castle high school - warrick county school corporationcastle high school is located in ohio...

CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL

School Improvement Plan

2015 – 2016

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Castle High School School Improvement Plan

Prepared in Compliance with Indiana Public Law 221

This School Improvement Plan is submitted on behalf of Castle High School. It has been prepared under the direction of Mr. Doug Gresham, Principal of Castle High School, and with the cooperation of the School Improvement Committee. Appointed in compliance with Indiana Public Law 221, the School Improvement Committee consists of teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders. The plan is structured following the Indiana State Board of Education guidelines. Castle High School has always worked to provide for continuous improvement in student academic achievement. The plan serves as a guide for those efforts for the next three years beginning with the 2015-16 school year. This plan affirms Castle High School’s commitment and dedication to the process of improved student achievement in the coming years. A copy of this document can be found at all times in the office of the school principal and on Castle High School’s official website www.castlehs.com. I. INTRODUCTION

A. Narrative Description of the School, Community, and Educational Program Castle High School is located in Ohio Township, an area of southwestern Warrick County. The Castle school district is primarily a suburb of metropolitan Evansville and is composed of the smaller towns of Newburgh, Chandler, and Yankeetown. The school district consists of single-family homes, condominiums, and apartment complexes, as well as industrial parks, businesses, and large areas of farmland. Recent census data shows that Warrick County has the second fastest growth rate among all Indiana counties. Castle High School is a suburban school that serves a student population of 1,918. In the 2013-2014 academic year Castle obtained a 91.4% graduation rate. The building sits on a 106-acre campus located at 3344 Highway 261 in Newburgh. The facility has 72 classrooms, five biology labs, two chemistry labs, one physics lab, one agriculture suite, two large lecture rooms, a 790-seat auditorium, two gymnasiums, two elevators, a choir wing, a state-of-the-art instrumental music suite, a journalism room, an Olympic sized natatorium built in 2008, a large cafeteria, a community room and a library that houses approximately 15,000 volumes and 80 computer work stations. There are five other computer labs throughout the building that contain a total of 150 work stations. Additionally, there is an industrial technology wing that contains areas for the teaching of wood technology, metal technology, and automotive technology. There are three multi-purpose art rooms and six rooms utilized for special education students. Outdoor facilities consist of a 6,000-seat football stadium; lighted baseball, softball, and soccer fields; a 400-meter all-weather surfaced running track; and five lighted tennis courts. The professional staff consists of 93 teachers, three administrators, five full-time guidance counselors, one special education counselor/coordinator, two social workers, and two media specialists. The school is also served by a staff of three full-time secretaries and four part-time clerical aides, a school treasurer, a bookstore manager, a full-time athletic director, a school nurse, one part-time health aide, a computer technician, and 2 school resource officers. There are 21 program assistants, a staff of 13 custodians, 16 cafeteria workers and 2 maintenance workers.

http://www.castlehs.com/

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Castle High School – Demographics

Enrollment

Year Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11

Grade 12

Grade 12+/ Total

Adult

2011-12 488 491 487 452 1,918

2012-13 498 486 473 467 1,924

2013-14 499 488 475 456 1,918

2014-15 518 477 478 467 1,940

Not available

Ethnicity

Native

Hawaiian Year American Asian Black Hispanic Multi- or Other White

Indian Racial Pacific Islander

2011-12 3 36 34 39 42 0 1,764

2012-13 3 37 41 42 57 1 1,744

2013-14 4 56 35 51 81 2 1,689

2014-15 5 57 37 50 89 0 1,701

ELL and Special Education

Year ELL Number ELL % Special Ed. Number Special Ed. %

2011-12 15 0.80% 233 12.10%

2012-13 18 0.94% 247 12.84%

2013-14 20 1% 249 13%

2014-15 10 0.5% 240 12.4%

Free and Reduced Price Meals

Year Free Meals Reduced-Priced Meals Paid Meals

2011-12 184 7 1,661

2012-13 218 91 1,616

2013-14 275 102 1,541

2014-15 272 109 1,559

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B. Curriculum – Description and Location The Castle High School curriculum is closely tied to the curriculum of the Warrick County School Corporation. It has its foundation and is aligned with the standards adopted by the Indiana State Board of Education. Faculty members at Castle High School, under the direction of the building administrative staff and with the assistance of central office personnel, provide outstanding enrichment of the curriculum.

C. Assessments – Titles and Description of Assessment Instruments Used in Addition to ISTEP+:

Benchmark assessments o Standardized tests o Original tests

Students’ grades

AP tests

PSAT tests

Content-specific university exams

Accuplacer

II. PURPOSE AND DIRECTION STATEMENTS

A. Castle High School’s Direction Statement Castle High School creates a safe and productive learning environment, in which our students are encouraged and taught to solve problems, to think critically, and be technologically literate, in order to make a valuable contribution to society. Castle High School helps each student reach their individual potential through a challenging standards-based curriculum and monitored progress. Students are encouraged to be responsible, respectful, self-disciplined members of our diverse society.

B. Castle High School's Purpose Statement

Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow

C. Warrick County School Corporation Mission Statement The mission of the Warrick County School Corporation is to provide a positive and safe environment which promotes the intellectual, physical, emotional, and social growth of the individual and to encourage each student to become a lifelong learner and contributing member of society.

D. Warrick County School Corporation Goals

Provide safe, healthy, and orderly schools that foster student learning and demonstration of appropriate behavior

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Establish clear, rigorous, and relevant academic standards for all students, as well as high expectations of accountability and responsibility for all staff and faculty members

Empower and engage all stakeholders to create a shared vision for continuous improvement of education and lifelong learning

Effectively integrate technology into the curriculum to enhance student learning and educational achievement

Provide all employees continuous professional development opportunities aligned with corporation and school goals

Align all available resources so that every investment of time, energy, effort, and funding maximizes educational achievement

III. SUMMARY OF DATA DERIVED FROM AN ASSESSMENT OF THE CURRENT STATUS OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING Data in all graphs and tables contained in this document are courtesy of the Indiana Department of Education. A – F Accountability Report Card

Year

School Points

School Grade

2013 3.73 A

2014 4.00 A

2015 3.66 A

*Data not available

Castle High School has been designated a 4-Star School for 2012 through 2015.

