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THE METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP

Lawrence North High School

Improvement Plan

2014-2017

School Address: 7802 Hague Road

Indianapolis, IN 46256

School Telephone Number: 317-964-7700

School Fax Number: 317-576-6406

School DOE Number: 5276

School Corporation Number: 5330

________________________________

Principal Signature

_______________________________

Superintendent Signature

_______________________________

President, School Board Signature

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Table of Contents

Introduction and School Information………………………………………………………………. 3

Vision, Mission, and Purpose………………………………………………………………………. 4

Leadership and Governance………………………………………………………………………… 5

A. Chart of District & School Governance

B. Chart of School Leadership

Teaching and Learning……………………………………………………………………………... 7

A. Chart of Goals, Commitments, Methods & Strategies

B. Faculty Goals & Commitments

C. Student Achievement Goals

D. Instructional Strategies to achieve goals

E. Professional Development

F. Role of Professional Learning Communities

Documenting and Using Results……………………………………………………………………. 8

A. End-of-Course Assessments and ISTEP Exam

B. Graduation Rate

C. Attendance Rate

D. Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Advanced College Project Data

E. Discipline Data

Appendices………………………………………………………………………………………….. 14

Appendix A: Demographic Data

Appendix B: Indiana Department of Education and Student Achievement Results

Appendix C: Technology as a Learning Tool

Appendix D: Goal Action Plan for Reading and Writing

Appendix E: Evaluation and approval of the Professional Development Plan and Form D

Appendix F: Definitions

Appendix G: Safe and Disciplined Learning Environment

Appendix H: Lawrence Education Association Approval

Appendix I: School Improvement Committee

School Improvement Committee…………………………………………………………............... 23

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Introduction and School Information

Introduction

The purpose of Lawrence North school improvement plan is to evaluate the effectiveness of our

initiatives, develop goals, establish a priority for improvement, identify strategies, and create

action and professional development plans to support the strategies.

Description of Community, District and School

Lawrence North is one of two high schools within the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence

Township. By serving over 15,000 students, the MSDLT ranks among the 10 largest school

districts in the State of Indiana. The district draws from the northeast corner of Marion County

which is part of the urban/suburban sprawl of greater Indianapolis. Industries providing

employment include education, health & social services, manufacturing, retail trade, finance,

insurance and real estate. Several junior colleges and universities are in close proximity for

those wishing to further their education. In the northern portion of the district lies Geist

Reservoir with homes in the million-dollar range; in the center of the district is the City of

Lawrence and Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park; and, to the south are several apartment

complexes as well as housing additions for first-time homeowners. Political boundaries are

somewhat unique as the City of Lawrence functions independently within the boundaries of

Indianapolis. Thus, some LN families receive services from the City of Lawrence while their

neighbors across the street may receive them from the City of Indianapolis.

Lawrence North High School is a fully accredited school within the MSDLT. Opening in the fall

of 1976, LN operates on the block-eight schedule and serves approximately 2,500 students in

grades 9-12. Student demographics at LN are very diverse in terms of race, cultural background,

and socio-economic status. African-American students comprise 46% of the student body and

Caucasian students account for 28%. Our Hispanic/Latino(a) population makes up 17% of the

student body followed by a Multi-Racial subgroup of 7%. We also have 2% Asian. About 12%

of the student body receives special education services and about 5% receive support through our

English Language Learner program. Nearly 55% of Lawrence North students receive free or

reduced lunch assistance.

Lawrence North is a proud member of the Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference whose

members include Ben Davis, Carmel, Center Grove, Lawrence Central, North Central, Pike, and

Warren Central. In addition to extra-curricular competition, the MIC provides opportunities for

curricular and co-curricular groups to meet for the purpose of learning from one another. Large

high schools have their own unique issues and the professional exchange among members of the

conference has been invaluable to all aspects of school life at Lawrence North.

