Strategies / Activities

Responsible Person(s)

2.1 The curricula for all academic courses are aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and curriculum revision is on-going.

Curriculum
Coordinator

2.2 Mid-Term and Final exams for all academic courses are developed using the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks standards and using an MCAS question format. The final exams are designed to fulfill the function of state mandated end-of-year exams for students with Educational Proficiency Plans.

Curriculum
Coordinator, Coordinator Data / Assessment

2.3 Educational Proficiency Plans for students who have not met MCAS requirements are written and distributed to teachers to move students toward “proficiency”.

Coordinator of Data / Assessment

2.4 The Program of Studies is reviewed annually to provide students with a wide range of academic courses which meet the standards for college admission and successful employment.

Principal,
Director of Guidance,
Curriculum Coordinator

2.5 Honors level courses have been introduced in English, Algebra, Geometry and Biology for students in grades 9 & 10. Honors courses in other core subject areas are planned.

Principal,
Director of Guidance,
Curriculum Coordinator

2.6 The Grade 9 Academy provides academic classes in the core subject areas for students during their vocational-technical week.

Curriculum Coordinator

2.7 The John Collins Writing program and Writing Across the Curriculum methodology are used to teach writing and composition skills to foster improvement in students’ success on state mandated assessments.

Curriculum Coordinator,
Teachers

2.8 Review of textbooks for alignment with state curriculum standards and for currency in content is done on an annual basis.

Teachers,
Curriculum Coordinator

2.9 Lesson plans are electronically submitted by every teacher on a bi-weekly basis and are reviewed by administration. A bank of lesson plans is maintained for all academic subject areas. Lesson plans are written based on curriculum framework standards.

Curriculum Coordinator,
Coordinator of Data / Assessment,
Teachers

2.10 Sample lesson plans based on curriculum framework standards are written by experienced teachers for use by new teachers in planning their lessons.

Curriculum Coordinator,
Teachers

2.11 Homework assignments are aligned with curriculum framework standards.

Teachers

2.12 Academic class assignments, homework, and test topics are available to students and parents electronically through the iparent system.

Teachers,
Network Manager

2.13 Students may become eligible to participate in Tech Prep and Dual Enrollment programs through articulation agreements with community colleges and technical post-secondary institutions. Students may receive college-level credits for work completed while in high school.

Guidance Director,
Tech Prep Coordinator

Strategies / Activities

Responsible Person(s)

3.1 Massachusetts Career and Vocational Technical Education frameworks are the basis for all curricula and instruction in all V-T areas. Framework strands include specific technical competency attainment, safety / health, employability skills, entrepreneurship, and technology skills.

V-T Coordinator,
Teachers

3.2 V-T programs are aligned with national and state industry standards and various licenses / certifications are available to students.

Teachers

3.3 Each V-T program has an advisory board made up of industry and business professionals who advise on curricula to be taught, new technology and equipment, and employability trends.

V-T Coordinator,
Teachers

3.4 Grade 9 students participate in a Freshmen Exploratory program which enables them to spend time in all V-T programs to increase career awareness and select their individual area of interest for grades 10, 11 & 12.

Principal,
V-T Coordinator,
Teachers

3.5 V-T teachers create lesson plans based on CVTE standards to prepare students for the Certificate of Occupational Proficiency (COP) exam.

V-T Coordinator,
Teachers

3.6 V-T teachers create mid-term and final exams and other assessments based on the CVTE standards which prepare students for the Certificate of Occupational Proficiency (COP) exam.

V-T Coordinator,
Coordinator Data/Assessment

3.7 Writing Across the Curriculum in V-T areas is carried out through weekly writing assignments from students’ English teachers to improve composition skills for the COP exam.

Curriculum Coordinator,
Teachers

3.8 Imbedded academics are taught through V-T portfolio projects which include an integration of English, math, science and history content and V-T instruction. Portfolios are an assessment requirement for students to obtain a Certificate of Occupational Proficiency.

Principal,
V-T Coordinator,
Teachers

3.9 OSHA safety training is provided to students and teachers on an on-going basis.

V-T Coordinator,
OSHA Safety Officer

3.10 All students create career plans with the assistance of their guidance counselors as required by the Perkins Grant Annual Program Plan.

Director of Guidance,
Counselors

3.11 Students in grades 11 & 12 are provided the opportunity to transition to employment settings through a Cooperative Education Program during their V-T weeks.

