ARROWPOINT} TH E OF F I CI A L M A G A Z I N E O F B RO K EN A R R O W P U B LIC S C H O O LS
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SEE IN S I D E Superintendent’s Message BAPS Foundation A-F Grading Scale Digital Learning
VOLUME 38, ISSUE TWO • FALL 2012
Career Exploration
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ARROWPOINT
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLS VOLUME 38, ISSUE 2 | FALL 2012 Publisher Communications Department Broken Arrow Public Schools Editing/Content/Photography Tara Thompson Public Information Officer Layout/Design/Photography Adam J. Foreman Graphic Artist/Publications Specialist Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jarod Mendenhall Board of Education Cheryl Kelly, President Steve Allen, Vice President Jerry Denton, Clerk Shari Wilkins, Deputy Clerk Steve Majors, Member
The ARROWPOINT is published by the Communications Department of Broken Arrow Public Schools and is distributed to approximately 45,000 households in the Broken Arrow school district. The ARROWPOINT is printed at Printed Products, Inc., and is the official communication tool for parents, students, staff and patrons of Broken Arrow Public Schools. Any information, content and photos contained herein are property of Broken Arrow Schools and are to be used by outside sources only with permission of the Communications Department. All contents are copyrighted.
Broken Arrow Public Schools (BAPS) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following people at BAPS have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: The Executive Director of Human Resources should be contacted for all non-student and/or employment related issues at 918-259-5700 or at 701 South Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012. The Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services should be contacted for all student issues except those related to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 at 918-259-5700 or at 701 South Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012. The Director of Special Education should be contacted for all student issues related to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 at 918-259-5700 or at 701 South Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012. Inquiries concerning non-discrimination can also be made to the United States Department of Education’s Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights.
Broken Arrow Public Schools Education Service Center 701 South Main Street Broken Arrow, OK 74012 (918) 259-5700 | F: (918) 258-0399 www.baschools.org
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SUPERINTENDENT
A few days ago, I came across an article that contained the results of a study conducted by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. It looked specifically at the status of school funding in multiple states, and Oklahoma was actually at the top of the list - unfortunately, this was not a good thing. According to this study, “Per pupil spending in Oklahoma has dropped more than 20 percent since fiscal year (FY) 2008. This was the third largest percentage decrease in the nation, behind only Arizona and Alabama. In FY 2013, Oklahoma is spending $706 less per student in inflation-adjusted dollars than we did in FY 2008.” As a superintendent and a parent of a middle school student, this is troubling. While it is true that both our state and the entire nation have been recovering from an economic recession, the cuts to the budgets of Oklahoma schools continue. In Broken Arrow alone, our enrollment has grown 250 students since last year, but because our allotment from the state did not increase, we are educating more students on the same budget. In addition to the flat budgets are the underfunded and unfunded mandates that continue to be doled out to schools across the state. The new Teacher Leader Effectiveness Model is a prime example. The State Superintendent and her staff determined that a new evaluation model was needed for both teachers and administrators. This was a reasonable change that I truly hope will improve public education. However, what is not reasonable is the lack of funding that comes with this mandate. Another hit to public education was the funding that was initially withheld to fund potential charter schools. This is money public schools districts depend on, yet those dollars were withheld to fund charter schools that do not yet exist. Funding cuts to early childhood education are also rumored to be in the discussions at the Capitol this year. Oklahoma is a national leader in successful early childhood education, and it would be a travesty if our political leaders begin to chip away at the programs that give our youngest Oklahomans a solid foundation. The article – which was also featured in the Tulsa World – concluded with the following statements: “A strong education system is essential to creating and maintaining a thriving economy. Businesses need a welleducated workforce, and education cuts undermine the state’s ability to produce workers with the skills needed to compete in a global economy. Our economy is performing well today, but if we do not recommit ourselves to adequately fund education, we put our children and our future prosperity at risk.” I wholeheartedly agree with these sentiments. If you do as well, the next obvious question is, “What can I do to help?” The answer: take time to learn about these and other issues that threaten public education in our state, and then get involved. If you have not already, I encourage you to become active in the Parent Legislative Action Committee (PLAC). This nonpartisan group of parents and educators work to educate all Oklahoma parents about the impact legislative actions can have on public education. They actively engage our legislators in conversations designed to improve public education across the state. If you would like to learn more about this group, I invite you to join us on October 11, at 11:30 a.m. in the Education Service Center. Our PTA Council has agreed to host the PLAC luncheon in Broken Arrow this month, so that more BA parents can get involved. If you would like to attend, please contact Melissa Abdo, PLAC Chairman, at TulsaAreaPLAC@yahoo.com , and RSVP today. Sincerely,
ARROWPOINT MAGAZINE • PAGE TWO
Dr. Jarod Mendenhall, Superintendent of Schools
FORE!