Graduation Rate

2012 Cohort Size 2012 Graduates 2012 Graduation Rate

469 431 91.90%


467 427 91.40%


465 438 91.39%


476 435 94.20%

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ECA Percent Passing Trend

Subject 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015

Algebra 1 82.6% 70.8% 72.8% 78.8% 73.8%

English 10 88.2% 86.1% 85.8% 87.4% 86.9%

Algebra/English Combined 85.1% 79.4% 82.2% 85.8% 83.6%

Biology 68.1% 66.6% 79.0% 77.6% 70.4%

Eight Year Cohort Graduation Rate Trend

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Algebra 1 ECA

English 10 ECA

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Algebra and English ECA – Combined

Additional Performance Data – Biology ECA

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Castle High School Number of Teachers Average Age and Average Years of Experience of Teachers

1994 – 2014

Year Number Average Age

Average Experience

1994-95 86.2 42.8 16.7

1995-96 85.5 43.3 17.3

1996-97 85.7 43.6 17.8

1997-98 85.8 43.9 17.9

1998-99 86.4 44.5 18.3

1999-00 84.9 45.2 18.4

2000-01 86.3 44.1 17.2

2001-02 87.2 45.3 18.3

2002-03 89.1 45.7 18.8

2003-04 88.8 45.9 19.1

2004-05 88.6 45.7 18.8

2005-06 88.8 46.4 19.3

2006-07 92.4 45.8 18.9

2007-08 93.3 45.3 18.7

2008-09 99.0 44.7 18.3

2009-10 97.0 ** **

2010-11 95.0 ** **

2011-12 99.0 ** **

2012-13 99.0 ** **

2013-14 100.0 ** **

2014-15 99.0 ** **

2015-16 101.0 44.1 17.1

**Information not available

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SAT DATA: The following charts illustrate the achievement level of Castle High School students on the SAT test to further reinforce the fact that CHS students achieve at a very high level.

Castle High School SAT Results

Year

SAT Test Takers

Average SAT Math Score

Average SAT Reading Score

Average SAT Writing Score

2008 261 529.8 503.9 488.7

2009 247 534.8 508.5 494.0

2010 238 536.2 509.8 493.7

2011 304 527.7 507.5 487.5

2012 318 533.0 510.0 490.0

2013 351 528.0 515.0 496.0

2014 345 534.0 511.0 493.0

2015 331 538.0 527.0 500.0

SAT Results: Five Year Trend for School

460

470

480

490

500

510

520

530

540

550

Average SAT Math Score Average SAT Reading Score Average SAT Writing Score

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

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SAT 2014 College-Bound Seniors

SAT Data CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL Data in this report are for high school graduates in the year 2014. Information is summarized for seniors who took the SAT at any time during their high school years through June 2014. If a student took the test more than once, the most recent score is used.

Table 1: Overall Mean Score

Table 2: Mean Scores by Gender

Table 3: Year in Which Seniors Last Took the SAT

Table 4: Mean Scores for State and Total Group

*Writing data are based on students who took the current version of the SAT, first administered in March 2005. The writing section contains one essay (30

percent of the total score) and 49 multiple-choice questions (70 percent of the total score). Essay scores range from 2 to 12, with a very small percentage of students (less than 0.3%) receiving scores of 0 on the essay, for essays written completely off topic. Multiple choice scores range from 20 to 80.

Note: Mean scores are reported when there are five or more test-takers. Standard deviations are reported when there are 25 or more test takers.

Writing Subscores

SAT Test Takers

Critical Reading Mathematics Writing* Multiple Choice Essay

Number Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD

Total 345 511 85 534 93 493 85 50.2 8.8 6.7 1.5

Writing Subscores

SAT Test Takers

Critical Reading Mathematics Writing Multiple Choice Essay


Female 181 499 84 515 87 496 86 50.0 8.6 7.0 1.4

Male 164 525 84 555 96 489 85 50.4 8.9 6.3 1.6

Writing Subscores

SAT Test Takers



Senior (13-14)

209 503 89 522 97 482 85 49.2 8.8 6.6 1.5

Junior (12-13)

136 525 77 553 84 509 84 51.8 8.4 6.8 1.7

Total 345 511 85 534 93 493 85 50.2 8.8 6.7 1.5

Writing Subscores

SAT Test Takers



Indiana 47.842 497 99 500 103 477 96 48.3 10.0 6.8 1.4

Total 1.672.395 497 115 513 120 487 115 48.9 11.6 7.0 1.7

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Table 5: Percentiles for High School, State and Total Group A percentile represents the point below which a percentage of scores fall. Comparing the 25

th percentile point to the 75

th percentile point gives an idea of the range

of performance in a group.

Table 6: Score Distributions The score ranges in the following table reflect SAT® Skills Insight, a resource that identifies skills demonstrated by typical students who score in each range. For more information and resources for educators and students, please visit www.collegeboard.org/set-skills.

Table 7: Total Mean Scores by Ethnicity

Note: Percentiles are reported when there are 20 or more test-takers.

SAT High School State Total Group

Percentile Critical Reading

Mathematics Writing Critical Reading


Mathematics Writing

75th

Percentile 570 600 550 560 570 540 570 600 560

50th

Percentile 510 540 490 490 500 470 490 510 480

25th

Percentile 450 470 440 430 430 410 420 430 410

SAT Critical Reading Mathematics Writing

Score Range Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total

700-800 1 1 2 7 4 11 2 2

600-690 32 17 49 54 27 81 16 20 26

500-590 74 74 148 62 79 141 54 68 122

400-490 49 64 113 32 57 89 75 70 145

300-390 7 23 30 7 14 21 15 18 33

200-290 1 2 3 2 2 4 3 7

SAT Test-Takers Critical Reading Mathematics Writing

Test-Takers who Described Themselves as: Number Pct Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD

American Indian or Alaska Native 1

Asian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander 15 4 503 582 513

Black or African American 5 1 406 358 402

Mexican or Mexican American 4 1

Puerto Rican 1

Other Hispanic, Latino, or Latin American 11 3 513 530 498

White 299 87 514 81 536 89 495 83

Other 7 2 511 534 436

No Response 2 1

Total 345 100 511 85 534 93 493 85

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Table 1: Overall Mean Score

Table 2: Mean Scores by Gender

Table 3: Year in Which Seniors Last Took the SAT

Table 4: Mean Scores for State and Total Group

*Writing data are based on students who took the current version of the SAT, first administered in March 2005. The writing section contains one essay (30

percent of the total score) and 49 multiple-choice questions (70 percent of the total score). Essay scores range from 2 to 12, with a very small percentage of students (less than 0.3%) receiving scores of 0 on the essay, for essays written completely off topic. Multiple choice scores range from 20 to 80.

Note: Mean scores are reported when there are five or more test-takers. Standard deviations are reported when there are 25 or more test takers.

Writing Subscores

SAT Test Takers

Critical Reading Mathematics Writing* Multiple Choice Essay


Total 331 527 87 538 102 500 89 50.6 9.1 7.0 1.4

Writing Subscores

SAT Test Takers



Female 174 514 73 518 92 499 78 50.1 8.2 7.2 1.2

Male 157 542 98 560 108 500 99 51.1 9.9 6.7 1.6

Writing Subscores

SAT Test Takers



Senior (13-14)

178 514 80 521 95 487 90 49.2 8.9 6.9 1.6

Junior (12-13)

153 543 92 557 106 514 85 52.2 8.9 7.1 1.3

Total 331 527 87 538 102 500 89 50.6 9.1 7.0 1.4

Writing Subscores

SAT Test Takers



Indiana 47.548 496 100 499 103 478 97 48.4 10.1 6.8 1.4

Total 1.698.521 495 116 511 120 484 115 48.7 11.6 7.0 1.7

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Table 5: Percentiles for High School, State and Total Group A percentile represents the point below which a percentage of scores fall. Comparing the 25

th percentile point to the 75

th percentile point gives an idea of the range

of performance in a group.

