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One of the partnerships that grew from this event was the addition of a "Joint Use" community walking track and strength-training stations. By working together to share facilities, schools and communities can achieve multiple benefits. In this case, an evening of family and community focus on fitness extended the use of the Helen Tyson Middle School campus and increased the availability for after-school exercise and family fitness.

Describe the most successful activity your school has initiated to strengthen ties to your community.

Helen Tyson Middle School hosts a Health and Fitness Family Night each year in which many community organizations participate. This event is an opportunity for students and their families to learn about local health, safety, and fitness organizations and initiatives. Attendees may visit informational booths, play games, try out fitness equipment, and learn more about health and fitness opportunities within the community. One of the partnerships that grew from this event was the addition of a "Joint Use" community walking track and strength-training stations. By working together to share facilities, schools and communities can achieve multiple benefits. In this case, an evening of family and community focus on fitness extended the use of the Helen Tyson Middle School campus and increased the availability for after-school exercise and family fitness. These activities improve school performance, connectivity, and community involvement.

What is the single most important factor in the success of your school that others could replicate?

The single most important factor in the success of Helen Tyson Middle School is the foundation of being a data driven school. The master schedule plays a pivotal role which includes double blocking of math and literacy, Professional Learning Communities (PLC's), advisor-advisee, and flexible scheduling. The continuous review of data and adjusting current systems leads to the development of individualized student instruction which strengthens achievement. Students take ownership of their learning and are held accountable to high expectations by reflecting on their achievement and progress. Using data, students identify areas of growth as it relates to the state assessment. This data is used to place students into interventions for literacy and math. Monthly common assessments are utilized within departments to calibrate instruction and monitor progress

Describe the program or initiative that has had the greatest positive effect on student achievement, including closing achievement or opportunity gaps, if applicable.

Helen Tyson Middle School (HTMS) embraces the motto of the Springdale School District: "Teach them All: Learning for All". The initiative that has had the greatest effect on student achievement at HTMS is the personalization of instruction to meet the needs of the whole child. The HTMS team provides individualization of instruction for students to reach achievement through academic, social, and emotional interventions. Data analysis has been the driving force to place students in an optimal learning environment. Data dashboards are utilized to identify student strength and areas of growth. The data-dashboards incorporate a variety of data sources that may include but are not limited to NWEA MAP scores, common assessment data, and state assessment data. The use of multiple sources of data allows the HTMS staff to have a specific focus when designing individual instructional improvement plans.

Explain how Title I funds are used to support your improvement efforts.

Strategic planning is a priority when focusing on the use of Title I funding. This planning requires the HTMS team to assess the supplemental needs regarding curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional development, and instructional supplies. Helen Tyson utilizes Title I funding to support and scaffold instruction with three instructional facilitators focusing on math and literacy. These instructional facilitators provide teachers with a "Student Centered Coaching Model" conducted through weekly PLC's. Current research and professional development has been instrumental in writing curriculum units and promoting the implementation of effective teaching strategies. Title I funding enabled HTMS to provide 21st century educational learning tools to supplement current instruction within the classrooms. The 21 CCLC Grant funds provide extended after school learning opportunities within a safe and engaging environment.

Identify the critical professional development activities you use to improve teaching and student learning.

Helen Tyson Middle School is an integral part of a district that provides targeted professional development opportunities to impact and support student learning. The most impactful professional development has been Gradual Release of Responsibility (GRR), Teacher Excellence and Support System (TESS), and the revision of pedagogy in order to meet Common Core State Standards. GRR has provided our staff the training needed to move classroom instruction from teacher-centered, whole-group delivery, to student-centered collaboration and independent practice. The Instructional Facilitators provide embedded training through professional learning communities (PLC's) and on-site support via classroom walkthroughs and promoting the use of professional development common language throughout the building.

Describe how data is used to improve student achievement and inform decision making.

Analyzing data is a key factor in determining a student's individual improvement plan. Helen Tyson Middle School collects data from several sources: Triand ( Benchmark), NWEA (MAP), Common Assessments (by department), formative assessments (by team), parent surveys (home/social), and teacher interviews/observations (classroom). The aim of data collection is to create and communicate a complete picture of the student in order to meet their individual needs and improve their school performance. Analysis of data is needed to determine course placements for individual students in order to provide support and interventions. Literacy interventions may include System 44, Read 180, Radical Readers; while Math interventions include Math Masters and Understanding Solutions to Math Concepts. Student achievement is bolstered by this electronic "open door" policy. Transparency and accurate communication with our stakeholders is the bedrock of using and assessing data.

• Category 2

  Selected in 2013

• Grades: 6 - 7
  School Setting: urban
  Town Population: 70
  Student Enrollment: 711
  Student Demographics:
  

  Black/African American: 3%
  White/Caucasian: 37%
  Hispanic: 49%
  Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 8%
  Asian: 2%
  Native American: 1%
  Other: 0%
  

  Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:15
  % Reduced Lunch: 72%
  % ELL Learners: 44%
  Founded: 1996
• PRINCIPAL:
  Susan Buchanan
• CONTACT:
  3304 South 40th Street
  Springdale, AR 72764
  479-750-8720
  sbuchanan@sdale.org