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BAPS FOUNDATION
TOURNAMENT • Friday, Oct. 12, 2012 • Forest Ridge Golf Club • Shotgun start at 9 a.m. • Four-Man Scramble • Sponsorships available • 918.259.5787 for more info
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BAPS Foundation Golf Tournament raises funds for teacher grants
The Broken Arrow Public Schools Foundation is once again hosting a golf tournament at Forest Ridge Golf Club to benefit the students and staff of Broken Arrow Public Schools. This is the eleventh year for this fun-filled event, and the members of the Broken Arrow Public Schools Foundation are working to make this the most successful tournament to date. “We’ve always had such great community support for this event, and we’re hoping this year will be another year of strong support from our business community,” said current BAPS Foundation President Jim Beavers. “The money that is raised from this event goes to fund teacher grants, which directly impact our students’ education.” St. Francis Hospital South will once again be the premier sponsor of the tournament, but several other businesses have already pledged their support. “AVB, First National, RCB and Citizen’s Security Banks have generously provided the meal and hors d’oeuvres for the event, and Great Plains Coca-Cola and American Fidelity Assurance have teamed up to provide the beverages,” Beavers said. “We appreciate the continued support of these and other sponsors, but we’re also excited about the new sponsors that have chosen to participate this year.” The tournament is scheduled to be held at Forest Ridge Golf Club on Friday, Oct. 12th. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. and the shotgun start will take place at 9 a.m. Numerous door prizes will be given away during this four-person scramble, and anyone lucky enough to get a hole in one may win a diamond from Moody’s Jewelry or a new car from Kevin Grover GMC. “This tournament is the Foundation’s only fundraiser, and the Foundation plays an important role within the district,” said Broken Arrow Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jarod Mendenhall. “Every spring, teachers across our district are surprised with checks that fund their grant requests, and these grants are used to give our students a more enriched educational experience.” Last year, the grant application process was streamlined to make the process easier for teachers who already have busy schedules. In just a few hours, a teacher can sit and write a grant that meets all of the requirements, and every spring the grants are personally handed out by members of the Foundation. “When I see the BAPS Foundation people walk into my room I feel excited, loved and appreciated,” said high school art teacher Jennifer Deal. “Each time I have received a foundation grant, I feel like BA is taking care of its own. It is an incredible program that allows me to expose my students to materials and processes that I just can’t provide with my regular instructional budget.” Information about the golf tournament can be obtained by calling the Broken Arrow Public Schools Communications Office at 918-259-5787, or visit www.baschools.org and click on “BAPS Foundation” under the “Community” tab.
ARROWPOINT MAGAZINE • PAGE THREE
MAKING THE G
Oklahoma Legislature approves new system for evaluating
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In 2011, the Oklahoma Legislature adopted a new grading system for all public schools in the state. Known as the A-F School Grading System, this method of reporting provides incentives to schools that challenge students to reach high levels of college and career readiness. “Broken Arrow is like many other school districts in that we do not shy away from data collection and accountability,” said Chief Academic Officer Dr. Janet Dunlop. “We have excellent teachers, intelligent students, and even though we are one of the largest schools in the state, our scores have traditionally been higher than the state average on the numerous state-mandated tests.” Along with the new grading system comes new terminology and a new method for calculating scores. “There is a learning curve that comes with anything new, and it will be no different with the A-F grading system,” Dunlop said. “We educators must come to understand the system and how to be successful, and we also must educate our parents as to what to look for and how to analyze the results.”
