Improvement Standards Report
Standard 1 Beliefs and Mission
The school communicates a vision, statement of beliefs, and mission that provide a focus for improving the performance of both the students and the school.
In fulfillment of this standard, the school:
1.1 Engages its stakeholders in a collaborative process
Copper Creek Elementary School formed a committee to develop the beliefs and mission of the school. The committee included administrators, faculty, support personnel, parents, and community members. A survey was conducted to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the school. Using the survey results, the committee developed a mission and vision for the school. Once the mission and vision statements were developed, a meeting was held to inform the stakeholders.
1.3 Uses its vision, mission, and beliefs as a guide to improving teaching and learning and the operation of the school
Using the mission and vision statements, a formal presentation was made to the public. The presentation informed all the stakeholders of the state requirements for the four core subject areas (reading, math, science, and social studies). Activities, being used to achieve goals, were presented. Evaluation systems were also discussed.
1.4 Ensures its vision, mission, and beliefs reflect current research and best practice
Fifty percent of the faculty at Copper Creek Elementary School have advanced degrees and all of the teachers are highly qualified as required by the No Child Left Behind Act. Teachers participate in professional development on an annual basis.
1.5 Reviews its vision, mission, and beliefs annually and revises them when appropriate
New goals are developed annually at Copper Creek Elementary School. The goals are developed using data from the Virginia Standards of Learning Assessment and the SASI (Student and Staff Information) Management System.
Standard 2 Governance and Leadership
The school and governing board promote the capacity of stakeholders to improve student
learning by providing appropriate leadership, governance, and organization
Governance
In fulfillment of this standard, the school operates under a governing board that:
2.1 Adopts policies and procedures that provide for effective operation of the school
Copper Creek Elementary and Russell County Schools adopt policies and procedures that provide for effective operation of the school by implementing school rules found in county handbooks and school handbooks. The rules were written to ensure student safety is a priority and that school is a safe and secure environment. The policies were adopted and placed in motion by administrators and the Russell County School Board. School resource officers are available to our school.
2.3 Permits the administrative team of the school to implement policies and procedures without interference.
Copper Creek Elementary and Russell County Schools permit the administrative team of the school to implement policies and procedures without interference. Most schools employ a principal, assistant principal and or administrative assistant. These administrators see that each school implements all county and state policies and procedures. The administrative team sees that all schools operate on a daily basis in order that all children are in a safe and effective environment.
Standard 2 Governance and Leadership
The school and governing board promote the capacity of stakeholders to improve student
learning by providing appropriate leadership, governance, and organization.
Leadership
In fulfillment of this standard, the leadership of the school:
2.4 Maintains a vision, mission, and direction that focus on student learning;
Copper Creek Elementary and Russell County Schools maintain a vision, mission, and direction that focus on student learning. This statement can be found in school handbooks and on our school website. The faculty and staff at Copper Creek Elementary have a definite plan for implementing individual goals for the school.
2.5 Ensures that the curriculum is enacted, supported, and assessed;
Copper Creek Elementary and Russell County Schools ensure that the curriculum is enacted, supported and assessed. The curriculum is enacted by use of county curriculum maps and pacing guides and following all resources available for the Standards of Learning. Administrative teams and central office personnel provide county in-service and professional development opportunities for all faculty and staff within the county to ensure that all personnel are highly qualified in their field of instruction. Formal assessments are given by the use of PALS, Flanagan Mott Tests for Higher Standards, and SOL testing.
2.8 Fosters ongoing professional development within the learning community
Copper Creek Elementary and Russell County Schools fosters ongoing professional development within the learning community. Teachers are all fully trained and professional development opportunities are given in all areas. All teachers receive training in technology as well as core curricular areas. Teachers are given opportunities to attend conferences and in-service workshops. Administrators are provided with professional development opportunities and conferences. Principal meetings are held each month by the superintendent. Principals then conduct meetings with their faculty and staff.
Standard 3 Curriculum
The school offers a research-based curriculum that supports best practices and clearly defines expectations for student learning.*
In fulfillment of this standard, the school:
3.1 Offers a curriculum that is based on clearly defined expectations for student learning;
In fulfillment of this standard, Copper Creek Elementary School and Russell County Schools offer a curriculum that is based on student learning by implementing the Standards of Learning in each grade level. Adopted textbooks are aligned with the SOL for each grade level.
3.3 Aligns the expectations for student learning with the various subject areas and grade levels
Copper Creek Elementary and Russell County Schools have used faculty members from each school to design pacing guides and curriculum maps that are fully aligned with the Standards of Learning in every subject area and grade level. These are used county wide.
3.5 Uses curriculum guides and support materials as a basis for implementing the curriculum
Copper Creek Elementary School and Russell County Schools use the Curriculum Guides and support materials as the basis for implementing the curriculums within the school systems. The guides are used as a foundation for lesson planning and monitoring of student and teacher progress.
3.7 Provides a balanced curriculum that is based on a knowledge of human growth and development and sound learning principles;
Copper Creek Elementary School and Russell County Schools provide a balanced curriculum that is based on knowledge of human growth and development and sound learning principles by using textbook series that are linked and continued in a developmental sequence as aligned with the county pacing and curriculum guides. Teachers and staff are continually using practices to see that every child is working at their developmental as well as instructional level.
