Category Percentage of Total Enrollment Economically Disadvantaged94% Students with Disabilities13% 205-20162014-20152013-2014 # of students Percentage.

Transforming a School,Engaging a Community:

The Story of De Anza Middle School

In this session you will learn how a school has transformed from a culture of low expectations to one where all

students believe in themselves. Participants will learn about principles

of Project Based Learning and how these qualities promote 21st century

skills. You will also learn how crew can shift your school culture and create an

environment of success for all students.

Today’s Learning Targets

I can describe how Project-Based Learning increases student engagement.I can develop an understanding of the role of “Crew” in helping build a school community.I can articulate effective strategies for transforming a school culture.

Demographic InformationCategory Percentage of Total Enrollment

Economically Disadvantaged 94%Students with Disabilities 13%

205-2016 2014-2015 2013-2014# of

studentsPercentage

of Total# of

studentsPercentage

of Total# of

studentsPercentage

of Total

English Learners (ELs) 163 27% 163 27% 196 33%

Redesignated Fluent English Proficient

(RFEPs)279 47% 260 43% 238 40%

93% of student population identified as Hispanic/Latino45% of our parent population have not completed high school

Transforming De Anza

• There was a clear recognition that De Anza Middle School needed change.– Students were not engaged– Progress was not being made – Campus was unsafe – People believed De Anza was the worst school in the

district

• The Superintendent developed a plan to improve opportunities for De Anza students, including establishing a magnet program.

• A new principal was hired to oversee the transition.• The principal hired an entirely new staff over one

summer.

Redesignation School Year Number of students

Redesignated

2009-2010 2

2010-2011 9

2011-2012 43

2012-2013 57

2013-2014 78

2014-2015 70

2015-2016 33

Suspensions

Time Period Days of Suspension

2006-2007 1301*2007-2008 772*2008-2009 5412009-2010 3792010-2011 459

Time Period Days of Suspension

2011-2012 4652012-2013 1382013-2014 1472014-2015 69

Project-Based LearningProject-based learning is a

dynamic approach to teaching in which students explore real-world problems

and challenges. With this type of active and engaged learning, students

are inspired to obtain a deeper knowledge of the

subjects they're studying. At De Anza, all students

participate in a minimum of 5 projects a year.

8 Essentials of PBL• Significant Content Meaningful Topics • A Need to Know Purpose for Learning• A Driving Question Challenge for Students• Student Voice and

Choice Active Involvement

• 21st Century Competencies

Skills for Workplace/Life• In-Depth Inquiry Student-Guided Questions• Critique and Revision Pushing for Best Work• Public Audience High Quality Sharing

Teachers participated in “PBL 101,” a 3-day training through the Buck Institute for Education, prior to the start of the 12-15 school year. They will participate in “PBL 201,” a follow-up training, in July 2015.

PBL at Work in De Anza

Collaboration

Critical ThinkingCommunication

Creativity

8th Grade Barbie Bungee Scatter Plots

and Developing Rube Goldberg

Machines

7th Grade Felix Mystery

Scientific Method

7th Grade Bullying PSA

PBL at Work in De AnzaPE

Physical Fitness Trainers

Project Expectations

• Current Project Should be reflected in room environment

• Projects should be Interdisciplinary• Demonstrates Rigor• Key Standards are embedded • Clearly Guided by the 8 Essential Elements

of PBL• Student work is grounded Rubric

Student Exhibitions

Public presentations to authentic audiences.

Student-Led Conferences

Students take responsibility for setting their own goals and

charting their progress.

“CREW”

• At De Anza Middle School, we promote the pursuit of academic excellence through the Habits of Success. One of the structures that distinguished De Anza from other middle schools is crew.

What is “Crew?”• “Crew” is where we

learn to work together as a team to reach our destination!

• We develop our college-bound culture and build community in crew.

• We also develop our “Habits of Success!” and prepare for Student-Led Conferences in Crew.

Crew at De Anza…

Crew is:• A time where students are recognized as individuals.• A place that is safe, where students are nurtured and

known well by at least one adult• Time for students to self reflect on their learning and

character development.• Time to focus on relationship building among students

and between adults and students.• An opportunity to help students define what it means to

be an outstanding individual at De Anza Middle School • Collaboration and competition in a joyful, supportive

environment.

“Habits of Success”Perseverance

I can push forward despite challenges.Respect & Responsibility I can treat others well and do what is expected of me.Integrity I can do the right thing, even when no one is watching.Drive I have a desire to achieve my goals.Excellence I am committed to always doing my personal best.

Specific qualities leading our students to achieve in school and in life.

Monthly PRIDE Gatherings

Honoring STAR students who exhibit “Habits of Success!”

5 Focal Areas• Focal Areas and expectations were determined

by the SIST team• Leadership team then met together to provide

suggestions and modification to make to the focal areas.

• Focal Areas presented to staff through professional development

• Focal Areas: - Learning Targets - Environment - Assessment - Writing - Cooperative Learning

Learning Targets • Short term and Long

Term, Standards-based learning targets are posted in every classroom.

• Students can identify and articulate the learning target.

• Students are working to connect the learning target to the day’s task or activity.

Assessment

• Teachers are using formative assessment on a regular basis to identify which students need additional support or when a particular concept needs to be retaught.

• Exit Tickets are used in all classrooms at least twice a week.

Productive Partnering & Cooperative Learning

• Teachers use a variety of collaborative strategies to raise the level of engagement.

• Students are engaged in strategic and structured partner/group discussions and activities.

Classroom Environment

• Focus on ensuring that our classroom environment reflect our active, engaging instructional programs.

Writing

• Interdisciplinary Writing • Evidence Based • Various formats of writing

experienced in all subject areas• Writing is a process • SBAC rubric is used as a guide to

assess and reflect upon writing

Parent Involvement• Active Parent Teacher Organization• Exciting Coffee with the Principal

meetings with high attendance• Dedicated Band Booster Club• Enthusiastic Volunteers

Professional Development

• Summer Training • Weekly staff

Meetings.• Weekly PLC meetings.• Full-day Planning • Learning Walks• Ongoing Consultant

Support• Offsite PD

Next Steps for De Anza

• The journey is just beginning…

“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard

work, and learning from failure.”

Colin Powell

Q & AThank you for coming!

Contact Information

Marco A. Villegas, Ph.D.; Principal [email protected]

Adriana T. Gonzalez; Assistant Principal [email protected]

Dinae Geer; Instructional Coach [email protected]

De Anza Middle School

1450 South Sultana Avenue

Ontario, CA 91761Phone: (909) 986-8577

Fax: (909) 459-2673