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“Testing is a necessary part of measuring the educational process, but it should not be the most important thing we do.” -Dr. Jarod Mendenhall
ARROWPOINT MAGAZINE • PAGE FOUR
Instead of a numerical score as was assigned under the previous model, individuals schools and districts will receive a letter grade score. The School Performance Grading Scale utilizes the following percentages to assign grades: 3.75-4.0 = A, 2.75-3.74 = B, 1.752.74 = C, 0.75-1.74 = D, and 0.74 and below = F. Look at the chart to the right for a description of what is included in that score. “After hours of research, we are just now beginning to understand what is a very complicated grading system,” said Director of Assessment, Jean Brassfield. “What has been communicated to be a simple letter grade is actually the result of multiple calculations using a variety of percentages, formulas and grading scales.” Test scores are expected to be released soon, but administrators across the state are unsure
what to expect. “Our preliminary numbers show areas of increase, decrease, and maintenance, and we have already identified a number of errors in the calculations,” Brassfield said. “We have notified the State Department of the errors we have identified, and were given 30 days to appeal the errors, all of which we believe will be in our favor.” Once the district has received and verified its test results, the information will be provided to the public. “Testing is a necessary part of measuring the educational process, but it should not be the most important thing we do,” said Superintendent Dr. Jarod Mendenhall. “If we will take care of the whole child – their education, engagement, and well-being – then the test results will take care of themselves.”
GRADE
g districts, individual schools School and district grades under the A-F Grading System will be calculated in three main sections: Student Achievement (33%), Student Growth (34%), and whole school performance (33%). Grades are assigned based on a letter grade scale in which 90% = A, 80% = B, 70% = C, 60% = D, 59% or below = F. 1. Student Achievement will be determined by state testing which will still be administered as in previous years. This will include the following tests: End of Instruction Tests, Oklahoma Core Curriculum Tests, the Oklahoma Modified Alternative Assessment Program, and the Oklahoma Alternate Assessment Program. These tests include all subject areas and are administered to students in grades 3-12. Testing performance categories (unsatisfactory, limited knowledge, proficient, advanced) are levels set annually by the Oklahoma State Department of Education and are subject to change. The formula for determining the overall letter grade for a school and district is as follows: (# of students who score Limited Knowledge x .02) + (# of Advanced Students x 1.2)/Total # of students tested = Performance Index) This Performance Index will count for 33% of the overall grade. 2. Student Growth will consist of two sub-categories, each worth 17% of the overall grade for the Student Growth section. All student growth will count for 17% of the overall grade, and will be calculated per student as follows: • Increase but not proficient = 0 • Increase 1 level = 1 pt • Increase 2 levels = 2pts • Increase 3 levels = 3 pts • Remain Proficient = 1 pt • Remain Advanced = 1 pt • Meets or exceeds state average growth = 1 pt • Move from Proficient/Satisfactory to Advanced = 1 pt Another 17% of the Student Growth score will be calculated from the growth shown in the Bottom 25% of students. This percentage will be calculated per student as follows: • Move from Unsatisfactory to Limited Knowledge = 1 pt • Move from Unsatisfactory to Proficient = 2 pts • Move from Unsatisfactory Advanced = 3 pts • Move from Limited Knowledge to Proficient = 1 pt • Move from Limited Knowledge to Advanced = 2 pts • Meets or exceeds state average growth = 1 pt The totals of All Student Growth and the Bottom 25% are totaled to calculate the overall Student Growth percentage, and this Performance Index will count for 34% of the overall grade. 3. Whole School Improvement accounts for the final 33% of the letter grade, and is determined differently based on the level. a. At the elementary levels, the score is based upon attendance, in which the grading scale is 94-100% = A, 92-93% = B, 90-91% = C, 8889% = D, and 87% and below = F. Dropout rates will not be part of the calculation this year, but will be a part of the score in years to come.
