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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