Cranes Creek Middle School lays out plan to raise proficiency and address staffing impacts

Interim Principal Charice Campbell presented Cranes Creek Middle School’s school improvement plan after the campus was designated a low-performing school for 2024–25. Campbell said the school’s immediate priorities are consistent accountability, targeted small-group instruction, and interventions that address both academic needs and behavior.

Campbell reviewed this baseline data: overall proficiency 50.6% (reading 53.1%, math 44.8%, science 60.1%); subgroup proficiency gaps for Black, Hispanic, economically disadvantaged and students with disabilities were noted. Campbell and the school team set a goal to increase overall grade-level proficiency by 10 percentage points (for example, reading from 53.1% to 63.1%, math 44.8% to 54.8%) by June 2026 and to raise the growth index from negative 5.74 toward exceeding expected growth (+2.01).

Action steps include weekly PLTs with dedicated time for data dives, use of i-Ready diagnostic data to group students, implementing SOAR flex tutoring and targeted small-group instruction, targeted professional development and coaching with ELA and math specialists, a gradual-release advanced teaching role in math, and a writing-to-learn strategy across content areas. Campbell attributed the 2024–25 dip in part to inconsistent staffing (long-term substitutes and a midyear ELA vacancy) and said the school is now fully staffed and focused on building collective efficacy.

Board members asked about licensure distribution (continuing, initially licensed, residency teachers) and about practical steps for small-group instruction and PBIS; Campbell described mentor and hiring practices and said the school has increased minor infractions (re-teaching) to reduce office referrals, and emphasized improved parent contact and hallway supervision.