Contact Information

Name of Principal: Mr. Brett Crousore, Principal

Principal’s e-mail address: brettcrousore@msdlt.k12.in.us

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1. Vision and Purpose

Mission Statement of the MSD of Lawrence Township Schools:

The mission of the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township is to empower all

students with the knowledge, skills, compassion, and integrity needed to contribute and succeed

as self-directed life-long learners.

Vision Statement:

Achieving Excellence, Building Character, Serving Others

MSDLT Core Values

Core values are the organization’s fundamental convictions, values, and beliefs. The Belief

statements provide the bedrock values that move the organization to commit itself to a specific

mission, vision, and objective. It establishes moral and ethical priorities that serve the guide all

the organization’s activities.

We Believe that:

People are responsible for their choices.

An environment of high expectations results in higher achievement.

Great communities are built on mutual respect and dignity for all people.

Integrity is essential to creating and sustaining positive relationships.

Embracing diversity contributes to the strength of a community.

The pursuit of learning as a life-long endeavor is essential to individual and

organizational success.

Cooperation, collaboration, and communication are essential to success.

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MSDLT Goals

The following are the five MSDLT goal areas of

improvement:

Academic Achievement

Ensuring Equity

Safe and Secure Schools

Stakeholder Satisfaction

Efficient and Effective Operations

2. Leadership and Governance

The following organizational chart reflects the

connection between the MSDLT Board of Education and Lawrence North High School.

Board of Education

Central Office Administration

Township LEA

Discussion

District Equity

Leadership Team

LT Curriculum, Technology, Instruction

School Improvement

Committee

LEA

Discussion

Building Equity Team

Social Committee

Student Manage-

ment

Curriculum, Technology, Instruction

LN Curriculum, Technology Instruction

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Building Administration

Student

Instructional Match

Department & PLC Leaders

Instruction Task

Professional

Learning Communities

Pt of Emphasis Engaged and Relevant

Student Learning based on Data

Pt of Emphasis Informed Instruction

and Policy Decisions based on

Data

Pt of Emphasis

Equitable Communication

Goal 1: All students will show growth as readers

using Lexile scores

Goal 2: Improve ISTEP results by

5%

Goal 3: 93% of students will graduate from

Lawrence North High School

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3. Teaching and Learning

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Goals and commitments of Lawrence North along with strategies and methods to accomplish

them.

Goals & Commitments for Continuous Improvement

Goal 1: All students will read at

grade level or above using Lexile scores

Goal 2: Improve ISTEP Scores by

5%

Goal 3: 93% Graduation Rate

Commitment: All teachers will

use Literacy strategies in their

classrooms

Commitment: All teachers will be

familiar with the expectations for students on the ISTEP exams

Commitment: All teachers will

develop curriculum in their content

areas that will help students be both

college and career ready upon graduation.

Commitment: All teachers are

familiar with graduation

requirements

Strategies & Methods

Overarching Point of Emphasis: Preparing students for

Point of Emphasis: Engaged and Relevant

Student Learning

Point of Emphasis: Informed Instruction and

Policy Decisions

Point of Emphasis: Equitable Communication

1:1 Instruction

Readers/ Writers

Workshop

Progress Monitors & Common

Assessments

RTI: Response

to Intervention

Effective Communication

with Families

Equity Team

Literacy Initiative

Building Academic

Vocabulary

Read 180 Achieve

3000 SRI

Appropriate Placement

to Challenge as well as Support

P.F.O. Building & Sustaining

Relationships

Balanced Math

Instruction

Utilization of

Appropriate Technology

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4. Documenting and Using Results

Critical areas for improvement:

Lawrence North had improved ECA scores in Math, English and Biology over the past five

years. The achievement gap was decreasing, but more work needed to be done to improve

overall standardized test scores. In 2015-2016 the State of Indiana changed the

accountability guidelines for schools and the class of 2018 was assessed in both the ECA

exams for the Graduation Requirement and the ISTEP test for school accountability.

Several students in this graduation cohort took Algebra I and Biology I in 8th/9th Grade.