A CLOSER LOOK
At the A-F Grading Scale b. At the middle school level, attendance will count for 90% of the score, and will utilize the same grading scale. Dropouts will account for 4% of the grade based on the following scale: 0-0.9% = A, 1-1.9% = B, 2-2.9% = C, 3-3.9% = D, and 4% or more = F. The percentage of students taking advanced level coursework will account for 6% of the grade based on the following scale: 30% = A, 25-29% = B, 20-24% = C, 15-19% = D, 14% and below = F. c. At the high school level, numerous factors will be included in the calculation of the grade: i. The four-year graduation rate will account for 79% of the letter grade and will use a scale of 90% = A, 80% = B, 70% = C, 60%= D, 59% or below = F. ii. Participation in advanced coursework will account for 3% of the grade on a scale of 70-100% = A, 60-69% = B, 50-59% = C, 30-49% = D, 29% or below = F. iii. Performance on advanced exams will account for 3% of the grade on a scale of 75-100% = A, 65-74% = B, 50-64% = C, 30-49% = D, 29% or below = F. iv. Performance on concurrent enrollment and industry certification courses will account for 3% of the grade on the following scale: 90% = A, 80% = B, 70% = C, 60% = D, 59% or below = F. v. Participation on college entrance exams (ACT/SAT) will account for 3% of the grade on a scale of 75-100% = A, 65-74% = B, 50-64% = C, 30-49% = D, 29% or below = F. vi. Performance on college entrance exams (ACT/SAT) will account for 3% of the grade on a scale of 75-100% = A, 65-74% = B, 50-64% = C, 30-49% = D, 29% or below = F. vii. The graduation rate of low achieving 8th grade students will account for 3% of the score using the following scale: 85-100% = A, 75-84% = B, 65-74% = C, 55-64% = D, 54% or below = F. viii. The five-year graduation rate will account for 3% of the letter grade and will use a scale of 90% = A, 80% = B, 70% = C, 60% = D, 59% or below = F. A limited number of bonus points can be earned at all levels for climate surveys, volunteer hours, percentage of students using the new C3 curriculum created by the State Department, and based on the percentage of graduates needed remediation in college.
ARROWPOINT MAGAZINE • PAGE FIVE
b
GET INSPIRED New program takes digital learning to a new level
Broken Arrow High School is now offering a unique opportunity for juniors and seniors through a new program called !nspire-21. !nspire-21 affords students the opportunity to have a blended schedule of traditional and online classes. “I like going at my own pace, not having to wait for everybody,” said Senior Amber Johnson. This digital learning experience offers a challenging, research-based curriculum for students with certified teachers providing guidance and assistance. Core subjects as well as electives are available, and students can access the curriculum any time, either day or night, providing widespread opportunities and flexibility. When asked what he liked about !nspire-21, Senior Garrett McCafferty said, “It’s more hands-on. The atmosphere is a lot more relaxed, and it gives you the responsibility to do your own work at your own pace.” While digital learning allows for students to work at their own pace, pacing guides are provided as a guideline as to when assignments should be completed. According to !nspire-21 English instructor Amanda Westcott, “!nspire21 is
ARROWPOINT MAGAZINE • PAGE SIX
extremely user-friendly and is designed for kids who are self-motivated and ready for independence, but it still has a safety net with instructor availability daily.” Students maintain accountability with teachers throughout the week with a combination of face-to-face check-ins, classroom instructional time, phone calls, e-mails, and/or other means of social networking. This accountability allows for supplemental instruction as well as feedback to the students in order to optimize academic success. The program is designed to provide a new and innovative way of learning traditional material. “I believe some of the advantages are student flexibility, fewer distractions for the students, and it helps students with work schedules,” said Lea Harlow who teaches !nspire-21 World History and Psychology. “It also gives students a sense of independence as well as a sense of self-control and discipline. Overall, it’s fun and exciting.” The on-line learning environment accommodates the various learning styles of students, and the !nspire-21 Lab is available every day which also provides students the on-going opportunity to work in a supportive educational setting. “I like it better than regular English class because there are
not too many distractions,” said Senior Colton Selberg. !nspire-21 is a college readiness program designed to help students maximize their time and abilities. When asked why she liked the program, Senior Marissa Schenk said, “You can work on it anywhere, anytime, which really helps with my schedule.” All subjects are aligned with Oklahoma State Standards and provide an innovative approach to learning through interactive and interesting approaches. “The courses are very engaging and interactive for the students,” said Digital Learning Coordinator Linda Ricks. “As students navigate through the lessons, they experience virtual tours and a variety of learning modalities that enhance comprehension and develop essential critical thinking skills.” Both Ricks and High School Principal Derek Blackburn are expecting the program to expand as students become more aware of the opportunities and the flexibility it affords them. The additional flexibility and responsibility are providing students real-life skills that will prepare them for the next phase of their life, be it college or career.
