PEER REVIEW TEAM REPORT

FOR

Manatee School For the Arts

Dr. Bill Jones, Principal

Debbie Hodge, Facilitator

William E. Henderson, Chair

SACS School Improvement Process

May 2-4, 2004

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Commission on Secondary and Middle Schools

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Peer Review Team Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Peer Review Team Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Self Study Committees and Steering Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Part 1: Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Part 2: Performance and Progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Part 3: Developing the Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Part 4: Defining the School’s Beliefs and Mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Part 5: Priorities for Improving Student Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Part 6: Priorities for Improving School Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Part 7: Developing the Action Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Summary and Conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Summary Report of Commendations and Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Evaluation of Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Appendix: Signatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

PEER REVIEW TEAM MEMBERS

Manatee School For the Arts

700 Haben Blvd.

Palmetto, FL 34221

William E. Henderson, Chair

Director of School Programs/2+2 Cohorts

Barry University School of Education

Winter Garden, Florida

Ron Poppell, Co-Chair

Retired Principal

Duval County Public Schools

Atlantic Beach, Florida

Jackie Burch

Retired Teacher

Polk County Public Schools

Blue Ridge, Georgia

Bea Lewis

Hearing Officer

Duval County Public Schools

Jacksonville, Florida

Don Reott

Technology Director

Episcopal High School

Jacksonville, Florida

Sonia Vázquez-Esposito

Coordinator of Charter and Choice Schools

Osceola Schools District

Kissimmee, Florida

PEER REVIEW TEAM ASSIGNMENTS

Introduction / Summary / Commendations / Recommendations / Standards Compliance / Executive Summary / Performance and Progress

Mr. William E. Henderson

Part 3: Profile

Dr. Sonia Vázquez-Esposito

Part 4: Beliefs and Mission

Ms. Bea Lewis

Part 5: Priorities for Improving Student Learning

Mr. Don Reott

Part 6: Priorities for Improving School Performance

Mr. Ron Poppell

Part 7: Action Plan

Ms. Jackie Burch

MANATEE SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS

SELF STUDY COMMITTEES

Executive Summary

Chairperson: Charles W. Jones

Performance and Progress

Chairperson: Charles W. Jones

Profile

Chairperson: Bob Busch

School’s Beliefs and Mission

Chairperson: Diane Wallin

Priorities for Improving Student Learning

Chairperson: Linda Tanner

Priorities for Improving School Performance

Chairpersons: Jillian Bieber

Action Plan

Chairperson: Bob Busch

STEEERING COMMITTEE

Chairperson: Bob Busch

Members:

Jillian Bieber Cheryl Carty Tammy Evans

Eveleen Garcia Bill Jones Una Jones

Sharon Mizner Betty Schamber Linda Tanner

Diane Wallin

INTRODUCTION

A Peer Review Team of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools met in Manatee County Florida on May 2-4, 2004, for the purpose of examining the School Improvement self study at the Manatee School For the Arts. The Peer Review Team visited classrooms, interviewed teachers, stakeholders, administrators, and staff.

The Manatee School For the Arts (MSA) is a public charter school, located on nine acres in Manatee County, which provides an arts-infused curriculum for 707 students. The school consists of sixth through eleventh grades with a ratio of 83.9% Caucasian, 6.5% African-American, 9.2% Hispanic, and 0.4% Indian/Multicultural. The faculty has 29% of the certificated staff with advanced degrees. MSA offers both a standard academic program and one that focuses on the arts. Courses are offered in both the visual and performing arts. MSA had students enrolled in twelve honors/advanced classes, two advanced placement classes, and two dual enrollment courses. Technology is readily evident at the school with the existence of three math computer labs, one science computer lab, and two basic computer skills/advanced graphics labs. Eighteen percent of the students at the school are enrolled in the special education program which includes nine percent classified as gifted. MSA offers numerous arts-related before and after school programs. Twenty-three percent of the student body are eligible for free and/or reduced lunch. The Manatee School For the Arts is to be commended for maintaining their school grade of “A”.