The 2016 Algebra I and Biology I ECA results reflected only the 10th grade students who

had not yet passed or taken this course. The English 10 ECA was taken by all student in

the 2018 graduation cohort. All 10th Grade students also took the ISTEP exam in both

Math and English Language Arts. This exam only counted for school accountability and

had no direct impact on the student.

Given the results on the ISTEP exam have not yet been published on the Indiana

Department of Education, an update will need to be made in this area.

Documenting and Using Results

The Graduation Qualifying Exam will be phased-out with the class of 2018 and, beginning with

the class of 2019, the ISTEP test will become the new Graduate Qualifying Exam. Therefore,

teachers in mathematics and English have developed common assessments as means for

determining student progress in preparation for their respective ISTEP exams. The following

results are current through May 2016 ECA testing cycle. Furthermore, Lawrence Township

schools offers Algebra I in both 7th and 8th Grade and Biology I in 8th grade.

Course 2011-12 2012-13

2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016

Algebra I 79% (312) 77% (307) 84% (281) 81% (253) 14% (32)

English 10 71% (543) 71% (515) 72% (597) 71% (528) 61% (537)

Biology I 44% (480) 48% (520) 49% (524) 32% (598) NA

Graduation Rate

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Graduation Rate

Year LNHS State

Average

2010-11 85.20% 86.0%

2011-12 85.60% 88.60%

2012-13 85.80% 86.2%

2013-14 90.0% 90.0%

2014-15 91.8% 88.9%

2015-16 92.6% NA

Commentary: In an effort to improve the graduation rate, several alternatives opportunities

have been utilized over the past five years. Lawrence North also offers an extended school year

for seniors who need to acquire credits for graduation and opened the Lawrence Advance

Academy. As an incentive, we offer a second graduation ceremony in July.

Areas of Improvement: Graduation Rate

Target populations and areas for improving graduation have been males, free & reduced lunch,

special education and black students. Strategies for improving graduation rates have addressed

attendance, parent involvement, club involvement, alternative programming and other non-

instructional areas. A need to change is evident in how instruction is provided and learning takes

place in the classrooms at Lawrence North. Professional learning communities are developing

common assessments and intervention plans in an effort to identify struggling students and

determine a course of action to help those students succeed.

Based on research, the practice of identifying struggling students early is essential to helping

each be successful during instruction. We began in 2012 administering the Scholastic Reading

Inventory to all students in grades 9-11 to learn each student’s Lexile level.

AP Exams

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STUDENTS TAKING AT LEAST ONE AP COURSE

LNHS

All 66%

Black 47%

Asian 91%

Hispanic 57%

White 86%

Multiracial 71%

Free/Reduced 46%

Commentary: A greater percentage of LNHS seniors (Class of 2015) took at least one AP

course compared to the other schools in all demographic groups.

STUDENTS EARNING A 3 (OR HIGHER) ON AT LEAST ONE AP EXAM

(Class of 2016)- 633 Tests Administered

LNHS

264 Students

5 6.6%

4 16.5%

3 24.3%

2 29.3%

1 23.4%

Commentary: A greater percentage of LNHS seniors (Class of 2016) took AP exams however

fewer are scoring a 3, 4, or 5 on the exam. We entered into the AP-TIP grant in April on 2013

and we set goals to improve the number of 3, 4, and 5 scores on the AP exams in the areas of

English, Math, and Science. This is a partnership with the University of Notre Dame. Our goal

for 2013-2014 is to have 296 3, 4, or 5 scores. Furthermore, in the class of 2016, Lawrence

North had 43 AP Scholars with an avg. score of 3.51.

International Baccalaureate

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2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Number Registered for IB Courses 73 79 76 71 67

Number Seeking IB Diploma 21 18 17 15 17

Number Receiving IB Diploma 18 11 13 13 13

Commentary: The number of students pursuing an international baccalaureate diploma has

increased significantly over the last three years. However, the number actually earning the

diploma has not seen the same growth outside of the class of 2012. The IB Coordinator conducts

monthly meetings with the IB staff and is expects each to have review sessions for students on a

quarterly basis.

