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Our district vision is to be in the Top 25% of all schools in the state of Illinois and every decision we make is based on achieving that goal. As educators, we recognize that our students need to be actively involved in their own learning and that we must change the way we deliver instruction if students are to reach their greatest academic potential.

Describe specific programs in place to ensure that families are involved in the success of your school and students.

We have a Parent University program that offers educational workshops that focus on supporting student learning outside the classroom. Information regarding academic progress is communicated with parents after each formal assessment and resources are provided to assist parents in supporting their children with academics as well as their overall well-being. Health and Wellness is a strong community focus and families are invited to participate in activities that promote a healthy lifestyle. Families and community members are also involved in school assemblies and activities, including Walk to School Day, Veterans’ Day Assembly, Open House/Technology Showcase, Musical performances, and the Health Fair.

What are your school’s top two goals for the next year?

Focus on early intervention and best practices in reading to increase the number of students reading at grade level.

Improve the RTI process for identifying and documenting the progress of tier 2 and tier 3 students based on academic and behavioral data.

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

The Irving staff is committed to student success and we believe that all students can learn. Our teachers are exceptional! We set our expectations high and provide instruction that is differentiated to meet the needs of each individual learner. Our district vision is to be in the Top 25% of all schools in the state of Illinois and every decision we make is based on achieving that goal. As educators, we recognize that our students need to be actively involved in their own learning and that we must change the way we deliver instruction if students are to reach their greatest academic potential.

Describe the program or initiative that has had the greatest positive effect on student achievement.

We are in the first year of a 1 to 1 technology program that allows every kindergarten through 5th grade students access to a laptop or iPad at school and at home. We have rolled out this program over the last three years, ensuring that our staff received the training necessary to implement this program with great success. The technology allows our teachers to differentiate lessons based on the academic level of each student and to provide small group, targeted instruction. Learning for our students extends beyond the school day. Students are engaged in 21st Century learning that is meaningful and encourages independence and confidence in their own abilities. Software and digital access to core curricular programs allow students to set goals, pre-assess knowledge, prescribe instruction and practice, and provide formative feedback to the learner. Assessment of learning is continuous and the technology provides endless possibilities to demonstrate evidence of student learning.

Explain how Title I funds have supported your improvement efforts.

Title I funds support our improvement efforts through professional development for staff including training on levels of student engagement, co-teaching, common core standards, and technology. Academic support programs for students are provided after school and an additional reading specialist has been hired to increase early intervention and to support our goal of all students reading at grade level by third grade.

Identify the professional development activities you use to improve the teaching portion of the teaching and learning process.

Professional development focuses on the goal of "above the line teaching," based on the SAMR model to define the path of learning. Learning takes place collaboratively and a large portion of professional development is provided by our own in-house experts. Several staff members have received training through Apple Professional Development and have shared innovative teaching strategies with the rest of the staff. Our reading specialists provide regular instruction in best practices in teaching reading, specifically focusing on guided reading strategies and assessing student progress.

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

Students are formally assessed in reading and math four times a year beginning in kindergarten. Teachers review and discuss this data regularly and use it to target areas for improvement as well as to differentiate instruction for all students. Data is shared with students and they work with their teacher to set goals for learning that allow them to monitor their own progress. Teachers present data to their peers after each formal assessment and discuss areas of success as well as areas to target for improvement. Our School Improvement Plan is driven by student performance data and is often adjusted throughout the school year based on this data. Data meetings including administrators, teachers, and support staff are held regularly to identify tier 2 and tier 3 students and to determine appropriate RTI supports.

Describe your school culture and explain changes you’ve taken to improve it.

The students, staff, families, and community are all an important part of the Irving family. Through our PBIS program, we model and recognize students who demonstrate responsibility, respect, and a genuine caring for others. We have
co-taught classrooms at every grade level and students understand and respect differences. We have created an environment where students are allowed to explore their own interests and are motivated to learn though innovative, real-world classroom experiences. Every member of the Irving School community gives 100% each day and we inspire our students to do the same.

• Category 2

  Selected in 2012

• Grades: pre k - 5
  School Setting: suburban
  Town Population: 56,000
  Student Enrollment: 590
  Student Demographics:
  

  Black/African American: 4%
  White/Caucasian: 25%
  Hispanic: 68%
  Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
  Asian: 1%
  Native American: 0%
  Other: 2%
  

  Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:25
  % Reduced Lunch: 69%
  % ELL Learners: 18%
  Founded: 1893
• PRINCIPAL:
  Mary Havis
• CONTACT:
  3501 Clinton Ave
  Berwyn, IL 60402
  (708) 795-2334
  mhavis@bsd100.org