Table 6: Score Distributions The score ranges in the following table reflect SAT® Skills Insight, a resource that identifies skills demonstrated by typical students who score in each range. For more information and resources for educators and students, please visit www.collegeboard.org/set-skills.

Table 7: Total Mean Scores by Ethnicity

Note: Percentiles are reported when there are 20 or more test-takers.

SAT High School State Total Group

Percentile Critical Reading



Mathematics Writing

75th

Percentile 580 600 550 560 570 540 570 590 560

50th

Percentile 520 530 490 490 500 470 490 510 480

25th

Percentile 480 460 440 430 430 410 410 430 400

SAT Critical Reading Mathematics Writing

Score Range Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total

700-800 9 2 11 19 7 26 4 1 5

600-690 37 20 57 40 21 61 22 19 41

500-590 62 80 142 52 74 126 48 69 117

400-490 37 63 100 40 60 100 61 70 131

300-390 11 9 20 6 12 18 17 14 31

200-290 1 1 5 1 6

SAT Test-Takers Critical Reading Mathematics Writing

Test-Takers who Described Themselves as: Number Pct Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD

American Indian or Alaska Native 1

Asian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander 15 5 567 591 528

Black or African American 7 2 497 561 490

Mexican or Mexican American 3 1

Puerto Rican

Other Hispanic, Latino, or Latin American 6 2 583 532 513

White 284 86 525 83 535 97 499 86

Other 9 3 530 573 478

No Response 6 2 525 492 492

Total 331 100 527 87 538 102 500 89

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SAT Subject TestsTM Data CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL

Table 8: Number of Test-Takers and Tests for SAT Subject Tests Students Who Took SAT Subject Tests Students Who Took an SAT Subject Test and Also Took the SAT

Number of Test-Takers Number of Tests Number of Test Takers

Critical Reading

Mathematics Writing

9 17 8 643 680 629

Students Who Took One or More Different SAT Subject Tests

Number of Tests Taken Number of Test-Takers Percentage of Total Test-Takers Who Took One or More Tests

1 3 33

2 4 44

3 2 22

4 or More

Table 9: Mean Scores for SAT Subject Tests and for Students Who Also Took the SAT Most, but not all, students who took the SAT Subject tests also take the SAT. This table provides SAT Subject Test scores for students who took SAT Subject Tests. It also provides the SAT scores for those students who also took the SAT.

SAT Subject Test SAT Critical Reading Mathematics Writing

English N Mean SD N Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD

Literature 2 1 History and Social Studies US History World History Mathematics Mathematics Level 1 2 1 Mathematics Level 2 5 742 5 732 758 700 Science Biology E Biology M 1 Chemistry 3 3 Physics 2 2 Foreign and Classical Language Chinese with Listening French French with Listening German 1 1 German with Listening Modern Hebrew Italian Japanese with Listening Korean with Listening Latin Spanish 1 1 Spanish with Listening

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Table 10: Institutions that Received the Most SAT Program Score Reports from Your Students Of the 332 students from your school that took the SAT and/or SAT Subject Test, 235 designated that their score reports be sent to institutions. Students may designate more than one institution to receive scores. This list includes only the 45 institutions that received the most score reports. A total of 158 institutions received score reports from your students.

Institution State Type Number of Students Percent of Score Senders * UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN INDIANA IN Public 116 49.4 INDIANA UNIVERSITY BLOOMINGTON IN Public 98 41.7 PURDUE UNIVERSITY IN Public 55 23.4 UNIVERSITY OF EVANSVILLE IN Private 45 19.1 BALL STATE UNIVERSITY IN Public 43 18.3 WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY KY Public 26 11.1 INDIANA UNIVERSITY PURDUE UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS IN Public 24 10.2 INDIANA STATE UNIVERSITY IN Public 21 8.9 MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY KY Public 18 7.7 NCAA ELIGIBILITY CENTER IN Public 15 6.4 IVY TECH COMMUNITY COLLEGE SOUTHWEST IN Public 13 5.5 UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY KY Public 13 5.5 UNIVERSITY OF MISSISIPPI MS Public 12 5.1 BELLARMINE UNIVERSITY KY Private 11 4.7 UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE KY Public 11 4.7 ROSE-HULMAN UNIVERSITY IN Private 10 4.3 BUTLER UNIVERSITY IN Private 9 3.8 VINCENNES UNIVERSITY IN Public 9 3.8 MNSC SCHOLARSHIP ADMIN IL Scholarships 8 3.4 VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY TN Private 8 3.4 VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY IN Private 7 3.0 GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY GA Public 6 2.6 INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY IB Private 6 2.6 UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AL Public 6 2.6 BELMONT UNIVERSITY TN Private 5 2.1 NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY IL Private 5 2.1 SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY CARBONDALE IL Public 5 2.1 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN IL Public 5 2.1 DUKE UNIVERSITY NC Private 4 1.7 MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY MA Private 4 1.7 MIAMI UNIVERSITY: OXFORD OH Public 4 1.7 OHIOS STATE UNIVERSITY: COLUMBUS CAMPUS OH Public 4 1.7 UNIVERSITY OF INDIANAPOLIS IN Private 4 1.7 WABASH COLLEGE IN Private 4 1.7 WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS MO Private 4 1.7 DEPAUL UNIVERSITY IL Private 3 1.3 DEPAW UNIVERSITY IN Private 3 1.3 EMORY UNIVERSITY GA Private 3 1.3 INDIANA UNIVERSITY SOUTHEAST IN Public 3 1.3 MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY IN Private 3 1.3 MISSOURI UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MO Public 3 1.3 NEW YORK UNIVERSITY NY Private 3 1.3 SAMFORD UNIVERSITY AL Private 3 1.3 SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN GA Private 3 1.3 STANFORD UNIVERSITY CA Private 3 1.3

*Of your students who designated that their SAT and/or SAT Subject Test score reports be sent to institutions, the “Percent of Score Senders” indicates the percent of those students who had their scores sent to each institution listed.

