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School Improvement Plan

What is a School Improvement Plan?

A School Improvement Plan (SIP) is a strategic blueprint that schools use to enhance student learning and improve educational practices. It outlines specific goals for improvement, actions to achieve those goals, and methods for measuring progress.

Key Points of a SIP:

  • Goals: Clear objectives the school aims to achieve to enhance student outcomes.
  • Actions: Steps and strategies the school will implement to reach its goals, based on research and effective practices.
  • Monitoring: Regular review of progress with adjustments made to ensure the school stays on track toward its improvement objectives.
     

The purpose of a SIP is to provide a clear roadmap for schools to improve educational outcomes for all students, particularly focusing on eliminating disparities and ensuring equitable opportunities for every student.

Every school in Washington State is required to have a School Improvement Plan.

Visit the Issaquah School District SIP website to learn more about SIPs.

District - School Improvement Plans

 

front of Cascade Ridge

Cascade Ridge Elementary School Improvement Plan

2024-2026

Strengths, Challenges, & Opportunities

Root Cause and Contributing Factors of Disproportionality

ISD recognizes that not all students benefit equally or achieve equitably within our district. Our outcome measures such as graduation rate, proficiency on assessments, and grades indicate that we are not achieving equitable results for students in identified ethnic and racial groups, students who are experiencing economic hardships, and students with disabilities. 

ISD is committed to disrupting patterns that result in inequitable outcomes. Global (across time and place) and local factors contribute to inequitable outcomes in our District, including the following: 

  • Institutional racism and ableism 
  • Impacts of economic hardship, including mobility or discontinuity of education 
  • Impacts of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)  
  • Lack of consistent access to preventative and responsive services when experiencing ACEs 
  • Lack of consistent access to adequate supports designed to address basic and individual educational needs 
  • Lack of consistent access to high quality, inclusive, universally designed, and culturally responsive education 

Reflection & Theory of Action

Backed by Data

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timebound, Inclusive, Equity-focused goals aligned to the Academic Opportunities priority area of the ISD 3-year strategic plan, referencing data from the School Improvement Data Dashboard.

Data Workbook for Elementary School

Note:

  • The BIPOC Focus group includes students in the 4 federal race groups with ongoing disproportionate outcomes: Native American, African American, Hispanic, and Pacific Islander.
  • Students with Disabilities includes students with an Individual Education Plan, served in Special Services programs.
  • *OSPI has not released official attendance data as of the date of completion of this form, December 2024.

School-Based Action Plan

Programs and priorities listed below are being implemented, expanded or sustained during this 2-year SIP cycle at each of our elementary schools as part of the ISD Strategic Plan priorities and the establishment of Integrated Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS).  For this SIP cycle, schools will select 3 strategies, including the Implementation of Benchmark Advance Literacy, and at least one other from district-wide program or system listed, and describe their school’s implementation plan and strategies for monitoring impact. Be sure to relate actions plans to the 3 SIP goal areas.

Implementation of Benchmark Advance Literacy. Launch new literacy curriculum that integrates science of reading strategies with comprehension strategies for all students to engage in close reading of grade level text. ISD Priority 2a,c

Select 1-2 of the following to describe in further detail:

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Implementation of UDL as a framework of evidence-based, inclusive, and culturally responsive instructional practices for Tier 1. ISD Priority 2a

Tiered Teams. Implementation of a Tiered Team structure to examine integrated social-emotional and academic achievement data to adjust core instruction and/or intervention planning. ISD Priority 2b

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) / Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). Maintaining or enhancing school-wide systems of support and social emotional learning to increase belonging, well-being, and create the conditions for learning.   ISD Priority 1

Classroom-Based Intervention & Block Scheduling. Implementation of targeted supports, accommodations, and interventions (Tier 2) through classroom-based interventions, coordination of supplemental programs, in implementation of block scheduling. ISD Priority 2b

