We are pleased to present you with the Annual Education Report (AER) which provides key information on the 2011-2012 educational progress for the Oakridge Upper Elementary. The AER addresses the complex reporting information required by federal and state laws. The school’s report contains information about student assessment, Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) and teacher quality. If you have any questions about the AER, please contact Pollie Gilchrist, Principal, for assistance.

The AER is available for you to review electronically by visiting the following web site http://www.oakridgeschools.org/domain/139 or you may review a copy from the Oakridge Upper Elementary office.

AYP Status is based on student participation and proficiency in mathematics and reading. Attendance targets must be met for elementary and middle schools and graduation rate targets must be met for high schools and districts.

For 2011-2012, Oakridge Upper Elementary made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in the tested subjects (mathematics, reading, and science). While we are pleased to have reached this important goal, we are continuously working to improve. We appreciate the continued support of parents, staff and our community in this effort.

Information used to rank schools is based on the development of the Top to Bottom list of schools and their performance. Each school’s Top to Bottom ranking will be based on student achievement, student growth over time, school improvement over time and achievement gaps across all five tested subjects (mathematics, reading, science, social studies and writing).

State law requires that we also report additional information.

1. PROCESS FOR ASSIGNING PUPILS TO THE SCHOOL: Oakridge Upper Elementary School promotes or places students into grade levels and are assigned to our building by geographic boundaries.

2. THE STATUS OF THE 3-5 YEAR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN: Oakridge Upper Elementary has a very detailed School Improvement plan. To access our 2011-12 school improvement plan, click: School Improvement Plan. If you do not have access to the Internet, our OUE office will have a copy for your review.

3. A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF EACH SPECIALIZED SCHOOL: Oakridge Upper Elementary School does not have specialized schools.

3. IDENTIFY HOW TO ACCESS A COPY OF THE CORE CURRICULUM, A DESCRIPTION OF ITS IMPLEMENTATION AND AN EXPLANATION OF THE VARIANCES FROM THE STATE’S MODEL: The core curriculum may be accessed from the state’s curriculum website. Oakridge Upper Elementary School teaches the required content expectations and will be transitioning to the Common Core State Standards over a 3-year process.

The District School Improvement Team (DSIT) is made up of teachers, administrators, a board member, and a parent/community member. The DSIT is the first group of stakeholders that provides feedback and leadership in district-wide initiatives. Team members spent this school year on several initiatives: (1) continued development and modification of the district school improvement goals with assessment strategies, (2) evaluating progress on school improvement goals, (3) leading school improvement responsibilities at their respective buildings, (4) identifying focus areas for professional development in the following school year, (5) evaluating the entire District School Improvement Plan/Title I Consolidated Application, and (6) preparing for the Michigan Department of Education State and Federal

Audit. Individual school buildings develop their own school improvement plans that are aligned with district goals. All buildings use the School Improvement Template in the Advanc-Ed website to get us all on a cohesive and consistent planning process.

As we reflect on the accomplishments of this past year, we can look forward to the opportunities and challenges for the 2012-13 school year. With the combined efforts of staff, students, families, and community we will continue to grow and improve. I am looking forward to my third year at Oakridge Upper Elementary and working as a team to create a positive environment for students and staff.

Sincerely,

Pollie Gilchrist, Principal