School District

Alexander Central School District

Contract Amount

$491,168

Contract Theme

Strengthen reading proficiency in elementary and middle schools.

Contract Overview

What Visits To A Representative Sample of Schools Revealed

• Hired literacy specialist for grades sixth through eighth.
• Professional development for eight teachers in strategic reading in the content areas encompassing strategies to help students analyze and interpret different genres.
• Upgraded technology with 200 new computers for instructional purposes including three computer labs, 18 Smart Boards, ten library computers, and one to two computers for every classroom.
• Literacy summit for teachers from various levels and content areas with the Literacy Education and Resource Network to develop a plan for improving programming.
• Leadership team participated in Leadership for Student Achievement series   offered by NYCOSS. (New York State Council of School Superintendents) in Syracuse.

Findings

The district used a general complaint process, which was not specific to C4E.

Corrective action:  District is no longer in C4E status.

Alexander Middle School – High School had one computer lab left to create.

Corrective action: District is no longer in C4E status.

Contract Amendment

2008-09 C4E Status

None.

Removed.

School District

Amsterdam City School District

Contract Amount

$1,501,251

Contract Theme

To implement programs to strengthen achievement for the neediest students.

Contract Overview

What Visits To A Representative Sample of Schools Revealed

• The literacy coach provided professional development and support to grade level teams involving approximately 35 teachers.  She modeled instructional strategies and worked directly in classrooms, especially in the two self contained classrooms serving approximately 27 students with disabilities and seven sections of English as a second language serving approximately 31 students.

• The district provided a full time teacher (certified in special education and English), a guidance counselor and a teaching assistant to conduct a GED dropout prevention program. At the time of the visit, 19 out of 30 students had completed the program.  Four more students were ready to take the GED examinations. Three to six students dropped out.

• The ninth Grade Academy provided approximately 90 students smaller classes and a collaborative learning environment.  The Academy faculty included four core teachers, a special education teacher and a guidance counselor.  The selection process included parental approval, teacher recommendation and student willingness to participate.  A cross-section of students enrolled, including 15-20 percent of students with disabilities.  Teachers received 4 days of summer training on team building, strategies for creating a positive learning community and instructional support for students who are at risk of not being successful.  Teachers were provided regular and frequent opportunities for common planning.  Students received mentoring from a core group of successful 11th graders.  Sixty students participated in after school tutoring, resulting in 59 of the 60 successfully completing 9th grade course work.

Findings

The volunteer extended day program needs to be strengthened to ensure maximum participation.

Corrective action: This will be corrected as part of the 2008-09 C4E approval process.

Contract Amendment

2008-09 C4E Status

$60,924. The district proposed that funds dedicated to class size reduction can be reduced with no impact on student-to-teacher ratios as a result of a stabilizing of enrollments; additional software site licenses are proposed to be purchased for middle and high school pupils under the time on task rubric; other hard and software procurement spending is enhanced in order to yield centralized economies of scale to free teachers to be more productive.

Continued.

School District

Arlington Central School District

Contract Amount

$3,300,918

Contract Theme

Strengthening the curricular outcomes for students with disabilities and improve student engagement at the middle and high school levels.

Contract Overview

What Visits To A Representative Sample of Schools Revealed

• Seven new teachers reduced class sizes: a Special Education teacher, an English Language Arts Specialist and five classroom teachers resulting in class sizes from 7 to 20. This provided more English language learners and students with disabilities greater educational opportunities and access to general education classes.  Approximately 3,400 students were impacted.
• The hiring of an English Language Supervisor allowed for a focus on English Language Arts in all subject areas to improve English language facility for the targeted sub-groups. There are approximately 900 classes in the schools with approximately 3,400 students.
• The district provided additional time on task to high school students through a lengthened school year and dedicated instructional time.
• The Teacher and Principal Quality Initiative instilled in the staff a greater understanding of how to analyze test data to facilitate improved student achievement.
• Professional development provided by coaches working directly with teachers improved the delivery of teaching for increased student achievement.

Findings

The district used a general complaint process which was not specific to Contract for Excellence.

Corrective action:  This will be corrected as part of the 2008-09 C4E approval process.

Contract Amendment

2008-09 C4E Status

$556,007 for the continuation of a small school initiative in the high school for students with disabilities.

Continued.

School District 

Auburn Enlarged City School District

Contract Amount

$1,932,884

Contract Theme

Strengthen curricular outcomes for economically challenged students and students with disabilities. 

