Nazareth Area School District Goals and Objectives 2005

Nazareth Area School District Goals and Objectives 2005 -2006 Education in an Era of Accountability Victor D. Lesky, Ed. D. Superintendent of Schools

NASD Strategic Planning Goals • Goal 1 – To embed critical thinking, communication and problem solving throughout the standards-based written, taught, and tested curriculum. • Goal 2 – To utilize research-based instructional and assessment practices to ensure proficient levels of performance on standards for all students. • Goal 3 - To develop and enhance student character • Goal 4 - To utilize technology as an administrative and instructional tool.

NASD Strategic Planning Goals • Goal 5 - To involve and partner with parents, the community, and business on district initiatives, programs and planning. • Goal 6 – To employ a variety of communication tools and procedures to increase and expand communication within the district and broad educational community. • Goal 7 – To provide a quality educational program while maintaining fiscal responsibility

Superintendent’s Goals 2005 -2006 • Identify student progress by standard through the use of common assessments linked to grade level standards and benchmarks. (sp. 2. 0) – Analyze the data collected through common assessments. – Target instruction based on the information the data relays. – Report student progress to teachers, parents, and students through a standards-based progress report.

• Implement an Act 93 evaluation system that integrates the ISSLC administrative standards with performance in the Nazareth Area School District. (sp 1. 0) – Align current job descriptions with the six (6) ISSLIC Standards. – Define yearly goals with the ISSLC Standards – Construct position rubrics that identify basic, proficient, and distinguished performance levels. – Integrate the performance based evaluation system with the current PSBA salary matrix.

• Develop an Plan for the Nazareth Area School District to manage student population growth through 2010. (sp. 5. 0 – 7. 0) – Guide the PDE Plan Con process and the selfcertification requirements necessary for construction process. – Complete the educational specifications needed for the design of High School expansion and renovation, a 7 th and 8 th grade facility, a 4 -5 -6 grade intermediate center, and a K-3 primary school. – Relocate and guide the planning process for the construction of a new maintenance facility, a high school expansion project, a 7 th and 8 th grade middle school, a 4 -5 -6 grade intermediate school within a school, and K-3 primary center.

• Establish a process that will allow the NASD the efficient use of personnel in order that the students, parents, and Nazareth residents receive the best possible services for the taxpayers dollars spent. (sp. 5. 0 - 7. 0) • Restructure the NASD Building, Grounds, and Vehicles Department. • Plan for a meet and discuss to agree to working conditions between the NASD and the NASD Act 93 Management Group. • Plan for the negotiation of an agreement between the NASD and the NAEA Teachers Association. • Plan for the negotiation of an agreement between the NASD and the NAESP Support Personnel Union.

Curriculum & Instruction 2005 -2006 • • Update and further develop District and School Improvement Plans and Programs. (2. 0) Develop and document differentiated, datadetermined instructional practices on district curriculum documents (1. 1, 1. 2, 2. 1). Expand the NASD Assessment System to determine students’ achievement of the standards. (2. 4) Coordinate the preparation and piloting of Standard-based Pupil Progress Reports (2. 0)

Update and further develop District and School Improvement Plans and Programs. (2. 0) • Coordinate the updating of Improvement Plans. • Develop accountability procedures for academic intervention programs. • Examine the effectiveness of existing academic interventions. • Formalize consistent procedures for the collection and use of student performance data.

Develop and document differentiated, datadetermined instructional practices on district curriculum documents (1. 1, 1. 2, 2. 1). • Document strategies and activities on curriculum documents • Provide guidance on using data to design instruction. • Facilitate readiness and professional development to implement Differentiated Instruction.

Expand the NASD Assessment System Used to Determine Students’ Achievement. (2. 4) • Continue the phase-in of the Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) for Grade 2. • Facilitate development and administration of K-12 common assessments. • Enter data into the NASD student performance database (Performance Tracker). (4. 4) • Work with admin and staff in accessing and using performance data to impact instruction.

Coordinate the preparation and piloting of Standard-based Pupil Progress Reports (2. 0) • Prepare focused activities relating to SB reporting. • Implement the use of electronic grade books • Coordinate the development and use of SB report cards. • Coordinate related Continuing Professional Education.

