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What are the requirements for making AYP? |
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A school or LEA must meet all of the following in order to make AYP:
•Annual measurable objectives in reading and mathematics,
•Participation rates in reading and mathematics
•Additional academic indicators.
A school or LEA that does not make AYP for two consecutive years in the same component will be identified for school improvement. Components for AYP are reading (annual measurable objectives and participation rates), mathematics (annual measurable objectives and participation rates), and additional academic indicator.
More detailed information about AYP and components and methods used to calculate AYP are in the 2006 Interpretive Guide for State Accountability found at www.alsde.edu. (Click on Accountability Reporting, Select School Year, then Select Report.)
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What are School Improvement Specialists? |
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At the beginning of the 2005-06 school year local school systems identified for LEA Improvement and those with schools in Year 3 or more of School Improvement were required by the SDE to hire school improvement specialists. LEAs identified for improvement are required by NCLB to reserve funds for professional development and these funds may be applied to hiring these specialists, if appropriate. Regional School Improvement Coaches have supported LEA school improvement specialists through ongoing, comprehensive training and consistent communications about school improvement strategies. |
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How does the state Department of Education provide assistance to schools and districts identified as in improvement? |
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The state Department of Education’s Accountability Roundtable and State Support Team provides assistance to schools and districts identified as in improvement. Peer Mentors are assigned to schools in Year 3 or more improvement to build capacity in the areas of curriculum, instruction, management, and leadership. One Peer Mentor is assigned full time to no more than two schools not making AYP for 4 consecutive years.
Regional School Improvement Coaches work with local School Improvement Specialists to identify needs and provide needed services in districts not meeting AYP. RSICs work collaboratively with Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI) Principal coaches to support leadership at the school level. Principals of schools in improvement are invited to participate in the Alabama Leadership Academy, professional development for principals focused on assisting the principal in becoming a "leader of learners".
The Accountability Roundtable and Guidance Team provide guidance to the State Support Team, under the supervision of the Accountability Roundtable Oversight Committee.
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What are Peer Mentors? |
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Peer Mentors are master teachers from school systems across the state who are “on loan” to the state Department of Education for a period of one contract year. The role of the Peer Mentor is to provide concentrated instructional assistance to identified schools. Peer Mentors work in collaboration with SDE staff, under the direction of the School Improvement Leader. For additional information on this program contact Deann Stone, dstone@alsde.edu. |
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What are the responsibilities of a Peer Mentor? |
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A Peer Mentor’s primary goal is to creatively and assertively assist assigned schools. Responsibilities include the following: ul>
Model effective instructional strategies and practices
Assist school personnel in improving achievement
Assist school staff in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting school data and reports
Assist school staff in developing, implementing, and evaluating School Improvement Plans
Assist school staff in the most effective use of its resources
Facilitate the development and implementation of a school curriculum that aligns with the Alabama Courses of Study
Assess and assist teaching and learning in the classroom
Promote necessary school consensus for change
Help school staff identify and eliminate barriers to necessary change
Collaborate with school principal, faculty, and other assistance personnel from the LEA and/or SDE
Summarize and report progress to the SDE |
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What skills should a Peer Mentor possess? |
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Peer Mentor abilities should include, but not be limited to, knowledge and skills in the following areas:- Curriculum and instruction
- Assessment
- Classroom management and discipline
- Home-school relations
- Human relations
- Evaluation and research
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What are Regional School Improvement Coaches? |
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Additional support for local school systems is provided by Regional School Improvement Coaches who are part of the State Support Team system. A Regional School Improvement Coach is assigned to work in each of the state's eleven regional inservice regions. These coaches work with local school systems to build their capacity to support all schools, but especially those identified for improvement. |
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How are Regional School Improvement Coaches and Peer Mentors selected? |
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Exemplary teachers and administrators from local school systems are nominated by their superintendent to serve as RSICs or Peer Mentors. Individuals who are selected to serve as members of the State Support Team are, for the most part, employees of a local school system. The state Department of Education contracts with the school system for the services of the teacher/administrator. Retired persons and teachers not presently employed by a local school system or merit employees of the State Department of Education may be asked to serve as part of the State Support Team. Contracts are negotiated on a case-by-case basis. Individuals may apply for renewal of their positions with the State Support Team in the spring of each year. The State Department of Education will make appointments to the State Support Team after discussion with the Deputy Superintendent of Education, the Accountability Roundtable Oversight Committee, and the Coordinator of the Accountability Roundtable. Personnel are guaranteed only one year of service. If extenuating circumstances arise, an individual’s contract may be terminated prior to a year of service. For more information regarding the Accountability Roundtable and State Support Team, contact Deann Stone, dstone@alsde.edu. |
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