Aspire Public Schools

1. Aspire Public Schools Annual Update to the LUSD Board of Education January 15, 2014 Submitted by Mary Welch, Area Superintendent

2. Executive Summary • Aspire celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2014! We are proud to have had our very first school in Lodi in 1999! • We welcome two new principals this year – Kris Jamison at ROCS and Jeff Palmquist at Ben Holt. • Last year we implemented our new teacher effectiveness system of supports and evaluation. The first stipends based on performance were distributed in November. • Our Lodi Schools continue to be a great training ground for our nationally recognized Teacher Residency program. Teachers work alongside a mentor teacher for one year. They earn their Master’s degree and credential through a partnership with Aspire and UOP. • Student achievement remains very high! ROCS increased its API to 899, Holt went up to 892, and Shalvey remained in the 900’s at 917. • Ben Holt graduated for the fifth consecutive year 100% of its seniors with acceptances to a four-year college!

3. Student Achievement - API History

4. School Rankings

5. In 2013, we again had 100% of graduating seniors from Ben Holt accepted to four year colleges and universities 100%! 54 graduating seniors! 100% college acceptance rate By 2016, three years from now, we’ll be graduating 75 - 80 students each year ready-for college

6. All 3 schools implemented a new performance system to support and evaluate teacher effectiveness. Multiple measures are used for a 360 evaluation of every teacher. • A new teacher effectiveness rubric guides feedback and growth for teachers. • Online resources and coaching supports are available to each teacher in their growth area. • Student growth percentiles are included in evaluation ratings.

7. Family Satisfaction • Annual Survey Results: “My child is getting a good education at this school.” Percentage of families who answered “Strongly Agree ” or “Agree” to the survey statement. Family satisfaction continues to be high compared to the national average of 70%

8. Staff Alignment with Vision/Mission Teammate response for agreement with the statement, “I understand and embrace the vision and mission of our organization.” % agree or strongly agree

9. Aspire Vincent Shalvey Academy Successes: • Continued to score in the 900’s! • Established strong partnership with APEX academy involving shared PD, collaboration, and best practices work in reading. • One of the top scoring schools in San Joaquin County • Completed training of 6 resident teachers – one went to our new Memphis schools. Focus for 2013-2014: • Begin implementing the Common Core shifts, particularly in reading/writing. • Share conceptual math program with other schools. • Continue focusing on school-wide growth in academic discourse.

10. Aspire Ben Holt College Preparatory Academy Successes • Increased API to 892!! • 100% of Class of 2013 accepted to a 4 year college/university – 54 students – largest class yet. • Scholar athletes’ programs continued to grow and flourish • Hired new principal, Jeff Palmquist. School transition has been seamless. Focus for 2013-2014 • Begin implementation of the Common Core shifts, with particular emphasis in writing across the curriculum. • Increase percentage of students writing proficiently by 10% • Improve parent satisfaction scores to 92%.

11. Aspire River Oaks Charter School Successes: • Continued to increase high student achievement – API went from 890 to 899!! • Doubled numbers of students scoring proficient/advanced on Aspire writing assessment and 5th grade math basic skills tests. • Hired a new principal, Kris Jamison, who has created a smooth transition. Focus for 2013-2014 • Begin implementation of the common core shifts, with particular emphasis in reading/writing. • Continue increasing number of highly effective/master teachers.