Supervisor of Curriculum & Instruction 2005 -2006 • Facilitate Yearly Curriculum Review and Revision • Plan and Implement Professional Development to support District Curriculum and Instructional Initiatives • Update and further Develop District and School Improvement Plans and Programs • Work with Administration and Teachers on the Development and Implementation of Standards-Based Teaching, Assessing and Reporting

Facilitate Yearly Curriculum Review and Revision • Plan and implement a schedule for curriculum review and revision with a focus on instructional content and delivery for each grade level and each discipline • Facilitate curriculum review and revision meetings

Plan and Implement Professional Development to support District Curriculum and Instructional Initiatives • Provide information and professional development to District administrators • Plan and arrange for professional development for District teachers • Provide support to principals for supervision and evaluation • Train principals in the Lenses on Learning program

Update and further Develop District and School Improvement Plans and Programs • Work with building administrators on the collection, organization, and analysis of data relative to the effectiveness of school improvement plans; review and revise through and outcomes based process. • Work with building administrators and the technology department on the collection, organization, and analysis of student data collected through academic intervention programs for the purpose of examining the effectiveness of such programs.

Work with Administration and Teachers on the Development and Implementation of Standards-Based Teaching, Assessing and Reporting • Work with teachers to create and employ understandings and strategies to differentiate instruction according to student need. • Work with teachers and administrators on the reporting component of non-academic factors in standards-based assessing. • Work with teachers and administrators on the design and use of standards-based reporting tools.

Special Education 2005 -2006 • Increase the inclusionary practices at the high school to meet state guidelines of Least Restrictive Environment • Evaluate the effectiveness of the Emotional Support Program and make recommendations for improvement • Improve the use of technology for effective Special Education data management, recording, and reporting • Document the Special Education Program components, guidelines and effectiveness

Increase the inclusion practices at the High School to meet state guidelines of Least Restrictive Environment • Push in classes in Math and English utilizing a Special Education teacher and content teacher of record to provide direct instruction • Differentiated Instruction strategies to be taught to staff working with identified students • Social Studies and Science courses with included IEP students will be supported by Associate Teachers and Case Managers • An all year Math and English class for identified students taught using the team model

Evaluate the effectiveness of the Emotional Support Program and make recommendations for improvement • Evaluate cost and effectiveness of existing ES program and services • Consider changes/alternatives for improved services • Analyze cost and impact of changes/alternatives • Make a recommendation to the Superintendent and the Board • Prepare a timeline for implementation if/when a change is authorized

Improve the use of technology for effective Special Education data management, recording, and reporting • Increase the use of e. Goals School Information System • Update existing fields to comply with IDEA 2004 • Track district ER/IEP reports using the system • Provide staff development on revisions and new requirements • Initiate Special Education Department process for internal Child Accounting

Document the Special Education Program components, guidelines and effectiveness • Update components of Special Education programs • Review program effectiveness • Analyze program outcomes

Pupil Services 2005 -2006 • To implement an effective Gifted Education Program K 12 • To improve communication by writing and implementing procedures for the flow of information between each of the departments, school administrators, and the Pupil Services office • To examine, document and improve the services of each of the departments that fall under the PPS umbrella • To have the departments highlight their services and the responsibility of staff members in those services at building faculty meetings throughout the year.

To implement an effective Gifted Education Program K-12: • Construct a Task Force comprised of school board members, district administrators, teachers, and parents. • Obtain consultation from an individual with expertise in Gifted Education. • Evaluate service delivery plans. • Write a plan for service delivery for K through 12 th grades.

To improve communication by writing and implementing procedures for the flow of information between each of the departments, school administrators, and the Pupil Services office to include: • Monthly meeting minutes distributed to building principals. • Notification of 911 calls. • Notification of calls to the County for possible child abuse or suicide ideation. • Notification of parent complaints/compliments regarding appropriate provision of services.

To examine, document, and improve the services of School Psychologists, School Counselors, School Nurses, Gifted Education, English Speakers of Other Languages, Instructional Support Teams, and Student Assistance Programs through data collection and analysis. • To document the services provided by each department through use of consistently defined and collected data. • To move each department along at least one step in the development of department manuals to include, vision, description, components, standards, procedures, and forms.

To have the departments highlight their services and the responsibility of staff members in those services at building faculty meetings throughout the year. • School counselors to review the responsibilities of a mandated reporter. • School psychologists to review the value of detailed teacher input into the evaluation process. • School nurses to review the new BMI mandate and the field trip requirements. • Gifted teachers to review the need for differentiated instruction and teacher input into the GIEPs. • The ESOL teacher to review the needs of English Speakers of Other Languages in the regular education classes.

Instructional Technology 2005 -2006 1. Implement a grading tool that will enable teachers to track students’ formative progress on academic standards. 2. Provide a series of professional development workshops that align the district’s current technologies with differentiated instruction methodologies. 3. Create PA standards alignment documents for language arts and mathematics that link the academic standards to the district’s current technologies in an accessible format. 4. Integrate Performance Tracker and Compass Learning Odyssey so that teachers can use assessment data to provide differentiated instructional paths.