Contract Overview

What Visits To A Representative Sample of Schools Revealed

• Solicited public comment through BOE meetings, district newsletters, district web postings, copies in all school buildings, emails, posters, and legal notices.
• Reduced high school English and social studies class sizes by an average of one percent .
• Created a new freshman school within a school for 34 at-risk students.
• Addressed attendance rates for at-risk students through additional home visits.
• Targeted additional parent outreach programs to parents of at-risk students.
• Provided an additional counselor for at-risk students in school within a school program.
• Hired new directors of subject areas and literacy coaches to coordinate district wide curriculum and to coach teachers in effective strategies to meet needs of at-risk students.
• Conducted professional development for staff including five-day training for middle school teachers.
• Provided PD 360 from the School Improvement Network that teachers and principals can access as an on-line source.
• Created print resources on effective instruction for students with disabilities at libraries in all schools.
• Hired Literacy coaches for elementary and middle level to help teachers.
• Had principals attend “School Turn it Around” training.

Findings

District needs to include students with disabilities in the school within a school program.

High school was also cautioned about the need to consider students with disabilities.

Corrective action:  This will be corrected as part of the C4E approval process.

Contract Amendment

2008-09 C4E Status

$102,522.  The district has projected actual expenses as compared to original allocations and wants to ensure that all funds will be used.  This amendment revises amounts to those now projected by the district.  In addition, there are a number of new activities that are proposed to further develop previously established Contract for Excellence programs in 2008-09.

Continued.

School District

Binghamton City School District

Contract Amount 

$4,822,186

Contract Theme

Strengthening outcomes for students with disabilities and improve student achievement and graduation rate at high school levels. Continue progress in performance of students in poverty and African American students.

Contract Overview

• At Roosevelt, four teachers were hired to reduce class size, and one Enrichment Specialist and one Literacy Curriculum specialist were also added as of January, 2008.  The classes now average 18 students in grades K—3. 
• The Literacy and Enrichment specialists work mostly with teachers on professional development, but also served approximately 45 students identified as needing intensive intervention services and individualized instruction.
• East Middle School hired four additional AIS teachers (serving approximately 200 students) and improved delivery of instruction through the addition of a full-time Enrichment Specialist to work with teachers on professional development. 
• East has also implemented new reading programs, including Read 180 (for approximately 75 students) and Teen Biz (serving 494 students).
• Summer Academy for seventh and eighth graders served 282 students.  Students worked on math and literacy skills intensively during this period.
• The alternative ninth grade program, the Bridges Program, served 31 students.

Findings

• The district used a general complaint process which was not specific to Contract for Excellence.

Corrective action:  This will be corrected as part of the C4E approval process.

• The district remedied this as of May, 2008. 

Corrective action:  This will be corrected as part of the C4E approval process.

Contract Amendment                         

2008-09 C4E Status

None.

Continued.

School District

Brentwood Union Free School District

Contract Amount

$12,245,990

Contract Theme

Improving middle and high school academic achievement, particularly for English language learners and students with disabilities.

What the District Agreed

to Do

• Added academic intervention teachers in English Language Arts and math.
• Expanded Read 180 and Read About.
• Two computer based instructional programs that target areas of student performance needs based upon materials aligned to the New York State English Language Arts standards. The students selected to receive the supports had been scoring below state standards.
• Added an additional bilingual teacher to the building in order to reduce class size.
• Expanded computer based remedial support
• Added professional development to examine student achievement data.
• Differentiated instruction, mainstreaming and best practices for working with ELL and students with disabilities.
• Added additional ELL staff time to meet needs of ELL students. The additional ELL staff allowed a five percent reduction in caseloads.  Class sizes were reduced by twenty percent. 

Findings

None.

Contract Amendment

2008-09 C4E Status

None.

Removed.

School District

Buffalo City School District

Contract Amount

$11,241,293

Contract Theme

Target C4E funds solely to their 16 SURR schools with a focus on improving literacy and numeracy.

Contract Overview

What Visits To A Representative Sample of Schools Revealed

System-wide

• District-wide: Class sizes in all 16 SURR schools were no larger than 20 in grades K-3, no larger than 25 in grades 4-12 for core instructional areas and during intensive instruction for students with the poorest math or reading results, the ratio of students to teacher was no more than 10:1.

• In all 16 SURR schools, the school day was lengthened by one hour.  Twenty additional days of instruction were provided at all 16 schools this summer. 

• A total of 15 Literacy and 9 Math coaches were provided in the 16 schools.  Nine-thousand students were impacted by the coaches.

• Throughout the 16 SURR schools, a total of 15 literacy coaches and 9 math coaches were provided.  Nine thousand students were impacted by the coaches.

School-based

• PS #18 Dr. Antonia Pantoja implemented class size reduction (for grades Prek-3, teachers will have 20 students and in grades 4-8, 25 pupils per instructor); longer school day (by 1 hour, from 6.5 to 7.5 hours of instruction daily); extension of the school year (from 180 to 200 days); strengthened literacy and math instructional blocks; instructional coaches (five of whom - coaching in the Math and literacy content areas - were hired in the four schools monitored); and coaches for principals. 

