JOLIET TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOLS
JOLIET, ILLINOIS

The campuses have developed a School Improvement Plan to meet the standards of the Illinois State Board of Education and North Central Association. They are as follows:

Central Campus Improvement Plan 2002-2003

An internal review of Central Campus conducted by School Improvement Team members focused on (1) Teaching and Learning, (2) Student Progress and Achievement, and (3) The Learning Community. Information gathered and data collected came from:

1. Student, staff, parent, community, and program surveys;
2. Local, state, and national [student] assessments;
3. Student work;
4. Classroom observations;
5. Curriculum development and alignment;
6. Demographics;
7. Grade distribution reports;
8. Statistics – academic and behavioral;
9. Year end division reports; and
10. Professional development.

Findings demonstrate need to:

1. Continue planning for a safe and secure learning environment;
2. Improve transitioning of eighth grade students into high school;
3. Continue character education initiatives;
4. Improve student performance;
5. Strengthen, align, and effectively deliver the curriculum;
6. Enhance the use of technology;
7. Teach [students] effective use of communication skills;
8. Promote engaged learning within classrooms; and
9. Improve the career planning process for students.

Four questions provided direction, and aided in the development of a five-year school improvement plan. Questions asked were:

1. Where do we want to be? (Vision)
2. Where are we now? (Data Collection)
3. How are we going to get where we want to be? (Plan)
4. How will we know if we are successful? (Evaluation)

A mission serves as the compass for our plan. Central Campus’s mission is to become “The School of Choice.” The focus of our vision is on becoming a learning environment that provides opportunities and encouragement for all students to develop academic, social, employment, and wellness skills necessary to become healthy, productive, contributing citizens.

The plan consists of nine action items designed to address our identified needs. As a school we have researched, developed, and implemented plans that have helped improve what we have. In addition, planning has brought forth new initiatives.

We continue to provide a safe and secure learning environment. Planning has resulted in improved security, emergency procedures, and crisis communication.

We have worked diligently to improve transitioning of eighth graders into our school. [Informational] departmental brochures have been developed and are ready for distribution. We hosted a shadow day where a participating eighth grader was paired with an upperclassman. The visiting student attended all of the host student’s classes.

“Freshman Forum”, scheduled over six twenty-five minute periods, will be home to all freshmen. It will be used to disseminate information and/or conduct presentations. The room is transitioning into becoming a state-of-the-art presentation room.

Guidance counselors serve as liaisons to junior highs. Central Campus staff continues to articulate with junior high staff, often taking students with them as they visit junior highs.

The attributes of respect and responsibility continue to receive attention, and are presented to students through bi-monthly life-long lessons. First Class remains our recognized character education delivery system, enhanced by character education classes.

We continue to encourage and support engaged learning within classrooms. Time and expertise are given to district committees as committees are established to improve curriculum, expand the use of technology, or partner with the community to improve student’s communication skills – reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

Following careful review, assessment data is used to identify strengths and weaknesses in curriculum and instruction. Student and staff needs are identified and addressed. Support is provided to both. Improving student performance remains our on-going commitment and daily challenge.

We have just scratched the surface on improving career planning for students. Our goals are the development of an Individual Career Plan for every student, improved technological support for career planning, and improved communication to teachers regarding career planning and resources. This action item will receive more attention next school year.

Evaluation of the school improvement process demonstrates the following:

1. Students and staff feel safe at Joliet Central;
2. Eighth graders and parents enter our school well-informed about offerings, programs, and operations;
3. Respect and responsibility are acknowledged and demonstrated by students and staff;
4. Students demonstrate academic improvement from the point of entry into high school to graduation. However, students are not performing to state standards. And, students continue to come to us below grade level;
5. Involvement in the curriculum development and alignment process is uniformly strengthening curriculum and instruction;
6. Use of technology has increased and proves effective in supporting student learning. However, expanded use and continued support is necessary;
7. [Student] communication skills are deficient; and
8. Students are learning to become part of the discovery and learning process.

Mr. Craig Spiers,
Principal
Central Campus