Ira Harbison Elementary School A School in the National Elementary School District

How Ira Harbison Targets Instruction

• Develop a well-defined instructional plan: Teachers use the state standards to guide their instruction and are held accountable for covering these standards. The pre- and post-conferences for teachers on-cycle for evaluation include a discussion of the standards addressed before, during and after a lesson. Teachers also use state test results to reflect on their practices.
• Offer staff appropriate training to address student needs: Teachers receive training to address the needs of Ira Harbison’s large EL population and incorporate various strategies into their practice (e.g., Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol, Specifically Designed Academic Instruction in English). All teachers are certified in CLAD—Crosscultural, Language, and Academic Development. English Language Development is integrated into all areas of the curriculum.
• Create an individualized student experience: Differentiated instruction is a key part of the school’s plan for instructional improvement. Each day, 1st-3rd graders receive 3 hours of literacy instruction and 4th-6th graders receive at least 2 hours. During this time, teachers use guided reading groups and target instruction to students who need additional help, working with them individually or in small groups to reinforce lessons or re-teach content.

How Ira Harbison Staff Collaborate and Analyze Data

• Administer regular assessments: Teachers use district benchmark assessments several times a year to evaluate student progress and to modify instructional strategies.
• Provide opportunities for teachers to discuss data: Staff collaborate around data from the California Standards Test (CST) and California English Language Development Test (CELDT) in grade level groups or vertically across grade spans (K-2, 3-4, 5-6) at least once a month on early release Thursdays. The principal and other instructional support staff (Impact Teachers, language arts specialist, etc.) meet with grade level staff to discuss student progress, review data and develop action plans for future lessons. Staff also study best practices from research and other resources to help guide their instructional practices.
• Identify learning needs for each student: Every year, the principal provides teachers with achievement data for each student on their new class roster. Teachers develop plans for addressing each student’s strengths and weaknesses and establish performance goals.
• Integrate technology to organize and analyze results: Ira Harbison uses a data warehouse, EduSoft, which allows teachers to have immediate assessment information and results. This software is used to analyze classroom- and school-level assessment results.

Snapshot of the Key to Ira Harbison’s Success:

A well-defined plan for instructional improvement and standards-based instruction are critical to promoting student achievement.

How Ira Harbison’s District Provides Support

• Professional development for staff: National Elementary District provides numerous opportunities for staff development and training. Weekly early release days are used for district and site-specific professional development.
• District-wide instructional focus: All of the schools in the district use a common pacing guide developed by teachers at each grade level. Each year, pacing guides are revisited and modified to better address the needs of the district’s students.
• High expectations for all schools: The district has high expectations for all students and works with schools to promote high achievement despite the challenges many students face.
• Collaboration between district and school The district provides resources to support high achievement, including data software. District administrators have high visibility in schools and regularly visit sites.