Lansing Public Schools

Freedom Writers
Robbin, J.W. Sexton High School

The Priority Need:
According to 2004-2005 ninth grade MEAP scores, ninth grade students failed to meet proficiency in English and Language Arts.

The Project:
Writing workshops or “Jam Sessions” will be offered to those who scored below proficiency in the reading and writing sections of the MEAP. Student’s work will be displayed quarterly. Area community leaders, college students and area authors will serve as guest speakers and writing mentors. They will also be a part of the Writing Committee, a group of principals, parents, mentors and faculty members who will offer assistance and guidance to students. At the end of the year students will receive a writing portfolio, showcasing their work for the entire year.

Anticipated Results:
By January 2010 there will be at least a 20% increase in the number of students that meet proficiency in English and Language Arts. By 2014 there will be a 50% increase in proficiency by all ninth graders.

Calbery Writing Program
Jill Lawler, C.W. Otto Middle School

The Priority Need:
According to the MEAP results for fall 2006, 78% of eight grade male students scored below proficiency levels two and one in writing skills.

The Project:
All sixth grade students will participate in the Calbery Writing Program as a grade level requirement. This program is being expanded to the 6th grade and will be incorporated into the ELA curriculum. In addition, five meetings will be planned for parents to learn about writing/reading expectations and curriculum development explaining the Calbery program. These meetings will also provide resources for parents to use to encourage/support their child in reading and writing. After and during school workshops will be available for sixth grade students for writing, journaling and illustration.

By the 2008-2009 school year the Calbery Writing Program will expand to include all seventh grade students as a grade level requirement, as well as sixth graders.

Anticipated Results:
To increase parent understanding of Michigan Department of Education Grade Level Expectations and what their student needs to know at the end of the sixth grade experience.

To implement the Six Traits of Writing in all school subjects.

To increase writing and reading scores of eight grade students by 20%.

ELA-Vocabulary Team
Queen Darlene Rhodes, Eastern High School

The Priority Need:
Eastern High School SIP data indicates overall reading proficiency is below the state average by 57%.

The Project:
Students below reading proficiency will participate in a book club where used books will be available to all students. A vocabulary team will meet once a month in the library to read to children. Local celebrities will be contacted to come in and read to students twice a year to promote the cause.

Anticipated Results:
Within two years there will be a 25% increase in the number of students reading at a proficient level in order to reach 77% proficiency by 2010.

The Write Guys
Lisa Saltman, Pattengill Middle School

The Priority Need:
According to 2006-2007 MEAP scores, 34% of eight grade boys scored in the top two levels of the MEAP English Language Arts Writing subtest. This is a 16% decrease from the 50% who scored in the top two levels of the MEAP writing subtest in 2005-2006.

The Project:
The male students who did not perform well in the English Language Arts Writing subtest of the MEAP will be identified and they, as well as their parent(s)/guardians, will be invited to participate in “The Write Guys,” which will provide opportunities for students to write “with passion” about subjects that interest them. This will also allow parents the chance to participate in writing focused activities with their student. The program will sustain itself through the help of volunteers, teachers and parents. This after school writing program will be aligned with classroom curriculum and core content, while allowing students more freedom regarding the topic.

Anticipated Results:
By targeting sixth grade boys and offering them additional support in English and Language Arts by the time they take the MEAP their eight grade year they will score within the top two levels of the English Language Arts subtest.

Riddle (W)Rites
Mike and Trinisha Smith, Vivian Riddle Elementary School

The Priority Need:
According to 2006 MEAP data, 62% of third grade and 71% of fourth grade students did not meet writing standards. In addition, 2006 MEAP data indicated that 54% of fifth grade students did not meet writing standards.

The Project:
Within one year information regarding the Lansing School District Parent Resource Center will be available and distributed at all school functions involving parents.

By June 2008, the Lansing School District-Wide Interpreter will attend at least two Riddle parent functions to assist bilingual parents so parents will feel more welcome and comfortable knowing that language will not be a barrier at these functions.

By 2008-2009 the Riddle Book Fairs will include a family writing night with resources to promote writing at home.