V-T Coordinator

3.12 Students participate in teacher-supervised community-based sites and on community projects as part of their V-T programs.

V-T Coordinator,

Teachers

3.13 All students are eligible for membership in the Skills USA organization and may qualify to compete in district, state and national competitions within their V-T areas.

Principal,
Skills USA Advisors,
Teachers

3.14 Students in non-traditional V-T areas based on gender are provided access to support groups to increase retention in their area of choice.

Guidance Director,
Counselors

3.15 All V-T programs are reviewed annually to determine whether they continue to meet labor market and community employment needs.

Superintendent,
Principal,
V-T Coordinator

Strategies / Activities

Responsible Person(s)

4.1 Criteria used for the teacher and staff hiring process includes the requirement that individuals are licensed / eligible to become licensed in their areas of teaching.

Superintendent,
Principal

4.2 A District/School Professional Development Plan has been created to establish the professional development activities and goals for teachers, support staff and administrators. The plan is reviewed annually.

Principal,
Curriculum Coordinator

4.3 Staff Development training is provided to all teachers, staff and administrators to improve teaching methods, to align curricula, to plan instruction, to prepare students for state-mandated assessments, and to prepare teachers for licensing/re-licensing in their fields.

Principal,
Curriculum Coordinator

4.4 Leadership training opportunities are provided to individuals who wish to pursue administrative and instructional leadership roles.

Superintendent,
Principal

4.5 New teachers participate in an Induction Program required by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education which includes a variety of orientation activities and professional development opportunities.

Curriculum Coordinator,
Principal

4.6 New teachers participate in a two-year mentoring program and are assigned experienced educational mentors. Mentors and new teachers meet on a regular basis to review progress.

Curriculum Coordinator,
Principal

4.7 All teachers and staff are evaluated according to state regulations to assess teaching performance, review professional goals and discuss individual professional development plans.

Principal,
Administrators

4.8 All administrators who conduct teacher and staff evaluations receive training in the evaluation process and review evaluations with the principal.

Principal

4.9 Cluster Chairpersons and Department Heads meet regularly with administrators to coordinate the implementation of school goals with their teaching staff members and to facilitate communication and information with teachers.

Coordinators,
Principal

Strategies / Activities

Responsible Person(s)

5.1 Continuous revision of school emergency response plans / procedures is done through meetings with emergency response personnel. Meetings with faculty and students to review procedures are held. Drills to practice procedure are conducted on a regular basis.

Principal,
Administrators

5.2 Teams of emergency responders have been established for the planning and implementation of safety protocols and meet regularly with the principal.

Principal

5.3 Parents / guardians are informed of emergency situations by way of a computerized phone message system.

Principal,
Network Manager

5.4 The school maintains a security staff and a school resource officer to help provide a safe school environment and to assist with student supervision.

Principal

5.5 The school’s disciplinary procedures are reviewed annually and the student handbook is revised with input from students, parents, teachers and administrators. The student handbook is aligned with school committee policies and state/federal laws and regulations.

Principal,
Assistant Principals

5.6 The school has established an OSHA safety team to monitor safety practices and make reports on incidents as needed.

Principal,
Facilities Manager

5.7 Student organizations and clubs are available to all students to enrich their educational experiences, create a sense of community citizenship, increase opportunities for peer interactions, and promote a sense of school spirit.

Principal,
Advisors

5.8 The school government advisor and class advisors provide opportunities for students to take part in leadership activities, fundraising activities and community service activities.

Principal,
Advisors

5.9 Student input is sought by advisors and the principal in planning school activities. Students’ views are able to be expressed through articles in the school newspaper, and through the student representatives to the school committee, the school site council and student government.

Principal

5.10 An interscholastic athletic program is available to all students who wish to participate in a full range of sports. The school maintains a “no cut” policy to encourage participation of students in the benefits of team sports and physical activity.

Principal,
Athletic Director

5.11 Support for all students is available through the Guidance Department with services including individual counseling, career planning, college planning and attendance monitoring.

Guidance Director,
Counselors

5.12 Student Study Team members meet regularly to discuss cases and develop plans for intervention and assistance for all students in need.

Principal

5.13 Educating students regarding respect for diversity, gender equity and multiculturalism is accomplished through activities sponsored by various clubs and organizations in the school. The school’s non-discrimination policies are followed in providing equal access for all.

Superintendent,
Principal,
Advisors