Colonel John Wheeler Middle School

Principal – Tim Vassar Assistant Principal – David Vode

“Four Star School” Awards2009-20102010-20112012-20132013-2014

Indiana Department of Education High A’s2011-20122012-20132013-2014

ADVANCED STANDARD 3Teaching and Assessing for

Learning – The schools’ curriculum, instructional design, and assessment

practices guide and ensure teacher effectiveness and

student learning.

COLONEL WHEELER – MATHHIGHEST STUDENT SCORES OF LARGE MIDDLE SCHOOLS IN NWI

ISTEP - % passing trends

2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-20140

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

76.8

87.290.8 90.2 92.5 91

COLONEL WHEELER – ELAHIGHEST SCORES OF LARGE MIDDLE SCHOOLS IN NWI

ISTEP - % passing trends

2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-201465

70

75

80

85

90

95

76.5

85.5

88.2

85.6

90 90

COLONEL WHEELERISTEP - % passing

Longitudinal Data: 2008-2013 (new school in 2007)

ELA Math Both Math & ELA All Subjects Overall Gain0.00%

5.00%

10.00%

15.00%

20.00%

25.00%

30.00%

35.00%

8.60%

4.80%

8.50%

6.70%

28.60%

3.1 Indicator The school’s curriculum provides equitable and challenging learning experiences that ensure all students have sufficient

opportunities to develop learning, thinking, and life skills that lead to success at

the next level.

•Core Subjects = Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies•RtI period for all grades• Encore Subjects = Physical Education, Health, Family and Consumer Science, Engineering/Technology, Exploring Music, Visual Arts• 8th Grade Explore classes•Electives = Band, Choir, Orchestra

High Ability Services• 6th grade Honors Math: covers 7th grade standards for both current 6th graders and qualifying elementary students. 

• 6th grade Honors Language Arts: covers 7th grade standards for both current 6th graders and qualifying elementary students. 

• 7th & 8th grade Honors Math with 8th grade taking Algebra.

• Several 8th graders have taken Honors Biology, English Honors 9, and Honors Geometry for credit through CPHS.    

3.2 Indicator Curriculum, instruction, and assessment are

monitored and adjusted systematically in response to data from multiple assessments of student

learning and an examination of professional practice.• Multiple Assessments = Informal, Formative, Summative, Acuity Readiness, Star Reading, Star Math, ISTEP+, ACT Explore

• Common assessments complete in most courses

• Emphasis is on using informal and formative assessments to guide instruction (balanced assessment plan)

• Currently course building for CP 2.0 Initiative

3.3 Indicator Teachers engage students in their learning

through instructional strategies that ensure achievement of learning expectations.• Teachers write daily learning goals

for each class• Long-term goals are written for each

class• Department and grade levels

collaborate to establish long-term learning goals

• Technology utilized throughout the schools

Long

Term

Goa

l -exa

mpl

e

3.4 Indicator School leaders monitor and support the

improvement of instructional practices of teachers to ensure student success.

• iObservation evaluation system• Multiple classroom observations and

teacher conferences• Student achievement and student

growth is paramount• Teacher effectiveness ratings• 99% of Teachers rated as “Highly

Effective for 2013-2014

3.5 Indicator Teachers participate in collaborative learning

communities to improve instruction and student learning.

• Academic team planning outside of school day • Articulation activities/tasks

• Preparation of common assessments• Focused professional development• Marzano iObservation elements• Differentiated Instruction• Google Docs integration

• Collaborative course building

3.6 Indicator Teachers implement the school’s

instructional process in support of student learning.• Students are informed of both daily

and long-term learning goals• Assessment data used to inform

instruction and curriculum decisions• Feedback to students in a timely

manner• Modification of instruction• RTI Tiered Classes

3.7 Indicator Mentoring, coaching, and induction programs

support instructional improvement consistent with the school’s values and beliefs about

teaching and learning.• Corporation-wide teacher induction program

• New teachers are assigned mentors• Mentors meet monthly with

Principal• High expectations are

communicated

3.8 Indicator The school engages families in meaningful ways

in their children’s education and keeps them informed of their children’s learning progress.

• Weekly school messenger voicemail

• Team websites• Team emails• Parent portal on RDS system• Monthly “Colonel’s Chronicle”

newsletter

3.9 Indicator The school has a formal structure whereby each

student is well known by at least one adult advocate in the school who supports that

student’s educational experience.• Concept of academic teaming

lessened

• Schools within a school

• Smaller learning communities

• Building appropriate student relationships is vital

3.10 Indicator Grading and reporting are based on clearly

defined criteria that represent the attainment of content knowledge and skills and are consistent

across grade levels and courses.• In need of common grading

practices as to emphasis on what grades mean

• Truth in grading must be achieved

• Grade reporting is adequate

3.11 Indicator All staff members participate in a continuous

program of professional development.

• Col. John Wheeler’s “Menu of Options”

• Articulation opportunities

• Department meetings

• Leadership meetings

3.12 Indicator The school provides and coordinates learning support services to meet the

unique needs of students

• Guidance department personnel

• PBIS program fully implemented

• ELL

• Exceptional Learner services

ADVANCED STANDARD 3

Teaching and Assessing for Learning – The schools’ curriculum, instructional

design, and assessment practices guide and ensure teacher

effectiveness and student learning.