It is evident from reading the self-study that a pragmatic report was made of the seven components of the school improvement plan. It is also evident that the students and the parents have a genuine love for their school based on the interviews with them. The Peer Review Team was impressed with the overall professional and friendly attitude of the faculty and the students. Camaraderie permeates throughout the school.

The Peer Review Team recognizes the overall leadership of the self-study under the steering committee chair, Bob Busch. The organization and the logistics of the self-study were well done and the files were prepared in order with documentation. The work of the parts chairs covered each area. The Peer Review Team would like to give a special thank you to the hospitality committee, Dawnyelle Moore, Nikki Ciccotelli, Claire Walz, Betty Schamber, Cindy Willis, Sandy Stiles, Mary C. Turner, Juan Blanco, Michael Ridgewell, and Debra Cline for the wonderful dinner on Sunday night. The Peer Review Team was impressed with the Profile video presentation by Mike Landers and Howard Kaplan. The Team would also like to thank the following students for the artistic gift bags, Rachel Saffold, Dustin White, Ryland Jones, Jonah Wright, Clint Mitchell, Claire Ingram, and Ivy Budzik. Thanks are also extended to Ellen Doyle, Kelly Burnette, Evy Garcia, and Bob Fearon and Marlene Bimson for assembling resource materials and facility preparation. The Team would like to express our appreciation to Anna Lee Ernst for providing the wonderful meals prepared during our visit. A special thank you should go to the Principal Dr. Bill Jones and Assistant Principal Sharon Mizner for providing an informative tour of the school.

The team also enjoyed the warm friendly attitude of the faculty, staff, students, parents, and administration. This positive attitude of stakeholders was exemplified with the attendance of teachers, parents, and students at our interview sessions. The Principal, Dr. Bill Jones, realizes that the faculty has a stake in the success of the school’s program and works with them in a very professional manner. It is obvious that his leadership skills are indicative of the success of the Manatee School For the Arts. The Peer Review Team visited different areas of the school and interviewed the various Parts chairs and committee members to validate the school's improvement plan.

In conducting the on-site five-year review, the Peer Review Team was responsible for:

1. Assessing the adequacy of the self-study process.

2. Identifying strengths of the school deserving of commendations.

3. Developing recommendations that may help to strengthen programs of the school.

4. Assessing compliance with the standards of commission on secondary schools.

5. Developing a written report of findings.

In fulfillment of the Peer Review Team’s responsibilities, members:

1. Reviewed documentation provided by the school.

2. Conducted interviews with the personnel and other stakeholders.

3. Applied the Standards for Accreditation.

4. Developed a draft of Commendations and Recommendations.

5. Contributed to the contents, focus of the written, and Exit report.

6. Provided input as to the determination of initial Accreditation.

Several teams are in place to oversee the functions of School Improvement. The documentation was in readiness for the Peer Review Team. The report was given to the Principall and steering committee after the Exit report.

SACS School Improvement Process Certification

COMPONENTS	Meets Expectation	Meets Expectation With Recommendations	Did Not Meet Expectation
1. Executive Summary - Introductory statement that provides an overview of the school’s recent improvement efforts and highlights the significant challenges facing the school.
A clear and concise statement was developed that reflects the school’s most recent accomplishments and significant challenges facing the school.	x

Comments:

The Executive Summary addresses many of the aspects of the Manatee School For the Arts (MSA) and focuses on commitment to continued improvement. The Principal did an outstanding job in explaining the history of the school and its expansion since its inception.

.

Commendations:

1. The Peer Review Team commends MSA for involving all of the faculty and

staff in a thorough review of the school’s operations.

2. *The Peer Review Team commends the school for developing an arts-infused curriculum that enhances offerings in both academics and the arts.

3. The Peer Review Team commends the school for providing a challenging and safe educational environment for its students.

4. The Peer Review Team commends the school for maintaining a grade of ‘A’.

Recommendations:

1. *The Peer Review Team recommends that MSA continue to initiate action that will enhance and enrich the curriculum through expansion of dual enrollment, increased use of technology, and continued faculty empowerment.