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ACT DATA:

Table 1: Five Year Trends – Average ACT Scores

Year Total Tested

Average ACT Scores

English Mathematics Reading Science Composite School State School State School State School State School State School State

2010 175 18,787 22.9 21.7 24.0 22.4 23.6 22.6 22.6 21.9 23.4 22.3

2011 198 20,462 22.7 21.7 24.1 22.4 23.3 22.6 22.9 21.9 23.4 22.3

2012 212 22,372 22.6 21.7 23.6 22.5 23.7 22.6 22.7 21.9 23.3 22.3

2013 228 26,227 23.0 21.0 24.3 21.9 24.0 22.1 22.9 21.4 23.7 21.7

2014 208 27.226 22.8 21.1 24.4 21.9 23.8 22.3 22.7 21.6 23.5 21.9

Figure 1: Percent of ACT-Tested Students Ready for College Level Coursework

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

College EnglishComposition

College Algebra CollegeReading

College Biology Meeting All 4

Castle HS

Indiana

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Figure 2: Average ACT Mathematics Scores by Course Sequence

Figure 3: Average ACT Science Scores by Course Sequence

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Alg 1/2,Geo, Trig,

Calc

Alg 1/2,Geo, Trig,

Other

Alg 1/2,Geo, Trig

OtherCombo of 4

or moreyears

Alg 1/2, Geo OtherCombo of 3

or moreyears

Less than 3years of

math

Castle HS

Indiana

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Gen. Sci, Bio,Chem, Phys

Bio, Chem, Phys Gen. Sci, Bio,Chem

Other combo of3 years of

Natural Science

Less than 3 yearsof Natural

Science

Castle HS

Indiana

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Other Information about Educational Programming and the Learning Environment

Graduates Taking an AP Exam Trend

Year Indiana Castle

2006 8,589 63

2007 10,896 72

2008 12,128 84

2009 12,656 70

2010 18,036 103

2011 19,662 102

2012 20,799 103

2013 68,030 * 132

2014 73,165 * 129 * It is unclear whether this data, obtained from the IDOE website reflects total AP exams taken or number of graduates who took AP exams.

Graduates Passing an AP Exam Trend

Year Indiana Castle

2006 4,294 (7.5%) 46 (12.3%)

2007 5,554 (9.5%) 54 (13.8%)

2008 6,138 (10.2%) 66 (16.3%)

2009 6,384 (10.3%) 47 (12.6%)

2010 7,622 (12.2%) 65 (16.9%)

2011 8,620 (13.4%) 64 (16.0%)

2012 9,468 (14.8%) 61 (14.2%)

2013 20,977 (31%) 109 (53%)

2014 22,708 (31%) 117 (37%) * It is unclear whether this data, obtained from the IDOE website reflects the percentage of total graduates who passed AP exams or the percentage of the test takers who passed.

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IV. CONCLUSIONS ABOUT THE CURRENT EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM DERIVED FROM AN ASSESSMENT OF THE CURRENT STATUS OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING

A. Curriculum – College and Career Readiness Standards

The curriculum for Castle High School and for the entire Warrick County School Corporation is based on the State of Indiana’s Academic Standards.

B. Instruction That Supports the Achievement of Indiana College and Career Readiness Standards

Efforts are focused on student mastery of these academic standards. Castle High School faculty continually works to improve the alignment of curriculum planning and delivery to the Indiana Academic Standards.

C. Assessment of Student Achievement – ECA and Other Assessment Strategies

Castle High School is committed to the use of various assessment strategies and surveys, which are equitable and bias-free, as a means of improving student achievement. To this end, assessment strategies include the use of the following tools:

End-of-Course assessments

Standardized tests including the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and Advanced Placement exams

Survey of opinions and practices of students, faculty, and parents

Quarterly benchmark assessments

Dual credit program assessments

One-year post-graduate survey

Four-year post-graduate survey It is the goal of these assessment strategies to obtain an adequate, clear, and concise picture of the level of progress of all students regardless of ability level. This information will guide efforts to meet the educational needs of students.

CHS School and Student Achievements 2014-2015

2015 Castle named a 4-Star School in Indiana 10 AP Courses

4 Dual Credit or AP Courses 14 Dual Credit Courses

North Central Association, Indiana Department of Education, (AdvancED) Received Full Accreditation 2013

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Student Achievements: Curricular and Co-Curricular 2014-2015 May 2015-Indiana Council of Mathematics Teachers Competition- Sam Sheth scored second in the State of Indiana May 2015- Indiana Council of Mathematics Teachers Competition-The Council has identified Sam Sheth an “Outstand Scholar in Indiana for Algebra 2.” His score is in the top 5 in the State of Indiana. May 2015-State of Indiana Math Competition: The Castle Math Team earned State Runner-Up. They finished not only with the second highest score in the large school class, but they finished with the second highest score of all state finalists, who represented the top 24 schools of the 274 schools who participated. Congratulations to JT Laune, Scott Dauer, Richard Gerst, and Sam Sheth for their accomplishments. May 2015, 4th period Band performed at the ISSMA State Concert Band Finals in Indianapolis. They placed 8th in the state. April 2015, Castle Math Club at the Indiana Math Competition won or tied all but one placement. In Geometry, Kevin Yang and Meghana Bhaskara tied for 3rd; August Katz placed 2nd; and Joseph Seibert placed 1st. All four students were also named” Indiana Scholars in Geometry.” In Algebra 2, Hailey Heidecker and Joseph Shoup tied for 2nd; Sam Sheth placed 1st. All three students were named “Indiana Scholars in Algebra 2. “ In Comprehensive, Sami Ilagan and Mitchell Cron tied for 3rd; Betsy Richardson, Casey Richardson, and JT Laune tied for 2nd; and Trey Kolleck and Josh Heidecker tied for 1st. Math Team Members: Scott Dauer, Eric Davidson, Nikhil Dhingra, Megan Eble, Josh Heidecker, Kobin Kempe, Ty Kirkland, Trey Kolleck, Isabel Krahling, Sierra Kurzynowski, JT Laune, Carol Lee, Alita Miller, Jake Mitchell, Rachel Paul, Quentin Pierce, Ashwin Prasad, Casey Richardson, Vasu Sheel, Beenah Shkouhzadel, Olivia Shoup, Katie Suthard, Punit Vyas, Kathryn Wallish, Dalton Wene, Ethan Wilkinson, Richard Yang April 2015- Academic Competition: 1st Place in Math, Science, Fine Arts, and Interdisciplinary. Tied for 1st in English. Academic Team Members: Kathryn Wallisch, Hannah Hillenbrand, Rachel Paul, Katie Suthard, Nikhil Dhingra, Izzy Krahling, Carol Lee, JT Laune, Scott Dauer, Brycen Ratcliffe, Punit Vyas, and Richard Yang

April 2015- Band News: Congratulations to the 3rd and 5th period concert bands that performed Friday night at the ISSMA concert band festival. The band earned the highest rating possible, a “Gold with Distinction.” Congratulations to the varsity winter guard that competed in the WGI World finals. The guard finished sixth place out of 121 competing units. This is the highest placement in school history! Choir: Congratulations to the Concert Choir for earning 3 gold ratings, including one perfect score, in performance at the I.S.S.M.A. contest.

