Valley High School Principal Benjamin R. McPherson presented the Local School Improvement Council’s annual report to the Wetzel County Board of Education at their Oct. 17 meeting. Among the school’s accomplishments, VHS has improved in school ranking as well as in test scores. Additionally, discipline referrals appear to be declining from last year as positive behavior incentives are increasing. The council presented a review of the past year to the board, while outlining numerous goals for the 2011-2012 academic year.

In school ranking, the council noted that VHS is ranked 72 out of 118 West Virginia high schools, which is a score up 28 places from last year. Relatedly, according to Schooldigger.com, VHS was the eighth most improved high school in West Virginia.

Regarding the WesTest, the council also presented tables which showed the growth of classes from one year to the next in the accountability areas of Reading/Language Arts and Mathematics. The average Mathematics score as 40.4; the average Reading/Language Arts score was 37.8.

In Mathematics, 67 percent of freshmen students improved their scores, 26 percent of which had gains of more than five percent. In Reading/Language Arts, 67 percent improved scores, 21 percent of which had gains of more than five percent.

For the sophomore class, 66 percent improved their Mathematics score, with 30 percent having gains of more than five percent. In Reading/Language Arts, 66 percent improved their scores, with 48 percent having gains of more than five percent.

In the junior class, 67 percent of students improved their scores in Mathematics, with 28 percent having gains of more than five percent. In Reading/Language Arts, 51 percent improved their scores, 18 percent of which had gains of more than five percent.

In efforts to recognize academic achievement, last year the school recognized student achievement at the end of every nine weeks through Academic Pep Rallies.

Regarding increasing such achievement, VHS also implemented an Active Reading Strategy to help students better understand complex questions and directions. The strategy gives students a way to break down complex and multi-step directions. Notably, McPherson told the board that two students qualified for the Promise Scholarship last year.

McPherson also shared with the board that the school pursued an Innovation Zone Grant last year to switch to a nine-period day with a modified block on some days to allow more sections of classes, increased collaboration, and time for problem-based learning.

It was further explained that Wetzel County instituted a policy to allow students who meet mastery or move from novice to partial mastery to exempt the exam in that subject area. Under this policy, 130 students at VHS will be able to exempt at least one exam this year and 30 students will be able to exempt all of their core exams.

It was also noted that VHS, a tier-one school, is a recipient of the Safe and Supportive Schools grant (S3 grant). The purpose of the S3 grant is to help VHS improve its school climate. As part of the grant, VHS spends $50,000 each year on interventions to improve its climate. VHS will be using money from the S3 grant to support a Student Assistance Team that intervenes when a student appears to be having problems.

Relatedly, the school has implemented an incentive program as part of its Positive Behavior Support plan wherein through good behavior, VHS students are able to earn “Lumberjack Bucks” to spend on a wide range of products in the school store.

In 2010-2011, 75 referrals resulted in detention (41), in school suspension (13), or out of school suspension (21). As of the board meeting, 32 referrals have resulted in detention (nine), in school suspension (22), or out of school suspension (one).

Under school safety, VHS currently has 32 security cameras on the premises and as the school has other buildings outside of the school, a gate has been installed to keep students safe while moving between the buildings. The gate prevents entry through the back doors and the shop and Vo-Ag areas.

In another matter, as a plan for high school and beyond, students at VHS have an Individualized Student Transition Plan. To help jump start college plans, VHS offers college-level courses in English, Speech, and Psychology through West Virginia Northern Community College. One of many post-secondary options available for VHS students is the opportunity to attend the Mid Ohio Valley Technical Institute for one year after graduation. Currently, two graduates are attending MOVTI as part of the “13th Year” to gain additional certification.

Lastly, the council listed their goals for this school year as follows:

All students will be educated in a safe and drug-free learning environment that supports academic achievement.

VHS will increase student achievement to meet state standards. It is hoped the school will increase 11th grade reading scores on the WesTest by four percent, writing scores by five percent, math scores in Algebra I and II by 3.6 percent, and math scores in Geometry by four percent, focusing on polygons and polyhedrons.

All students will graduate from high school prepared for post-secondary education and career success through personalized pathways and guidance that focus on productive satisfying lives.

All students will meet or exceed state, national, and international curriculum standards that incorporate the acquisition of 21st Century skills. VHS will continue its current offerings and will look to expand CTE offerings.

VHS will increase students’ motivation to learn by increasing: the relevance of the curriculum, the use of Character Education lessons, and the use of the SAT team.

All students will master or exceed grade level on 21st Century educational standards.

Students identified as Limited English Proficiency will receive free and appropriate services to increase achievement and performance and to support transition to desired post-school outcomes.

Students with disabilities and exceptionalities will receive a free, appropriate public education to increase achievement and performance and to support transition to desired post-school outcomes.

And finally, the school will provide annual notice of Supplemental Educational Services providers to parents of eligible students. This will include a description of services, qualifications, and a record of effectiveness.