals as possible.
    
6. Assessment data is reported to the Board of School Directors and the community on an annual basis.
    
7. Students in need of additional support are identified and appropriate interventions are implemented.
    
8. Building administrators, curriculum coordinators and literacy coaches assist teachers in finding support materials and research-based instructional techniques to enhance the delivery of our instructional program in the specific goals areas.
    
9. Building principals review and analyze attendance records, dropout rates, and the allocation of instructional time in each subject area to ensure appropriate learning opportunities.
    
10. End-of-year test results, grade distribution, and retention lists are reviewed to determine if goals were met.  Adjustments are made and the cycle repeats itself.

Additionally, the Mifflin County School District addresses the need for student improvement with the following activities:

1. Professional development opportunities are directly linked to improving student achievement.
2. State, district, and teacher-made rubrics are utilized for instruction at all levels.
3. Standards-based and evidence-based instructional practices are provided to staff members.
4. Technology is infused throughout the educational process to enhance teaching and learning.
5. Students are provided with ongoing opportunities to engage in critical and creative thinking.
6. Reading and writing across the curriculum is encouraged and supported through professional development activities.
7. Students are given many opportunities to explore writing in a variety of genres.
8. Assessment data is reviewed to identify strengths and weaknesses and then utilized within the curriculum review process to find "root causes."

Curriculum, Instruction and Instructional Materials

The Mifflin County School District has made a commitment to providing the necessary resources and training to deliver a rigorous educational program that meets the needs of all students.  The program of instruction includes a curriculum that is aligned to the Pennsylvania Academic Standards with instructional practices and instructional materials that support attainment of the goals and standards required for a student to graduate.  The Curriculum and Assessment Action Team will develop a six year review cycle to revitalize curriculum, recommend instructional materials, and align staff development needs with curricular improvement.

Assessments and Public Reporting

The Mifflin County School District has developed a comprehensive assessment system that is designed to implement the key components of Progress Monitoring and Response to Intervention (RtI).  Progress Monitoring has been established in reading, K-3.  For reading, DIBELS assessments are administered at grades K-3 at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year.  Progress Monitoring will be implemented in grades 4-12 in coming years to ensure that appropriate educational interventions are provided.

As students are identified for educational interventions, diagnostic assessments will be administered to determine the specific area for intervention.  As per the RtI model, targeted interventions provide both strategic and intensive educational assistance.  Using 4-Sight, DIBELS, and various diagnostic instruments, specific learning needs, based on PSSA assessment anchors, become the focus for targeted intervention efforts.

In addition to the Progress Monitoring and RtI assessments, all students in grades 3-8 and 11 participate in the PSSA or PASA.  The results of these assessments are published, annually in the school district report card as required by No Child Left Behind (NCLB).

The elementary schools will be developing a standards-based report card that will better inform parents regarding each child's progress.

Targeted Assistance For Struggling Students

Through the use of school district assessment data, students identified for targeted assistance will receive services during the regular school day, before and after school, and in the summer.  During the school day, in grades K-5, Title I staff will provide targeted intervention in reading and mathematics, and special education staff will provide interventions for identified students K-12.  Middle level students, grades 6-8, will receive support through help sessions during study skill periods specifically designed to focus on improvement on the PSSA.  In addition, eligible students will be provided after-school and summer tutoring through the Educational Assistance Program (EAP).  Students in grades K-1 who qualify for assistance will receive Imagination Station intervention to ensure early literacy skills are learned.

Support for Struggling Schools

As a result of the 2007 PSSA results, the Mifflin County School District has been placed in "Corrective Action I."  Highland Park Area Elementary School, Lewistown Elementary School and Lewistown Middle School have been placed on "Warning."

The assessment results indicate that the disaggregate groups, IEP and economically disadvantaged, did not meet AYP in reading and math.  To address the needs of these students several initiatives will be implemented.  In the elementary schools, the Literacy Coaches will provide staff development in reading instruction to ensure progress for all students.  District in-service days will focus on aligning eligible content standards directly with planned instruction and the review of curriculum scope and sequence.  The middle school teachers will be trained to deliver, analyze and use 4 Sight assessments.  A designated administrator will be assigned to work collaboratively with curriculum coordinators and building level principals to ensure that appropriate planning, supervision, and monitoring of the instructional program and student learning.

Qualified, Effective Teachers and Capable Instructional Leaders

Professional development opportunities are provided for all staff members.  The Act 48 Committee plans for our professional in-service days.  Teachers and administrators are encouraged to attend conferences, seminars and workshops related to their assigned responsibilities.  Central Office Administrators work directly with building level principals to plan the necessary funding to be allocated through the budget process.

Parent and Community Participation

Parent and community members are provided numerous opportunities to participate in the education of all school- age children in the Mifflin County School District.  Back-to-School Night activities are held in all schools in the district and parents are invited to attend.  Most of our schools also hold an Open House for parents and children.  Additionally, events such as:  activity nights, holiday programs, winter and spring concerts, art and science shows, financial aid programs, Living Museum, kindergarten orientation program and cyber safety programs are held throughout the year.  Title I family activities are held in all Title I buildings as per school board policy.  We have implemented Parent Connect which allows parents to communicate electronically with our schools on a daily basis to stay informed about their child's/children's academic progress, assignments, and attendance.

Pre-Kindergarten Transition

The Mifflin County School District in cooperation with Snyder, Union Mifflin Child Development Corporation conduct transition activities as pre-school students prepare for kindergarten.  Classroom visitations, conferences with kindergarten teachers, and workshop sessions are part of the process.  Our teachers are provided with a list of resource materials to help implement the transitioning activities involving these students.  At kindergarten registration, the students are involved in a standardized screening process in which the results are shared with parents to help their child prepare for kindergarten over the summer months.

Signatures

Date Submitted to PDE        September 28, 2007

School District/AVTS/Charter School

Name: MIFFLIN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Address: 201 8TH STREET - HIGHLAND PARK

             LEWISTOWN

________PA_________________ Zip Code: __17044______

IU#: __11_________

Chief School Administrator:____DAVID S. RUNK__________________________

Telephone (area code):__717______ # ___248-0148_______

We affirm that this Academic Standards and Assessment report was developed in accordance with State Board of Education Chapter 4 Regulations. We also affirm that the contents are true and correct and that the report was placed for public inspection in the school district/AVTS offices and in the nearest public library until the next regularly scheduled meeting of the board or a minimum or 28 days whichever comes first.

__________________________________________ ____________________
Signature                                                                      Date
School Board Secretary

__________________________________________ ____________________
Signature                                                                      Date
School Board President

__________________________________________ ____________________
Signature                                                                      Date
Chief School Administrator

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