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April 2015- Business Professionals of America Competition Team: Gabe Brown, Kyle Gorman, Taylor Howard, Nathanial Hutchison, Ty Kirkland, Isabel Krahling, Steven Mattingly, Ashley Morrison, Hunter Probus, Noah Reese, Brady Rees, Devin Simoneaux, Bradley Stegbauer, Kyle Wilson. Competing at the BPA Nationals in Anaheim California are seniors: Dylan Payne, Evan Watkins, Shane Flanagan, Adam Hilinski, Chance Howard, Tip Larmann, Josh Heidecker, Jacob Mitchell

April 15- Castle Winter Guard attended the WGI World Championships in Dayton, Ohio. The Varsity Guard is currently ranked 5th out of 122 units competing at Worlds. Team Members: David Altman Natalie Brown Caitlyn Couvillion Emily Cranick Emily Cron Emily Gross Shelby Groves Olivia Harry

Anna Hirsch Sarah Hirsch Paige Howard Lydia Johnson Claire Kincaid Clarissa Litherland Madi Mattingly Sirena Miller

Audra Owens Wendy Owens Collin Roach Zach Seitz Anna Watson Carlie West

March 2015-Show Choirs At the Springfield Southeast Invitational, the Knightingales captured Women's Division first place, Overall first runners-up, People's Choice Award, and Maria Fruit was named Outstanding Soloist. The Knight Sensations captured Best Vocals, Best Choreography, Best Stage Crew, and contest Grand Champions. At FAME Chicago, the Knightingales were named Women's Division Grand Champions. Out of all midwest participating choirs, Jacey Stewart won Best Female Soloist of the Day and Emily Hawkes won Best Female Performer. The Knight Sensations finished as Mixed Division 3rd runners-up. Both groups qualified for spots in the prestigious national finals. March 2015- University of Southern Indiana Foreign Language Competition: (among most southern Indiana schools) Second Place-German Team: Alex Shinnerl, Josh Wood, Julia Katz, Mitchell Cron and Grant Winternheimer First Place-French Team: Lilana Ayala, Zoe Larmey, Rachel Seibert, Beenah Schokouhzadeh and April Kuhnert Third Place-Spanish Team: Kathryn Reece March 2015-Band News: Congratulations to the Castle Winter Percussion Ensemble who competed at the Indiana State Percussion Finals. The percussion ensemble finished SECOND in the State Open Class competition.

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Congratulations also to the Varsity Winter Guard that performed at the Indiana State Color Guard Finals. The color guard won the state championship in Class A for the third consecutive year. Congratulations ot Rachel Paul, Jordan Kaluza, Madeline Steinsultz, Brian Reel, Conner Esche and Sam Sheth for auditioning and being selected to the 2015 All-State Band. BPA News: The following students placed at the Business Professionals of America State Leadership Conference: Shane Flanagan-3rd place Interview Skills, Josh Heidecker-4th place, Java Programming and 7th place IT Concepts, Jordan Hughes-5th place Advanced Interview Skills, Dylan Payne and Evan Watkins- 4th place Small Business Management Team, Bradley Stegbauer-1st place Financial Math & Analysis, 3rd place Personal Financial Management, 5th place Banking & Finance March 2015-Varisty and Junior Varsity Winter Guard competed in Indianapolis at the WGI Regional Competition. Both teams earned First Place in their divisions. March 2015- Castle Academic Invitational 1st Place- Math team, Fine Arts team, and Interdisciplinary team Math: JT Laune, Scott Dauer, Richard Gerst, Ruple Jairath, Sam Sheth Fine Arts: Sophie Fanok, Rachel Paul, Hannah Hillenbrand, Allison Wenberg, Katie Suthard Interdisciplinary: JT Laune, Nikhil Dhingra, Kathryn Wallisch, Rachel Paul, Katie Suthard 2nd Place-English team and Social Studies team English: Kathryn Wallisch Samantha Wallisch, Lindsey Cameron, Vaishnavi Ravipati, Kathleen Davis Social Studies: VJ Patel, Carol Lee, Nikhil Dhingra, Izzy Krahling, Meghana Bhaskara 3rd Place- Science team Science: Suneil Bhaskara, Sue Prasad, Brycen Ratcliffe, Emily Smith, Punit Vyas, Richard Yang March 2014- Jazz Ensembles The Castle Jazz Ensembles performed at the University of Louisville Jazz Festival and earned 7 outstanding performer awards. 32 soloists and 11 ensembles performed at the Indiana State Solo and Ensemble Festival in Indianapolis. Castle’s band students earned a total of 39 Gold Medals at this State level event. The Castle Winter Percussion competed at Plainfield High School and received First Place Honors in their class. Also, the JV and Varsity Winter Guards performed at Northview High School, and also earned First Place overall in their class. February 2015- Knightingales and Knight Sensations: Knightingales finished as 3rd runner-up at the DeKalb competition Knight Sensations advanced to the night finals and finished the competition in Second Place February 2015- Japanese National Nengajo Competition 1st Place Computer Graphic Category- Eva Houseman 1st Place Artistic Category- Caroline Brown

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February 2015-Castle Thespian Troupe selected Best In State! The Castle Thespian Troupe was selected to perform their full musical, ”The Addams Family” at the Indiana Thespian Conference. The competition was among 12 schools around the state of Indiana. Individual Events Competition Awards: Excellent Ribbons: Austin Marchino- Solo Musical, Lexi Williams and Ben Lobel- Duo Scene, Emily Hawkes, Maxi-Taylor McDaniel, April Kuhnert, Weronika Julke, Savannah Marchino and McKenna Peach- Group Musical Superior Ribbons: Laura Bennett, Sarah Smith and Jacey Stewart- Solo Musical, Austin Marchino, Jacey Stewart, Maria Fruit, and Karlie Holman- Duo Musical, AJ Binney- Monologue, Eric Davidson, Emily Hawkes, Laura Bennett and Sarah Smith- Duo Acting Best in Show: Grant Burnett, Jake Ellsworth and Matthew Schulte January 2015- Castle Marching Knights The band was named Grand Champion at several local Invitational Competitions, as well as Grand Champion at the Bands of America regional championship in Louisville in front of 15,000 people. The band was 7th in the State Marching Band contest. It is the 24th year in school history that the band has been in the top 10 at the state finals in Indiana. The band was ranked 23rd at the National Competition and 5th in their class of schools the same size as Castle. January 2015- Band News: Indiana Music Educators Conference The following students were selected to the Indiana Music Education Honor Band: Rachel Paul, Madison Dora, Aaron Kaluza, Daniel Milam All State Orchestra: Brian Reel and Ethan Wilkinson The Trombone Jazz Ensemble was chosen to perform at this conference: David Altman, Ross, Altman, Dominic Bordenaro, Caitlyn Couvillion, William Dutho, Sarah Felts, Olivia Fieto, Zach Fuller, Daryd Greene, Azuki Hayashi, Joseph Hayden, Micah Hoff, Cameron, Knight, Cameron Poulsen, Sean Raterman, Caroline Reel, Mathew Scales, Morgan Scheitter, Eric Shade, Adithya Subbaiah, Will Titzer, Tommy Weber, Grant Winternheimer, Jared Ray, Ian Anderson, Brian Reel, Drew Teare, Garrett Wene, and Ethan Wilkinson January 2015- Choir News All-State High School Honor Choir selected by audition to perform at the Indiana Music Educators Conference AJ Binney, Grant Burnett, Madelyn DePriest, Jake Ellsworth, Maria Fruit, Emily Hawkes, Travis Miller, Sarah Noland, Matthew Schulte and Danielle Tessier January 2015 - Anna Hirsch was selected to perform with the U.S. Army All-America Band during the halftime of the Armed Forces Bowl on January 2nd. November 2014- The Castle Thespian Troupe production of The Addams Family was champions of the Gibson Southern Thespian Regional Conference, winning Best Overall Show, Best Technical Aspects, Best Supporting Act, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Actor. In addition, the production was awarded the “All-Conference Selection” over other competing schools from throughout the state and was invited to present the entire production at the state conference in Indianapolis.

