Mt. Pleasant High School

1. Mt. Pleasant High School August 12, 2013

2. Low Student Performance • Lack of student proficiency in reading and writing across the curricular areas (Humanities, Math, Science, etc). • Many students are unable to effectively understand content area/grade level text and instructions. • Student academic performance data in multiple subject areas suggests aneed for assistance outside of the classroom. • Increased class sizes and a shortened instructional calendar has made it difficult to assist students in need of additional instruction. • No individual teacher can do it all! The Problem

3. A Writing Center can be a formidable tool in assisting students in developing their reading, writing, and vocabulary. • The creation of a Writing Center will signal the high priority that MP places on student achievement and educational effectiveness, as measured by WASC. • Students struggling with the additional writing requirements introduced through the California Common Core State Standards can receive assistance through a Writing Center, and targeted interventions can be coordinated with faculty. • Whether it is mandated "Program Improvement" (P.I.), WASC accreditation and/or adopting the Common Core Standards (CCR), a Cardinal Writing Center will be instrumental in increasing the level of student performance, and will become the cornerstone of any MPHS improvement strategy. A Solution

4. The Cardinal Writing Center Vision Statement: The Cardinal Writing Center (CWC) is an after-school, cross-curricular resource where students can experience academic success through reading and writing improvement. Writing Coaches and Peer tutors will guide students through the writing process, while providing practical feedback, workshops, and access to an array of resources. The Cardinal Writing Center will be open to students on a voluntary, by appointment, or drop-in basis. Students may choose to work on writing assignments at any stage in the writing process or receive general assistance with improving their academic literacy skills. What is the CWC?

5. Confidence (Critical Thinking and Academic Excellence) • The Cardinal Writing Center will focus on building students' knowledge of the writing process and its application in the creation of "great" writing. Students who frequent the CWC will receive feedback from writing coaches and/or peer tutors focused on the students execution of the principles of the writing process. In turn, students will improve their writing self-awareness and their overall confidence. Competency (Academic Excellence) • CWC Coaches and Peer Tutors will not assign grades - they will encourage good writing and provide feedback for improvement. CWC student participants will gain a greater understanding of the writing process, develop research and writing skills, and will gain access to resources that will allow them to become competent writers. Collegiality (Building Community) • The CWC will encourage peer tutoring and create a sense of community between and among students and Writing Coaches. The Cardinal Writing Center's 3 Guiding Principles: What is the CWC?

6. A learning space on campus where students, on referral or drop-in basis, can come and receive assistance and/or participate in structured learning activities • Aprofessional development space on campus where teachers can come and participate in workshops focused on school-wide writing improvement, where we can share best writing practices, and collaborate across curricular areas. What is the CWC?

7. CWC Workshops – Four Focus Areas • Writing • College Prep • Technology Tools • Writing Resources The Writing Center’s Focus

8. Staff: Supervisors (2): 1 or 2 per day (as needed) Student Assistants (2): 2 per day Peer Writing Tutors (15) : 3-4 per day Writing Coaches (6): 2 per day Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday 3-5:30 pm Staffing& Hours of Operation

9. A Computer Lab • A Study Hall • A Detention Center What it is not!

10. Teacher/Student Surveys • Faculty Presentations/Involvement • Identifying Peer Writing Tutors (Strong content writers) • Promotional campaign • Ribbon-cutting Ceremony • Cross-curricular Writing • Shared Online Writing Resources • Cross-curricular collaboration designed to address the needs of the California Common Core State Standards and preparing students for college and thecareer world Campus Community Collaboration

11. Sharing resources • Increase authentic cross-curricular collaboration • A place where students and educators can access writing resources • When ready, the link will be e-mailed to you and shared with students • http://thempcwc.com/ Online Writing Resource

12. https://docs.google.com/a/esuhsd.org/forms/d/1ENjWihO_WJPloIPJzLi-3-kgyCtzqrHMLSQ969Nk-5w/viewanalyticshttps://docs.google.com/a/esuhsd.org/forms/d/1ENjWihO_WJPloIPJzLi-3-kgyCtzqrHMLSQ969Nk-5w/viewanalytics Teacher Survey Results