• PS #31 Harriett Ross Tubman, #79 Pfc. W. J. Grabiarz School, and PS #202 Grover Cleveland H.S. implemented: Class Size Reduction; longer school day, extension of school year, and strengthened literacy and math  instructional blocks; and instructional coaches for teachers and school leadership coaches for principals.

Findings

• The District used a general parent complaint process for the filing of parent complaints with building principal or school superintendent, which was not specific to C4E.

Corrective action:  This will be corrected as part of the C4E approval process.

• In three schools targeted for teacher and principal quality initiatives, where math achievement is poor, instructional coaches in this content area had not been hired.

Corrective action:  This will be corrected as part of the C4E approval process.

• Instructional math coaches were not in place in these three schools, whose accountability status was “not in good standing” for this content area based on 2005-06 assessment results.

Corrective action:  This will be corrected as part of the C4E approval process.

Contract Amendment

2008-09 C4E Status

None.

Continued.

School District

Cairo-Durham Central School District

Contract Amount

$1,082,709

Contract Theme

Improving middle and high school academic achievement, particularly English language arts by remediation and extra support for struggling pupils

Contract Overview

• Hired a reading coach, K-12  Math and staff development consultants, an AIS coordinator and additional AIS teachers for both English Language Arts and Math
• High school class size reduced from 24 to 20
• Implemented a high school & middle school study skills program
• Implemented a summer school program
• Added an alternative learning program at the high school
• Completing curriculum development, mapping and alignment
• Initiated more intense data analysis and training of staff in the use of data across all levels

Findings

• District used a general complaint process, which was not specific to the Contract For Excellence

Corrective action:  District is no longer in C4E status.

Contract Amendment

2008-09 C4E Status

None.

Removed.

School District

Camden Central School District

Contract Amount

$1,524,281

Contract Theme

Strengthen instruction through use of smaller groups possible through reduced class sizes and more academic intervention services (AIS)

Contract Overview

What Visits To A Representative Sample of Schools Revealed

• Class size reduction instituted at one elementary school reduced classes from 23, 30, and 21, to 17, 20, and 13, respectively.
• Additional summer and after school programs for at-risk pupils. The summer program provided differentiated instruction.  The after school program extends the school day one hour for four days a week for grades 3-8.  The targeted students are those who score a one or two on the previous year’s English Language Arts and math exams, or who are identified through teacher recommendation, as well as by poverty status.  The number of students who attended is 591, and the district used an accelerated model of pre-teaching to align with the next grade level’s curriculum, while structuring the learning in order to help students achieve skills in which they are deficient. The program was integrated with science, math, and English Language Arts.
• Addition of two social workers to work with targeted students, parents, teachers,      administrators, and social worker to address poverty and communication issues.  Two additional social workers provided services to four buildings.  They joined with the academic intervention staff to form a team to work with students from poverty backgrounds. The social workers have impacted 30 families each, with some of the families having intense needs such as being homeless, abused, relocated to shelters, and poverty issues such as lack of fuel and food.
• Addition of special education teacher at Camden Middle School
• Expansion of alternative high school program, targeted at students at risk of dropping out, which resulted in an additional two students graduating and averted others from dropping out.
• Additional technology as hardware and software for academic intervention and special education students.

Findings

None.

Contract Amendment

2008-09 C4E Status

$80,000.  Due to the late start of the program, the district hired staff later than anticipated and realized other cost savings.

Removed.

    School District

Carthage Central School District

Contract Amount

$1,442,019

Contract Theme

Strengthen retention and achievement results for Middle school students at risk of not graduating.

Contract Overview

What Visits To A Representative Sample of Schools Revealed

• Lengthened elementary school day by 30 minutes and increased school year by two days.
• Professional development throughout the year in continued development of small learning communities for ninth grade academy for 250 students who will be housed in stand alone building under construction
• Implemented advanced English Language Arts program
• Implemented Read 180 and Success for All to address English Language Arts needs of all students
• Hired a literacy coach at the middle school
• District adopted a bridge program to integrate 200 students with disabilities in grade 3 through 8 into the general education program and ease transitions between schools
• Implemented a credit recovery program at the high school

Findings

• Did not have a procedure for parent complaints specific to C4E.

Corrective action:  District is no longer in C4E status.

• District should continue to pursue certified Gifted and Talented teachers to support approved program.

Corrective action:  District is no longer in C4E status.

Contract Amendment

2008-09 C4E Status

None.

Removed.

School District

Central Square School District

Contract Amount

$1,895,085

Contract Theme

Implement a plan involving school administrators and faculty to improve student achievement at both the middle and high school levels.  Restructure the Central Square Middle School into four distinct buildings to respond to individual needs.

