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The self-study process at Bryson Middle has been in place since 2002 when we first began working with the School Portfolio Toolkit materials developed by Dr. Victoria Bernhardt, Ph. D. The leadership team received training during the summer of 2002; the staff was trained during the fall. Our first step was to complete an extensive needs assessment; we then spent a year to develop our first school portfolio. Our mission, vision, and belief statements were developed that year; we are in the process of examining those statements in light of our work with implementing the Professional Learning Community concept. Each year we conduct a needs assessment based on evaluation of our PACT scores, our discipline data, and our school action plan.

Our staff is large: therefore, we first meet in grade-level groups to analyze data for that grade level, study the strategies from the action plan, and make recommendations about changes in strategies to address our three performance goals. Minutes from these meetings are shared with all staff; input is given and incorporated into the plan until consensus is achieved. Then the proposed plan is submitted to the School Improvement Council and to the PTSA Executive Board. Their recommendations are shared with the staff and discussed. Then the group comes to consensus and the plan is finalized.

Executive Summary

As of October, 2008, Bryson Middle School serves 1208 students in grades 6-8. Of these students, 25.5% are African-American, 5.2% are Hispanic, 66.4% are white and 2.9% are other. The percent of students receiving free/reduced lunch has increased each of the past five years; currently, 39% of our students are classified in this manner.

There are 70 teachers supported by a principal, three assistant principals, 3 media specialists, 3 guidance counselors, two career specialists, two media specialist allocations, and an instructional coach. We also have a full-time school nurse and a part-time school nurse as well as a counselor from Piedmont Health who provides services to students on campus. We have a cafeteria staff of 9 and a custodial staff of 7.

A purpose statement expresses the aims of our faculty and staff. We believe that our purpose is not education for its own sake, but education to prepare our students for future success in their jobs and relationships. Our priorities are to increase student achievement as measured by MAP tests; improve school climate as measured by survey results from parents and number of discipline referrals; and to continue to provide professional development to insure that we have high-quality personnel in every position.

Purpose

The purpose of Bryson Middle school is to provide educational experiences for students that lead them to be ethical and productive members of society.

Vision

Bryson Middle School will be a professional learning community that inspires and supports academic excellence and social responsibility.

Mission Statement

We will educate and nurture every student.

We did not achieve adequate yearly progress as defined by NCLB. Certainly, we wish to achieve that goal. Our PACT scores show that students are not achieving at high levels (Proficient and Advanced). We need to provide instruction to assist students in reaching these higher standards. We also must continue to improve instruction to move students from below basic to basic. These areas of concern drive the action/strategic plan.

Goal Area 1: Student learning and Achievement

Performance Goal 1: By 2013, 60% of BMS students will meet or exceed their target RIT growth in reading as measured by MAP testing.

Goal Area 2: School Climate

Performance Goal 1: The number of BMS students who are suspended will decrease from 17% in 2007-08 to 8% by 2012-13.

Performance Goal 2: The percent of parents reporting positive responses for school climate as measured by the district survey instrument will increase from 53% in 2007-08 to 75% by 2012-13.

Goal Area 3: Teacher and Administrator Quality

Performance Goal 1: 100 % of BMS teachers will participate in Quality Teaching and Learning activities throughout the year.