Preston High School

School Monitoring Report 2016-2017

[Distinguished – All / Accomplished – Most / Emerging – Some / Unsatisfactory – None]

Standard 1

Standard 1, Function A: Shared Beliefs & Values:

The staff works collaboratively around a set of shared educational beliefs & values & uses these to intentionally shape the school’s climate & culture.

Rating: / Evidence:
EMERGING /
  • Leadership Team & Departmental Focus Teams work to target areas that require growth.
  • Professional Development is focused on Strategic Plan Goals.
  • Monthly Mini-Meetings are held during planning time to communicate the plan goals with all stake holders
  • There is a shared mission, & common school goals (Strategic Plan Goals).
  • Departments meet regularly to discuss goals & actions.
  • Faculty Senate Focus Teams promote positive school culture (Clubs, I Heart PHS, Incentive Days.

Standard 1, Function B: High Expectations for All:

The staff establishes high expectations for self & student that are written, clearly communicated & readily observed in educational practice & personal behavior.

Rating: / Evidence:
ACCOMPLISHED /
  • Teachers hold high expectations through the use of a classroom syllabus & posted expectations in classrooms.
  • Teachers base lesson plans on instructional standards encouraging project-based learning, high level critical thinking skills, & differentiated instruction.
  • Lesson plan expectations are held county-side.
  • Teachers are involved in School to Work & High Schools That Work initiatives.
  • Students are encouraged to take dual credit & AP courses.
  • The Student Code of Conduct is upheld & enforced.
  • Staff participates in professional development based on strategic plan goals.
  • Students & parents receive a school handbook (communicated on school website).
  • School specific data is reviewed by staff & used to set standards for staff & students.
  • Teachers spend time outside of school date to plan & grade papers, to attend meetings, & to plan school-wide activities.
  • CTE classrooms have developed employee handbooks that clearly state expectations, course rules, & policies.
  • The English Department uses an established system of written goals for evaluating written work.

Standard 1, Function C: Safe, Orderly, & Engaging Environment:

The school environment is safe, well-managed, & clean & contributes to an engaging & inclusive atmosphere for learning.

Rating: / Evidence:
EMERGING /
  • The building is currently being repainted by custodial / maintenance staff.
  • Basic cleaning is done daily, & more intense cleaning is done during summer months.
  • Repairs are done but not always in a timely fashion.
  • Teachers monitor hallways during class changes.
  • There are established protocols for entry & exit to the building as well as well-established safety drills (ie. Fire, lock down, etc.)
  • Problems are handled quickly by administration & staff.
  • School Emergency Plan is practiced regularly & modified when needed.
  • Staff participate in briefings about safety drills to better understand procedure.
  • A Pro Officer & other law enforcement visit campus when available.

Standard 2

Standard 2, Function A: Principal Leadership:

The principal exhibits the professional knowledge, skills, & dispositions that reflect strong leadership, planning & problem-solving.

Rating: / Evidence:
ACCOMPLISHED /
  • Administration makes daily announcements stating expectations.
  • Leadership will get answers & solve problems upon request.
  • Progress is seen & consistent with actions to accomplish goals.
  • Administration meets regularly with staff to communicate expectations.
  • Leadership is willing to listen.
  • Leadership makes tough decisions daily that are needed & stands on decisions.
  • The school principal is visible in hallways, attends parent & student meetings, & exhibits good self control & is able to diffuse irate parents & students.
  • The school principal delegates various tasks & responsibilities.
  • Administration collectively is very well-experienced.
  • The school principal works well with the community.

Standard 2, Function B: School Teams & Councils:

The school teams & councils function effectively to advance the mission & goals of the school through leadership, planning, & problem-solving.

Rating: / Evidence:
EMERGING /
  • There is an active Leadership Team, LSIC, & Departmental Cohorts.
  • All required school teams meet as required.
  • All teams & departments focus on Strategic Plan Goals, School Vision, & School Mission.

Standard 2, Function C: Teacher Leadership:

Teachers assume responsibility for school & classroom improvement & are provided authentic opportunities & resources to lead & influence professional practice.