Instructional Technology 5. Incorporate local assessment data such as Math Minis and other common district benchmark assessments into Performance Tracker using Assessment Builder. 6. Improve communication to staff on technologies available to them via a quarterly newsletter. 7. Improve communication to staff, students, parents, and community members by creating an interactive web site with more dynamic content and intranet capabilities. 8. Work with the SASI Users Group to improve the accuracy and consistency of SASI data.

1. Implement a grading tool that will enable teachers to track students’ formative progress on academic standards. • Implementation meeting will be held in July. • Data rollover will be completed in August • High school staff will be trained during August inservice. • Elementary staff will be trained during their common planning time. • Middle school staff will be trained during team planning time.

2. Provide a series of professional development workshops that align the district’s current technologies with differentiated instruction methodologies. • District technology team will review current technologies such as Odyssey, Inspiration, United Streaming, etc. to identify those technologies which allow for differentiated instruction. • District technology team will provide workshops on these technologies which go beyond the mechanics of learning the application to how it can be used to differentiate instruction by content, process, product, or learning style.

3. Create PA standards alignment documents for language arts and mathematics that link the academic standards to the district’s current technologies in an accessible format. • The district technology team and teacher volunteers will identify district technologies that address mathematics and language arts standards. • Two teams, one for mathematics and one for language arts, will work on linking these technologies to the PA academic standards by embedding them into a hyperlinked Adobe pdf document of the appropriate standards document.

4. Integrate Performance Tracker and Compass Learning Odyssey so that teachers can use assessment data to provide differentiated instructional paths. • Work with Sharon Krall (Compass Learning Odyssey) and Jim Bangston (Performance Tracker) to assist with the integration of the two systems. • Provide workshops to staff demonstrating how the two systems can be used together to use assessment data from Performance Tracker in order to create differentiated learning paths in Odyssey in a seamless manner.

5. Incorporate local assessment data such as Math Minis and other common district benchmark assessments into Performance Tracker using Assessment Builder. • Work with reading specialists, math specialists, technology specialists, and the K-12 Academic Supervisor to identify district benchmark assessments that should be incorporated into Performance Tracker. • Use the Performance Tracker import specification tool or Assessment Builder to add local assessment data into Performance Tracker throughout the 2005 -06 school year.

6. Improve communication to staff on technologies available to them via a periodic newsletter. • Work with the district technology team, reading specialists, math specialists, and K-12 Academic Supervisor to gather articles regarding technology integration relevant to the district’s technology plan goals. • Publish a district technology newsletter periodically in both print and web formats throughout the 2005 -06 school year to communicate current information to staff.

7. Improve communication to staff, students, parents, & community members by creating an interactive web site with more dynamic content and intranet capabilities. • Assemble a group of administrators and technology specialists to outline the navigational structure of the redesigned district web site. • Migrate content from the district’s current site to the new site structure. • Provide training to district staff who will be updating the site periodically on how to use the content management system. • Create an intranet linked from the district site that provides staff with access to district office administrative and support files currently available only on the district Wide Area Network.

8. Work with the SASI Users Group to improve the accuracy and consistency of SASI data. • Provide regular meetings throughout the 2005 -06 school year to meet with the secretarial staff on SASI in order to create and communicate policies regarding data entry and maintaining data integrity in the system. • Improve communication about changes to the system using an email distribution list for the SASI User’s Group. • Work with the Educational Data Secretary to create a SASI guidelines document that outlines procedures for properly using fields and entering information. This document should be updated periodically throughout the year.

Nazareth Area Elementary Schools 2005 -2006 Goal #1: Use various common standards-based assessments to drive our instructional decisions. (S. P. 2. 0) Goal #2: Develop and field test a common standards-based elementary report card. (S. P. 6. 0)

Goal #1: Use various common standards-based assessments to drive our instructional decisions. (S. P. 2. 0) • Define common assessments in math, language arts, and science. • Collect and analyze assessment data to improve instructional practices through differentiation. • Use wireless technology to enhance differentiation.

