Northampton Public Schools

2007-2008 School Improvement Plan

Northampton High School
380 Elm Street
Northampton, MA 01060

Beth Singer, Principal

School Name: Northampton High School Phone: 413-587-1341
School Code: 505 Fax: 413-587-1374
Address: 380 Elm Street, Northampton, MA 01060
E-mail: bsinger@northampton-k12.us

School Improvement Council Membership:

Team Co-Chair: Lonnie Kaufman

Principal Co-Chair: Beth Singer
Faculty Members: Ellen Hirschberg, Maureen Moore, Beth Singer, Ben Taglieri

Parent’s Association President: Barbara Allen

Parent Members: Lonnie Kaufman, Denise Lello, Ken Moore, Stella Xanthakos

Community Member: Sam Intrator

*Indicates that the person has reviewed this document. Comments may be attached to this Plan.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Membership 2

Table of Contents 3

Mission Statement of Northampton High School 4

Profile of Northampton High School 5–7

NHS Demographic Data 8

NHS Assessment Data 9 – 12

Progress on Goals for 2006 – 2007 School Year 13 – 18

Goals and Objectives for 2007 – 2008 School Year 19 – 23

3
 MISSION STATEMENT
The fundamental mission of Northampton High School is to ensure that all students strive for academic excellence by providing the opportunities for students to
develop intellectually, emotionally, socially and physically in a safe and supportive environment.

Our greatest challenge is to help all students recognize and develop their individual potential as reflective thinkers who can participate in the larger community as
critical, creative thinkers and life-long learners. We encourage open communication and mutual respect among all who are involved with Northampton High
School. We welcome positive, working relationships with students, families and the community at large.

Northampton High School affirms its commitment to educate all students by providing a quality education, which will prepare them to become informed, literate,
socially responsible individuals in a changing, global, technological society.
Expectations
Northampton High School students will develop and demonstrate characteristics of a responsible learner and a responsible member of a learning
community by displaying:
. responsibility for one's own behavior and actions
. reading, listening and viewing skills for information, understanding and enjoyment
. awareness of the many facets of the creative arts
. clear persuasive writing and speaking skills
. productive use and understanding of technology to obtain, exchange, evaluate and organize information
. study skills necessary to fulfill their academic potential as life-long learners
. a desire to challenge themselves and strive for academic excellence
. the ability to think critically and creatively by identifying problems, asking essential questions, analyzing materials, researching
information and drawing conclusions
. participation in community and/or school activities
. competence in mathematical reasoning, application and computational skills
. application of scientific methodology and design processes in problem-solving
. tolerance, respect and understanding of the similarities and differences among people
. responsible judgment that promotes personal, physical and emotional well-being
. skills in presenting and communicating ideas and information effectively in a variety of forms
. an ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively as part of a team
. a knowledge of World History and the American system of government
. the knowledge and skills needed to participate in American society and the democratic process
. awareness and understanding of the diversities of American and World cultures

Northampton High School will:

. provide and ensure that high academic standards are maintained and measured by using a variety of assessment tools
. provide a safe, respectful learning environment
. foster effective communication among staff, students and parents
. provide a variety of instructional programs and appropriate accommodations for all students
. provide students with a varied program of extra-curricular activities
. provide opportunities for professional staff development
. recognize and publicize achievements of all members of the school community
. foster faculty, student, family and community involvement in school governance
. provide for on-going evaluation and revision of existing courses and programs
. provide a variety of counseling and health services for all students to assist them with their individual needs

4
 PROFILE 2007-2008

SCHOOL
Northampton High School is a 4-year, public secondary school located in the city of Northampton, Massachusetts. Northampton is a
middle income, residential city with a rich cultural life located in the Connecticut River Valley, twenty miles from Springfield, in
Western Massachusetts, with a population of 30,000. The school population benefits from local educational resources such as Smith
College, the Smith Art Museum, the University of Massachusetts, Holyoke Community College, and the general five-college area.
Northampton High School has a professional staff of 75, including four guidance counselors and three administrators. Enrollment for
2007-2008 is 922 students with a senior class of 222. The student body includes 64 students from neighboring communities who have
“chosen” to attend Northampton High School. Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Northampton
High School is on a 4X4 Block Schedule with 85 minute periods in a 37 week school year. Approximately 77% of graduates continue
their education.