COMPONENTS	Meets Expectation	Meets Expectation With Recommendations	Did Not Meet Expectation
2. Performance and Progress Report - A description of the specific activities of practices implemented during the past three to four school years and the results of such efforts.
Documentation is maintained that describes the activities or practices implemented.	NA
Evidence of progress towards achieving the goals in the school’s action plan exists.	NA
There exists evidence of a sustained commitment to continuous improvement.	NA

Comments:

This constitutes the initial accreditation and School Improvement Process self-study for the Manatee School For the Arts.

PART 3: DEVELOPING THE PROFILE

COMPONENTS	Meets Expectation	Meets Expectation With Recommendations	Did Not Meet Expectation
3. School Profile – A comprehensive description of student performance data: demographic data reflecting the school, its students and community; characteristics of the school; and a summary of stakeholders’ perspectives on the quality of the school.
A systematic process for collecting and managing the existing data.	x
Strengths and limitations are based on an analysis of data.	x
The profile is communicated clearly too different stakeholder groups.		x
Data are used to guide school improvement planning.	x

Comments:

The committee for the development of the School Profile was composed of four faculty members, one administrator, one parent and one student. A review of the School Profile and supportive documentation included the following: student performance data, demographic data and climate survey results.

Commendations:

1. The Peer Review Team commends the Profile Committee for presenting data in clear narrative, charts, and tables.

2. The Peer Review Team commends MSA for receiving a School Grade of “A”.

3. *The Peer Review Team commends MSA for fostering an atmosphere of safety, trust, confidence, and excellence.

Recommendations:

1. The Peer Review Team recommends that MSA continue to collect and update the school profile.

2. *The Peer Review Team recommends that professional support staff and community representation be included in the membership of the profile committee.

3. The Peer Review Team recommends that student activities and programs be added to the school profile data.

4. The Peer Review Team recommends that the school profile data be added to the school website.

PART 4: DEFINING THE SCHOOL’S BELIEFS AND MISSION

COMPONENTS	Meets Expectation	Meets Expectation With Recommendations	Did Not Meet Expectation
4. Beliefs and Mission – A guide for current and future efforts of the school which reflects a commitment to student success. The beliefs and mission are evident in the instructional and organizational practices of the school.
A consensus-building process was established that involved the school community.		X
The beliefs and mission are clearly and readily communicated to the school community.		X
The list of beliefs is evident in the daily practices of the school.	X
The mission statement describes a compelling purpose and direction for the school.	X

Comments:

The Manatee School For the Arts Mission and Beliefs Committee consisted of four staff personnel, two students and one parent. The purpose of this committee was to develop a set of beliefs that were core to the Mission statement that was submitted by the founding Board at the inception of MSA and required for charter schools in Manatee County.

This committee began diligently meeting in the spring of 2003 and continuing on through the beginning of the 2003-04 school year to discuss, draft and develop five belief statements.

Commendations:

1. *The Peer Review Team commends the committee for its beginning efforts in forming a consensus building process.

2. The Peer Review Team commends the committee for posting the Mission Statement on the website and throughout the classrooms in the school.

Recommendations:

1. The Peer Review Team recommends that the school continue to facilitate a collaborative process for building a shared vision and articulate the school’s belief and mission.

2. *The Peer Review Team recommends in the future analysis of the school’s Beliefs and Mission a more diverse group of stakeholders be used to include students, parents, and community members.

3. The Peer Review Team recommends that the Beliefs and Mission of the school should be provided to stakeholders who are in attendance at monthly Parent/Teachers Organization meetings as well as to parents and community stakeholders who attend the many performances held at the school during the year.

4. The Peer Review Team recommends that the Mission statement of MSA be placed on mail outs, letterheads, newsletters, and other information that is being sent to parents and community stakeholders.

PART 5: PRIORITIES FOR IMPROVING STUDENT LEARNING