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II/USP |
The Journey Began
The planning process for the Immediate Intervention/Underperforming School Program (II/USP) began in the 2000-2001 school year. The plan provided Arvin High School with the opportunity to study, analyze and discuss data pertaining to student academic achievement. Staff, student and parent opinions were gathered regarding school demographic factors that affect student achievement. During the process, the staff and planning committee identified five barriers to improvement in student achievement.
The Five Barriers
#1-Students Literacy Development
#2- Support and Training for Staff
#3-Student Behavior and Attendance
#4-Standards and Assessment
#5-Parent Involvement
The Journey Continues
Implementation of the II/USP Action Plan began in the fall of 2001. Several programs were put in place for the 2001-2002 school year:
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A formal school-wide Silent Sustained Reading (SSR) program
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Staff development focusing on literacy
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School-wide vocabulary development program
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Systematic reading instruction for freshmen
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An after-school reading program
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Alignment of state standards with curriculum and assessments.
And Continues...
In the fall of 2002-2003 school year, Arvin High received the High Priority Schools Grant (HPSG) in addition to II/USP. We hope to use the money to improve the programs we already have in place to help overcome our five original barriers.
This year, in addition to all the programs in place, more emphasis will be given to our English Language Learners (ELL) and the students who have not passed the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE).
And Continues...
A Professional Development Center (PDC) had been established with HPSG funds for AHS teachers, staff members and parents. This room will provide an area for staff development programs, grade level department meetings, and a reference library and work area to help develop materials for standards-based curriculum and instruction.
One side of the PDC houses eight high-end computers, two scanners, a laser printer, a color printer, a poster maker, a book binder, plus a laminator and copier. The other side of the PDC is a meeting area set up with a projection system, DVD player, VCR and a laptop for presentations. In addition, numerous teacher resources and materials are available.
AHS II/USP Plan (Word document)