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November 2014-The Castle Marching Knights completed their season by qualifying for Semi Finals for the second year in a row at the Music for ALL Bands of America Grand Nations at Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis. At the ISSMA State Marching Finals for the 24th time in history the Castle Marching Knights performed and placed 7th at State! The Castle Marching Knights competed in the ISSMA Semi State Competition at Ben Davis High School, performing with the top twenty bands from Indiana in Class A, earning a spot at State Finals November 2014-Math Competition at Rose Hulman Max White placed 12th and Sue Prasad placed 9th for the sophomores, and the sophomore team placed 4th. Ruple Jairath placed 11th, Suneil Bhaskara placed 7th, and Mitchell Cron placed 3rd for the juniors. Ashwin Prasad placed 12th, JT Laune placed 3rd for the senior,s and the senior team placed 2nd. Overall, Castle High School placed 3rd among several elite high schools in Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa. Many Castle students participated in Part 1 of the Indiana Math League. After Round 1, three Castle students are tied for the lead in the state with perfect Part 1 scores. Congratulations to Richard Gerst, Suneil Bhaskara, and Kobin Kempe. October 2014- Castle Marching Knights participated in the ISSMA Regional Competition in Center Grove, competing with 11 other great bands in Class A. Castle received a Gold Rating, and was one of only three bands to receive special distinctions awards in Music, Visual, and Effect. The band qualified for ISSMA Semi State. The Marching Knights performed at the South Spencer High School Marching Band Invitational receiving the following awards: Best Music, Best Visual, Best General Effect and Grand Champion. October 2014- The Castle Thespian Troupe participated at the Regional Thespian Conference at Gibson Southern. The Troupe won Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Actor, Best Technical Aspects, and Best Overall Show. The Troupe qualified for State Competition in Indianapolis. October 2014-The Castle Future Farmers of America qualified an FFA soils judging team for the State Competition. They placed 3rd at the area contest out of 25 teams. The state qualifiers are Haven Thompson, Andrea Hilgeman, Ethan Hurst and Jesse Meyer. September 2014- The Castle Marching Knights competed with twenty other bands from Tennessee, Kentucky and Indiana at the Evansville North High School Marching Invitational. They received the following awards in their class: Best Color Guard, Best Percussion, Best Drum Major, First Place Overall Awards received: Best Music, Best Visual, Best General Effect, Best Color Guard, Best Percussion and Grand Champion In the first Bands of America regional competition in Louisville, Kentucky, the Castle Marching Knights competed with four of the top 35 bands from last year’s Grand National bands. For the third time since 2005, Castle place first in their class in the Bands of America (BOA) Regional

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Competition. The band received top awards in music, visual, and general effect. This qualified them for competition in the evening. For the first time in Castle’s history, the Castle Marching Knights were named BOA Regional Champions at finals! In addition they won top honors in music and general effect. The Castle Marching Knights at their first competition this season at the Evansville Central High School Marching Band Competition, earned the following awards in their class: First Place, Best Color Guard, Best Percussion and Best Drum Major. Overall Awards included Overall Best Music, Overall Best Visual, Overall Best General Effect, Overall Best Percussion and were named Grand Champion of the Day. September 2014- National Merit Semifinalists: Nikhil Dhingra, Kobin Kempe, Mathias Kolleck, Jordan Laune, Quentin Pierce, Casey Richardson, Olivia Shoup, and Richard Yang. 2014- Castle’s Yearbook Awards: Second Place- Best Editorial Copy and Best Theme Third Place-Best Overall Yearbook, Best Clubs and Organizations, Best Photo, Best Academics and Best Page ‘Design August 2014- Spring Advance Placement Results: AP Chemistry-75% passed AP Physics- 74% passed AP Senior Language Arts-87% passed AP Junior Language Arts-58% passed AP European History- 60% passed

D. Parental Participation in the School Castle High School welcomes parent involvement and participation. The PTO (Parent/Teacher Organization) is very involved in supporting the school. Some specific activities of the parental involvement include the following:

Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

Providing parents who volunteer every day in various areas of the school

Raising money to fund teacher requests for classroom supplies and student activities

Assisting with Student Council elections

Chaperoning dances

Assisting with freshman orientation before school starts each fall

Business Foundations class guest speakers

“Night to be a Knight” BPA fundraiser dance

Band Booster Organization

Show Choir Booster Club

Parents participate in the Senior Scholarship Fund selection process

Parents in Partnership program

Athletic booster clubs

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Additional ways that Castle High School involves the community in the school include the following:

School-wide plays and musicals during the school year

A corporation-wide musical in the summer

International Day

Encouraging parental attendance at assemblies

Senior Scholarship Fund

Teacher e-mail databank and informative website

Open house

Community access to Community Room and natatorium

AprentVue (allows parents access to student grades and attendance)

Automated Parent Call System (mass distribution of information)

Regularly updated Castle High School web page

Monthly newsletter to stakeholders distributed via email

Castle High School Math Competition for 5th through 8th graders

Child Development students assist Kindergate and Tri-Cap Head Start

Guest speakers from Youth Resources, Teen Court, Teen Advisory Council, Albion Fellows Bacon Center, and Drug Court

Guest speakers from the Art Institutes, FBI, Evansville Rescue Mission, Atlas Van Lines, Mortgage Masters, and Brake Supply

Field trips to a variety of community businesses and organizations

Business Cooperative Field Experience

School Improvement surveys to a variety of stakeholders

E. Technology as a Learning Tool Many changes have taken place to address the technology needs of Castle High School. These include the following:

Wireless infrastructure

Wireless student computers

Addition of Promethean boards in many classrooms

Addition of document cameras in various classrooms

Upgrade to a current operating system and application

A library with wired Internet access available on 72 computers

Addition of 101 computer workstations in an accessible lab area

Support staff includes a Director of Technology, full-time technical support personnel, and a technology coordinator/teacher..