3.11 Provides extra-curricular activities that are based on the beliefs and mission of the school and that meet the needs and interests of the students; and
Copper Creek Elementary School and Russell County Schools provide extracurricular activities that are based on the beliefs and mission of the school and meet the needs and interests of the students. Students are involved in youth programs for sports such as football, cheerleading, soccer, and basketball that are offered through coaching staffs within the county. These programs aid in promotion of health, fitness and wellness as well athletic competitions.
Standard 4 Instruction
The school employs instructional strategies and provides services that facilitate learning for all students.
In fulfillment of this standard, the school:
4.4 Allocates sufficient time for student learning and ensures that it is protected
The principal makes a master schedule at the beginning of each school year from which teachers make their individual schedules. The schedules are turned into the principal so that very little interruptions are made when activities are planned for the entire school. At times the schedules are adjusted to protect the instructional time.
4.9 Provides instructional technology, materials, and resources supportive of curriculum and instruction
Copper Creek Elementary School has been provided state-of-the art computers for our lab by the Russell County Technology Department. Several members of the faculty have written and received mini-grants for up-to-date networked software that assists students toward meeting and exceeding state standards. The grants were funded by Russell County business partners.
4.11 Provides a school year of at least 175 days during which students and teachers engage in teaching and learning activities
Copper Creek Elementary School follows the Russell County school calendar that has been approved by the school board which provides for 180 teaching days. Every possible effort is made to make-up any missed days due to snow or other emergencies.
Standard 5 Assessment and Evaluation
The school uses a comprehensive assessment system to monitor and evaluate student learning and to improve curriculum and instruction.
In fulfillment of this standard, the school:
5.2 Collects and disaggregates data continuously to monitor and evaluate student learning
Copper Creek Elementary and Russell County Schools collect and disaggregate data continuously to monitor and evaluate student learning. Test data is disaggregated to determine which areas show strengths and weaknesses to better prepare for instruction and student progress. Data from Flanagan / Mott tests in the fall are used for indicators to determine which strands of the SOL need more intense instruction. These are used as comparisons in the spring to evaluate student progress. SOL test data is used to show student progress in comparisons within the school division.
5.4 Uses data in making decisions for continuous improvement
Copper Creek and Russell County Schools use data in making decisions for continuous improvement within all schools. Curriculum maps and pacing guides are kept up to date with current textbooks.
5.6 Communicates assessment results in a timely manner to all stakeholders
Copper Creek Elementary and Russell County Schools communicate assessments results in a timely manner to all stakeholders. Students, parents and the community are informed of progress as soon as it is made available. These scores are sent home in student reports while the school results are published in local newspapers and on school, county, and state websites.
Standard 6 Resources
The school has sufficient human, financial, physical, and material resources to support its
vision, mission, and goals.
In fulfillment of this standard, the school:
6.3 Employs instructional personnel who have an earned bachelor’s degree that includes 12 semester hours of professional education (as part of, or in addition to the degree) from an institution recognized by a U.S. regional accrediting agency
The principal of Copper Creek Elementary School and a supervisor from the central office have had interviews with all instructional personnel. The teaching staff has been certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Education. A copy of each teacher’s certificate is on file at the school board office and at CCES. Every five years all teachers and administrators must go through a recertification process with the Virginia Department of Education.
6.10 Ensures that all personnel are allocated time and resources for professional development activities
All school personnel are kept well informed of upcoming professional development activities by faxes and e-mails from the Russell County central office staff. Teacher input on needed training is encouraged. Stipends are provided for teachers through grant funding on various professional development days.
6.24 Employs a currently accepted circulation system for materials
The Copper Creek Elementary School library was fully automated beginning with the 2006-2007 school year. The Russell County School Board purchased this new system which provides teachers with a fast paced way to look up and check-out materials. In addition, it allows the media specialists to monitor the circulation of library books.
Standard 7 Support Services for Student Learning
The school has a comprehensive program of guidance and other services that supports the
development and well-being of all students.
In fulfillment of this standard, the school:
7.1 Provides students guidance services that include, but are not limited to, counseling, appraisal, staff consulting, referral, and educational and career planning
The school counselor has a primary obligation and loyalty to the student, who is to be treated with respect as a unique individual, whether assisted individually or in a group setting. This obligation includes a concern with the total needs of the student (educational, vocational, personal, and social) and encourages the maximum growth and development of each counselee. The role of the school counselor is to implement a comprehensive program for all students that is a planned component of the school’s larger purpose and mission.
7.5 Facilitates securing the assistance of other agencies for students whose needs cannot be met by the school
For many service delivery methods, the school counselor works with others to support and enhance interventions and program activities for students, rather than directly interacting with them. System support includes coordination, community and advisory board work, public relations and community outreach, and program management. System support program elements emphasize the interconnectedness of systems that impact students’ lives. The school counselor serves as the liaison between the school and community agencies. As many students today are confronted with complex issues compounded by family, peer pressure, and developmental and societal situations, it is not practical for school counselors to be the sole provider for these students.