Discipline Data and Attendance

School Year 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-2014 2014-15 2015-16

Enrollment 2457 2308 2315 2279 2351 2386

Fights 43 33 31 27 30 23

Referrals 4568 4023 3828 2492 2171 1654

OSS 396 321 296 276 159 121

Expulsions 40 43 33 11 7 2

Grade 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-2016

Grade 9 94.90% 95.80% 95.40% 95.60% 96.30% 95.80%

Grade 10 94.70% 95.30% 95.60% 96.30% 95.80% 96.30%

Grade 11 93.30% 94.20% 95.40% 94.90% 95.20% 94.80%

Grade 12 93.70% 94.60% 94.80% 96.60% 96.40% 95.20%

All Grades 94.20% 95.00% 95.30% 95.85% 95.93% 95.24%

Commentary

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We have made a concerted effort over the past four years to decrease the number of students

being referred to the office for disciplinary reasons by creating and sustaining positive

relationships with our students. Over this period, our referrals have dropped, out of school

suspensions have decreased, and we have offered more Form 16A opportunities for students who

we have expelled in the past. Although we have decreased the number of referrals and

suspensions, we are not satisfied. We are working during the 2016-2017 school year to decrease

our Out of School suspensions and provide alternatives to our students by implementing more

Restorative Practices in discipline and working with district We do not believe out of school

suspension is a productive means of discipline/teaching.

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Appendices

Appendix A: Demographic Data

Appendix B: Indiana Department of Education and Student Achievement Results

Appendix C: Technology as a Learning Tool

Appendix D: Goal Action Plan for Reading and Writing

Appendix E: Evaluation and approval of the Professional Development Plan and Form D

Appendix F: Definitions

Appendix G: Safe and Disciplined Learning Environment

Appendix H: Lawrence Education Association Approval

Appendix I: School Improvement Committee

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Appendix A

Lawrence North High School Demographic Data

Enrollment

Grade 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17

Grade 9 555 554 577 567 667 636

Grade 10 612 543 564 570 566 663

Grade 11 619 623 545 571 572 574

Grade 12 533 588 629 595 559 589

Total Enrollment

2,319 2,308 2315 2,303 2,364 2,462

Demographic Breakdown of Enrollment

Year Black Asian Latino White Multi-Racial

2012-13 36.8 1.4 10.4 45.6 5.6

2013-14 37.9 1.6 12.7 41.8 5.9

2014-15 40.1 1.9 14.0 38.0 5.7

2015-16 45.0 2.0 16.0 32.0 6.0

2016-17 46.0 2.0 17.0 28.0 7.0

Free and Reduced Lunch

Year Paid Reduced Free

2011-12 56.6% 8.5% 34.9%

2012-13 52.1% 7.9% 40.0%

2013-14 50.0% 10.0% 40.0%

2014-15 44.0% 14.0% 42.0%

2015-16 46.0% 14.0% 40.0%

2016-17 45.0% 13.0% 42.0%

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Appendix B

2014-15 Indiana Department of Education Report Card

1. Letter Grade: B-84.7%: This is the 4th year of formal calculation of school letter

grades in the state of Indiana. Schools were held harmless in 2015-2016.

2. Student Performance: ISTEP Embargoed at date of submission (See ECA results

above)

3. College and Career Readiness: 54.5% of students were College and Career Ready

according to the state formula. This percentage includes AP, IB, ACP, Dual Credit and

industry certification. This is above the state percentage of 41.7%.

4. Graduation Rate: 2015-2016 – 92.6% The state average has not yet been released.

5. ACT: In 2016, Lawrence North average composite score was 21 with 57% of the class

of 2016 taking the exam.

6. SAT: In 2016, the average scores was 968 with 69% of the class of 2016 taking the

exam.