Contract Overview

What Visits To A Representative Sample of Schools Revealed

• The district hired an additional teacher in each building to reduce class size. This decreased class size at both schools and benefited students that needed additional Academic Intervention Services (AIS).
• Teacher and principal quality is enhanced through professional development. Approximately 18 teachers (including support staff) were involved in training at Cleveland and 24 teachers participated in training at AA Cole. The district continues to analyze data to determine impact.
• Time on task is increased with extended instructional time and individualized tutoring. Individualized tutoring was delivered by teachers and teaching assistants. Many students took advantage of after-school tutoring, for which the district provided transportation. This was generally for one hour 2 afternoons a week. Teachers were involved in training for differentiated instruction, essential elements of instruction, 6+1 writing traits, and data analysis.
• The district provided training and mentoring to new and existing teachers to retain qualified teachers. The mentoring program served five first year teachers at Cleveland/AA Cole last year.
• Harcourt Trophies and Every Day math programs are used to provide instruction to students. FROG program provides instruction to students K-second. Approximately 290 students at Cole and 230 students at Cleveland participate in the aforementioned programs.
• Planning committees are established to evaluate implementation and district progress toward improving student achievement across all grade levels.

Findings

None.

Contract Amendment

2008-09 C4E Status

None.

Removed.

School District

Clyde-Savannah Central School District

Contract Amount

$636,572

Contract Theme

Improving math and English Language Arts performance in Grades three through eight

Contract Overview

What Visits To A Representative Sample of Schools Revealed

• Added an additional teacher, dually certified in English and Special Education, enabling all 8th grade English Language Arts class sizes to be reduced to under 20 students per class.
• All English Language Arts and Math students at levels high 2s to low 3s were taught by content teachers and received three extra periods of English Language Arts and two extra periods of math per week.
• Hired special education teachers and T.A.s for Alternative Learning Centers (ALCs), an  alternative to traditional out-of-school suspension which offers suspended students the discipline and rigor that is needed to maintain their focus, and thus help them transition back into the scholastic setting.  The ALC is staffed by one FTE dually certified content area/special education teacher and one teacher assistant.  The ALC served 89 students in grades 7-12 during the 2007-08 school year.
• Added a “family liaison” social worker who works with students as needed, including those assigned to the Alternative Learning Center. The school social worker has worked in an ongoing counseling role with 40 families and has benefited approximately 192 students K-12, during the 2007-08 school year.
• Career oriented instruction. The district hired a business teacher to teach the following courses, among others:
• Communication – 15 students participated
• Career and Finance – 21 students participated
• Gemini Accounting – 15 students participated
• Gemini Business Organization – 9 students participated
• Hired a “Structured Studies” teacher and a teaching assistant to continue success of ALC (alternative learning center) model. The ALC saw a reduction in school suspensions from 22 percent to 17 percent in one year.
• The district provided inclusion programs in all levels of grades 5-12 core classes.  At the 7th and 8th grade levels, students receive integrated co-teaching in as many subjects as scheduling will allow, with emphasis on the four core subjects (math, English Language Arts, social studies and science). As a result of this change in this provision of services, the percentage of self-contained students in the district has dropped significantly.

Findings

The district used a general complaint process, not specific to C4E.

Corrective action:  District is no longer in C4E status.

Contract Amendment

2008-09 C4E Status

None.

Removed.

School District

Copiague Union Free School District

Contract Amount

$3,128,738

Contract Theme

Increasing achievement by focusing on reducing class size and expanding the summer school program.

Contract Overview

What Visits To A Representative Sample of Schools Revealed

• The district added three teachers to the teaching staff: one inclusion, one special education English Language Arts, one special education bilingual.
• The district added a fifth grade teacher to the teaching staff, funded three teachers through C4E to maintain class size reduction, and added an additional Inclusion teacher.
• The district introduced Read 180 targeted to students at risk and students with disabilities, and offered a summer school program directed to students with disabilities.
• The district added a bilingual administrative dean, a foreign language chair to free up a native language arts instructor to assist ELL students in passing their foreign language Regents exams. 
• The district conducted reading workshops using two reading teachers added to faculty who provided professional development and technical assistance to colleagues.
• The district hired an additional bilingual social worker.
• The district implemented a principal mentoring program including  mentoring new teachers including professional development and technical assistance in inclusion best strategies for all students particularly students with disabilities and English language learners.
• The district provided instructional coaches for teachers.  Three teachers provided direct instruction to students with disabilities and English language learners in literacy (two coaches) and math (one coach).
• The district offered two sessions of summer school.
• The district provided 21 days of remedial classes for students in grades 6-8.

Findings

Complaint process was not specific to C4E.

Corrective action:  District revised its parent complaint process to reflect C4E.

Contract Amendment

2008-09 C4E Status

None.

Continued.

    School District

Dunkirk City School District

Contract Amount

$1,657,991

Contract Theme

Increase teaching staff to target the needs of low achieving students, primarily through an increase in focused instruction with small groups.