Goal #2: Develop and field test a common standards-based elementary report card. (S. P. 6. 0) • MP 1 - Create common Report Card/Handbook/Guidelines with representatives from each elementary school • MP 2 – Each teacher field test Report Card with five students. Survey parents at conferences. Survey teachers following conferences. • MP 3 – Use results of survey and teacher feedback to revise and edit report card • MP 4 - Roll out revised report card to staff, parents, and educational community. Complete preparations for 06 -07 report card

Nazareth Area Middle School Goals SY 2005 -2006 • Continue to foster an environment conducive to students' academic achievement, social and emotional growth, and character development • Implement differentiated instructional strategies that are standards-based and linked to assessments • Continue to develop and expand the collection and use of data for decision-making • Prepare for standards-based reporting • Develop and implement an administrative transition plan

Continue to foster an environment conducive to students' academic achievement, social and emotional growth, and character development • Review, revise and update teaming practices

Implement differentiated instructional strategies that are standards-based and linked to assessments • Explore differentiated instructional strategies • Provide professional development • Identify, validate, and share existing differentiation practices

Prepare for standards-based reporting • • Explore models for standards-based reporting Examine grading practices Develop common definition of proficient Designate standards categories to be included on the report card • Investigate grading non-academic variables

Nazareth Area High School Goals SY 2005 -2006

Nazareth Area High School Goals 2005 -2006 • • Implement an inclusion program Continue focus on common assessments Implement use of Sapphire grading software Update and revise the building-level evacuation plan • Continue the Ambassador Program continue the Parent Advisory Committee

Implement an inclusion program • Provide support, materials, and training for regular and special education teachers and associates • Analyze data (grades) to evaluate academic success of included students • Conduct a survey of included and regualr education students.

Continue focus on common assessments • Continue to develop common assessments on all levels (On-Level course sequence) • Analyze and review data from common assessments

Implement use of Sapphire grading software • Train all teachers on the grading software • Implement grading software during semester two

Information Technology 2005 - 2006 • Install and upgrade the district-wide infrastructure. • Setup and install a district-wide IP based surveillance system. • Create a software database for the IT Work Order System. • Purchase and build a web server for Sapphire. • Continue the development of the SAN storage/optical imaging/CDC project

Install and upgrade of district-wide infrastructure. • Replace core equipment and 100 meg digital switches and routers with 1000 meg equipment and program equipment. • Convert district-wide bandwidth from 1. 5 – 3. 0 meg for commodity Internet. • Create a web server capable of migrating all five school websites from the existing Prolog location to an internal server. • Create and setup a conduit between Web Services manager and our existing site. • Create model for converting servers and services from Shafer Elementary to Admin (T 1, phone, proxy etc. ).

Setup and install a district-wide IP based surveillance system • Purchase, set-up and install equipment and software. • Implement the system starting with the High School/Admin complex. • Establish a protocol for monitoring and administrative guidelines for the use of information.

Create a software database for the IT Work Order System. • Set-up to allow users to enter the IT work order system and check the installation status of particular computer labs or groups • Set-up so that the user will select a school and room number and the display will show the active installations of software in that room

Business Administration 2005 -2006 1 Implement a process of compiling a list of capital project needs and how those needs will be funded. 2 Continue to Review and Improve the Budget Process 3 Review Act 24 of 2001 – The Occupation Assessment Tax Elimination Act 4 Implement GASB Statements #34, 40, and 45 5 Coordinate a Financial Plan for the New Capital Projects Program. 6 Implement a Centralized Inventory System 7 Review the Student Activity Funds 8 Central Duplicating and Copying (CDC)

Goal #1 Implement a process of compiling a list of capital project needs and how those needs will be funded. · Obtain a list of capital projects needs from all administrators (Sept. ). · Compile into one list, set priorities, and estimate costs (Oct. – Nov. ). · Determine how the projects will be funded – capital projects, capital reserve, or general fund (Oct. - Nov. ) · Submit the list to the Build. & Gr. Committee for review and approval (Dec. ). · Submit the list to the whole Board for review and approval (Jan. ). · Architect/Engineer starts the bid process (Feb. – March). · Start the projects (June).

Goal #2 Continue to Review and Improve the Budget Process. (S. P. 7. 0 ) · The Administration will set it’s Goals (Sept. – Oct. ) · Each Board Committee will set it’s Goals and Expectations. · The Board and Administration will have a Saturday retreat in November to discuss and finalize Board priorities and Goals. · Five-year trends on large expenditure items will be reviewed and analyzed in an effort to minimize these increases, if possible. Completion Date: June 2006

Goal #3 Review Act 24 of 2001 – The Occupation Assessment Tax Elimination Act (S. P. ) · Discuss the feasibility of implementing Act 24 with the Audit and Finance Committee and then the whole Board. · Hold a Public Hearing. · Send a Referendum Question to the County Board of Elections. · Compose an informational pamphlet and mail to all residents. · The residents vote whether or not the District will implement this Act. · If approved, move forward with the implementation of this Act. Completion Date: November 2005 or Ongoing