CURRICULUM
A student typically earns 8 credits each year. Generally, a student schedule includes three core subjects and one or two electives each
semester. All courses are college preparatory unless designated as Honors, Advanced Placement or Applied. A total of 28 credits are
required for graduation, including 4 credits of English, 1 credit of Writing, 3 credits each of Social Studies, Mathematics and Sciences,
and 1 credit of Wellness. An additional 2 credits must be earned from either Math, Science, Social Studies, English, or World
Language. Courses which meet alternate days earn .5 credits. Beginning with the Class of 2009, 30 credits will be required for
graduation.

The curriculum includes Consumer Science, English, Fine and Performing Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Technology,
Wellness, and World Languages (French, Latin, Spanish). Honors courses are offered in English, World History II, Geometry,
Algebra II, Pre Calculus, Art, Biology, Chemistry, and level four and five World Languages. Advanced Placement courses include:
English Language, English Literature, Modern European History, U.S. History, Economics, Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, Biology,
French and Spanish. Students enrolled in AP classes are required to take AP exams. Placement in Honors level and Advanced
Placement courses requires a teacher recommendation. Students may also enroll in courses at local colleges to pursue advanced study.
Applied courses include: Mathematics, Anatomy, Biology and Chemistry. Applied and Developmental courses are designed for
students who benefit from small classes geared toward individual needs.

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GRADE POINT AVERAGE
An unweighted grade point average is computed. With the exception of Developmental courses, all graded courses are included in the
calculation (Pass/Fail courses are not included). Numerical grades were initiated for the 2003-2004 school year. A student’s grade
point average is calculated at the end of junior year, at the end of first semester senior year, and at the end of senior year.
Northampton High School does not provide individual rank-in-class ratings.

Students will receive a P for satisfactory work or an F for unsatisfactory work in the following courses (these are not calculated in the
GPA): Internship, Peer Tutoring, Teacher Assistant, Work Experience, Work Study.

GRADING SCHOLASTIC ASSESSMENT TEST

Grade Grade Point Value
95 – 100 4.0
CLASS OF 2006
90 – 94 3.7
Number tested: 170
87 – 89 3.3
Average Verbal Mean: 549
84 – 86 3.0
Average Math Mean: 557
80 – 83 2.7
Average Writing Mean: 539
77 – 79 2.3
74 – 76 2.0
70 – 73 1.7
60 – 69 1.0
Below 60 0.0

FOLLOW-UP STUDY OF GRADUATES

2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002

Number of Graduates 215 205 224 195 185 189
Four-Year College 68% 66% 63% 64% 64% 63%
Two-Year, Nursing 16% 21% 25% 13% 17% 20%
Employment 6% 6% 4% 5% 4% 5%
Military 4% 1% 1% 1% 1% 3%
Vocational 0.4% 0.5% 0.8% 0.5% 0.5% 2%
Other 6% 2% 6% 16% 12% 8%