Contract Overview

What Visits To A Representative Sample of Schools Revealed

• The district reduced the class size at one elementary school by the addition of one classroom teacher.
• The school day has been lengthened at the high school through the addition of after school programs.
• The instructional school year has also been extended through a summer program. Additional staff has been hired at the high school - AIS English teacher, counselor, resource officer, Math/Business teachers, social worker, and attendance clerk
• District hired an AIS leader, and a social worker to be shared by four elementary school
• Professional development opportunities for staff have been provided specific to the identified needs of the building/district - English Language Arts and Math training, Transition-Camp, Mentoring Program, and alternative education.

Findings

None.

Contract Amendment

2008-09 C4E Status

$1,407,991.  The increase in funds was due to a local charter school not becoming operational and a reallocation in funds for preexisting programs. New funds added for ELL inclusion in elementary schools.

Continued.

School District

East Irondequoit Central School District

Contract Amount

$1,423,239

Contract Theme

Strengthen literacy and numeracy across all grades levels, particularly for students with disabilities, with significant investments in class size reduction and middle and high school restructuring.

Contract Overview

What Visits To A Representative Sample of Schools Revealed

 Middle School:

• The school implemented an after-school tutoring program during the 2008-09 school year.  Ninety-three students received academic support in English Language Arts and 102 students received tutoring in math.
• The school has continued its work in writing and implementing a comprehensive curriculum.  There were 24 curriculum projects written during the summer of 2007 in math, science and English Language Arts from the elementary to the high school levels. Approximately 125 teachers were involved in these curriculum writing projects.
• The middle school period schedule was modified from 42 to 56 minutes to increase the amount of time students are engaged in instruction.
• The school implemented the Wilson reading program which is an alternative reading instructional program for special education students.  Twenty-two middle school students were served during 2007-08 school year.
• The school organized a building literacy team comprised of reading and English Language Arts teachers, core subject teachers, special area teachers, and administrators to oversee building and district initiatives as they relate to literacy.
• The district hired two Math consultants from the Warner School of Education at the University of Rochester to provide training and classroom embedded coaching to all math teachers and their partnered special education inclusion teachers.    Approximately 40 teachers benefited. 

High School

• The International Baccalaureate (IB) Program was started during the 2007-08 school year.  Approximately 40 students participated in the program.  Approximately 10-12 courses were offered.
• The district started Project Lead the Way program, a pre-engineering program offered in collaboration with the Rochester Institute of Technology.  During this first year, two sections of the pre-engineering course served approximately 40 students.  The program will be expanded during the 2008-09 school year to serve 140 students.
• An alternative education program was implemented for students at risk of dropping out.  Four teachers were hired part time to work in a team to serve 20 students in a two hour block. 
• An evening tutorial program for students was offered at the high school library to increase time on task.  The program operated four days a week from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.   Four certified teachers were available each evening to provide tutoring, homework assistance and other academic support to students.  Ninety-three students participated in English Language Arts and 102 students participated in math.
• The school has continued its work in writing and implementing a comprehensive curriculum.  There were 24 curriculum projects written including content areas of math, science and English Language Arts from the elementary to the high school levels. Approximately 125 teachers were involved in these curriculum writing projects.
• The district hired a full-time teacher as an instructional coach/mentor who was responsible for mentoring all probationary teachers and also supported tenured teachers with professional development requests. 

Findings

None.

Contract Amendment

2008-09 C4E Status

None.

Removed.

School District

Elmira City School District

Contract Amount

$3,405,707

Contract Theme

Lowering class sizes in the elementary schools in order to better address the needs of students with disabilities and support the district’s literacy model.

Contract Overview

What Visits To A Representative Sample of Schools Revealed

• Added  reading teachers to be placed at fourth and fifth grades to meet the need of approximately 40 students scoring at English Language Arts levels one and two.
• Added a literacy leader to support English Language Arts across the content areas with approximately 27 teachers in grades K-fifth. 
• Added a guidance counselor to assist approximately 337 students, of which approximately 240 fit poverty guidelines. 
• Instructional Support Teachers (IST’s) worked with approximately 27 classroom teachers to provide on-going professional development at 31 after-school teacher training and work sessions and four Superintendent Conference Days/ work sessions in eight areas of teacher/staff need. 
• The district sustained follow-up coaching in approximately 27 teacher classrooms.
• The district hired two Administrative Coaches to provide principals with additional support through mentoring and coaching.  Administrative Coaches provided 40 to 50 small group professional development sessions for principals with ongoing personalized support in areas such as data analysis and curriculum development (17 of 24 principals are non-tenured). 
• Decreased class size by an average of six students per class in K, first, fourth, and fifth by adding four additional teachers. 
• The district added a full time Instructional Support Teacher to provide on-going professional development and to support and coach approximately 34 teachers.
• The district used dedicated team time on Mondays and early release time for approximately 30 sessions of professional development in 11 study areas. 
• The district sustained follow-up professional development through professional study groups guided by the Instructional Support Teacher.

Findings

The district used a general complaint process which was not specific to Contract for Excellence.

