Juniper Tree Academy

DVA will fund three extra Learning Coaches for the next two years (SY2022 and SY2023) to provide extra small group instructional support for students. This instruction these team members provide can be targeted and aligned to needs identified by Galileo and classroom data, allowing DVA to accelerate learning for students in a targeted and efficient way.

Learning coaches will be using the intervention pieces from DVA's core curriculum, including MyView for ELA and Envision for math. In addition, learning coaches have access to a variety of evidence based programs to utilize based on student need, such as Read Naturally, Phonics for Reading, iStation, Moby Max, IXL, and Galileo.

Learning coaches provide support and instruction for a variety of subgroups, as every student at DVA receives daily small group instruction for ELA and Math (WIN time). Therefore, a learning coach may be providing support for an accelerated math group at one time of day, targeted intervention for an minimally proficient group at another time of day, and ELL support later that day. At DVA, our learning coaches are scheduled all day with various groups across grade levels. The learning coach schedule is driven by student need as determined by current data. The needs are continually changing.

Small groups are held throughout the day. Specifically, each grade level has a designated WIN (What I Need) time with targeted small group instruction for students. The sessions are neither pull out or push in, as all students are in small groups at that designated time. Small groups are held for 30 minutes daily for reading and math.

DVA will also fund an additional administrator for the next three years which will allow us to have one administrator focused entirely on counseling and working with students to promote social, emotional and mental well-being.

DVA implements Project Wisdom via daily announcements and targeted lessons. Also, we utilize the PBIS matrix for discipline, focusing on corrective measures for student behavior rather than punitive discipline. All staff at DVA receive training in SEL. As a character based school, our team weaves in the 6 pillars of character throughout the learning day, whether in class, on the playground, or in the cafeteria. Our educators have also been trained in Playworks, which incorporates SEL through cooperative and fair play. The administrator would support what is already in place and grow our staff through modeling, teaching, and encouraging SEL throughout the campus.

The admin would focus SEL on all students and staff, and discipline would support Tier 1 behaviors while specifically working with students who are displaying Tier 2 and Tier 3 behaviors. The admin would also serve as a bridge to assist teachers/parents/guardians with behavior plans, resources, and connections in the community to support their child/children at home.

The admin would provide counseling services as prompted by student needs. For example, the admin may create a small group for students who are struggling with maintaining friendships. Or, the admin may arrange to meet for a daily check-in with a student who is challenged behaviorally. The admin will also meet with teachers who may be struggling with managing behavior needs in the classroom to provide coaching, support, behavior logs, and facilitate meetings between teachers and parents/caregivers. The admin will also create a student leader group and meet regularly with them to recognize, train, and coach them in leadership skills. Sessions will be provided as determined by student need.