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 Students in the Class of 2007 were accepted to the following colleges and universities:
Adelphi University
Alfred University
Allegheny College
American International College
American University
Antioch College
Appalachian State
Arizona State University
Assumption College
Bard College
Barnard College
Bates College
Bay Path College
Bay State College
Becker College
Bennington College
Bentley University
Boston College
Boston Conservatory
Boston University
Bridgewater State College
Bryant University
Carleton College
Catholic Univ of America
City College of New York
Clark University
Clarkson University
Colgate University
College of the Holy Cross
College of Saint Rose
College of Santa Fe
Colorado Film School
Columbia University
Connecticut College
Cornell University
Curry College
Drew University Lesley College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Univ of California at Santa Barbara
Drexel University Long Island Univ Rice University Univ of California at Santa Cruz
Earlham College Louis & Clark College Roberts Wesleyan College University of Hartford
Eckerd College Loyola University, Chicago Rochester Institute of Technology University of Maine
Elms College Macalester College Roger Williams University U. of Mass Commonwealth College
Emerson College Manhattanville College Rollins College U. of Massachusetts, Amherst
Emmanuel College Manhattan School of Music Rutgers University U. of Massachusetts, Dartmouth
Endicott College Marietta College Sacred Heart University University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Eugene Lang College Maryland Institute Coll. of Art Salem State College University of New England
Fairfield University Marymount Manhattan College Santa Clara University University of New Hampshire
Fitchburg State College Massachusetts College of Art Sarah Lawrence College University of New Haven
Fordham University Mass. College of Liberal Arts Seton Hall University University of Pennsylvania
Framingham State College Mass Coll of Pharmacy & Health Serv Siena College University of Rhode Island
Franklin-Pierce College Mass Institute of Tech (MIT) Simmons College University of Rochester
George Washington University McGill University Skidmore College University of San Francisco
Georgetown University Michigan State University Smith College University of Vermont
Georgia State University Mitchell College Southern CT State University of Wisconsin, Madison
Goucher College Mt. Holyoke College Southern New Hampshire Univ. Ursinus College
Green Mountain College Mt. Ida College Springfield College Vassar College
Greenfield Community College Muhlenberg College Springfield Technical Comm. Coll. Villanova University
Guilford College New England Art Institutes St. Anselm College Warren Wilson College
Hamilton College New England College St. Joseph's University Washington State University
Hampshire College New York University St. Lawrence University Washington Univ in St. Louis
Hartt School Newbury College St. Michael's College Wellesley College
Hartwick College Northeastern University State University of New York Wells College
Haverford College Northern Arizona State University Stetson University Wesleyan University
Hobart & William Smith Colleges Oberlin College Stonehill College West Virginia University
Hofstra University Occidental College Suffolk University Western New England College
Holyoke Community College Ohio Wesleyan University Swarthmore College Westfield State College
Iona College Olin College of Engineering Syracuse University Wheaton College (MA)
Ithaca College Pace University Temple University Worcester Polytechnic Inst. (WPI)
Johnson and Wales University Paul Smith's College Trinity College Worcester State College
Juniata College Pitzer College Tufts University Yale University
Kalamazoo College Plymouth State University Tulane University
Kenyon College Quinnipiac University Union College
Lasell College Reed College Univ of California at Davis
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 School Demographics
Northampton High School

Enrollment - 2006-07 (Oct 1 data) Enrollment - 2005-06 Enrollment - 2004-05 Enrollment - 2003-04
School District School District School District School District
Total Count 887 2,849 Total Count 901 2940 Total Count 903 2990 TOTAL COUNT 930 2978

Race/Ethnicity (%) Race/Ethnicity (%) Race/Ethnicity (%) Race/Ethnicity

African American 3.3% 3.6% African American 3.0% 4.2% African American 3.3% 5.1% African American 2.6% 3.6%
Asian 5.2% 4.6% Asian 5.0% 4.6% Asian 5.2% 4.8% Asian 4.8% 4.5%
Hispanic 9.5% 12.9% Hispanic 10.3% 12.4% Hispanic 10.7% 11.3% Hispanic 10.5% 11.5%
Native American 0.0% 0.1% Native American 0.0% 0.2% Native American 0.4% 0.4% Native American 0.2% 0.5%
White 79.1% 75.9% White 79.1% 75.7% White 80.3% 78.4% White 81.8% 80.0%
Multi-Ethnic (Non-Hispanic) * 2.4% 3.0% Multi-Ethnic (Non-Hispanic) * 2.6% 2.8% 0.0% 0.0%

