August 6, 2009 

As a result of the failure to meet AYP, Arapahoe Elementary School is in year four of School Improvement. Because of this, Fremont County School District #38 will continue to impose corrective action during school year 2008-2009.

This corrective action is twofold: • Appropriate Professional development that is likely to improve academic achievement of low performing students. • Appoint an outside expert to advise the school on revising and implementing its plan.

Professional Development: The professional development addresses two critical areas--all identified as significant impediments to student achievement: Reading and math instruction. This year we have again contracted with ERI for reading coaches with respect to Direct Instruction/Reading First/ Guided Reading activities. These coaches are contracted to be on-site at least 115 man-hour days throughout the school year. They will spend time in the classroom, modeling high-yield teaching strategies, meeting with teachers to train in data interpretation, and intervention strategies as they pertain to the idea of Response to Intervention. Coaches will also aid teachers in reviewing data with the intent of forming appropriate/effective student reading groups. In addition, math coaches from the National American Indian, Alaskan & Hawaiian Educational Development Center in Sheridan, Wyoming will be on site for 80 days throughout the school year to address delivery methods with respect to Everyday Math. Strength in Numbers strategies will also be a focus in this implementation of the program.  Coaches will continue to guide a math steering committee as the District seeks direction with respect to possible curriculum changes. The Strength in Numbers training will help facilitate this process.  Moreover, additional trainers will be employed by contact through Sopris West to provide Differentiated Instruction training regarding RTI, for math and reading instruction for at least two days per month. No longer will teachers be allowed to teach random skills. Instead, instruction will be focused and data driven. It is recognized that a significant volume of student behavior and classroom management issues are directly associated with teacher/instructional processes. Because of this, long term, sustained coaching of effective teaching styles and high yield intervention strategies are critical to implementing the corrective action required to move Arapahoe Elementary School towards blue ribbon status. Finally, WDE, will be working with our K-8 on RTI strategies in the classroom. Strategies will focus on staff and parents identifying challenges, reviewing data, brainstorming solutions, then identifying and implementing high-yield interventions that will enable students to be successful in the classroom. Ultimately, this will impact attendance, behavior, and student learning. Beginning with the intensive math and reading  training implemented in August of 2009, trainers have been, and will be, in the classroom 10-15 days per month throughout the entire school year. It is important to understand that this long-term intensive coaching will not be limited to just the 2008-2009 school year as we will be consolidating gains and moving forward. This model was initiated during the 2007-2008 school year, with significant positive results--as measured by DIBBLES. Because of this, it is believed that this particular strategy should be expanded upon as it is creating a certain momentum and confidence. The district anticipates using customized technical assistance through at least the 2009-2010 school year.

Outside Expert: The District continues to work under a corrective action plan to make systematic progress on identified improvement items as outlined by the Senior Leadership team and the WDE liaison/Coach, Gerry Maas. These areas include the following: Leadership & Governance, Staffing & Licensing, Budget & Fiscal Procedures, Federal Programs, and Charter School Operations. The goal is to improve all areas of concern, which will directly impact student and staff performance. Critical to Arapahoe Elementary School corrective action is the Federal Programs, which AYP is attached through Title I requirements. The School Improvement team is, in a general sense, under direction of Gerry Maas as he reviews data, advises direction, identifies resources, addresses concerns, and provides a single point of contact for which the school can more efficiently move through the school improvement process. Ultimately the School Improvement Plan must meet with Senor Leadership’s approval as well as WDE liaison, Mr. Maas. The belief is that this process will lead to an effective environment in which students can thrive.

Please direct any questions or concerns to Barney Lacock, Director of Instruction (307)856-9333 ext. 187