Explain the activities in which your school will participate to increase your overall rating. Include specific details.

As evidenced in the SES Band Data, which content area(s) will be the focus for improving student achievement and why was this area chosen?

The SES Band Data that Nova High School will focus on is Biology (63%) and Reading Gains of the Lowest 25% (47%). Nova High School has always lagged behind in Biology proficiency scores throughout the district. In addition, we also did not see growth in our lowest 25% in Reading, staying the same at 47%.

What specific BEST Practice(s) will be implemented or scaled-up to improve teaching and learning in order to increase performance within the SES Band?

Mock Testing: On Professional Study Days, we hold simulated mock exams. We will be adding a Reading mock exams, focusing on our lowest 25% quartile by separating them from the group and having an extended review session after the mock
Data cycles: For example, English and Reading have developed a much more streamline plan to monitor student progress through data cycles. We will implement 5-6 ELA data cycles throughout the school year. We are teaming up with Reading to teach the same standards within each cycle. Once we assess the students we will modify instruction as needed. 
The Biology Professional Learning Communities will be meeting with neighboring high school to compare data and share best practices to revise and improve their data cycles. 

Describe in detail how the BEST Practice(s) will be scaled-up.

Mock Testing: On Professional Study Days, we hold simulated mock exams. We will be adding a Reading mock exams, focusing on our lowest 25% quartile by separating them from the group and having an extended review session after the mock
Data cycles: For example, English and Reading have developed a much more streamline plan to monitor student progress through data cycles. We will implement 5-6 ELA data cycles throughout the school year. We are teaming up with Reading to teach the same standards within each cycle. Once we assess the students we will modify instruction as needed. 
The Biology Professional Learning Communities will be meeting with neighboring high school to compare data and share best practices to revise and improve their data cycles. 

What specific school-level progress monitoring data is collected and how often?

Data is collected through data cycles. Curriculums such as English, Science, Math and Social Studies all have common planning where they meet weekly to discuss their data cycles. They all progress monitor within the cycles that may range from 3-6 cycles throughout the school year. 

How does the school ensure the fidelity of students not progressing towards school and district goals?

Teachers meet weekly during their common planning meetings to discuss student progress and performance. Data collection is monitored and discussed weekly and adjustments are made to the curriculum based on results. Regular mock testing also provides data to monitor student progress toward school and district goals. Additionally, there is a regular communication with students and parents through student data chats and parent conferences. In the 9th grade we also have a program designed to monitor called PASL.

How does the school ensure that all classroom instruction is accessible to the full range of learners using Universal Designs for Learning (UDL) for effective instructional design (planning) and delivery (teaching)?

The school ensures that all classroom instruction is accessible to the full range of learners using UDL for instructional design by working together in common planning and PLC meetings to develop lesson plans that incorporate a variety of opportunities (e.g. student choice, lessons that incorporates physical movement…) for students to demonstrate mastery in the content area.  In addition, the curriculum coaches also provide support and ideas for incorporating differentiated instruction in the classroom.  Teachers also utilize the school/district provided resources such as Canvas, IXL, Achieve 3000 that provide different approaches for student learning.  This translates into student-led learning within a print and media rich teaching environment.

How does the school ensure Tier 1 Standards-Based classroom instruction is being implemented properly and effectively?

During pre-planning week, we held a training for teachers on the expectations of entering and monitoring BASIS interventions. The school holds weekly/bi-weekly RTI meetings with the RTI team where we monitor teacher Tier 1 interventions amongst our most needy students. As a follow up to these RTI meetings, we communicate with teachers on the progress or lack their of. 

Describe texts used for core, supplemental, and intervention programs at each grade level. How does the school ensure students have access to a balance of literary and informational text in a variety of mediums?

Newly adopted text provided by the district helps support the various curriculums. In addition, in some courses such as Intensive Reading, we have purchase supplemental programs such as Achieve 3000 and other reading text to aid in the instruction of the lower level student. Additionally, the school uses additional intervention programs that are offered to all teachers to assist within their specific curriculum. These include, but are not limited to USA Test Prep, Newsela, No Red Ink, and Common Lit. 

Through our equity and equality plan, we selected specific summer reading text to support the diversity within our school. In addition, our English department has recently received additional text materials to support a culturally diverse literacy plan. 
 

How does your school implement the Broward County Public Schools Social and Emotional Learning Standards to ensure students are developing social and emotional skills?

Nova High School implements the SEL standards through the following methods:

1. Response to Intervention (RTI)
2. Personalization for Academic and Social Learning (PASL)
3. Sandy Hook Promise
4. Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders (MTL)
5. SWAP (Sisters with A Purpose)

In which ways are the five competencies of the Social Emotional Learning explicitly taught and/or integrated school-wide and in the classroom?

Nova High School teaches the five SEL competencies through the following strategies:
Strategies: PVLegs Curriculum embedded across all subjects, Poise, Voice, Life, Eyes, Gestures, and Speed- Schoolwide rubric, Latinos In Action
Strategies: Small group and individual counseling provided by School Counseling Department to assist with Academic, Social/Emotional, and Career development

How does your school-wide policy and practices support the social emotional learning for students?

Nova High School implements the following school-wide policies and pratices to support our SEL plan.

PASL-Summer Institute training through Florida State University
SBBC equity liaison curriculum and check points
Start with Hello Presentation/ Resources available on SharePoint