Inclusionary Practices. Collaboration and coordination of classroom teachers and special education staff to provide a comprehensive continuum of inclusive services within the least restrictive educational environment to ensure that all students reach their full potential.  ISD Priority 2b

Multilingual Learners support. With the understanding that the whole day is an inclusive language learning experience for all students, collaboration and coordination of classroom teachers and multilingual learner specialists to deliver language acquisition strategies, ensure multilingual students have access to all instruction and learning, in  a language intensive learning environment so that they achieve their full potential.  ISD Priority 2b

Action Implementation Impact: Evidence/Monitoring

Implementation of Benchmark Advance Literacy

Professional Development

  • Participate in ISD district training & TLS Wednesday professional development sessions
  • Connect with the school implementation specialist & administration team
  • Communicate with caregivers at curriculum night & conferences on resources to learn about Benchmark Advance
  • Offer support and guidance on how caregivers can support literacy at home
  • Regular review of feedback (administration and implementation specialist) to design professional development

Grade Level Teaming

  • Building grade level teams will engage in half day release to collaborate and plan with colleagues and implementation specialist
  • Grade level teams will engage in discussions about Benchmark assessment data
  • Collaborate with grade level team and specialists on how to support or extend learning based on student needs.

Integrity of Delivery

  • Use of implementation goals provided by Benchmark / Teaching & Learning Services
  • Collaborate in planning the literacy blocks
  • Incorporate UDL aligned strategies and strength-based outlook of student learning

Resources Allocation

  • Implementation specialist (district)
  • Dedicated staff meeting time for training & collaboration
  • Commitment of grade level team meeting time

 

Intended Impacts

  • Increase in reading decoding, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension
  • Increase in proficiency with grammar, writing structure, and effective communication of ideas in writing
  • Acceleration of achievement in key gap areas including phonics, overall reading, written expression

Key Data

  • i-Ready Phonics & Overall Reading
  • Achievement of stretch growth goals / accelerated growth for students scoring below standard in fall/prior spring.
  • Maintaining proficiency for students scoring at standard (level 3) in fall/prior spring.
  • Progress as monitored through embedded assessments:
    • Benchmark Performance Tasks
    • Benchmark week 2 assessments for each unit
    • Reading Foundational Skills Assessments and Title/LAP progress monitoring

 

 

 

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) / Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

School Wide Behavior Management & Reinforcement

  • Reinforce and reteach expectations of the Coyote Code – Be Safe, Be Kind, Do Your Job across school community with visual reminders and regular discussions
  • Classroom creation of a positive behavior system that aligns with the Coyote Code and school wide behavior expectations.
  • Acknowledge and reward positive behavior school wide by distributing Coyote Coins

Social Emotional Learning & Equity Focused Instruction

  • Implement Coyote Code expectations alongside Social Emotional Second Step Curriculum & Zones of Regulation lessons to create an equitable learning environment
  • Deliver weekly Social Emotional lessons to build emotional regulation and decision-making skills.
  • Collaboration with staff and school counselor to teach anti-bullying lessons.
  • Host Taproot Theatre for annual anti bullying assembly for all grades.

Reflection & Caregiver Engagement

  • Foster student reflection using Think it Over forms schoolwide when behavior expectations are not met.
  • Involve caregivers in supporting school-wide behavior expectations at home.
  • Review of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support at Site Council, PTSA General Membership meetings and Community Connection meetings
  • Promote inclusion and ensure every student feels valued through routine school wide communication

Intended Impacts

  • Foster equitable learning environment
  • Increased pro social and positive behaviors

Key Data

  • SWIS – Regular assessment of behavior data to inform instruction
  • SAEBRS
  • Caregiver PBIS Survey
  • Staff reflection

Building Equity Team

Implement School Wide Initiatives

  • Plan and carry out of a school-wide art project that highlights themes of diversity and belonging
  • Develop & integrate monthly lessons on key equity topics schoolwide (diversity for October, equal vs. equitable, circle of control)
  • Implement use of land acknowledgement resources across all grades

