Community forum tonight seeks input on middle school’s School Improvement Plan

Maricopa Middle School was labeled as an underperforming school for last year by the Arizona Department of Education. Maricopa High School, Maricopa Elementary School and Santa Rosa Elementary School were all labeled performing. Since Pima Butte Elementary only opened its doors to students this year, that school is not labeled yet.

The underperforming designation was based on AIMS testing results data and the One Year Growth (OYG) figure. Although Maricopa Middle School has consistently scored in the 70’s in the past, this year the OYG measured only 38. The state has reconfigured the manner in which the OYG is attained, and the state’s overall average also dropped significantly.

One Year Growth is determined in reading and mathematics. It is a comparison of how an individual student’s scores on tests like the SAT-9 or AIMS compare to the state average.

In a recent letter to parents and guardians of middle school students, Principal Stephanie Sharp outlined some of the strategies currently in place to meet state performance and progress goals. Those specific goals are outlined in a report known as Arizona Learns (Leading Education through the Accountability and Results Notification System).

Sharp explained, “We will be required to submit a School Improvement Plan (SIP) to the Arizona Department of Education. It is always good to look at data, instruction and modification to reach the best programs for our students.” A school improvement plan sets goals for the school to address assessed ongoing needs. It also provides professional development to support those goals.

“We will continue to ask for your ideas, feedback and suggestions in order to continue to make improvements at our school,” Sharp added. To make that possible, parents, guardians and interested community members are invited to attend a community forum regarding Maricopa Middle School’s School Improvement Plan. The forum will be held Monday, January 9, at 6 p.m. in Room 1 (the boardroom) at Maricopa High School. Members of the school district’s governing board will also be present.