ROBERT A TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL Principal Michael C

ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL Principal: Michael C. Hazen Assistant to the Principal: David F. Demaree Our mission is to prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s challenges by developing students who think critically and take ownership of their own learning,

ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR 2013 -2014 Designated a letter grade of an Four Star School Status 2013 -2014 2011 -2012 “A” 2013 -2014 2011 -2012

ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR 2013 -2015 • • • Received Four Star School Status from the state of Indiana. Designated an “A” school by the Indiana Department of Education. Implemented a spring musical performed by the Taft Drama Club. The first phenomenal hit was “Schoolhouse Rock Jr. , Live. ” This year’s performance was a smashing rendition of “Annie Jr. ” Established a stakeholder committee to create more partnerships with parents and local businesses to participate in the decision-making process to better Robert A. Taft Middle School for our students. Placed 17 th in the state for Science Olympiad. Placed 21 st in the state for Academic Super Bowl. Raised funds for Taft’s PTA Scholarship Endowment Fund that increased the balance to over $47, 000 that is on deposit with the Crown Point Community Foundation. Three scholarships will be awarded to Taft students graduating from Crown Point High School. Named a “Miracle school” by Riley’s Children’s Hospital. Had an 8 th grade student qualify for the State Geography Bee during the 2013 -2014 school year. This year, we had a 6 th grade student also qualify for this event. Launched a “Student of the Month” program. Converted the Robotics club to a team and they began participating in regional competitions.

ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL REPORT CARDS 2012 2013 2014 A B A

ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL 2013 -2014 REPORT CARD Overall Student Performance • Taft students exceeded the 90% passing rate and 83. 5% state average for mathematics. • Taft students reached an 88% passing rate which is above the 81% state average for ELA.

ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL 2013 -2014 REPORT CARD Student Growth • Student growth did not affect our letter grade. • In mathematics, we missed the bonus target by 0. 8% for top 75% of students achieving high growth.

ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL ISTEP+ % PASSING TRENDS PASSING BOTH MATH & ELA 100% Percent Passing 95% 90% 85% 80% 75% Pass 2011 79% 2012 87% 2013 83% 2014 85%

ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL ISTEP+ % PASSING TRENDS MATHEMATICS 100% 90% 80% Percent Passing 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Pass+ Pass 2011 25% 60% 2012 34% 56% 2013 37% 51% 2014 40% 50%

ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL ISTEP+ % PASSING TRENDS LANGUAGE ARTS 100% 90% 80% Percent Passing 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Pass+ Pass 2011 22% 63% 2012 30% 59% 2013 28% 56% 2104 27% 60%

ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADE MATHEMATICS ISTEP+ RESULTS IN COMPARISON TO LEAGUE SCHOOLS 6 TH 95. 9% 100. 0% This ISTEP+ trend data for 6 th grade 90. 0% 82. 0% math shows that from 2010 -2014, 80. 0% the percentage of students passing 70. 0% the ISTEP+ math test gradually 60. 0% increases, and our percentage of 50. 0% students passing is comparable with 40. 0% our league schools. This information 30. 0% lets us know that we are hovering 20. 0% around the 90% pass rate for the 10. 0% past few years, and we have some 0. 0% 2010 area for improvement within our Robert A Taft MS 82. 0% league of schools. Colonel Wheeler Summit MS Zionsville Westfield Int/MS Avon Int W/MS N Kahler Liberty Int. /Chesterton MS Benjamin Franklin Schmucker 89. 2% 86. 8% 91. 6% 81. 6% 89. 5% 87. 4% 87. 5% 84. 3% 90. 2% 88. 1% 2011 88. 1% 93. 3% 82. 3% 93. 9% 94. 8% 84. 9% 80. 2% 93. 1% 89. 2% 89. 7% 2012 95. 9% 88. 6% 88. 2% 97. 4% 94. 5% 84. 2% 92. 4% 95. 5% 89. 4% 2013 90. 2% 94. 2% 93. 9% 95. 4% 92. 0% 95. 1% 87. 0% 89. 3% 90. 9% 91. 2% 92. 0% 2014 92. 0% 94. 4% 92. 5% 95. 3% 92. 3% 96. 7% 79. 7% 93. 4% 92. 9% 90. 3%

ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL 6 TH GRADE ELA ISTEP+ RESULTS IN COMPARISON TO LEAGUE SCHOOLS This ISTEP+ trend data for 6 th grade 100. 0% 93. 2% 90. 0% 84. 2% language arts shows that from 201080. 0% 2014, the percentage of students 70. 0% passing the ISTEP+ language arts test 60. 0% gradually increases, and our 50. 0% percentage of students passing is 40. 0% comparable with our league schools. 30. 0% This information lets us know that we 20. 0% are on average hovering a little below 10. 0% the 90% pass rate for the past few 0. 0% years, and we are towards the top of Robert A Taft MS our league of schools based on our Colonel Wheeler passing rate. Summit MS Zionsville Westfield Int/MS Avon Int W/MS N Kahler Liberty Int. /Chesterton MS Benjamin Franklin Schmucker 2010 84. 2% 84. 8% 87. 2% 89. 3% 84. 7% 75. 9% 83. 7% 72. 0% 91. 1% 84. 7% 86. 4% 2011 86. 4% 89. 7% 91. 3% 84. 3% 83. 8% 82. 2% 82. 4% 83. 6% 92. 8% 84. 9% 86. 1% 2012 93. 2% 87. 6% 84. 6% 93. 8% 89. 0% 87. 9% 79. 7% 84. 2% 93. 3% 88. 4% 2013 86. 1% 91. 2% 79. 6% 88. 0% 81. 8% 82. 8% 85. 3% 86. 7% 86. 8% 89. 9% 2014 89. 9% 91. 8% 85. 6% 86. 8% 87. 8% 88. 1% 77. 6% 84. 6% 89. 5% 85. 0%

ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADE MATHEMATICS ISTEP+ RESULTS IN COMPARISON TO LEAGUE SCHOOLS 7 TH This ISTEP+ trend data for 7 th grade math 100. 0% shows that from 2010 -2014, the percentage of students passing the ISTEP+ math test jumped from 82% in 2012 to above the 90% passing rate. When comparing the passing rates of Robert A. Taft Middle School’s students with our league schools’ students, our passing rate falls within the range of scores. This means that we are making improvements in this area and need to continue implementing strategies and best Robert A Taft MS practices that have proven successful with Colonel Wheeler our students. 90. 0% 83. 0% 90. 8% 91. 1% 89. 5% 82. 2% 80. 0% 70. 0% 60. 0% 50. 0% 40. 0% 30. 0% 20. 0% 10. 0% 2010 83. 0% 86. 8% Summit MS 84. 2% Zionsville West 88. 9% Westfield Int/MS 86. 9% Avon Int W/MS N 86. 3% Kahler 0. 817829457364341 Liberty Int. /Chesterton MS 84. 0% Benjamin Franklin 81. 1% Schmucker 82. 1% 2011 82. 2% 90. 7% 87. 9% 91. 2% 91. 8% 88. 2% 2012 2013 90. 8% 91. 1% 90. 5% 89. 4% 78. 7% 88. 9% 93. 5% 96. 2% 91. 1% 90. 6% 89. 4% 85. 8% 0. 806201550387597 0. 818181818 86. 4% 84. 4% 86. 5% 88. 1% 88. 7% 91. 9% 87. 2% 84. 3% 90. 5% 2014 89. 5% 91. 0% 91. 2% 94. 9% 93. 3% 87. 2% 0. 781 89. 3% 97. 4% 89. 1%

ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL 7 TH GRADE ELA ISTEP+ RESULTS IN COMPARISON TO LEAGUE SCHOOLS This ISTEP+ trend data for 7 th grade 100. 0% language arts shows that from 2010 -2014, the percentage of students passing the ISTEP+ language arts test shows a range from 85%-90%. When comparing the passing rate of Robert A. Taft Middle School students with our league schools’ students, our passing rates are comparable and have been towards the top for the past two years. This means that we are making improvements in this area and need to continue implementing Robert A Taft MS strategies and best practices that have Colonel Wheeler proven successful with our students. 95. 0% 90. 4% 88. 6% 90. 0% 85. 6% 85. 1% 85. 6% 85. 0% 80. 0% 75. 0% 2010 85. 6% 85. 7% Summit MS 86. 8% Zionsville West 82. 4% Westfield Int/MS 86. 9% Avon Int W/MS N 87. 1% Kahler 0. 83333333 Liberty Int. /Chesterton MS 79. 7% Benjamin Franklin 94. 3% Schmucker 84. 7% 2011 85. 1% 90. 3% 90. 2% 89. 3% 91. 1% 2012 2013 90. 4% 88. 6% 84. 6% 87. 8% 85. 2% 82. 6% 92. 4% 89. 7% 88. 4% 86. 8% 90. 0% 84. 9% 0. 863813229571984 0. 7916666667 83. 6% 81. 6% 83. 1% 93. 0% 93. 7% 88. 6% 91. 0% 89. 1% 87. 1% 2014 85. 6% 89. 1% 82. 8% 92. 0% 87. 4% 86. 4% 0. 789 84. 0% 82. 0% 90. 0%

ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADE MATHEMATICS ISTEP+ RESULTS IN COMPARISON TO LEAGUE SCHOOLS 8 TH 100. 0% This ISTEP+ trend data for 8 th grade math shows that from 2010 -2014, the percentage of students passing the ISTEP+ math test shows a fluctuation between 86% and 91% for the past five years. When comparing the passing rates of Robert A. Taft Middle School students with our league schools’ students, our passing rates fall within the range of all our league schools. This data tells us that we still have room to improve when compared to our league schools. 91. 0% 90. 0% 86. 3% 90. 0% 86. 8% 89. 8% 80. 0% 70. 0% 60. 0% 50. 0% 40. 0% 30. 0% 20. 0% 10. 0% Robert A Taft MS Colonel Wheeler Summit MS Zionsville Westfield Int/MS Avon Int W/MS N Kahler Liberty Int. /Chesterton MS Benjamin Franklin Schmucker 2010 91. 0% 84. 5% 93. 8% 86. 5% 87. 7% 84. 9% 81. 5% 87. 9% 83. 6% 2011 86. 3% 88. 6% 90. 5% 93. 8% 87. 4% 91. 4% 81. 3% 87. 9% 91. 8% 90. 7% 2012 90. 0% 92. 4% 89. 1% 95. 8% 91. 0% 94. 5% 83. 4% 78. 5% 89. 3% 94. 0% 2013 86. 8% 92. 9% 83. 9% 95. 5% 91. 1% 93. 9% 77. 5% 78. 9% 89. 9% 93. 6% 2014 89. 8% 88. 6% 85. 4% 95. 7% 91. 4% 94. 2% 81. 8% 87. 0% 92. 4% 90. 1%

ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL 8 TH GRADE ELA ISTEP+ RESULTS IN COMPARISON TO LEAGUE SCHOOLS This ISTEP+ trend data for 8 th grade 100. 0% language arts shows that from 2010 -2014, the percentage of students passing the ISTEP+ language arts test consistently hovers between 87%-89%, with the exception of 2011. When comparing the passing rates of Robert A. Taft Middle School students with our league schools’ students, we fall within the range of scores from our league schools and have been inching towards the top for the past two years. This means that we are making improvements in Robert A Taft MS this area and need to continue implementing Colonel Wheeler strategies and best practices that have Summit MS proven successful with our students. 90. 0% 87. 0% 83. 7% 89. 3% 88. 2% 88. 8% 80. 0% 70. 0% 60. 0% 50. 0% 40. 0% 30. 0% 20. 0% 10. 0% Zionsville Westfield Int/MS Avon Int W/MS N Kahler Liberty Int. /Chesterton MS Benjamin Franklin Schmucker 2010 87. 0% 83. 2% 88. 9% 90. 5% 86. 9% 79. 1% 84. 6% 80. 4% 90. 2% 84. 5% 2011 83. 7% 84. 6% 85. 6% 91. 1% 87. 0% 88. 9% 82. 1% 83. 0% 91. 7% 91. 4% 2012 89. 3% 85. 2% 84. 3% 93. 0% 86. 7% 89. 7% 79. 1% 73. 9% 91. 7% 88. 3% 2013 88. 2% 91. 0% 84. 6% 91. 5% 89. 9% 92. 5% 78. 3% 76. 5% 91. 1% 88. 8% 2014 88. 8% 88. 6% 78. 1% 91. 8% 88. 1% 84. 3% 79. 3% 84. 0% 90. 6% 84. 6%

ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL ACT EXPLORE RESULTS FOR 6 TH GRADE 16. 5 16 15. 5 15 2013 14. 5 2014 14 13. 5 13 English Math Reading Science (Benchmark 13)(Benchmark 17)(Benchmark 16)(Benchmark 18) Composite This data shows us that our students are performing above the benchmark in English whereas the students are performing below the benchmark in math, reading, and science. This was the students first year taking the ACT Explore test.

ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL ACT EXPLORE RESULTS FOR 7 TH GRADE 18 17. 5 17 16. 5 2013 16 2014 15. 5 15 14. 5 English Math Reading Science (Benchmark 13)(Benchmark 17)(Benchmark 16)(Benchmark 18) Composite This data shows us that by 7 th grade, students are making progress towards the benchmark scores. Students are exceeding the benchmark in English and math. However, students are still below the benchmark in reading and science.

ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL ACT EXPLORE RESULTS FOR 8 TH GRADE 2014 18. 6 18. 4 18. 2 18 17. 8 2014 17. 6 17. 4 17. 2 17 16. 8 English Math Reading Science (Benchmark 13)(Benchmark 17)(Benchmark 16)(Benchmark 18) Composite Last year, 2014, was the first year that 8 th grade students were administered the ACT Explore in the spring. Previously, this assessment had been given in November. The 2014 spring ACT administration has established baseline scores for subsequent test data. This data shows us that by 8 th grade, students are exceeding the benchmark in all areas.

ADVANCED STANDARD 3 Teaching and Assessing for Learning The schools’ curriculum, instructional design, and assessment practices guide and ensure teacher effectiveness and student learning.

INDICATOR 3. 1 The school’s curriculum provides equitable and challenging learning experiences that ensure all students have sufficient opportunities to develop learning, thinking, and life skills that lead to success at the next level.

INDICATOR 3. 1 EVIDENCE • Core Subjects Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies • Rt. I period for all grades • Encore Subjects Physical Education, Health, Family and Consumer Science, Engineering Technology, Exploring Music, Visual Arts, Explore Course • Electives Band, Choir, Orchestra

INDICATOR 3. 1 EVIDENCE CONTINUING Challenging High Ability Students • 6 th grade Honors Math covers 7 th grade standards for both current 6 th graders and qualifying elementary students. • 6 th grade Honors Language Arts covers 7 th grade standards for both current 6 th graders and qualifying elementary students. • 7 th grade Honors Math covers 8 th grade standards for current qualifying 6 th and 7 th students. • 8 th grade Honors Math covers Algebra standards for current qualifying 7 th and 8 th grade students. . • Several 8 th grade students have taken Honors Biology, English Honors 9, and Honors Geometry for credit through CPHS.

INDICATOR 3. 2 Curriculum, instruction, and assessment are monitored and adjusted systematically in response to data from multiple assessments of student learning and an examination of professional practice.