Community Engagement & Communication

  • Continue to host Community Connection meetings and Caregiver Panels to gather insights and engage caregivers in discussions around equity
  • Develop a plan to keep caregivers informed about equity work happening in school
  • Continue to broaden awareness and accommodations for religious observances and ensure students have alternate activities without impacting school experience

Reflect & Evaluate Diverse Resources

  • Continue to curate books and materials that represent diverse cultures and perspectives in classroom libraries
  • Regularly reflect as a staff on current building needs and adjust strategies to ensure consistent alignment with the needs of students, staff and the community.

Intended Impacts

  • Increased sense of belonging & community
  • Visual representation of school’s commitment to inclusion & belonging (art project)
  • Foster awareness of Indigenous history & culture

Key Data

  • SAEBRS
  • PBIS parent survey
  • SWIS

Additional School Improvement Plan Components

Family engagement

ISD Priority 4

Culturally Responsive Communication
  • Engage in information gathering at the beginning of the school year via caregiver survey
  • Engage in professional development monthly with Equity Team, focusing on communication strategies 
  • Utilize bilingual staff and district Family Liaison in caregiver meetings and connections.
  • Increase visibility at drop off and pick up by all staff 
  • Host yearly Community Learning Night 
  • Host regular Community Connection meetings (admin staff) in person for all caregivers and community

Intended Impacts

  • Increased caregiver engagement & trust
  • Stronger cultural awareness and cultural competency
  • Increased student success

Key Data

  • Surveys and feedback forms
  • Observation and informal feedback
  • Increase attendance at events

 

Technology Integration

Personalized Learning

Utilize district technology tools such as Seesaw, Book Creator, Microsoft tools, and Canva to present content in multiple ways and to allow students to demonstrate mastery using multiple means of expression. These adaptive learning platforms enable teachers to utilize Universal Design for Learning principles, which in turn help close gaps for students disproportionately impacted by one-size-fits-all instruction.

Access to Resources

Utilize technology tools to provide widespread access to learning materials, including standards-aligned online lessons via Zearn, Benchmark, Amplify or i-Ready. Students can access e-books via Learning Ally or Sora, or age-appropriate digital research databases such as PebbleGo or World Book Online. Access to these resources continues outside the school day, removing barriers for families and allowing students opportunities for additional review and practice of new skills and concepts.

Project Based & Creative Tools

Utilize multimedia creation tools (Seesaw, Book Creator, Canva, Microsoft tools), coding environments (BrainPop coding, code.org), and collaborative software (Microsoft Teams, Book Creator) to give students varied ways to express learning. These tools foster creativity and give students from diverse backgrounds more opportunities to succeed beyond traditional methods.

Intended Impacts

  • Increase student engagement in learning
  • Reduce barriers and provide access to learning

 

Key Data

  • Track data on learning platform/digital tool usage through Clever
  • I-Ready and Benchmark assessments to track the impact on student learning
  • Track academic outcomes for students who are using technology as a part of Tier 2 intervention

School Improvement Team & Procedure Information

Principal

Jennifer Sehlin

SIP Team Members

Michelle Moon – Dean of Students; Carla Geraci – School Counselor; Carrie Haines – Kindergarten Teacher; Jennifer Yamamoto – First Grade Teacher; Kari Perkin – Second Grade Teacher; Dana Shawver – Third Grade Teacher; Lynette Springborn – Fourth Grade Teacher; Kristin Page – Fifth Grade Teacher; Elizabeth Dragonjac – Science/Technology Magnet Fifth Grade Teacher; Zana Moore – Librarian; Megan Bernicchi – Implementation Specialist; Rowena Duane – Technology TOSA

Supervisor Review

11/10/24 Melinda Reynvaan

Site Council or PTSA Review

1/6/25

School Board Review

12/3/24