Corrective action:  This will be corrected as part of the C4E approval process.

Contract Amendment

2008-09 C4E Status

None.

Continued.

School District

Fallsburg Central School District

Contract Amount

$724,486

Contract Theme

Focusing on all grade levels but targeting greatest efforts toward improvement of results in Grade three through eight English language arts and math   

Contract Overview

What Visits To A Representative Sample of Schools Revealed

• The district implemented Fast ForWord and Destination Reading, both computer-based English Language Arts programs, designed to reach students with disabilities, English Language Learners, at-risk students and GED candidates. Approximately 50 students K to sixth used Fast ForWord.  Destination Reading was used by all students grades K to 3.
• School Tool, a data system maintained by the Regional Information Center (RIC), has allowed the district to streamline its data analysis.
• The district hired math AIS, Pre-K, Special Education, and AIS English Language Arts teachers to reduce class size and improve instruction at the elementary and junior-senior high schools. The district hour teachers and one teaching assistant were hired at the elementary and junior-senior high school level.  Student to teacher ratios were 22:1 and 15:1 in targeted areas at the elementary and junior-senior high school level, respectively.
• The district extended “Homework Hall,” an after school study hall opportunity, originally created for student-athletes, to include all students.
• The district hired a data specialist to work with both schools in an effort to train teachers, troubleshoot and assist in the acquisition/dissemination of data.
• The district used a newly-acquired data system, School Tool, to address the participation rate.  This data system allows the district to accurately track current students and students in transit.

Findings

• Currently, the school district does not have a procedure in place for parent complaints specific to the Contracts for Excellence although the need to remedy is moot, since the district is not required to complete a Contract for Excellence in 2008-09. 

Corrective action:  District is no longer in C4E status.

Contract Amendment

2008-09 C4E Status

None.

Removed.

School District

Fulton City School District

Contract Amount

$1,878,205

Contract Theme

Strengthening curricular outcomes for students with disabilities, low income, English language learners and at risk students, particularly at high school levels.

Contract Overview

What Visits To A Representative Sample of Schools Revealed

• The district has a very complete and thorough record of their discussions of C4E in hard copy, and all budget and Board notes are also available on their web.
• Additional staff hired at the high school for academic intervention services to enable students with disabilities to earn sufficient Carnegie credits to graduate. 
• The guidance counselor worked with 29 students with disabilities and 98 low socio-economic students to coordinate transition planning for students with disabilities for post secondary education, work or entrance into the military.  
• 112 students participated in the Tutoring Program as part of the Alternative Education Continuum.  All 112 remained enrolled in school.
• By using an ELL teacher who also supports the students culturally, nearly all are attending school regularly.   In 2006-07 Fulton had 3 ELL students dropout, and in 07-08 it had no ELL students drop out.
• Fulton made AYP for the past two years at the district level and is no longer a DINI
  

Findings

None.

Contract Amendment

2008-09 C4E Status

$96,757.  The amendment removed the data manager position and allowed the increased cost of the new reading series for four elementary schools (already partially funded by C4E) to be covered.  This required a program change from Teacher/Principal Quality to Time On Task, but building allocations would remain constant.

Continued.

  School District

Geneva Central School District

Contract Amount

$1,742,392

Contract Theme

Geneva Central School District committed to using its funds to elevate the English language arts and math levels of two specific subgroups at the middle school:  students with disabilities and English language learners.

Contract Overview

What Visits To A Representative Sample of Schools Revealed

• Added six teachers, 13 teaching assistants and classroom aides.
• Reduced class size to average 18 students per class.
• Added a PALS program matching 12 mentors in the support of 27 students with attendance and behavior issues.
• Added one literacy coach to provide on-going professional development and support to teachers.
• 22 teachers attended year l training of Literacy Collaborative; three teachers attended year two.  A total of 456 students were impacted.
• Extended technology lab hours (8AM to 4PM) to target student populations.  Added new software to match student needs in literacy and math.  This effort serves 157 students who stay after school three days/week and are provided transportation.
• Introduced Olweis Anti-bullying measure across the district.  219 teachers and 88 paraprofessionals were trained.

Findings

The district used a general complaint process, which was not specific to Contract for Excellence.

Corrective action:  This will be corrected as part of the C4E approval process.

Contract Amendment

2008-09 C4E Status

None.

Continued.

School District

Greece Central School District

Contract Amount

$4,545,886

Contract Theme

Strengthen curricular outcomes for students with disabilities, continue to focus on the success of all students and enhance early intervention efforts.

