Sandye Watkins

The 2023-2024 Phase Three Comprehensive School Improvement Plan for Nicholas County High School focuses on improving student performance by addressing teaching and learning factors that affect student achievement. The plan uses Kentucky's six Key Core Work Processes (KCWP) as a framework. Key areas of focus include improving state assessment results in reading, mathematics, science, social studies, and writing; addressing achievement gaps; supporting English learners; enhancing school climate and safety; improving postsecondary readiness and graduation rates (for high school); and utilizing benchmark assessment data to better support individual student needs. The plan emphasizes a collaborative approach involving multiple stakeholders and aims to create an environment that promotes student growth and achievement.

The 2023-2024 Phase Three Comprehensive School Improvement Plan for Nicholas County Elementary School focuses on improving student performance in reading and math through the use of programs such as Open Court Reading and iReady diagnostics. The plan also aims to create a safe and supportive learning environment through the implementation of PBIS school-wide. Data from diagnostics, benchmarks, and KSA will be used to revamp math and reading intervention school-wide. The plan addresses state assessment results in reading and mathematics, state assessment results in science, social studies and writing, English learner progress, quality of school climate and safety, and achievement gaps.

The 2023-2024 Phase One Continuous Improvement Diagnostic for Schools is a plan developed to support student achievement and growth, and to eliminate gaps among groups of students. It is based on a review of relevant data and includes targets, strategies, activities, and a time schedule. The plan is part of a larger continuous improvement process in Kentucky, fulfilling school, district, and state goals under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The plan's phases include a continuous improvement diagnostic, school safety report, executive summary, needs assessment, school assurances, and a comprehensive school improvement plan, along with professional development and progress monitoring.

This document details a needs assessment for Nicholas County Schools, focusing on academic performance (reading and math), behavioral issues, and attendance. The assessment uses data from multiple sources, including Kentucky Summative Assessments (KSA), iReady assessments, and school-based data. Areas of concern include declining KSA scores in elementary reading and math, increasing behavioral referrals across all grade levels, and attendance rates below pre-pandemic levels. The plan outlines strategies to address these issues, including targeted interventions, improved data analysis, and professional development for teachers. Strengths include a high quality of school climate and safety at the elementary level and improved KSA scores at the high school level.

The 2023-2024 Phase Three Comprehensive District Improvement Plan for Nicholas County focuses on addressing achievement gaps between student subgroups, particularly in reading, math, and science. The plan uses Kentucky's six Key Core Work Processes (KCWP) as a framework. Specific strategies include improving instructional practices (e.g., daily vocabulary instruction, effective questioning), addressing learning needs of all students (e.g., targeted tutoring groups), and monitoring learning targets and alignment with standards. Data from assessments like KSA, iReady, MVP/ELS, and ACT will be used to inform decision-making and track progress. The plan aims to improve student performance in reading, math, science, social studies, and writing, as well as address the achievement gap, English learner progress, school climate and safety, postsecondary readiness, and graduation rate.