Gender (%) Gender (%) Gender (%) Gender

Male 47.4% 49.5% Male 47.8% 49.9% Male 47.1% 50.2% Male 46.8% 50.7%
Female 52.6% 50.5% Female 52.2% 50.1% Female 52.9% 49.8% Female 53.2% 49.3%

Selected Populations (%) Selected Populations (%) 0.0% 0.0% Selected Populations (%) 0.0% 0.0% Selected Populations (%)
Limited English Proficiency 0.8% 1.6% Limited English Proficiency 1.1% 2.3% Limited English Proficiency 0.8% 1.8% Limited English Proficiency 0.6% 2.1%
Low-income 17.7% 25.1% Low-income 17.6% 26.3% Low-income 16.3% 24.4% Low-income 17.5% 23.3%
Special Education 12.2% 20.7% Special Education 11.3% 19.3% Special Education 12.0% 18.5% Special Education 10.9% 16.7%
First Language Not English 6.2% 7.5% First Language Not English 6.7% 7.8% First Language Not English 7.9% 7.9% (not reported in FY2004)
Migrant 0.0% 0.0% Migrant 0.0% 0.0% Migrant 0.0% 0.0% Migrant 0.1% 0.1%

* Multi-Ethnic Non-Hispanic new category in 2005-06

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 Northampton High School: MCAS Performance

Grade 10 MCAS - 2006

Students in Advanced or Proficient Category

100% ELA
KEY:
Math State Avg for all students
80% ELA
% of students

MATH
60%

40% State Avg for a student subgroup

ELA
20%
MATH
0%
Regular Ed. Regular Ed. Low Income Regular Income SPED All Students
White ALANA

Five Year MCAS History

GRADE 10 ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS GRADE 10 MATHEMATICS

PERFORMANCE LEVEL 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 PERFORMANCE LEVEL 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
ADVANCED 26% 28% 23% 29% 16% ADVANCED 29% 24% 35% 55% 52%
PROFICIENT 43% 43% 51% 42% 66% PROFICIENT 26% 25% 35% 23% 30%
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT 25% 23% 18% 23% 15% NEEDS IMPROVEMENT 29% 34% 19% 14% 14%
FAILING 6% 6% 8% 6% 3% FAILING 17% 17% 12% 8% 4%

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Northampton High School: Five Year MCAS Comparison by Subgroups (by income, race, ed status)
Percent of Students Scoring Proficient or Advanced
G10 MCAS ELA G10 MCAS Math
Students in Advanced or Proficient Category Students in Advanced or Proficient Category
90% 90%

70% 70%
% of students

% of students
50% 50%

Regular Income Regular Income

30% 30%
Low Income Low Income

10% 10%
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

G10 MCAS ELA G10 MCAS Math

Regular Ed. Students in Advanced or Proficient Category Regular Ed. Students in Advanced or Proficient Category
90% 90%

70% 70%
% of students

% of students
50% 50%

White White
30% 30%
ALANA ALANA

10% 10%
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

G10 MCAS ELA G10 MCAS Math

Students in Advanced or Proficient Category Students in Advanced or Proficient Category
90% 90%
% of students

% of students

70% 70%
All
50% SPED 50%

30% 30% All

SPED

10% 10%
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

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 Attendance by School: Income, Racial and Education Status – FY06 End of Year SIMS submission
(Percent Attendance = Days in attendance/Days Enrolled) (Does not include NHS seniors who graduated)

INCOME Data Bridge Jackson Leeds Ryan JFK NHS Grand Total
Free Average of % Attendance 94.2% 93.0% 93.5% 95.1% 91.4% 91.8% 92.9%
Count of Students 79 116 67 61 149 82 554
Reduced Average of % Attendance 96.7% 94.9% 95.7% 96.1% 94.3% 93.8% 94.9%
Count of Students 26 22 15 29 63 45 200
Full Pay Average of % Attendance 96.3% 96.1% 96.1% 96.1% 95.7% 95.8% 95.9%
Count of Students 201 290 246 196 483 542 1958
Total Average of % Attendance 95.8% 95.2% 95.6% 95.9% 94.6% 95.1% 95.2%
Total Count of Students 306 428 328 286 695 669 2712