Contract Overview

What Visits To A Representative Sample of Schools Revealed

• The district added 3 Literacy Coaches to serve 20 schools. 
• A Literacy Coach visited Arcadia MS on a regular basis to assist eight teachers serving 12 students with disabilities in the regular classroom.
• The literacy coach spent 20 half-days in Arcadia MS conducting training sessions and supporting classroom instruction.  The district added an extended day program. 
• The fall/winter session served 82 students in grades sixth through eighth, 27 of whom were students with disabilities. 
• The winter/spring session served 54 students in grades sixth through eighth, of whom 13 were students with disabilities. 
• The school designed two Saturday sessions.  One ran from 8:30 am to 10 am, and the other ran from 10:30 to noon.  During the fall/winter session, Saturday school served 20 students, nine with disabilities.  During the winter/spring session, Saturday school served eight students, three with disabilities.
• The district added a teacher position for an 8:1:1 class in Arcadia MS that was later moved to Apollo MS to better serve student needs.
• For clarification, there are 21 schools in this district.  Eighteen new hires occured averaging less than one teacher per school.

Findings

The district used a general complaint process, which was not specific to the Contract for Excellence.

Corrective action:  This will be corrected as part of the C4E approval process.

Contract Amendment

2008-09 C4E Status

$270,050.  Amendment is due to enrollment changes and changes in student needs.  An addition of two Special Education teachers to Apollo Middle School.  Assigned instructional reading support to Lakeshore Elementary.  Reassigned 4.0 Special Education TA’s to Athena Middle School.  An additional LOTE Spanish teacher. 

Continued.

School District

Hannibal Central School District

Contract Amount

$ 952,717

Contract Theme

Increased opportunities for low performing students and others determined to be at risk to improve achievement, as well as more structured and supportive instructional time.

Contract Overview

What Visits To A Representative Sample of Schools Revealed

• Since Hannibal had been on a contingency budget and had lost several teachers, most of their initial C4E plan involved replacing them to work on C4E allowable activities.
• District implemented a computer-based program that provides expanded career exploration for secondary students, facilitated by their guidance and drop-out prevention counselor. 
• Academic Intervention Services (AIS) have been expanded significantly. Classes were structured and seemed to incorporate evidence-based instructional strategies.  All students who are eligible for AIS are receiving services.
• Distance learning through a project-based class.  This lab will support links with Cayuga Community College satellite program for other classes in order to encourage more students to transition from high school to college.
• The district implemented a Read 180 program primarily for students with disabilities.

Findings

None.

Contract Amendment

2008-09 C4E Status

None.

Continued.

School District

Haverstraw/Stony Point  North Rockland

Contract Amount

$2,160,441

Contract Theme

To focus on struggling students at all levels who failed to make adequate yearly progress in English Language Arts and math.

Contract Overview

What Visits To A Representative Sample of Schools Revealed

• The district hired additional staff to strengthen instruction in the following areas:  
• Reading Teacher and Guidance Counselor:
• Academic intervention services in math serving 103 students and 60 students with disabilities,
• Academic intervention services in Biology serving 45 students with disabilities
• Additional English as a second language sections,
• US History – 1 section serving 26 students,
• Global History--1 section serving 26 students,
• Intermediate English as a Second Language – 4 sections serving 51 students,
• Intermediate and Advanced English as a Second Language --5 sections serving 72 students,
• ELL After School Program serving 48 students,
• English as a Second Language Success Program serving 25 students,
• Math--6 sections serving 60 students with disabilities,
• After School Homework Club serving 20 Students.
• Advisory – a program whereby students are assigned time during the school day where they convene as a group (similar to a homeroom) with a specific teacher who follows student progress and communicates important information and conducts specific activities within the period.
• Mentoring beginning teachers and principals.
• These programs were targeted to students at risk, especially students with limited English proficiency and students with disabilities:  Read 180, Rosetta Stone (for students whose first language is not English), and criterion writing.

Findings

None

Contract Amended

2008-09 C4E Status

$65,028.  A small share of the teacher contract was moved from Time on Task to cover new staff hired at higher than expected salaries.  The teacher mentoring program was over budgeted: the reductions in the teacher mentoring line were re-allocated to support the extended day program.

Continued.

School District

Hyde Park Central School District

Contract Amount

$1,310,000

Contract Theme

Improving the performance of students with disabilities by implementing a study skills program at the high school to address student needs, especially in English language arts.

Contract Overview

What Visits To A Representative Sample of Schools Revealed

• The district offered Academic Intervention classes at the ninth grade.  They hope to expand the program to tenth grade and phase in other grades each year.
• Introduced the SIT program (Students in Transition) for high school students with special needs.  SIT is an intensive program (8:1:1) to help students overcome emotional or behavioral issues and transition back into the self-contained setting or other appropriate program. 
• Reduced class size in the primary classes from 21 to 15 students, by creating a bridge program for K-1.  Program also allows for extra support to the early grades, as needed. 
• Created a study skills curriculum for high school students.
• Hired a special education coordinator/CSE Chair.
• Offered extended day and enrichment opportunities K-12.  Approximately 500 students benefited from these programs. 
• Formed a research committee to identify best instructional practices.
• Adopted a more inclusive model at the Middle School, allowing the consultant teachers to spend more time in the general education setting. Training was provided on co-teaching strategies.
• Purchased academic intervention tracking software to monitor progress of students.
• District also purchased laptops for their academic intervention classrooms.