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Appendix C

Technology as a Learning Tool

The focus of the technology plan at Lawrence North is to integrate technology into

the teaching and learning process within every classroom, to meet the needs of the students

as life-long learners, and to create real-life activities in support of educational standards.

Within the district a formal timeline Lawrence North High School deployed our 1:1

initiative in 2014-2015 with every child having a device. For our building, a review and

alignment of needs was performed by our Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology

Committee. This team of teachers, administrators and support staff analyzed current

technology and made recommendations for additions and improvements.

The technology plan and professional development plan both emphasize training

teachers to become more proficient in the actual use of technology as a teaching tool rather

than as merely a display tool within the classroom. In addition, the School Improvement

Committee has identified the need for technology to make information available to teachers

in timely and easily-accessed manner. Opportunities for teachers to learn how to use

technology to inform and impact instruction have been included in the professional

development plan.

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Appendix D

Reading and Writing Improvement (Goal Action Plan)

I. Vision

A. Teachers have an understanding of reading strategies in content areas.

B. Teachers share strategies during the Professional Learning Community process.

C. Students develop a passion for reading and writing through choice options across the

curriculum.

D. Students and teachers model reading and writing on a daily basis at Lawrence North High School

E. Staff members have a shared vision for the writing process and a shared method of evaluating

student work.

II. Skills

A. Faculty and Staff training in Readers/Writers workshop.

B. Faculty and Staff training in using Scholastic Reading Inventory Data.

C. Faculty and Staff training in reading comprehension.

III. Incentives

A. Engagement for students who have lost a passion for reading and writing.

B. Methodology is being used in elementary and middle schools in MSDLT.

C. Potential to increase rigor in our classrooms.

IV. Resources

A. A district or building-level "expert" to help teachers use Readers/Writers workshop

B. Time and funding to train teachers.

C. A device for every child at Lawrence North High School.

V. Action Plan

A. 2013-2014 Goals

1. Increase the number of teachers trained in Readers/Writers workshop to 100%.

2. Administer the SRI test to all students in grades 9-11.

B.

3. Develop content area procedures for teaching reading.

4. Develop a plan for our 1:1 initiative and reading in the classroom.

2014-2015

C.

1. Train all new staff in Readers/Writers workshop.

2. Increase resources available to staff and students through the 1:1 initiative.

3. Incorporate Common Core standards into all reading and writing activities

4. Administer the SRI test to all students at Lawrence North High School to evaluate the growth of our

students.

2015-2016

D.

1. Analyze the success/growth of the students reading and writing.

2. Evaluate the 1:1 initiative and the impact on reading and writing at LNHS.

3. Prepare for new state testing model.

2016-2017

1.Begin professional development with Marzano’s Essentials for Achieving Rigor

2. Continue the SIOP model for instruction to help our ENL students.

3. Continue to evaluate the 1:1 initiative and the impact on reading and writing at LNHS

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Appendix E

Indiana Department of Education

Professional Development Program

School Information

School Information: Lawrence North High School

County/Corp/School#: 5276

Address: 7802 Hague Road

Indianapolis, IN 46256

Phone: (317) 964-7700

Fax: (317) 576-6406

Name of Principal: Mr. Brett H. Crousore

Principal’s e-mail address: brettcrousore@msdlt.k12.in.us.

Grade levels included in school: 9-12

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Form E

EVALUATION

Please answer these questions for each school goal from your SIP that your Professional

Development Program is addressing. (The Professional Development Program should be limited

to addressing no more than three school goals from your SIP.)

1. What is your school’s vision toward which this Professional Development

Program will lead? (The vision may be taken from your school improvement plan or

created for this document.) We believe our professional development plan will lead to more effective instruction to

address reading comprehension and writing. Nearly half of our freshmen read below grade

level according to our Scholastic Reading Inventory data. Improvement in the area of

reading will lead to improvement in writing according to several research-based documents.