!nspire21 ONLINE
Students embrace business world in unique program
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CEP X
CAREER EXPLORATION PROGRAM
Thanks to a new program at Broken Arrow High Schools, senior students have the opportunity to earn academic credits in a setting other than the typical high school classroom. The Career Exploration Program (CEP) is in its first year and is designed to give students an authentic learning experience in the business world. “Whether a student’s plans are to go to college, trade school, or straight into the workforce, the Career Exploration Program will help them gain the experience they need to succeed,” said CEP Coordinator Kylla Leeburg. “Through CEP, students are provided with an overview of their chosen career area(s), as well as familiarized with the professional and decision-making processes of that profession.” By partnering with businesses in the surrounding community, the program broadens students’ knowledge base about the business world and enables them to hone their talents, goals, abilities and interests as they go beyond high school. Students spend part of their day at a business placement under adult supervision in which they complete real-world projects and tasks associated with that profession. Their classroom work with Leeburg is focused on building skills such as professional writing, interviewing, resume building, and the other skills needed as they transition from high school to their college or career. “We’ve designed this program with the flexibility to meet the needs of both students and businesses,” Leeburg said. “We have the ability to place students at a variety of times throughout the school day so they are able to spend a few hours at their business placement each day.” CEP is only available to senior students at this time, and students must apply for acceptance into the program. “Once students submit their application, which includes references, each of them must participate in an interview,” Leeburg said. “We are looking for students who will be dependable in their placements, and who will be good representatives of both our district and the community.” The students who participate in CEP are able to earn academic credits as they would for any traditional class, and are able to explore career areas in which they are interested before investing time and money in college courses and trade schools. “As a former classroom teacher, I know that
hands-on learning experiences are the most powerful, and that is exactly what this program provides,” Leeburg said. “As a result of working with professionals in the world of work, students have a better idea of the academic requirements and personal characteristics that are needed to be successful in their chosen career field. The program gives them greater self-confidence, increased independence and adds significant experience to their resume.” A number of businesses are already participating in the program, but more are needed as the program grows. “The business professionals who choose to participate in CEP are able to train and develop qualified workers prior to employment and influence curriculum development in schools to better meet business and industry standards,” Leeburg said. “Business leaders are assuming an active role as mentors in the education of students in the community, and both groups are benefiting from this partnership.” Any business owner or student interested in the Career Exploration Program should contact Kylla Leeburg at 918-259-4310 ext. 4730 or kdleeburg@ baschools.org.
BUSINESSES INVOLVED St. John Broken Arrow Hospital Baker Hughes The HUB Gym Broken Arrow Police Department Broken Arrow Fire Department City of Broken Arrow Build It Digital Fox 23 News Tulsa Sunshine Center (Physical therapy for special needs children) Broken Arrow Public Schools (Various elementary schools and the ESC) SJS Hospitality- Hotel Management Forest Ridge McDonald’s (Marketing experience) Custom Services (Heat & Air) Wohali ARROWPOINT MAGAZINE • PAGE SEVEN
NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID BROKEN ARROW, OK PERMIT NO. 140
BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLS 701 South Main Street Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012 WWW.BASCHOOLS.ORG
SMART PHONES- SCAN ME!
Broken Arrow Public Schools Patron Broken Arrow, OK 74011 Broken Arrow, OK 74012 Broken Arrow, OK 74014