Rating: / Evidence:
EMERGING /
  • Administration, teachers, & counselors participated in a summer leadership academy to review school data & update Strategic Plan Goals.
  • Faculty Senate makes decisions regarding use of available funds.
  • Teachers are encouraged to get involved in various school processes.
  • Teachers are involved in professional development that supports the Strategic Plan Goals.
  • Clubs are organized by a teacher, & teachers serve as club advisors.
  • Teachers update instructional methods based on professional development.
  • Any teacher who is involved must work above & beyond school hours without compensation—many do.
  • Teachers modify instruction to meet student needs.
  • Teachers participate in the simulated workplace initiative.
  • Student achievement is discussed in quarterly department meetings.
  • Teachers must assume a great deal of responsibility outside of the work day in order to do their jobs well.
  • Many CTE placements allow students to work in authentic work environments.
  • JROTC provides authentic experience for students who are planning to serve in the military.
  • Attempts have been made to hold core cohort meetings across grade levels to create a more seamless transition from middle to high school.
  • An academic coach would be a great asset to Preston High School, but not available due to financial constraints.
  • Classroom teachers strive communicate creative lessons and to improve reading, writing, & math skills in students.

Standard 2, Function D: Student Leadership

Students are engaged in age-appropriate leadership opportunities that develop self-direction & a sense of responsibility for improving self, school, & community.

Rating: / Evidence:
ACCOMPLISHED /
  • Students have opportunity to develop leadership skills through participation in student government, clubs, and numerous extra-curricular programs in the arts and sports.
  • Students are members of the LSIC.
  • Many students participate in community activities through school-initiated activities.
  • There is an active National Honor Society.
  • Students participate in Simulated Work Place.
  • Students participate in JROTC.
  • Each class has officers to oversee class activities.
  • Students participate in regional, state, & national competitions through athletics, JROTC, & CTE courses.

Standard 3

Standard 3, Function A: Classroom Learning Environment:

Teachers create & manage an inviting classroom environment that is student-centered & fosters student reflection, intellectual inquiry, & self-direction.

Rating: / Evidence:
EMERGING /
  • Lessons allow students to be interactive through the use of SmartBoards & multiple computer labs.
  • Student work is displayed in classrooms & hallways.
  • Teachers use IPI results to increase the level of student engagement in appropriate content lessons.
  • Students are encouraged to work at higher level cognitive domains through labs, collaborative activities, student presentations, etc.
  • Many teachers challenge students to explore new phenomena in learning.
  • Clear objectives for coursework help students engage individually.
  • Links allows for reteach, enrichment, & common learning themes.
  • A wide variety of learning styles & methods exist through CTE coursework, fine arts, science, and also through field trips and presentations, portfolio, and resume activities in English.
  • Teachers have painted their own classrooms to improve the learning environment.

Standard 3, Function B: Standards-Focused Curriculum:

Teachers implement a standards-focused curriculum aligned with the Career & College Readiness Standards & the Next Generation Learning Skills & Technology Tools.

Rating: / Evidence:
EMERGING /
  • Lesson plans standards have been set county-wide.
  • Lesson plans are reviewed quarterly by administration through the walk-through process.
  • Lessons are aligned with CCRS & NXG standards.
  • Technology is integrated in all academic disciplines, and more professional development in technology would be helpful.
  • The TIS is active in the school but also could be utilized differently for more enhanced classroom learning.
  • School job fairs, college fairs, & various college trips are provided to students through guidance & faculty.
  • Students have opportunity to take dual credit courses & AP courses.

Standard 3, Function C: Instructional Planning:

Teachers design long & short term instructional plans for guiding student mastery of the College & Career Readiness Standards based on the needs, interests, & performance levels of their students.

Rating: / Evidence:
EMERGING /
  • Lesson Plan expectations have been set county-wide.
  • Dual credit & AP courses are planned & offered to students.
  • Some teachers work collaboratively to design pacing guides with shared content.
  • Lesson plans are based on CCRS & NXG standards.
  • Some core content department teachers collaborate to create daily work as well as to develop long-term plans.
  • Lesson plans are reviewed by administration quarterly.
  • Teachers make use of teach-reteach to help ensure students are mastering the content.
  • Pre & post tests are administered throughout the year.
  • Teachers plan units of study and adjust them to accommodate student learning rates.
  • There is tutoring for ACT & other college readiness activities.

