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All Title I funds are used to supplement the staff with as many content certified teachers as possible in the W. R. Castle School Wide Title I program. Mr. Cochran enlists these Title I funded teachers to serve as classroom teachers across all grade level bands, Primary - 6th grades. Since making this change in the use of Title I funds, W. R. has been one of the highest performing elementary schools in Kentucky, receiving distinguished ratings as well as numerous rewards.

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

Families have an array of opportunities each week as a way to stay involved in their child's learning. Programs sponsored by the school's Family Resource Center are always such success. Family Fun Reading Nights, festival, carnivals, open house nights, conference times, academic meets, sports events, school wide programs and projects are just a few examples of what's available. The school also has a strong PTO that works hard to provide resources for the school. The latest addition is the installment of a brand new playground that students are enjoying. The PTO also plays a big part in the preparation of the annual festivals. Parents are also represented through the WR Site Based Decision Making Council and the Advisory Council.

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

W. R. Castle Memorial Elementary is located right in the center of the small community of Wittensville, KY. As a matter of fact, the school is the "hub" of the community. Local churches and other groups have special ties to the school. The most successful activity that strengthens these community ties is that everyone knows they are welcome. An open invitation is continuous for all, which then opens up other doors of school and community pride. The relationship that has been established between school and community is so evident in the family nights, the annual school/community festivals, the fund raisers, the PTO, school programs and productions, as well as academics and athletics. You can drive through the community any evening and you will find a crowded parking and a school filled with parents, school staff and other community members working together to better the school/community. Currently, the area project is the installation of a beautiful new playground.

Describe your philosophy of school change or improvement.

As principal of W. R. Castle, I realize that a huge part of our success has come from our willingness to change. As teachers and school leaders have been trained in KY's Adaptation of the Charlotte Danielson Framework and the emphasis on creating and maintaining a positive school and classroom environment as well as setting high expectations of learning by all, we have set the stage for tremendous success. I realize that change is a must. Students change, their needs change and so should the delivery of instruction. Learning styles differ, levels of performance differ, so change should occur constantly to accommodate the differences. Technological advances also contribute to the need of steady change. Through the use of the internet and so many devices, we can offer our students so much more that a mere textbook can. Our teachers have been trained in an array of technological programs an several of our teachers have received technology grants to continue to improve instruction.

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

The first goal of W. R. Castle Memorial is to strive to be the very best school possible for every student enrolled giving them the highest quality education. Achievement goals can be met if students have been thoroughly taught. The school can continue on its path to success if students are given the best learning opportunities. The second goal is to make sure that there is always a clear open line of communication between students, parents, teachers and leaders. If there is a gap in communication it will eventually be reflected in student achievement and success. Teachers need to continue working together, and parents need to ask questions about what their child is learning. If these goals are met, then student achievement will occur naturally.

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 W. R. Castle is simple. It's everyone working working together with one common goal of very high success for each student enrolled in the school. Teachers and staff work tirelessly, days and nights and hours far exceeding their regular paid contract. Never have they asked for compensation of any kind for all of the extra things they do to give students the very best education possible. All faculty members get along extremely well with each other, They all sign up to work during the vast series of extra curricular events that occur throughout every week. They keep the lines of communication open. The learning environment and culture is very positive for all. There is a true culture of learning, with emphasis on learning and achievement. High expectations are conveyed to all, regardless of their current level of knowledge. Each student has room to continue growing.

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

Because of the large gap population of free and reduced lunch students, the initiative that has had the most impact on student achievement is the schools enrichment/intervention plan. Flexible grouping of students is very common as a way of ensuring student success. Groups can be as few as one student or as many as five. The school sees the importance of one-to-one assistance because in high poverty areas, it is known that not much attention is historically given to academics. Within the school's plan, students who are identified as needing Reading or Math interventions are assigned to specific teachers and individualized plans are designed detailing goals and strategies to aid in learning. The faculty works very close together to meet the needs of the students.

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

W. R. Castle Memorial Elementary is a school with a high level of poverty. Sixty seven percent of the student population qualifies for free/reduced lunch. The principal and the School Decision Making Council realizes the benefits for students are more plentiful by keeping the student/teacher ratio down, which allows more one on one work and discussion between teachers and students. All Title I funds are used to supplement the staff with as many content certified teachers as possible in the W. R. Castle School Wide Title I program. Mr. Cochran enlists these Title I funded teachers to serve as classroom teachers across all grade level bands, Primary - 6th grades. Since making this change in the use of Title I funds, W. R. has been one of the highest performing elementary schools in Kentucky, receiving distinguished ratings as well as numerous rewards.

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

In our school system, professional development is more than just a few summer trainings. PD goes all throughout the year, depending on the needs of our teachers. PD is provided in a variety of ways; from presentation style, to hands on, to on-line, to job embedded. We use trainers from national, state and local levels. In our school and district, we have teachers who serve as trainers in the areas of high quality classroom activities, common core Standards, Quality Questioning, Laying the Foundation, Literacy by Design, Formative/Summative Assessments, just to name a few. Local professional development is based on the needs of the school and its staff. For the past two years, our main focus for professional development has been on the Common Core Standards as well as Effective Instructional Strategies and the Danielson Framework, which KY has adopted as a major part of the Certified Evaluation System. This Framework provides a clear focus on Classroom Environment and Instruction.

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

Teachers, the principal, other school leaders, as well as the District Assessment Coordinator work together to analyze state assessment results. An in depth look is given to each student's scores by content area. We also compare those scores to students who typically score in the same range. Conversations take place concerning each students growth to determine if they are cognitively growing when compared within performance bands. We also list all students who are not reaching the achievement levels expected. A plan is established to assist each student. State assessments are not the only tests that are analyzed. Teachers look at results from all types of assessments, both formative and summative. The principal meets with teachers during their professional learning communities and they look at the progress they are making in closing the achievement gap and removing barriers to learning. If they see a strategy is effective, they continue with it. if not, they review and refine.

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

The climate and culture of W. R. Castle Memorial School is a cognitively vibrant environment, characterized by a shared belief by all in the importance of learning. Principal Jeff Cochran conveys high expectations for pride and learning and mutual respect to and from everyone. The school is characterized by learning for ALL students, despite any challenge or disability. Students at W.R. are hard workers who assume responsibility for high quality in their work products by focusing, making revisions, adding detail and working cooperatively with peers. In addition, school faculty and staff communicate a genuine passion for their school and the students that fill the rooms daily. Students have the freedom to ask questions or make comments to assist them in better understanding of the content. Over the past few years, the principal has worked diligently to instill all of the components of a warm, safe and inviting environment at his school, with "student success" as the main focus.

• Category 2

  Selected in 2014

• Grades: pre k - 6
  School Setting: rural
  Town Population: 5,300
  Student Enrollment: 359
  Student Demographics:
  

  Black/African American: 0.3%
  White/Caucasian: 99.4%
  Hispanic: 0.3%
  Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
  Asian: 0%
  Native American: 0%
  Other: 0%
  

  Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:18
  % Reduced Lunch: 74.9%
  % ELL Learners: 0%
  Founded: 1963
• PRINCIPAL:
  Jeff Cochran
• CONTACT:
  3936 U.S. 23 North
  Wittensville, KY 41274
  606-297-3738
  jeff.cochran@johnson.kyschools.us