INDICATOR 3. 2 EVIDENCE • Multiple Assessments Informal, Formative, Summative, Acuity Readiness, Star Reading, Star Math, ISTEP+, ACT Explore • Common assessments complete in most courses • Emphasis is on using informal and formative assessments to guide instruction • Currently course building for CP 2. 0 Initiative

INDICATOR 3. 3 Teachers engage students in their learning through instructional strategies that ensure achievement of learning expectations.

INDICATOR 3. 3 EVIDENCE • Teachers write daily learning goals for each class • Technology utilized throughout the school • Teachers collaborate in departments horizontally and vertically to create scope and sequences that align with common learning goals and various common assessments.

INDICATOR 3. 4 School leaders monitor and support the improvement of instructional practices of teachers to ensure student success.

INDICATOR 3. 4 EVIDENCE • Marzano’s i. Observation evaluation system has been implemented • Multiple classroom observations and teacher conferences take place • Student achievement and student growth is paramount • Teacher effectiveness ratings have been implemented • 98% of teachers were rated as highly effective or effective based on the Marzano’s i. Observation evaluation system and school test scores

INDICATOR 3. 5 Teachers participate in collaborative learning communities to improve instruction and student learning.

INDICATOR 3. 5 EVIDENCE • • Academic team planning outside of school day Articulation activities and tasks Preparation of common assessments Focused professional development • Marzano’s i. Observation elements • Differentiated Instruction • Google Docs integration • Complex text • RTI • Writing in the Content Areas • Collaborative course building

INDICATOR 3. 6 Teachers implement the school’s instructional process in support of student learning.

INDICATOR 3. 6 EVIDENCE • Students are informed of both daily and longterm learning goals • Assessment data is used to inform instruction and curriculum decisions • Feedback is given students in a timely manner • Instruction is modified based on data analysis • Students are placed in the three RTI tiers based on data from various assessments

INDICATOR 3. 7 Mentoring, coaching, and induction programs support instructional improvement consistent with the school’s values and beliefs about teaching and learning.

INDICATOR 3. 7 EVIDENCE • New teachers participate in a corporation-wide induction program • New teachers are assigned mentors • Mentors meet on a regular basis with the principal • High expectations are communicated

INDICATOR 3. 8 The school engages families in meaningful ways in their children’s education and keeps them informed of their children’s learning progress.

INDICATOR 3. 8 • • Weekly school messenger voicemail School website Teacher/team websites Team emails and telephone conversations Parent portal on RDS system Quarterly newsletter Teacher homework message line Parent-teacher Conferences (implemented in 2014 -2015)

INDICATOR 3. 9 The school has a formal structure whereby each student is well known by at least one adult advocate in the school who supports that student’s educational experience.

INDICATOR 3. 9 EVIDENCE • Concept of academic teaming is in place to create schools within a school and smaller learning communities • Currently in the planning stages of implementing a student advocacy program because building appropriate student relationships is essential to students’ success.

INDICATOR 3. 10 Grading and reporting are based on clearly defined criteria that represent the attainment of content knowledge and skills and are consistent across grade levels and courses.

INDICATOR 3. 10 EVIDENCE • Common grading practices are being developed • Grade reporting is adequate

INDICATOR 3. 11 All staff members participate in a continuous program of professional development.

INDICATOR 3. 11 EVIDENCE • Professional development sessions offered for teachers based on School Improvement Goals and Advanc. ED • Marzano’s i. Observation elements • Differentiated Instruction • Google Docs integration • Complex text • RTI • Writing in the Content Areas • Articulation opportunities • Department meetings • Leadership meetings • Faculty meetings

INDICATOR 3. 12 The school provides and coordinates learning support services to meet the unique needs of students.

INDICATOR 3. 12 EVIDENCE • Students are offered support services through Guidance Department services, PBIS (positive behavior intervention systems), ELL, and Exceptional Learner services.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE Robert A. Taft Middle School is building the foundation for college and career readiness.