F. Safe and Disciplined Learning Environment

The school follows the guidelines presented in the Handbook of Procedures in Emergency Situations adopted by the Warrick County School Corporation. Castle High School has a safety committee that meets regularly to develop and implement school safety policies and procedures. The Safe School Plan is located on the Castle High School website as well as the

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S:// drive of Castle High School’s local network. This is a shared drive that is available to all school personnel. Key elements of this plan include the following:

Access to the school is restricted by the locking of doors other than the main door from the outside after 7:35 a.m.

School personnel use magnetic Identification badges to enter the building

Signs direct visitors to the office, and staff are alerted to the need to verify the status of visitors in the building without a pass

Administrators and the School Resource Officer are constantly available through electronic means, such as cell phones, e-mail, wireless radios, and Synergy software

The Castle School Community Resource Officer Program includes two full-time sheriff’s deputies who are assigned to work in the two middle schools and the high school

All school employees and visitors are required to wear identification badges

Hand-held metal detectors are available in all schools

Student lockers and commons areas are searched periodically by police and drug-sniffing dogs

Active Shooter demonstration by the Indiana State Police (2013)

School-wide anti-bullying campaign 1) T!PTXT

a. Students can report bullying behavior b. Promoted over PA system and Email distribution list

2) NEA Take the Pledge – Annually beginning September 10, 2013 a. Email sent to staff about the NEA Take the Pledge b. http://www.nea.org/home/Bullyfree-Take-the-Pledge.html c. Also sent a link to http://www.nea.org/home/42485.htm for further

information 3) Video Set #1 – Annually beginning September 17, 2013

a. During a special 20 minute extended 1st period b. Watched the video “High School Bullying Video” c. Class discussion on the video d. Watched the video “Celebrities Against Bullying”

4) “Bullying What you need to Know” – Annually beginning October 1, 2013 a. Jim Sherer made 200 copies of this poster b. They have been placed in 14 restrooms at CHS c. Stickers have been added to the posters telling students how to report

bullying d. Poster was taken from this website: http://www.stopbullying.gov/image-

gallery/what-you-need-to-know-infographic.html 5) October is Anti-Bullying Month at CHS

a. One day in October is designated annually as “Wear Orange Day” b. Club EQUAL will have a banner in the café that students can sign taking

the “Pledge” to not bully c. Anti-Bullying Pledge d. PA Announcements about what to do if you see bullying

http://www.nea.org/home/Bullyfree-Take-the-Pledge.html

http://www.nea.org/home/42485.htm

http://www.stopbullying.gov/image-%20%20%20%20%20%20gallery/what-you-need-to-know-infographic.html

http://www.stopbullying.gov/image-%20%20%20%20%20%20gallery/what-you-need-to-know-infographic.html

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6) Staff members watch a Safe Schools Video a. Bullying: Recognition and Response – K-12 Primer (awaiting Mr. Reid)

7) Mix-It up Day – One day in November annually

All buildings operate with closed campuses

Two full-time social workers serve Castle High School

Suicide awareness and prevention training for all 9th graders

Teen Power all school drug and alcohol awareness and prevention program

Established and consistently enforced policies regarding security issues include the following:

o Student discipline o Student dress code o Drug and/or weapon possession o Gang activity

The WCSC School Safety Specialist and the Warrick County School Safety Commission are actively involved

Blood Alcohol Content monitor is available for extra-curricular events

A video security system is in use, with cameras located both inside and outside of the building and at entrances and exits

Training in use of defibrillators and CPR

Teachers and substitute teachers have access to the current written safety plan

After various safety drills, continuous safety plan evaluations are performed

All classrooms have been systematically re-numbered for safety purposes.

A new secure entrance at the front of the building was added during the summer of 2013.

Improved informational signage has been posted in all hallways Future plans designed to maintain a safe and disciplined learning environment include the

following:

Providing teachers with continuous training in positive discipline methods

Continuing PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Support )

G. Professional Development

The school has been well-served by an active Professional Development Committee. Some of the diverse and well-rounded activities directed by this group include the following:

Mini-workshops conducted on site by building and corporation personnel

Faculty members facilitate and attend workshops and conferences

Technology training offered by the corporation and on site

All professional development activities can be found on the school website under “Media Services.”

All-school professional development conducted during scheduled faculty meetings

Professional learning communities, including book studies, meet throughout the school year

Department and/or curriculum teaming occurs on a regular basis

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V. STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT OBJECTIVES DERIVED FROM AN ASSESSMENT OF THE CURRENT STATUS OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING

A. Attendance Rate

Castle High School will continue to pursue a successful focus on student attendance. These efforts will be guided by the following policy statement: “It is the policy of the Board of School Trustees to provide and maintain the appropriate and required educational programs for students residing in Warrick County. Regular school attendance is an important element in attaining and maintaining successful performance in school. Clear policy and guidelines encourage, nurture, and, if necessary, compel students and parents to expect and maintain regular school attendance in order to help student performance.” “All students enrolled in school in the Warrick County School Corporation are to be in their assigned classes at the required times unless they have been excused. Excuses allowed are as follows: (a) personal illness, (b) death in immediate family, (c) home emergencies or other conditions where parents make arrangements which are approved by the principal, (d) exclusion because of exposure to contagious disease, and (e) other exceptions as designated by law.” In support of this policy, “Accurate student attendance records will be kept for each student. Parents will be notified of each student’s attendance by the regular report card or by special notice when there is a specific need. Students whose attendance approaches or exceeds the limits as established by the Warrick County School Corporation or the State of Indiana will be subject to corrective restrictions, punitive action, or legal jurisdiction.” (WCSC Policy)

ATTENDANCE RATES

Grade 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14

All Grades 96.0% 95.6% 96.5% 95.5% 95.3% 95.7% 95.6% 96.2%

B. Graduation Rate


447 401 89.7%


469 431 91.9%


467 427 91.4%


465 438 91.38%


476 435 94.20%

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The following initiatives are designed to encourage students to feel valued at Castle.

Leadership and participation opportunities in co-curricular and extracurricular activities

Counseling services and programs for at-risk students

Before- and after-school help sessions for students

“Knight Kick-Off” – A mentor program designed to acclimate freshman students to the school and support their transition from the junior high school

The Warrick Education Center alternative high school that better serves the needs of the non-traditional student

An extensive tutorial program for those students who fail the ECA tests

Knight Connections Mentoring Program

Peer Tutoring program

Castle Crusaders program (Special Education Department)

Student recognition (Student of the Month, Scholastic “C”, 4.0 Night)

PEERS Project and student athlete Knight Reading programs

The following initiatives are designed in an effort to maintain and improve graduation rate.