RACE Data Bridge Jackson Leeds Ryan JFK NHS Grand Total
White Average of % Attendance 96.3% 95.8% 95.7% 95.9% 95.1% 95.3% 95.5%
Count of Students 233 263 278 225 520 528 2047
Asian Average of % Attendance 94.2% 95.3% 94.8% 95.4% 95.7% 93.3% 94.9%
Count of Students 15 34 3 7 26 17 102
Afr – Amer Average of % Attendance 96.4% 96.9% 97.9% 97.8% 94.1% 97.0% 96.4%
Count of Students 15 38 4 9 25 37 128
Multi-ethnic Non-Hisp Average of % Attendance 92.7% 96.1% 95.0% 96.4% 90.9% 95.1% 94.0%
Count of Students 15 11 15 9 19 19 88
Hispanic Average of % Attendance 94.1% 92.3% 94.2% 95.2% 93.1% 93.4% 93.3%
Count of Students 28 82 28 36 105 68 347
Total Average of % Attendance 95.8% 95.2% 95.6% 95.9% 94.6% 95.1% 95.2%
Total Count of Students 306 428 328 286 695 669 2712

ED STATUS Data Bridge Jackson Leeds Ryan JFK NHS Grand Total
Not SPED Average of % Attendance 95.9% 95.5% 95.9% 95.9% 95.1% 95.4% 95.5%
Count of Students 217 289 264 207 533 592 2102
SPED Average of % Attendance 95.4% 94.5% 94.2% 96.0% 93.0% 93.4% 94.3%
Count of Students 89 139 64 79 162 77 610
LEP Average of % Attendance 0 95.2% 0 95.9% 93.0% 92.4% 94.6%
Count of Students 0 38 0 8 10 7 63
Total Average of % Attendance 95.8% 95.2% 95.6% 95.9% 94.6% 95.1% 95.2%
Total Count of Students 306 428 328 286 695 669 2712

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AP Exam Results for May 2007
Eng
Micro- Lang Eng Lit Euro French Govt Physics
AP Grade Biology Calculus AB Chemistry Econ (Jr.) (Sr.) Hist Lang* US** B* Span Lang US Hist
5 5 4 8 6 3 5 5 10 6
4 4 6 16 16 26 35 9 7 14
3 6 2 19 8 18 30 4 1 1 1 4 9
2 4 2 3 17 13 2 4 3
1 1 2 2 3 1 2
Total 19 12 46 33 66 85 20 1 1 4 26 34
% scoring 3
or above 79% 100% 93% 91% 71% 82% 90% 100% 100% 50% 81% 85%

* Course not offered during school year 06-07

** Course not offered at NHS
Total
Grades Percentage of
AP Grade Reported Total
5 52 15
4 133 38
3 103 30
2 51 15
1 8 2
Total 347 100
% scoring 3
or above 83%