Standard 3, Section D: Instructional Delivery:

Teachers facilitate engaging instructional experiences that enhance individual student progress in mastery of the curriculum using multiple strategies, appropriate assessments, learning resources, digital tools, & processes aligned with instructional targets.

Rating: / Evidence:
EMERGING /
  • Programs such as Smart Exchange, Symbaloo, Read Aloud WV, & on-line math games are utilized in classrooms.
  • IPI data helps teachers review & revise instructional plans.
  • Technology is used in multiple classrooms; however, student log-in time in computer labs needs to be improved.
  • Various technologies are used including SMART boards, computers, tablets, laptops, & cell phones.
  • Emphasis is placed on core content & improving core instruction.
  • Teachers have on-going dialogue about expectations & ways to increase the variety of instructional strategies.
  • Problem-solving based on authentic life experiences are used as well as problem-solving activities based on student interests.
  • CTE, JROTC, fine arts and other departments incorporate hands-on skills during instruction.

Standard 4

Standard 4, Function A: Positive Relationships:

Positive relations exist between the school staff & the students, families, & the larger community.

Rating: / Evidence:
ACCOMPLISHED /
  • Connections to families & students are made through the LINKS program & through Live Grades.
  • There is a full-time community liaison assigned to PHS.
  • Staff, students, parents, & community members serve on the LSIC.
  • Freshman Orientation is held each fall & well attended; there is also a freshman week and freshman camp offered.
  • The journalism class partners with Preston County Journal to provide stories of school events.
  • Community support is evident through donations to various school activities.
  • Parent-Teacher conferences are held through open house and also available daily through Live Grades, email, written communications, or phone calls.
  • Incentive days are organized by staff to support positive relationships.
  • JROTC offers Service Learning Projects such as US flag disposal, & JROTC provides color guards to many community/school events.
  • There is a Preston High School Website which can be accessed through the PCS website which provides school information.
  • Faculty Senate has a Positive School Culture Team.
  • The PHS Guidance department provides financial aid workshops yearly.
  • The school makes use of School Messenger, local newspapers, & PSA on radio to provide information to the public about PHS.
  • Athletic events, fine arts performances, organization banquets are well-attended.
  • A mid-evil fair was held & hopes to become an annual event.
  • PHS students & staff participate in the annual Buckwheat Festival.

Standard 4, Function B: Student Personal Development:

The school staff attends to student physical, social-emotional & academic well-being through coordinated student support services for health, child nutrition, character education, guidance & counseling, special education, & English as a Second Language.

Rating: / Evidence:
ACCOMPLISHED /
  • Teachers serve as student advocate through the LINKS program.
  • Guidance counselors are very active in multiple ways with students, but the counselors need to be at PHS full-time to improve this service.
  • There is support for EST students who enter the county when needed.
  • There is a backpack food program, weekend meals for students who need them, & a homeless coordinator.
  • The child nutrition program is excelling.
  • There is a full-time nurse, and a full time nurse’s aid is needed.
  • All stakeholders are actively involved in IEP services for students in spite of the lack of certified SE staff at this time.
  • There is Project Isaac.
  • There is strong community support for donations to students & families for Christmas gifts.
  • Staff is encouraged to let administration know if any student seems to be in danger, physically or emotionally.
  • The SAT process is available & utilized to meet student needs.

Standard 4, Function C: Parent & Community Partnerships:

The school staff forms partnerships with various community agencies & organizations to enhance the ability to meet the needs of all students.

Rating: / Evidence:
EMERGING /
  • There are active booster groups for specific school programs.
  • A school liaison works with the community to employ students.
  • A “farm to table” program is in place for school lunches.
  • Partners in Education and annual donations from businesses exist (ie. Mylan donates annually to the Student Government Club).
  • Community organizations such as the Preston Prevention Partnership work with the school to provide an after prom party each year.
  • CTE has a strong advisory council.
  • PHS works closely with the Kingwood Volunteer Fire Department to coordinate school activities at the annual Preston County Buckwheat Festival.
  • Counselors and other school personnel work with DHHR and United Summit Center to provide services to students.
  • There is a guidance advisory council.
  • Local Lions Club, Rotary Club, & other organizations assist with Girls’ State & Boys’ State.
  • Local churches help with needy students at Christmas time.
  • The local Extension Service works well with PHS to provide educational opportunities for students.

