Although this strategic plan is a promise of what we will accomplish in the next five years, it already has widespread support and shared commitment. Bradford Elementary School is committed to providing an excellent education for the students of Bradford, Vermont.
In the year 2011, our classrooms exemplify a climate that fosters social and academic engagement, technological literacy, strong community involvement, and excellent student performance. School staff and administrators take pride in their ability to inform and respond to all invested school community members. Effective curriculum and facility planning, and the acknowledgment of both individual and school achievements reassures the community that the school is meeting the needs of the future. Our community takes great pride in the efforts of students and faculty.
1. Goal One: A positive environment for learning that fosters high student achievement will be established and maintained in all classrooms.
1.1.1. Teachers/students will be aware of each student's individual learning styles and how the class environment can be adapted to best facilitate differences in learning.
1.1.2. Independence will be achieved as the school culture instructs and expects students to work individually or in pairs or small group or with minimal adult facilitation
Objective 1.2. All students will demonstrate empathy, strong problem solving skills, impulse control, and the ability to manage anger appropriately.
1.2.1. A comprehensive, cohesive and consistent research-based program in support of this objective is identified, implemented throughout the school, and evaluated for its effectiveness.
1.2.2. Student behavior management protocols detailing staff expectations will be developed, implemented, and reviewed regularly.
Objective 1.3. All teachers will provide instructional opportunities that maximize student engagement.
1.3.1. Increased learner investment will be achieved by the use of academic choice throughout the curriculum.
1.3.2 Students' personal growth and accomplishment will be systematically acknowledged throughout BES.
1.3.3 Students need to be supported to track and communicate their own personal growth and accomplishment.
2. Goal Two: Students' academic performance improves continually, both individually and collectively.
Objective 2.1. Information from the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) assessments will be utilized to make program improvements in reading, writing, and mathematics.
2.1.2 BES School Improvement Team reviews NECAP assessment results on an annual basis and recommends program improvements through the BES action planning process.
2.1.3 School administrators will provide opportunities for professional development in support of needed modifications suggested by a review of the assessment data.
Objective 2.2. Each student will be evaluated on their achievement as articulated through the Vermont Framework of Standards, accompanying grade expectations, or other appropriate national standards.
2.2.1. Teachers develop learning objectives that are aligned with the student outcomes referenced in this objective.
2.2.2 Formative and summative classroom level assessments are developed based on those learning objectives.
2.2.3 School-wide, supervisory-union wide, and/or regional "local" assessments are developed and implemented to determine the degree to which students are making progress in concert with other students at their grade level.
2.2.4 BES School Improvement Team reviews "local" assessment results on an annual basis and recommends program improvements through the BES action planning process.
2.2.5 Standards-based assessment tools and protocols will be utilized whenever possible to enable students to identify their own levels of achievement, and to facilitate clear communication between teachers, students, and parents.
Objective 2.3. Teachers will modify their instructional practice based on the results of formative and summative assessments as appropriate.
2.3.1 School administrators will provide opportunities for professional development in support of needed modifications in instructional practice as suggested by a review of assessment data.
Objective 2.4. School will regularly communicate student's academic achievement levels to parents.
2.4.1 See strategies listed in Goal three of this strategic plan.
3. Goal Three: There is a clear communication system for all school community members that builds and maintains an information flow within and between the school community.
Objective 3.1 Establish an effective parent/teacher communication system to help promote a positive learning environment.
3.1.1 Parents will receive regular updates as to the nature of the education their child is receiving and their progress in meeting classroom expectations.
3.1.2 Administration will develop a set of protocols that guide staff members' response to parental inquiries and/or concerns (timeliness, approach, etc.).
Objective 3.2 Establish a functional student/parent/staff/administration /school board/community communication and notification system.
3.2.1 Technology will be utilized as a viable element of systemic communication / notification.
3.2.2 All stakeholders will have access to multiple ways to make inquiries into or provide feedback on school programs / policies / initiatives.
3.2.3 Administration will develop and distribute widely protocols for resolving questions and/or concerns from members of the school community.
Objective 3.3 Make assessment data accessible to both internal and external stakeholders.
3.3.1 BES website will link users to appropriate tools that will allow multiple stakeholders to view assessment data.
3.3.2 BES assessment data will be published widely in multiple forms as it becomes available throughout the year.
4. Goal Four: The facility will be maintained in accordance with best practices in physical plant management.
Objective 4.1 A preventative maintenance plan will be developed and implemented.
Objective 4.2 A long range strategic facilities plan will be developed and implemented.
4.2.1 The long range plan includes appropriate plans for Memorial Field and the Low St. John Forest.
Objective 4.3 Current technology infrastructure will be regularly evaluated and subsequently maintained in accordance with cutting edge innovation.
Objective 4.4 Centralization of physical plant maintenance services will be explored as necessary to ensure effective and efficient use of resources.