Total number of students = 197

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 2006 – 2007 PROGRESS REPORT
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Goal
Ensure equal access to education to all
NHS students fostering high academic
achievement.
1. Narrow the achievement gap
2. Provide a variety of services and
supports to students during and after
school to foster success
MAJOR ACTIVITIES
• Continue to analyze test performance
data
• Continue to make structural and
curricular adjustments based on data
• Provide in-school, after school and
summer school remediation
opportunities
• Continue and expand SMART program
• Continued collaboration with JFK
regarding test performance data
• Continue to expand partnership with
Smith College
• Continue JFK & NHS mentorship
program
• Professional training for faculty and
appropriate staff in curriculum
modification
• Professional training for faculty and
appropriate staff in instructional
modifications and strategies for
diverse learners
13
IMPLEMENTATION STEPS COMPLETED
• Analysis of MCAS, AP, SAT test data
• Out of sequence Algebra 1 offering
provided
• Academic support opportunities
continued during and after school
• Summer school offerings expanded (30
students)
• SMART program expanded to 2 distinct
groups ( incoming 9th grade)
• NHS/JFK collaborative leadership
summer program developed and
implemented for at risk 8th graders
• Analysis of drop out data
• Professional development in adaptive
software to support diverse learners:
Solo & Kurzweil for SPED and English
departments
• Partners in Health expanded
• Implemented specific L.L.D. services
• Developed modified curriculum in
science and social studies courses
• Developed modified curriculum in
science and social studies assessments
• Improved Special Education/Regular
education collaboration on
modifications
• SMART services moved to Regular
Education teacher (s)
• SPED teachers received WJ training via
pupil services
 SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Goal
Continuation of:
2. Provide a variety of services and
supports to students during and after
school to foster success
3. Expand the SMART program
MAJOR ACTIVITIES IMPLEMENTATION STEPS COMPLETED
• Improve implementation of Individual
Student Success Plans (ISSPs) to
include peer mentorship opportunities
• Continuation of bi-lingual after school • Provided 4 days a week
homework support
• Develop and write modified
curriculum units across disciplines as
appropriate
• Create modified assessments in each
core academic area
• Structure regular education/special
education collaboration on curricular,
instructional , & assessment
modifications
• Expand use of adaptive software & • Cited grant obtained for
technology
professional development
• Provide professional training for
• Training in scoring and
Special Education staff in analysis of
administration completed
the Woodcock and Johnson
achievement battery and report
writing
• Identify appropriate 9th grade • 9th grade students identified and
candidates enrolled in alternate day class
• Engage new candidates and families in • Completed
SMART
• Establish data collection protocol
• Continue to develop curriculum and
instructional materials
• Expand Smith College collaboration
• Train Smart teacher in AVID
techniques
14
 SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Goal
4. To establish common standards of
quality and quantity of expected
student work and homework across
the curriculum
MAJOR ACTIVITIES IMPLEMENTATION STEPS COMPLETED
• Mapping of current homework • Departmental analysis of
practices homework practices
• Goal setting and consensus on • Departmental agreement on
homework expectations set quantity of papers and major
• Written expectations on homework assignments per course
included in Course Catalogue
• Quantity of papers, major
assignments equalized by course and
published in catalogue
• Common rubric adoption for written
work
15
 SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN MAJOR ACTIVITIES IMPLEMENTATION STEPS COMPLETED
Goal
Maintain a positive, safe, secure, learning • Regular meetings with manager of
environment NCTV
1. Successful integration of NCTV into • Monitor incidents related to safety
NHS and security
• Establish protocols of access by
students
• Revise building plans according to
need as determined by incidents
2. Continue to revise and improve crisis • Trainings • Monthly trainings, practice
plans • Practice sessions sessions continued
• Establish off-site evacuation plans • District Attorney’s Office
• Continued collaboration with police collaboration on truancy and
and fire departments diversion programs increased to
• Complete on-line FEMA training monthly meetings

3. Decrease inappropriate language in • Teacher monitoring • Hallway language improved

hallways • Continued discussion in faculty
meetings for suggestions/approaches
to student body
• Publicize problem
• School wide response