Standard 5

Standard 5, Function A: Professional Development:

The staff engages in continuous learning opportunities for professional growth designed to improve school & classroom practice.

Rating: / Evidence:
ACCOMPLISHED /
  • Departmental meetings are held quarterly, but meet informally more frequently.
  • Teachers are encouraged to attend conferences in this area.
  • TLI, AFT summer school, and summer workshops are attended.
  • Professional development is on-going this year on rigor & cognitive levels based on Strategic Plan Goals.
  • Many teachers attend professional meetings.
  • Some professional development occurs through Faculty Senate.
  • Many teachers attend the PCS Summer Academy, take on-line classes for college credit, and acquire program certifications.
  • JROTC instructors meet all annual US Army continuing education requirements.
  • Some teachers attend the WVCPD Summer Learning Academy, RESA workshops, & annual WV state conferences in program areas.
  • There are AP workshops.
  • There are technology workshops with the school TIS.
  • Counselors attend the KIDSTRONG conference and the college success summit.

Standard 5, Function B: Teacher Collaboration:

The teachers participate in high functioning professional learning communities to collaborate on the improvement of student learning through the study of relevant data, problem, analysis, & the implementation of strategies that improve instructional practice.

Rating: / Evidence:
EMERGING /
  • Faculty Senate has Focus Groups.
  • The school Leadership Team meets regularly to review data & form goals to address the needs.
  • Some time is provided, but it is limited. Teachers are willing to meet within the school day as time is arranged; however, the down side is having to be away from classrooms & plan lessons for subs.
  • SE collaborative teachers have Friday meetings with core content teacher.
  • School data is reviewed and is used to determine areas where improvement is needed.
  • Test scores are analyzed & used to identify areas of strength & weakness.
  • A school hiring committee is active in the hiring of new staff.
  • IPI data is interesting but the data is not sufficiently addressed in problem-solving ways.
  • Two teachers serve on the school Literacy Team.
  • Some teachers are working on higher certification levels.
  • There are department meetings which focus on the delivery of core content instruction.
  • There are monthly mini-meetings during planning time to allow for cross-curricular communication on shared school concerns.
  • Meeting time must be carved out of the school day since the length of the school day does not allow for meeting time inclusive to the work day; therefore, there is never enough meeting time to do a good job with any initiative.

Standard 5, Function C: Evaluation, Feedback, & Support:

The staff participates in processes of evaluation that facilitate self-reflection & informs the process of professional growth.

Rating: / Evidence:
ACCOMPLISHED /
  • All teachers follow the requirements of WVDE Policy 5510 for staff evaluation, which includes writing self -reflections, teacher goals, & student goals.
  • Staff participated in providing information for the School Monitoring Report.
  • IPI data helps teachers evaluate the level of student engagement in the classroom.
  • Walk-through feedback gives teachers feedback for self improvement.
  • Administration does provide PHS staff with standardized test data.
  • More time is needed to meet with grade level teachers so time can be managed better & so the learning needs of struggling students can be better met.

Standard 6

Standard 6, Function A: Facilities:

Facilities are clean, well-maintained, safe & secure, aesthetically pleasing, & configured to meet the learning needs of the students.

Rating: / Evidence:
EMERGING /
  • Some classrooms moved due to the reorganization of the 9th grade wing.
  • Improvement of the facility is a work in progress – classrooms are swept & garbage is removed daily.
  • Some classrooms have been newly painted which helps with cleanliness; however, the bathrooms need attention (locks on doors) and the gym bleachers need a thorough cleaning.
  • Building appears safe over-all; a security system is used for entry of non staff & students.
  • There are no phones in some areas of the building, but almost all classrooms now have phones directly to a teacher.
  • The HVAC system does not work properly, and there are still leaks in the ceiling.
  • Some classes have painted murals in areas of the school which have helped enhance the appearance of school.
  • Some outside doors need replaced and the PA system needs upgraded.
  • Safety drills do occur (ie. Fire drills, lock downs, etc.)
  • Consistent school temperature is an issue.
  • The custodians do a very commendable job due to the time and budget constraints that they face.
  • Students do seem to be treating the building with more respect than has been exhibited in the past.

Standard 6, Function B: Fiscal Resources: