INITIATIVE

COMMENT

1

Establishing class sizes which allow teachers to deliver instruction and evaluate student performance

• Lower student teacher radio has significant positive impact in classrooms.
• Class size is crucial to our other initiatives.
• Student teacher ratio is critical to success.  Individual attention.  Imperative to know class sizes before we build.
• Importance of student/teacher ratio.
• Mandated/required "basic" classes should have the lowest class size so all students meet expectations.
• Focuses on the students’ achievement; focuses on all students; class sizes are too large.
• Better identification of student needs.  Teachers have more time for all students.  Physical space is important.  Challenge all students at their level - differentiate instruction.
• Affects every student and effect on achievement.
• Will drive facilities perhaps not an arbitrary number, but dependent on class.
• Learning atmosphere and directed attention to each students’ needs.
• We believe that studies show that smaller class sizes result in a better educational experience.
• Teachers can be more effective.
• Improved teacher/student relationships.

2

Providing adequate tutoring opportunities for students outside class

• Block scheduling makes access to tutoring difficult.  Addressing this would be helpful.
• Providing adequate tutoring opportunities for students outside of class.
• Ability to obtain help is critical to student success.  Real learning happens during homework.
• Hand-in-hand with No. 9.
• Provides a way of increasing achievement; assists teachers in their work.
• Implement a program for teachers to identify challenged students and link them with a tutor.

3

Increasing the number of qualified reading specialists in teaching reading strategies

• Emphasize reading at feeder schools as well as providing specialized support at high school level.
• Grows out of initiative no. 1, if class size was smaller may not need more specialists.
• Reading is the key to a successful learning experience in all other curriculum areas.
• Reading specialists are needed as consultants and reading is a basic necessity for learning.
• There is a crisis in reading and writing skills in the schools and the workplace; reading and writing are closely linked together.
• A foundation skill, a primary need for student achievement.
• Focus on increased reading and comprehension (better prepared for college).

4

Surveying our teachers, students and parents on a regular, ongoing schedule to assess their perceptions of the school culture.

• We've seen positive changes in perceptions of MHS.  This effort will keep this moving in that direction.
• High expectations to be successful.  We liked this but would have preferred to have a follow-up plan if survey is negative.
• Increase school pride and image.
• Safe environment, good PR, public support for future enhancements.
• Keep communication flowing; already done.

5

Increasing the number of student clubs in which students can become involved while maintaining high levels of participation within these clubs

• Social development just as important as academics during the teenage years.  Example:  emotional development.
• Helps kids stay connected, socialize, feeling that school is a second home, and can offer diversity of interest.
• The more students can feel they belong and contribute, the more they will take pride in their school.
• Students who are involved get better grades, are more invested in school, in other students, and enjoy coming to school every day.

6

Increasing the number of interscholastic teams in which students can become involved while maintaining high levels of participation within these teams.

• The positive influence of clubs and teams gives a sense of pride and belonging.  Exposure to the larger community.

7

Adopting and implementing Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) technology standards for students and teachers.

• This will have a major impact on future participation in the workforce.
• Provide proper technology in the classrooms - outlets, etc.  Imperative to student success in the work/internationally.
• Non-negotiable.
• Needs to prepare, keep up with technology.
• Ensure students master to fit in the global workforce.

8

Establishing, integrating, and evaluating the use and effectiveness of academic integrity guidelines as they apply to the use of instructional technology in the curriculum.

• Wide spread plagiarism among students, students need to understand the rules.
• Our world evolves daily - our children need to be fully integrated in technology to be successful.

9

Developing and executing intervention plans for students identified as struggling and/or at-risk.

• This is a critical age for young people's development.
• Students who have emotional issues will not be ready to learn.
• The demographics dictate that this is important, related to class, ethnicity, special needs.
• Another mandate from NCLB.
• Focuse on students and improve achievement.
• Time and support for all students to learn.
• NCLB, they need extra support to advance.
• Important to catch early; important to see how whole population is doing.
• We want NCLB, students at risk either socially or emotionally can't be successful now or later.
• NCLB, general achievement will increase if specific students are addressed.

10

Collecting data on individual students to align instruction and curriculum in the classroom.

• Are the standards we set being met and are they commensurate with standards for future participation in universities, tech training facilities, employment settings.
• Some departments already doing this; feel this would be a valuable tool for improving and/or refining for students and teachers.
• Collect data to see if other areas are being achieved.
• Help us target academic gaps.
• Important to see how whole population is doing on.  Already working on.
• Making sure meeting needs of all students.
• Curriculum and instruction is more objective, not student focused without data.  Data gives evidence of needs and leads direction for change.

11

Developing and implementing a comprehensive facilities plan that addresses the need for building updates and expansion to accommodate enrollments and program needs.

• Clearer definition of what "facilities" term encompasses needed.
• School is out of space.  Infrastructure of the school is delicate.  We can't host IHSA event here - example:  pool.  Refer to No. 1.
• None of this is possible without appropriate space and appropriate types of space.
• MHS is busting at the seams.
• Over crowded, older facilities, need more lockers.
• The physical space and the environment are key to a successful high school experience.  Pride in our school. 
• While this is important, we feel that good quality programs and learning can still be achieved through hard work and commitment of parents, teachers and students.
• To be able to accommodate all the other needs.
• Without a proper facility, most other objectives can't be supported.
• School has run out of space.