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 SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Goal
Provide quality Professional
Development to all Northampton High
School staff working with students
1. Train teachers of core subjects to
modify curriculum to match student
needs
2. Train Special Educators to match
curricular modification to student
needs
3. Train ESPs in curricular
modifications
4. Provide training in technology
Integration and literacy
including: Distant Learning, Kurzweil,
Moodle, Starbase Portal, Web Page,
Teachers Thinking with Technology
5. Continue new teacher support
program
6. Autism Spectrum training for
appropriate faculty and staff
MAJOR ACTIVITIES
• Professional development
• Faculty meetings
• Department meetings
• Professional Development sessions
• Department meetings
• Professional Development
• Training sessions included
• Assign Mentors
• Biweekly administration meetings
• Peer Observation
• Schedule training/consultation
sessions
• Develop IEPs with specific
techniques
17
IMPLEMENTATION STEPS COMPLETED
Professional Development offered:
• Kurzweil. Write Out Loud,
Inspiration,
• Star Portal, Grade Book, Moodle,
Teaching Thinking with
Technology
• New Teacher support meetings
held twice monthly for 3 months,
then monthly
• Smith College Prof Dev - Lesson
Study continued
• UMASS Prof Dev - Science &
Math teacher training in assessment
response systems
• Deerfield History Museum -
Teaching American History grant
obtained
• UMASS 3 year Prof Dev contract
with Science Dept.
• CITED grant – Solo, Kurzweil
• DOE online grant - Reading
Comprehensive Strategies and
universal design for learning
obtained in collaboration with
Smith Vocational High School
Maintain a respectful. welcoming and
inclusive high school
1. Continue expansion of student and
community events
2. Continue expansion of student and
community events
3. Increase student voice in decision making
practices
• Increase theater/music opportunities
• Access NCTV by student producers
• Steinway celebration
• Continue JFK/NHS mentorship
program
• Cultural experiences, conversations
and celebrations
• Increase library of multi culturalism
• Increase # of people of color on staff
• Continue and expand related clubs
• Student leader meetings
• Explore model programs
• Formalize student leader meetings
• Establish a structure for student voice
and representation
• Include selected students for specific
issues and interviews, i.e. musical
• Coffee houses initiated
• 5 theatrical productions including 2
student directed/produced
• Assemblies: Daufur, South Africa,
Martin Luther King, Peace, Nite Star,
Mountain Music of Puerto Rico,
DBR concert, Diversity, Earth day,
Poetry Slam, Video Festival, Photo
displays,
• Interdisciplinary collaboration with
English and theater classes
• Week long diversity program
• Monthly student forums
• Student representative at interviews
• Week long diversity program
• Videos selected for Prof. Dev.
• Student forums held monthly

4. Decrease inappropriate language in • Faculty designed plan

hallways • Faculty monitoring

18
 07 -08 GOALS
District Goal:
Ensure equal access to education to all NPS students and improve student assessment scores for all students
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
School Goal:
Ensure equal access to education to all NHS students fostering high academic achievement

Student Group: Sub groups

Improvement Desired Outcome from Person(s) Resources Needed Evidence of Time

Objective Implementation of Responsible Completion Line
Activity
Increase class Faculty None Comparison data 07-09
Narrow the attendance rates by Administration of class
achievement gap 15% for target attendance rates
populations annually for
target populations
15% increase in number Department Heads Academic Support programming Comparison data 06-08
of students of color in Faculty Smith College collaboration on class
Honors and Advanced Guidance enrollments of
Placement courses Counselors target populations
15% increase in Administration MCAS grant Comparison data 07-08
proficient and advanced Faculty NCLB grant scores for MCAS
MCAS scores for target Pupil Services 07 and 08
populations
15% reduction in grades Faculty Professional Development Comparison data 06-08
of “D” and “F” for Pupil Services Support services during, after on grades for 4
target populations school semesters
summer school
Increased graduation 100% Graduation Rate ALT K-12 Plan Analysis of 07-08
rates for all students Administration Expanded Summer School Graduation data
Faculty Professional Development Summer School
Dept. Chairs Development of Modified enrollment
Pupil Services Curriculum and Assessments rosters
Support Services
NCLB funds
Homework Club
Smith College Collaboration

