Editor’s note: This is the second part of education freelancer Mary Phillip’s report on under performing schools in Lake County.
LAKE COUNTY— Six Lake County schools were identified as low performing schools, according to the State of California’s newly released Dashboard data. These schools included Lakeport Elementary, Mountain Vista Middle School, Upper Lake Middle, Carle High Continuation, Blue Heron Opportunity Program and Highlands Academy Community Day School.
The state, under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), identifies schools as low performing if they fall into the bottom five percent by measuring the following six performance indicators: suspension rates graduation rates (high school only), English Language arts, mathematics and chronic absenteeism. According to Cynthia Lenners, Lake County Office of Education deputy superintendent, a students is chronically absent if he.she misses 18 days out of the entire school year.
Upper Lake Middle School
Dr. Giovanni Annous, Superintendent of Upper Lake Unified School District (ULUSD) understands that there is improvement to be made at Upper Lake Middle School (ULMS). Systems need to be revamped and the culture should exclusively be one of teaching and learning. Annous also states that new systems are already being implemented this year primarily due to the support and assistance of the County Office. Lynda Nichols, Senior Director, School and District Support, from the Lake County Office of Education adds that the conversation with staff started in early October of this school year regarding teaching and learning. Nichols goes on to state that teachers need to find their “joy” again and in order for this to happen, they need to be provided with additional training, both inside and outside the classroom. A cohesive plan is being developed to do just this, including extensive summer training for teachers.
Mike Smith, Principal of ULMS expresses enthusiasm regarding the new scheduling which will occur next year. The new “block” schedule will consist of cohorts teaching Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM). The focus will be on engineering, according to Annous, who believes that teaching students to collaborate and think critically is the key to a great education. He goes on to state that “a true learning environment is one where teachers become facilitators, providing students with the appropriate tools and guidance to solve problems”. All agree that instruction, in this new environment, will be collaborative and hands-on. Teachers will also be provided time to plan and collaborate. Elwira Salata, Director of Pupil Personnel Services for ULUSD adds that teachers presently collaborate every Wednesday and will continue this practice next year. Annous states that the school will be transforming the library into a STEAM flex lab and that the school itself will be set up in a quad formation to better group students per grade level. Annous, Smith, Nichols and Salata all expressed excitement about the changes that are and that will be occurring. It is anticipated that test scores will rise due to these changes.
Chronic absenteeism and suspensions are two more areas of concern for the school. Annous believes that in order to combat chronic absenteeism, students must feel a sense of belonging and authorship. When a student is engaged, they want to go to school. Salata adds that time needs to be devoted to connect with parents, making sure they have the support they need and that students should always feel they are in a welcoming environment. Smith adds that home visits also help establish connections.
Smith is beginning to gather data on suspensions, finding out the causes and what they can do to assist. According to Smith, 13 students out of their total population of 193 were suspended this year for various infractions. The school has hired a PBIS coach who holds a counseling degree. This person will actively engage with at-risk students and families. In addition, a positive behavior intervention academic social/emotional chart is created for each student at risk.
All of these changes cost money and the district is planning to use their CSI and LPSBG money for this purpose. Their LCAP plan will be modified to include this new model of teaching and learning.
Highlands Academy, Blue Heron Opportunity and Carle High School
Donna Becnel, Superintendent of Konocti Unified School District (KUSD) state that three schools are on the list, all of which are alternative schools. Highlands Academy Community Day School has a total enrollment of 21 students and two teachers. Blue Heron Opportunity Program has a total enrollment of 23 students and two teachers. According to Becnel, both of these programs support students with behavior needs that interfere with their learning. Although academics are important, these schools provide a structured environment to address the behavior issues with the goal of returning the students to their home school. Some of these students have been expelled and some are there as an alternative to expulsion. Carle High School is on the list for a low graduation rate. There are currently 81 students attending. While Carle is on the list, they made significant gains in graduation rate last year.
Becnel goes on to state that continuation high schools are designed to support students who are credit deficient (not on track to graduate) and place them in a smaller environment where they came make up their credits and graduate. However, there are a number of factors that lead to a lower graduation rate. These include some turning 18 before they graduate and opt instead to attend Adult School. For others, work takes priority over school as many are supporting themselves and sometimes their families. KUSD works very closely with Lower Lake High School to assure students are caught early enough to make up classes they have failed. In addition, some students that move into the district are so far behind they simply cannot catch up. Becnel ends by stating that “the district works with every student to meet their individual learning needs and life goals”.
Prior to joining the Record-Bee as a freelancer covering education and local news items, Mary Phillips worked in education as a teacher and an administrator for 34 years.
