School Climate
Introduction and Current Focus
The Island schools have adopted social behavior plans: the Responsive Classroom in K-8; and the Ladder of Responsibility in 9-12. The comments of the professional staff indicate that these standards need to be more consistently implemented; and that the learning environment is not supporting the level of academic preparation the schools hope to achieve. Charter school initiatives that are succeeding in increasing student achievement levels have found that school climate, as evidenced by students’ class and engagement behaviors (for example, the items expressed in the S.L.A.N.T initiative: Sit Up, Listen, Ask Questions, Nod, Track the Speaker with your Eyes), is a key element to student performance, essential to student learning.
School Climate Goals
- To design and implement decisions that benefit student learning and the student experience.
Intended Outcomes
- The learning environment enhances academic preparation goals.
- Behavior standards are agreed to and implemented consistently by all staff.
- Annually, fewer students are reprimanded for disciplinary problems.
- All educators are impassioned and committed to performing and following the agreed upon standards.
Strategies
- Include compliance with behavior standards in performance evaluations, to ensure uniform and consistent implementation.
- Restructure use of Professional Staff, Support Staff, and Community Volunteers, so that Professional Staff is focused on teaching and others fulfill “non-teaching duties” currently handled by Professional Staff.
- Implement Student Governments in middle and high schools (i.e., a judicial board for students to implement Restorative Justice).
- Annual performance evaluations will be used to ensure accountability to this Strategic Plan, its Mission, Vision, and Goals.
- Marketing and hiring policies will reflect this Strategic Plan, its Mission, Vision, and Goals.
Future Directions (a.k.a. the Parking Lot)
- Develop integrated Community Service program 6-12.
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