By the 2008-2009 academic school year the Riddle Cultural Festival will include writing assignments about the student’s cultural history. Writing samples, which will include personal student interviews with parents and grandparents, will be displayed and booklets will be distributed at the Cultural Festival.

Anticipated Results:
By the 2008-2009 school year, MEAP writing scores for grades three, four and five will increase by 15% to reach level two on the writing portion of the MEAP.

Mathletics (Strengthening the Mind)
Sheila Taylor and Linda Lee-Williams, Waverly High School

The Priority Need:
According to the 03/21/2007 Waverly High School Freshman Core Curriculum Grade Report, 28% (49) of ninth grade students are failing math. The 49 students are the target group.

According to the MDOE, Michigan Merit Curriculum Requirements FAQ, students must successfully complete four credits of high school math. Failing freshman math puts the student’s ability to meet the new requirements at risk.

According to the United Health Foundation, Michigan is 27th in the nation for High School Graduation (71.5% incoming ninth graders). The target group falls within the 29.5% of the students who are likely to drop out of school.

The Project:
“Munch and Math” tutoring sessions will be held monthly to offer support to students struggling with math. Parents, peer tutors and teachers from Michigan State University and Lansing Community College will be invited to help students during this time. The Center for Mathematics Excellence Running Stat Program, powered by ALEKS, will be purchased to provide students with a self-paced interactive tool for their use at home and in the Waverly High School Computer Lab.

Anticipated Results:
Beginning in fall 2008, 30% (15) of the targeted group will be passing high school math and working toward completing the four credits needed to graduate.

Writing is Essential
Charna Wolfe, Sheridan Road Elementary

The Priority Need:
According to the fall 2006 school demographics report, 63% of fourth grade students at Sheridan Road Elementary School scored below proficiency in writing.

The Project:
By March 2008, all parents of fourth graders who are not writing at a proficient level will know their student’s writing level. Those students will also receive individualized writing instruction at school.

A book club will be established which will be open monthly. A writing committee will also be made to inform parents of writing requirements. A “Parent Writing Conference” will also be made and parents will be invited to participate. The conference will explain student writing results. Workshops will be provided so that parents can learn strategies that will encourage their student to write with proficiency.

Anticipated Results:
Beginning in 2009, the fourth grade MEAP writing scores will increase by 20%, working toward the goal of all students being proficient by 2014.

It’s in the Mail
Houa and Gaona Yang, Woodcreek Elementary School

The Priority Need:
According to 2006 MEAP scores, 47% of Woodcreek third, fourth and fifth graders, combined, did not meet writing standards.

The Project:
The “Woodcreek Postal Service” will be established by fall 2007. This simulated postal service program will motivate students to write and improve their writing skills, which should be reflected in the 2008 MEAP scores. Students will learn about and help develop the “Woodcreek Postal Service.” The Woodcreek Postal Committee will create a calendar of weekly theme writing topics for the school year. The Postal Service project has been added to the Woodcreek School Improvement Plan for the 2007-08 school year. A presentation will be made for parents to educate them on MEAP testing and scores. This will be included in fall orientation for parents. Parents will have a better understanding of the school’s MEAP performance as well as the performance of their child, as well as being better informed about resources available to assist their child in developing writing skills.

Anticipated Results:
By spring 2009, 63% of the combined third, fourth and fifth graders will meet the MEAP writing standards.

Math Counts
Heather Zaban, Pleasant View Magnet School

The Priority Need:
According to 2006 Pleasant View Elementary fifth grade mathematics’ MEAP scores, 40% of students scored below proficient.

According to MEAP scores, the fifth grade scores dropped by 26% from their fourth grade scores.

The Project:
A reward system for doing well in math will be implemented into fourth and fifth grade classrooms. Two students will be selected each month to choose a reward (educational math related items) based on improvement, homework scores and completing goals in the online “Study Island” program.

“Study Island” has been purchased to help students between grades two and eight. This program can be used at home or at school. Students cannot proceed in the game until a math concept is understood.

Anticipated Results:
Beginning in 2008, grade state assessment scores will increase at least 10% in mathematics to reach the goal of all students being proficient by 2014.