7.6 Maintains secure, accurate, and complete student record systems in accordance with state and federal law and regulations;
Registers students new to the school and orients them to school procedures and the school’s varied opportunities for learning;
Collects, maintains, and updates student records, both written and electronic, and protects their confidentiality;
Coordinates with the Special Education Department to properly identify students with disabilities and provide placement in the appropriate program.
Standard 8 Stakeholder Communications and Relationships
The school fosters effective communications and relationships with and among its stakeholders.
In fulfillment of this standard, the school:
8.1 Fosters partnerships through collaboration with community stakeholders to support student learning
In fulfillment of this standard, Copper Creek Elementary School and Russell County Schools foster partnerships through collaboration with community stakeholders to support student learning by writing mini-grants. These partnerships with local business and community organizations enable teachers and school sites to purchase materials, equipment, manipulatives, and library resources that would not be affordable. These materials are used in student learning and are aligned with the Standards of Learning.
8.2 Ensures clear and effective communications among and between all stakeholders
Copper Creek Elementary and Russell County Schools ensure clear communications among and between all stakeholders by using various methods of communication. Articles are published in the local newspaper about school events and achievements. Russell County Public Schools have a website which is linked to each area school and classrooms. Information about school is updated on a regular basis for all stakeholders as well as students and staff.
8.3 Solicits the knowledge and skills of parents to enhance the work of the school;
Copper Creek Elementary and Russell County Schools solicit the knowledge and skills of parents to enhance the work of the school by implementing volunteer programs and parent/ teacher organizations. Invitations are extended to the parents for programs and celebrations within the school. Parents are also actively involved in beautification projects for the school.
8.5 Communicates to all stakeholders the expectations for student learning and the results of school improvement efforts
Copper Creek Elementary and Russell County Schools communicate to all stakeholders the expectations for student learning and the results of school improvement efforts in a variety of ways. Student handbooks for individual schools and a county handbook are given to all students and parents to be signed. Teachers implement classroom expectations and rules through the use of discipline plans. Newsletters are used to inform parents of expectations for student learning. The county report card is used to record student progress.
Stakeholders are provided with information concerning the results of standardized tests. This information is published by grade level, individual schools, county, and state levels. Individual student reports are sent home to each parent. This information is provided to all stakeholders in the form of a report in print for students and parents. Articles are published in newspapers, and information is posted on all school, county, and state websites.
Standard 9 Citizenship
The school helps students develop civic, social, and personal responsibility.
In fulfillment of this standard, the school:
9.1 Fosters and maintains a safe and orderly environment that promotes honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, responsibility, citizenship, self-discipline, and respect
Copper Creek Elementary joined the Russell County School System in a character education program. The program promotes honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, responsibility, citizenship, self discipline, and respect. The Character Counts consisted of six pillars, which were introduced in guidance class and reinforced by the regular classroom teachers. Another county aligned program useful to Copper Creek is the Al’s Pals program. Teachers were trained by Cumberland Mountain Community Services to implement this program into their daily routine. This program helps children solve many of their own problems with limited adult assistance. Through the use of puppet directed lessons, even very small children begin to practice good character traits.
9.3 Communicates written guidelines for conduct to students, parents, and staff
Our school communicates written guidelines for conduct to students, parents, and staff. Students receive copies of the Russell County Schools Student Conduct Code. Parents are required to sign and return the forms to confirm they have been received. Teachers also send home a copy of their classroom discipline plans. Student handbooks are also made available to both parents and students. Guidelines for the staff are compiled in the Russell County Policy Manual. These guidelines are also posted on the Russell County website.
9.4 Monitors student attendance and conduct
Student attendance and conduct are monitored through a county networked program called SASI (Staff and Student Information). Daily records of absences and discipline are filed in SASI. Monthly reports are sent to the Central Office. The school also makes daily phone calls to parents whose children are absent. Students are required to bring written excuses when they return to school. Excessive absences are referred to a truancy officer.
Standard 10 Continuous Process of School Improvement
The school establishes, implements, and monitors a continuous process of improvement that focuses on student performance.
In fulfillment of this standard, the school:
10.1 Employs an active school improvement team composed of the administrative head, representative school staff, and community stakeholders
The school improvement team consists of the principal, administrative assistant, one classroom teacher and the media specialist to work with the central office staff. This group attends district meetings and reports back to the faculty, staff, and stakeholders.
10.4 Provides professional development for school personnel to help them implement school improvement plan
The Russell County School Board Office keeps schools informed of SACS workshops and conferences. School improvement team members are encouraged to attend these meetings and are given personnel development credit when they attend these meetings.
10.5 Monitors and demonstrates progress in meeting school improvement goals
Copper Creek Elementary School’s faculty, along with the Russell County Central Office staff, began working on the school improvement plan in the fall of 2003. Meetings were held quarterly to provide guidance for this process. The school website is used to share the mission statement, beliefs, and goals with the school community and stakeholders. Faculty members maintain their own individual web pages on the school website. New guidelines for a district-wide school improvement plan began in the spring of 2004.
Mission Statement Vision Statement Goals & Objectives
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