Teachers Can Reform the Teachers Can Reform the Learning Environment in Learning Environment in Our Schools Today.Our Schools Today. * What role does school * What role does school climate play in student climate play in student learning? learning? * How can teachers sustain * How can teachers sustain school reform efforts? school reform efforts?

By: Therese Gordon and Kristin HaneyArlington School, Toledo, Ohio

Built for K-5

“Transformed” to K-8

ArlingtonArlington

Un-kept promises Un-kept promises

Keep 6th grade temporarily then convert to K-5th

Expansion would be added to building within a year of its opening

RealityReality

Other issues affecting the learning environment

Technology

Challenges with discipline and student motivation

Parental/Community dissatisfaction

Art & music on carts This is where the journey begins.....

“a teacher’s working conditions are a student’s learning conditions”

-Mary Catheryn Ricker, President, Saint Paul, MN Federation of Teachers

Exterior conditions…

Interior conditions…

Help is sought……Help is sought……

School Climate Committee

◦Staff

◦Students

◦Community

Steps taken…..Steps taken…..

Surveys

Attendance data is gathered

Parents & Teachers

Board Meeting

School improvement process begins

What would improve our school What would improve our school climate/environment?climate/environment?

• Eliminate portables

• Create intermediate experience

• Restore specialists classrooms

• Technology

“ A school culture that supports learning includes a building arranged through reflection of students needs and their educational accomplishments, with its administrators, teachers, students, and parents participating in the decision making.”

From Best Practice Briefs December 2004 #31

Results of surveys……Results of surveys……(Random sampling of 7 parents, 14 students, and 13 teachers)(Random sampling of 7 parents, 14 students, and 13 teachers)

Attendance comparisons Attendance comparisons

School Climate Committee

Bringing in experts

TPS Officials

Board Meeting

Parents and students braved the very snowy NW Ohio elements to express their concerns before the Board of Education

Board members were moved by students’ speeches and commented on how impressed they were with their eloquence and presence.

Board members thanked our committee for providing them our information binders

What School Climate Coaches are What School Climate Coaches are asking for…asking for…

6 Classrooms– Not 4◦Music and Art back in their classrooms

◦Access to Computer Lab

Intermediate students have a space of their own

March 2013 Board of Education March 2013 Board of Education meetingmeeting

Finance Chairperson makes recommendation for 6 classrooms and additional funding

Motion & Voting: 1.8 million dollars, 6 classroom, first section and to add up to 6 classroom,

and related space1.8 million dollars, add two classroom, work with them meet today’s needs and needs of the future. - per Lisa SobeckiDr. Adams - not formally middle school. They don't have science labs or computer labs. What can we do to kind of make sure there is a dedicated space.

Motion by Lisa A Sobecki, second by Brenda Hill. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yea: Cecelia M Adams, Bob Vasquez, Lisa A Sobecki, Brenda Hill, Larry

Sykes

Actual “sign” acknowledging our hard work

New construction is to begin June 2013.

Dilemma:

Projected completion date is September 2013.

What to do with students if project is not completed by start of school, August 27th , 2013?

Close library early

Relocate resource teacher

Bring 7th and 8th Grade students into the building three weeks before school year ends to allow construction to begin earlier

Transformation begins …Transformation begins …(May 2013)(May 2013)

Transforming playground ….Transforming playground ….(May 2013)(May 2013)

Scenery forever altered …..Scenery forever altered …..(May 2013)(May 2013)

View not visible since 2008View not visible since 2008

Mixed emotions …..Mixed emotions …..

School Climate Committee

Thank you, Therese Gordon Kristin Haney

It is our hope that our new much appreciated and dearly needed addition will motivate our students toward academic excellence and inspire them to take pride and ownership in their school and surrounding community.

AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements

Emily Gordon……photosPaula Gladieux… photosLynn Smith…… Teacher Leaders facilitator Chief Business Officer…… attendance

counts from 2007 to currentABA, students, and staff Munger & MungerLathrop