In 2011-2012, we began Readers/Writers workshop in all of the Language Arts classes. The

expansion of this method into all content areas will lead to even greater growth amongst

our most struggling learners. Data trends show that reading has been an area of weakness

for several years. With a long-term focus on improving reading instruction across all

curricular areas, it is our goal that reading and writing achievement will improve

dramatically.

2. What is (are) the goal(s) of your Professional Development Program?

1. Reading, comprehension, and vocabulary acquisition

2. Improve writing across the curriculum

3. Review ISTEP rubrics with all staff members

4. Improve student engagement through improved instruction and monitoring learning

5. Incorporate the Equity process in all facets of learning and instruction

6. Ensure that all graduates from Lawrence North High School are college and/or career

ready upon graduation.

3. How will all staff members be involved in continuous learning? How will continuous

learning be embedded in practice? Governance and Leadership charts demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning. Teachers

will receive professional development through professional learning communities from 7:45-

8:30 three mornings a week. Teachers will create common assessments, collect student data,

analyze data, and use data results to drive instruction. Teacher collaboration in common subject

PLC’s provides opportunities for sharing best practices.

4. How will professional development increase cultural competency in the school’s

educational environment? Much of our emphasis on instruction is about giving student choice as well as on making

instruction relevant and engaging for all students. Our professional learning communities

will be asked to assess curriculum and instruction in terms of cultural relevance. The

Equity team will lead initiatives to reinforce cultural competency in the classroom and

school. They will also continue to study different research-based methods to educating our

students of color.

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Appendix F

Definitions

SRI Scholastic Reading Inventory

RTI Response to Intervention

SAT Scholastic Aptitude Test

ACT American College Test

PSAT Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test

ACP Advanced College Project

AP Advanced Placement

DC Dual Credit

P.A.S.S. Partner for Academically Successful Students

ECA End of Course Assessment (Algebra I, English 10, Biology)

PLC Professional Learning Community

Appendix G

Safe and Disciplined Learning Environment

Current Practices:

Student Handbook is explained to the students via a class meeting and is available on our

website.

Student Management Committee advises the administration on matters pertaining to safety,

security and routine management of students, staff and visitors.

Police support officers and security personnel both inside and outside the building until 10:00

pm.

Registration of all cars with parking decals and identification numbers

Request of ID for all visitors as well as expectation for visitors to wear badges in building

Student photo ID’s utilized for media center, cafeteria, late arrival, and authorization to leave

a classroom.

50+ security cameras in and out of school

Lockdown response reviewed with all staff members

Safety and Security backpacks in all classrooms

Regularly scheduled fire drills, tornado drills

Name tags required of staff

Crisis Handbook utilized during drills and actual emergency situations

Buildings and Grounds supervisor is responsible for overseeing crisis management and for

training others in proper response techniques.

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Opportunities for Improvement:

Review Student Handbook with the input of staff and students as we move into a more digital

age.

Improve consistency of security.

Place greater accountability on individuals responsible for making sure all school entrances

are secure.

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Appendix H Professional Development Program Approval

I, Kari Bordner as the exclusive representative, by signing this document,

demonstrate my support for the Professional Development Program submitted by

the above mentioned school.

Signature Date

Kari Bordner, LEA President or Designee

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Appendix I

School Improvement Committee responsible for this plan:

Committee Member Name Group Represented

Atkinson, Brian Teacher

Bush, Franklyn

Freshman School

Principal

Cash, Rebecca Teacher

Church, Rob Teacher

Crousore, Brett Principal

Diercks, John Teacher

Ferens, Meghan

Special Education

Department Chair

Floyd, Jason Assistant Principal

Lain, Don Teacher

Lauri, Liz Teacher

McGarrell, Corey Teacher

Means, Tracey Associate Principal

Miller, Jean Parent

Morton, David Teacher

Patterson-Allen, Shelia Counselor/Parent

Ploch, Kelly Teacher

Schlotterbeck, Gina Teacher

Schoff, Dianne Teacher

Sivertson, Connie Counselor

White, Brian Teacher

Williams, Ayanna Teacher

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