Earlier identification of at-risk students

Expansion of the existing mentor program

Continuation of the RTI program

Continuation of co-taught courses

Continuation of the ECA remediation program

2015 Graduates - Diploma Types

Honors

Core 40

General

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VI. COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS

Recent surveys reflect that the Castle High School faculty have high expectations for their students in every class. The parent and student surveys reflect that the students are well prepared for success at the next level. The Castle High School Guidance Department facilitates many initiatives to ensure that Castle High School graduates are prepared for future success. These initiatives include:

4-year planning

Enrollment meetings to help students and parents plan for courses

Career exploration opportunities (Indiana Career Explorer, Holland Code Test)

Dual Credit/ Advance Placement opportunities

College and Career Speakers during homeroom time

Individual consultation with older students regarding diploma path progress and future plans

Transition consultations for students with IEPs

College Fair participation

College Fair attendance for students with IEPs and 504s

Visit to Vincennes University for students

Visit to the University of Evansville and the University of Southern Indiana for College Prep students

A part-time College Coach employed by Ivy Tech is available to discuss any college issues with students on an individual basis

Accuplacer Test identifies academic weaknesses for follow-up with guidance counselors

ECA remediation program

Guidance counselors work closely with 21st Century students

Remediation is offered for college readiness tests

Financial Aid night for students and parents

Information is provided to students regarding colleges, technical schools, financial aid, opportunities, and scholarships

Castle High School students have the opportunity to attend the Career and Technical School in Evansville with provided transportation to and from Castle

Response To Intervention Program

SAT preparation class is a regular course offering

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VII. SPECIFIC AREAS WHERE IMPROVEMENT IS NEEDED IMMEDIATELY

A. Meeting the Needs of Underachieving Students

Improvement is needed immediately in meeting the academic needs of underachieving students such as ELL (English Language Language) students, special education students, and students of lower socioeconomic status. Assessment scores reflect academic deficiencies of this group. A Response to Intervention (RTI) program was piloted in 2013-2014 academic year in selected English classes. ECA Remediation (Acuity and APEX Learning programs) and Credit Recovery programs are offered (APEX Learning).

B. Systematic Collection, Analysis, and Utilization of Data

Castle High School continues to assess and improve standards-based curriculum both vertically and horizontally including, the following areas:

Gathering, analyzing, and using data and research in making curricular and instructional choices

Using student assessment data for making decisions for continuous improvement of teaching and learning processes through the teacher evaluation process

Conducting a systematic analysis of instructional and organizational effectiveness and using the results to improve student performance

Communicating the results of student performance and school effectiveness to all stakeholders

VIII. BENCHMARKS FOR PROGRESS THAT SPECIFY HOW AND TO WHAT EXTENT THE SCHOOL EXPECTS TO MAKE CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT IN ALL AREAS OF THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM

School Improvement Goal

Castle High School will improve its mean critical reading scores 1% by the end of the 2015-2016 school year. All sophomore students will take the PSAT exam beginning in 2012-2013. PSAT analysis of critical reading skills will be the tool used for measuring student progress annually. Results of the critical reading portion of the PSAT exam will be compared with previous years PSAT critical reading data to determine whether Castle High School is achieving this goal. Teachers will employ various strategies to help students enhance their critical reading capabilities.

IX. CORE 40 DIPLOMA, CORE 40 WITH ACADEMIC HONORS DIPLOMA, AND CORE 40 WITH TECHNICAL HONORS DIPLOMA

A. Provisions to Offer Courses That Allow Students to Become Eligible to Earn

the Core 40 with Academic Honors Diploma

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Castle High School is committed to providing the required courses and the encouragement needed by students to earn a Core 40 with Academic Honors Diploma. The program requirement and a detailed four-year course of study are prominently featured in an enrollment bulletin that is given to all freshmen and new students.

B. Provisions to Encourage All Students to Earn a Core 40 Diploma, Core 40 Diploma with Academic Honors Diploma, or Core 40 with Technical Honors Diploma

There is an extensive section in the enrollment bulletin devoted to the requirements of the Core 40 curriculum. A similar section of the enrollment bulletin is devoted to the Core 40 with Academic Honors Diploma and the Core 40 with Technical Honors Diploma. During each year of enrollment, guidance staff tracks the progress of each student as he/she progresses through the requirements. Active communication between the school and the home is also designed to encourage students to complete the program requirements. Special recognition during senior week activities is given to students who earn the Core 40 with Academic Honors Diploma or the Core 40 with Technical Honors Diploma or who complete the Core 40 curriculum.

X. PROPOSED INTERVENTIONS BASED ON SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT GOALS

School Improvement Goal

Castle High School will improve its mean critical reading scores 1% by the end of the 2015-2016 school year. All sophomore students will take the PSAT exam beginning in 2012-2013. PSAT analysis of critical reading skills will be the tool used for measuring student progress annually. Results of the critical reading portion of the PSAT exam will be compared with previous years PSAT critical reading data to determine whether Castle High School is achieving this goal. Teachers will employ various strategies to help students enhance their critical reading capabilities. These strategies include, but are not limited to, the following:

School Improvement Goal Strategies:

1. Word of the Day- printed with its definition in the Daily Announcements, Administrators announce the Word of the Day during morning announcements, the Lancer, Castle’s newspaper, publishes the Words of the Day as puzzles and word searches with drawings for prizes for completed puzzles, and individual teachers utilize the Word of the Day in their daily instruction. The Word of the Day comes from a SAT preparation site.

2. SAT/ACT questions to phone (free APP available)

3. SAT prep questions in the Math Book

4. The English Department regularly prepares students in the two goal areas, the “Meaning of Words”, and “Reasoning and Inferencing.”

5. Professional Development Sharing session in the two goal areas

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XI. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT THAT IS COORDINATED WITH PROPOSED INTERVENTIONS AND THAT SUPPORTS SUSTAINABLE IMPROVEMENT EFFORTS

The key to improved learning for students is continuous job-embedded learning for educators. In order to reach the goals listed in this document, such professional development will be pursued both through outsourced workshops and in-house programs. This program of staff development will include the following training:

A. College and Career Readiness literacy standards

B. Critical reading strategies

C. Critical reading assessments

D. Continued professional development using technology to support instructional strategies.

XII. STATUTES AND RULES TO BE WAIVED This plan contains no such requests. XIII. ANNUAL PLAN FOR IMPLEMENTATION, REVIEW, AND REVISION The implementation of this plan will be in accordance with the guidelines outlined in Castle High School’s Professional Development Plan. This plan will be reviewed by the principal, the School Improvement Committee, teachers, and other stakeholders in Castle High School as data and other student achievement information becomes available. This data will include information provided by the Indiana Department of Education, PSAT assessment data, End-of-Course assessment data, local assessment results, survey results, and other indicators of student achievement. Any revisions in this plan that are made in response to the collection and analysis of the above-listed data may also dictate changes in the Professional Development Plan.

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