J. H. Reagan Executive Summary

School Improvement Plan 2002-2003

John H. Reagan High School
Robert Chavarria, Principal
North Central District of Houston ISD

John H. Reagan High School is dedicated to the principle that students can achieve their maximum intellectual, social, emotional and physical potential through exposure to quality education and a positive learning environment.

Reagan High School has an enrollment of 1572 students in grades 9-12. Eighty-seven percent of the student population is Hispanic, with six percent White and six percent African American and one percent Asian. Reagan's attendance rate is 93.2 percent. The dropout rate is 0.5 percent. Reagan's Computer Technology Magnet serves over 400 students from across the city in a challenging academic program that has three strands: Computer Programming and Robotics, Computer Electronics and Networking and the Academy of Finance.

Reagan is located in the historic Heights neighborhood near downtown Houston. Reagan High School has a strong tradition of active collaboration with its community and corporate partners in an effort to improve its students' achievement. During the past four years, Reagan has worked diligently to identify and implement an effective model of high school reform, Transformation Reagan. Three essential and critical elements of this reform have been restructuring, reorganizing and reculturing. Working within a Texas Education Agency 9th Grade Initiative Grant and Co-Nect, the teams decided to group 9th and 10th students into "societies. Next year, 11th and 12th grade students will select from one of five career-based academies, Business and Technology; Fine Arts; Health Science Technology; Industrial and Engineering Technology and Magnet Computer Technology.

As a comprehensive high school, Reagan provides a variety of opportunities for student success. The nationally ranked JROTC program offers students opportunities to build character, discipline and citizenship. The Career and Technology Education (CATE) department empowers students with rigorous, globally competitive technical and academic skills. Reagan has gained distinction as the only HISD school to offer an Academy of Finance and a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machine Operator Training Program. The students are currently participating in a Fine Arts program that include choir, dance, visual and theater arts as well as an array of musical opportunities including mariachi. Through the athletic department, a broad spectrum of sports for males and females is offered including golf, soccer, wrestling, tennis and swimming

The Shared Decision-Making Committee (SDMC) at Reagan is nominated and elected by faculty and staff. It is composed of eight classroom teachers, four school-based staff, one non-instructional staff member, two parents, two communities and one business member. The principal selects the parents, community and business members. The principal or designee facilitates the meetings. The SDMC has six standing committees: Curriculum & Instruction, Staff Development, scheduling and Facilities and Grounds, An elected member of the SDMC chairs each committee and committee membership is open to the school community. Most of the decisions in the Reagan SDMC are made by consensus. If there is an issue where there is a significant discussion and consensus cannot be reached, the committee takes a vote. A simple majority vote determines the outcome of this issue. The Reagan SDMC as a whole and through its subcommittees monitors the SIP. During subcommittee meetings, discussions are held concerning implementation, timelines and responsibilities. The Reagan SDMC meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Forms are distributed and sent via email to all staff for submitting agenda items. Minutes are published and sent to all faculty and staff via email within three days of each meeting. A record of SDMC minutes is kept on file in the main office and library as a matter of public record. The SIP is a living document that is reviewed and modified as needed.

Goal 1 Student Achievement

1.1 70% of all student groups including special education in grades 9,10 and 11 will pass English and Spanish TAKS, Reading, Math, Writing, Language Arts, Social Studies and Science subtests.

1.2 20% of retesting 11th and 12 th grade students including special education will achieve minimum expectations TAAS Reading, Math and Writing subtest.

1.3 10% of all students with disabilities will achieve at least grade level on a Stanford 9 or an alternate assessment test.

1.4 25% of the student ethnic/racial groups receiving special education will move closer to district percentages of these same groups.

1.5 10% of all LEP, migrant, and immigrant students' performance will advance to the next level on the Reading Proficiency test in English (RPTE).

1.6 25% of all graduating seniors will complete course requirements by the State Board of Education and HISD Recommended High School Program within 4 years.

1.7 20% of all student groups will enroll and complete advanced courses and registerfor college admissions tests.

1.8 2% reduction in the dropout rate will continue due to an overall educational awareness and support system.

1.9 5% increase in student attendance rate will continue as a results of the Student Advocacy Program.

1.10 25% of graduating seniors will apply for scholarships, The Texas Grant Program and other financial aid opportunities.

1.11 20% of the Migrant High School students will register for college admission test and improve their scores by 10%.

Goal 2 Increase Management Efficiency

2. 1 100% of all federal, state and local regulations will be in compliance as measured by audits of the programs

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Goal 3 Improve Public Support and Confidence in Schools

3.1 To increase parental involvement at parental conferences and school-related events by 20%.

3.2 To increase business and community involvement through Project Reconnect and Community Collaboration Projects by 10%.

Goal 4 Create a Positive District Culture

4.1 To improve the level of satisfaction by 25% with the services provided by both school and district as a whole within the Reagan community.

Goal 5 Increase Violence Prevention and Intervention

5.1 To reduce the number of disciplinary infractions related to drugs, tobacco, and alcohol by 10%.

5.2 To reduce violence and improve school safety by 10%.

As Reagan strives to reach these goals, professional development activities have been planned involving all stakeholders. These activities include developing and implementing syllabus for all courses, alternative assessments, interdisciplinary projects, learning styles, and integration of technology, and diversity training, effective time management on a block schedule and high school reform.

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