Download 2003 STW-TCS Castaic profile FINAL Rec

SCHOOLS TO WATCH – TAKING CENTER STAGE
MODEL SCHOOL – VISITOR’S GUIDE
Castaic Middle School
2013 School Statistics
(Sources: 2013API Growth Report)
Community: Urban fringe
Enrollment: 1,026
Grade Levels: 6-8
School Schedule: Six periods with 17-minute
advisory period on rotating schedule
Student Demographics
 51%
White
 36%
Hispanic/Latino

4%
Two or more races

3%
African American

3%
Asian

0%
American Indian/Alaska Native

3%
Filipino

0%
Pacific Islander


Designated 2003; Re-Designated 2006, 2009,
2012
Castaic Middle School ● Castaic Union School District ●
Los Angeles County ● Bob Brauneisen, Principal ● 28900
Hillcrest Parkway, Castaic, CA 91384 ● Tel 661-257-4550,
Fax 661-294-9714 ● http://www.castaic.k12.ca.us/cms/
25%
6%
Free/Reduced Lunch
English Learners
2010 API Target/Growth: A / +8
2011 API Target/Growth: A / +8
2012 API Target/Growth: A / +9
2013 API Target/Growth: A / -10
(Visit http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/ar/index.asp to
view this school’s data for prior years.)
School Characteristics and Replicable Practices
Academic Excellence
 Interdisciplinary teams are trained to use Jane Schaeffer strategies, 6+1 Write Traits, graphic organizers and
holistic rubrics to teach and assess student writing.
 Data-driven curriculum decisions utilize common assessments, data software, and multiple English-language
arts and math benchmark testing by district, informal assessments and project-based learning profiles.
 Brain-researched academic vocabulary strategies are used school-wide.
 AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) classes for 7th and 8th grades, whose college focus and
culture permeates the campus; AVID Cornell note-taking is used school-wide.
 Teachers assess, then create flexible grouping of students into clusters for targets standards recovery
assistance; targeted intervention periods are fluid to meet the needs of all students.
 Before, during and afterschool Homework Club provide support for rigorous classes.
 Weekly shortened Wednesdays give time for interdisciplinary teams to collaborate with a focus on rigor,
intervention, and assessment needs within the school’s professional learning community.
 Students organize their work according to the state standards and track their progress throughout the year.
(Continued)
Schools to Watch – Taking Center Stage
Castaic Middle School
Page 2
Developmental Responsiveness
 Sixth grade is structured as a small learning community to assist with transition from elementary school.
 A daily advisory period supports students’ academic and social needs.
 Services for students on campus include one full time and one part time counselor, two assistant principals,
three counseling interns, one DIS and at-risk counselor and one psychologist.
 Portfolios are created as a culminating activity in eighth grade English language arts; using a digital portfolio,
on Portfolio Day, students participate in a mock job interview with volunteers from the community.
 Lunchtime activities include: intramural sports, teacher tutoring, and clubs. Clubs include: robotics, games
and technology, skate, art, choir, Safe School Ambassadors, and the award-winning CMSTV.
 Youth Summit is an annual city-wide, community-based youth outreach program where seventh and eighth
graders from all schools come together as leaders and learners.
 DFYit (Drug Free Youth in town) is a city-wide drug-prevention program where students pledge to be drug
free, create learning experiences for students and participate in community events that promote the
abstinence from drugs and alcohol.
 Character education is delivered school-wide via John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success program and the
Character Trait of the Month.
 Teachers provide parent/student/teacher conferences multiple times a year, at both pre-designated
conference dates and on an as-needed basis.
 Before- and after-school opportunities include visual and performing arts and a national award-winning
student-led digital television studio.
 Beginning the 2014-2015, an RTI program will give students pre-determined intervention or enrichment twice
weekly during the advisory period. The other two days will be team-wide intervention or enrichment.
 Eighth grade math is co-taught by a credentialed math teacher and a credentialed RSP teacher.
Social Equity
 English learners are clustered within the interdisciplinary teams in each grade level so all students
experience rigorous standards-based curriculum.
 All information is provided in English and Spanish including the school’s phone home service.
 Associated Student Body and the student council provide noon activities, dances, and cultural celebrations
and build a sense of community.
 Strong exploratory program includes: nationally recognized CMStv, video production, theater arts, guitar,
band, painting and ceramics courses for all grade levels
 The library and computer lab are open every Tuesday and Thursday after school with credential teachers
supporting students with their homework.
 Students are recognized for academic success, community service, character, athletics, and citizenship.
 The Cougar Pride Project provides rewards and acknowledgement for students in academics, citizenship,
and for being part of the CMS community: Student of the Quarter Luncheons, Bug Awards and VIP Awards.
The Cougar Pride First Day provides a positive welcome.
Organizational Support
 Teacher-leaders participate in implementing focus goals and assist in staff development and master
scheduling.
 The Professional Development team provides on-site professional development models of best practices.
 Articulation is on multiple levels with vertical and curriculum teams.
 Parents participate on the school’s English Learner Advisory Council (ELAC) and District-level English
Language Advisory Council (DELAC), Parent Teacher Student Association, and the site council
 The administration partners with nearby universities to provide resources and support for educator training
programs and administrator credentialing.
 Partnership with the Santa Clarita Child and Family Center provide students and families with free counseling
and psychological and psychiatric resources.
California Department of Education
Rev. 2014