Findings

• The parent complaint process is not specific to the Contract for Excellence. 

Corrective action:    This will be corrected as part of the 2008-09 C4E approval process.

• The school district should continue to pursue the experimental technology class to support students in academic intervention in math, as written in the Contract.

Corrective action:  This will be corrected as part of the 2008-09 C4E approval process.

Contract Amendment

2008-09 C4E Status

$306,716.  The original intent to hire a high school special education teacher was not needed.  The district filled this position internally, with existing funds. The funds were used for the high school library, AIS and technology for special education students.

Continued.

School District

Jamestown Public Schools

Contract Amount

$2,882,843

Contract Theme

Strengthen English language arts and math for economically disadvantaged students and students with disabilities at the high school.

Contract Overview

What Visits To A Representative Sample of Schools Revealed

• Hired additional teachers has reduced class sizes. Classroom teachers and reading teachers were hired at the elementary and middle school levels, as well as two English as a Second Language teachers at the elementary level.  Class size reduction figures are not available.
• Increased time on task has been addressed by extending the school day/school year through a variety of after-school programs and summer programs. Examples include partnerships with the YMCA and Safari Tutoring with Chautauqua Striders. .At the time of the report, information concerning the number of summer school participants was not available. Also, as indicated, the lengthening of the school day and the school year were achieved by way of after school programs and summer school.
• The district’s overall strategies included hiring reading teachers, guidance counselors and support personnel.  A total of six new class room teachers were hired at the elementary level and middle school levels.  Reading teachers were added to the four elementary schools and middle school, as well as a math coordinator for the district.  One full-time English as a Second Language teacher was added at the high school, as well as two English as a Second Language teachers at the elementary level. Impact on students varies.
• Academic Intervention services are provided through learning labs, tutoring and summer programs.

Findings.

None.

Contract Amendment

2008-09 C4E Status

$191,100.  The amendment reallocated funds from Middle School/High School Restructuring to Time on Task to expand the tutoring program, reducing academic intervention services, to fund an additional reading teacher, and reallocating funds from staff development to purchase mobile computer carts.

Removed.

School District

Lancaster Central School District

Contract Amount

$1,896,24

Contract Theme

Strengthen the performance of students with disabilities and lower the high school drop out rate.

What the District

Agreed to Do

What Visits To A Representative Sample of Schools Revealed

• Staff members have been hired at the high school to reduce class size, lengthen the school day, and provide a variety of direct services to students at risk.  New staff members include: Special Education Teacher, Special Education Teacher Aides, Social Studies Teacher, Media Specialist, Technology Teacher, and a Business Teacher. A total of 10.7 FTE were added at the elementary level.  Classroom and reading teachers were added, as well as a speech therapist, special education teachers and special education aides.  A total of 8.1 FTE were added at the middle school and high school levels.  Approximately 450 students with disabilities are educated in the district.  The school day was lengthened by way of after school programs.

• The district provided a number of professional development opportunities for administrators and teachers specific to the identified needs of teachers at the high school and district as a whole. Examples include: School Leadership that Works, Classroom Instruction that Works, and Building Background Knowledge Professional development. These programs were on-going and attended by members of the staff at all levels.

• In addition to staff assigned to the high school, the district implemented restructuring at the high school through reading strategies implementation, job coaches, review classes in English Language Arts and math, mentor program, functional curriculum writing/mapping, and Realignment of the special education academic program.

Findings

None.

Contract Amendment

2008-09 C4E Status

$31,401.79.  Actual costs of programs, materials, personnel, and needs for individual buildings were different from projected costs in June of 2007.

Removed.

School District

Lansingburgh Central School District

Contract Amount

$1,840,520

Contract Theme

Targeting funds to address academic achievement of the neediest students at all grade levels

Contract Overview

What Visits To A Representative Sample of Schools Revealed

• Middle school instructional coach provided embedded and supportive professional development.
• Instructional coach worked to support curriculum and instructional improvements.
• Two reading and mathematics Academic Intervention Services teachers were added to provide more targeted and intensive instruction to struggling learners.  Each teacher served approximately 60 students. AIS teachers were provided instructional resources and diagnostic and other assessments.
• Twelve grade level teams received training and were provided strategies to build supportive learning communities. Teachers learned how to effectively structure and utilize daily team meeting time in order to focus conversation and work on planning for instruction. 
• Four core teachers were added to the middle school to reduce class size to approximately 21 students and to support grade level teaming.

Findings

The district used a general complaint process form. 

Corrective action: District is no longer in C4E status.

Contract Amendment

2008-09 C4E Status

$38,203:  No programmatic changes were made; the amendment reconciled actual and budgeted expenses.

Removed.