Goal #4 Implementation of the GASB Statements #34, 40, and 45 – The Governmental Accounting Standards Board is approving additional Statements so that Public School Districts’ Financial Statements are more aligned to the Financial Statements in Private Industry. (S. P. 7. 4) · GASB #34 makes sweeping changes in the method by which public schools report financial information. The most significant change is the presentation of a set of highly aggregated financial statements. · GASB #40 requires revising financial report note disclosures on cash and investments. · GASB #45 involves Other Post Employment Benefits and how they will be funded and reported on the financial statements. Completion Date: Ongoing

Goal #5 Coordinate a Financial Plan for the New Capital Projects Program. (S. P. ) · Work with the Superintendent, Architect/Engineer, Financial Advisors, Bond Counsel, Solicitor, and Board for the following: · Review and evaluate our financial needs for this program. · Review and evaluate the various financing options that are available. · Review and evaluate the investment options that are available. · in Monitor the cash flow needs and investments. Make sure we are compliance with the IRS regulations. Completion Date: September 2007

Goal #6 Implementation of a Centralized Inventory System · Set up software package and train appropriate staff. · Enter beginning balances and begin utilizing package for receipt and distribution of supplies. · Develop utilization reports to assist in the purchase of supplies. Completion Date: September 2005 and ongoing.

Goal #7 Review the Student Activity Funds · Review the current process for the Student Activity Funds. · Conduct a session in Fall 2005 with Administrators and Secretaries to discuss proper procedures and guidelines for Student Activities. · Make changes as necessary to ensure these funds are in compliance with State Regulations and Board Policy. · Conduct a random, periodic review of individual funds. · Address all audit concerns regarding the Student Activities. Completion Date: Ongoing

Goal #8 Central Duplicating and Copying (CDC) · Analyze the CDC productivity. · Evaluate the cost effectiveness and benefits of Centralized, Decentralized or a combination. · Develop a system that is cost effective and efficient. · Determine equipment needs and bid, as necessary. · Develop procedures for the new system and provide any necessary training. · Analyze and evaluate the management of documents. Completion Date: Ongoing

Human Resources/ Support Services/ Transportation 2005 -2006 • Increase Utilization of Transportation Software • Develop Employee Handbook for Human Resources • Update Infrastructure of Substitute Program

Increase Utilization of Transportation Software • Prepare via policies and secure mapping data for software application • Schedule and attend Map. Net training with key individuals • Edit routes through SY for accurate data • Prepare for bus mapping and routing for sy 0607.

Develop Employee Handbook for Human Resources • Create an electronic handbook/toolkit for HR application • Complete appropriate training and skill set for webpage creation and use • Develop electronic notification for communication of highlights and changes • Edit in real time.

Update Infrastructure of Substitute Program • Continue evaluation of software application for overall effectiveness of substitute program • Apply teacher feedback format and documentation

Buildings and Grounds 2005 -2006 • Coordinate District Security Communication • Update Facilities Systems and Processes

Coordinate District Security Communication • Develop key control policies and documentation • Streamline communication of access security with Administration • Create reference guide and training for fire panel, security alarm or surveillance responses.

Update Facilities Systems and Processes • Develop departmental plans/ schedule for routine responsibilities. • Communicate quarterly goals for proactive maintenance: • Utilize Intranet to involve and update Administrators.

Custodial Services Goals 2005 -2006 • Update Facilities Systems and Processes

Update Facilities Systems and Processes • Evaluate effectiveness of delineation of duties for custodial staff • Establish needs assessment for improved coordination, training, and teaming. • Prepare action plan for improvement.

Food Service 2005 -2006 • Implement Point of Sale at Bushkill Elementary and Lower Nazareth Elementary to complete district project. • Implement new HACCP-Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point regulations with regards to Food Safety & Sanitation. • Be a contributing member of the Wellness Committee to assist in developing the mandated Wellness Policy

Implement Point of Sale at Bushkill & Lower Nazareth Elementary Schools to complete district project. • Purchase equipment needed to complete point of sale project. • Inform parents of upcoming changes in the cafeteria for lunch purchases. • Train staff and begin use of Point of Sale- Tentatively-Bushkill- Mid October, Lower Nazareth- December.

Implement new HACCP regulations with regards to Food Safety and Sanitation. • Train Food Service staff with new regulations and documentations. • Monitor program for compliance.

Be a contributing member of the Wellness Committee to assist in developing a mandated Wellness Policy • Assist in selecting committee to develop Wellness Policy for implementation July 2006. • Provide model policies as samples. • Policies shall include items that relate to Physical Education, Nutritional Education, all food sold in the district-fundraisers, vending machines, school stores, concessions, and snack items in cafeterias.