19
Improvement Desired Outcome from Person(s) Resources Needed Evidence of Time
Objective Implementation of Responsible Completion Line
Activity
Study feasibility of MCAS scores that Administration Analysis of test data Science 07-08
continuing Applied exceed state averages on Science Faculty Released time for teachers Curriculum
Science offerings science MCAS tests revision
Provide a variety of Reduction in “Ds &Fs” Administration Continued administrative support Rosters 07-08
services and Increased class School Council MCAS Grant Grade analysis
supports to students attendance rates Smith/NPS District Social Worker Graduation rate
Increased Graduation Summer Programs analysis
rate Attendance
Establishment of reports
permanent Summer
remediation program
Continued bilingual
homework help
Evaluate efficacy of
FLC
Expand peer mentorship
opportunities
Expand use of adaptive
software & technology
in the classroom
Academic Support for
non-identified students
Institutionalize SMART

20
District Goal:
Provide professional development opportunities to all staff working with students to ensure high quality staff and ensure continuance of
curriculum revision and review PK-12
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
School Goal:
To Provide appropriate, quality professional development opportunities to all staff at NHS focused on school and district goals

Student Group: Special Needs Students, ESL students, Low-Income Students

Improvement Objective Desired Outcome from Person(s) Resources Needed Evidence of Time
Implementation of Responsible Completion Line
Activity
Increased rate of success of Modified curriculum and Administration Released time for curriculum Modified exams in 07-08
students with the mainstream assessments developed Faculty modification all core content
curriculum and implemented across Dept. Chairs Professional development funds courses submitted
the core curriculum Trainers CITed training
Utilization of technology Kurzweil training
and supportive software Moodle training
to aid access to curricular
content
ESPs trained to
implement modifications
modifications

Train Special Educators to match Specific modifications

curricular modifications to articulated on IEPs
student needs Collegial implementation
of IEPs
ovide Department-specific Departmental learning Administration UMASS science grant Dept. reports 07-08
professional development communities focused on Dept. chairs Smith College collaboration
focused on instructional practice instructional practices Faculty NCLB grant
established Pupil Services Teaching American History
Improvement

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Objective Desired Outcome from Person (s) Resources Needed Evidence of Time
Implementation of Responsible Completion Line
Activity

Departmental plans for Trainers grant

professional development CITed grant
DOE grant#165
Individual conferences in
licensure

Conduct all management tasks Competence with Star- Administration Professional development days School-wide 07-08
electronically Portal, Kurzweil, Solo, Tech- Faculty meetings electronic reporting
Moodle, Web Page and Integration
other hard and software Specialist
devices for all appropriate Staff & faculty
personnel
Continue and Revise New Retention of newly hire Administration None Log of sessions 07-08
Teacher Support Program faculty Dept. Chairs

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District Goal:
Create a school system that is respectful and welcoming of the diverse members of the community and integrating them into the school
culture
School Goal:
Maintain a safe, respectful, welcoming, and inclusive high school and alternative setting
Student Group: All

Improvement Objective Desired Outcome from Person(s) Resources Needed Evidence of Time
Implementation of Activity Responsible Completion Line
To complete an evaluative study FLC-specific S.I.P. Administration Evaluation Team Completed 07-08
of FLC and make Articulated understandings of the Consultants Evaluation model evaluation
recommendations for program Evaluation team Data collection and
improvement analysis
Successful integration of NCTV NHS productions televised Administration Showings related to 07-08
into NHS NHS programs, events, Video faculty None NHS recorded
happenings, televised Faculty
Limited safety and security NCTV STAFF
incidents

Continue Crisis Planning Establish off-site evacuation Assistant None Plan completed and 07-08
plans Principals written
Continued collaboration with fire Crisis Team
and police depts.

Revise Student Handbook A user friendly, positive and Administration None Presentation to 6/08
informative handbook School Committee
Continue working towards Multi cultural conversations, Administration Professional 08 student survey 6/08
becoming a multi cultural school experiences, and materials Faculty Development funds
expanded Student Leaders
Increased number of people of
color on staff
Reduce percentage of student
perceptions of “disrespect among
students” on NHS survey from
21% to 10%

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