delaware college prep charter 2012 annual report

Delaware College Preparatory Academy

Annual Report

November 2012

DCPA made AYP

Delaware Department of Education

SY 2011 - 2012

Delaware College Preparatory

Academy

was authorized by the Red Clay Consolidated

School District in May 2007. Modeled after

other successful college preparatory elemen-

tary school programs, our primary focus is to

provide an education that rivals that which

is found in the nation’s most elite private,

independent and suburban schools—an edu-

cation that is made available from public

dollars and is accessible for all children, es-

pecially those from limited means.

Celebrating Five Years. And Our Permanent Home. The 2011 - 2012 school year began with a focus on maintaining a superior school status while moving be-

yond superior by setting targets to meet AYP. During the year there were administrative changes, which

allowed for additional teacher planning periods and the delivery of specials, i.e Muisc , Art, & PE, as apart

of our program curriculum. We had some challenges in the beginning of the school year organizing a high-

performing team that would focus on our goals and targets, but through it all, we made AYP for 2011-

2012 school year.

Through assessments and analyses, our performance data indicated that our scholars on a whole had a gap

in reading. For 2012 - 2013 school year, we are adding the 100 Book Challenge to our reading curriculum

as well as an additional 30 minute segment to our reading block. We have set targets for our 2012 - 2013

school year and pushing for another successful year by making significant progress in test scores, meeting

our targets and achieving AYP.

The 2011-2012 school year marked our 4th year of operation. We educated 267 Scholars in Kindergarten,

First, Second, Third, and Fourth grades. 99% of our scholars were African American and/or Latino and

85% of our Scholars were eligible to participate in the Free and Reduced Lunch Program. In support of

our mission of ensuring that our scholars master the basic building blocks for academic competency

(reading, writing and math), our performance goals center on key objectives central to this accomplish-

ment — educational attainment levels, attendance, parent satisfaction, school culture, enrollment and

scholar retention.

EDUCATION = FREEDOM


Annual Report—November 2012

Achieve Believe Dream

510 W 28th Street Wilmington, DE 19802 Page 1

PROGRAM

SUMMARY

Delaware College Preparatory Academy ensures that our kindergarten through grade four scholars are prepared to succeed in the most demanding

college preparatory middle and high schools in the nation. Through a struc-tured, disciplined and academically rig-orous environment, our scholars master core skills needed to succeed academi-cally – reading, writing and math. An extended school day and an extended school year allow us to provide more intense academic preparation than what is traditionally provided in public schools.

Scholars receive over 160 minutes of literacy instruction daily (which in-cludes 40 minutes of writing develop-ment), and 80 minutes of mathematics instruction every day. Scholars will also

receive instruction in science, social studies, art, and music for 80 minutes per week in each subject area.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER - EXCELLENCE IS A HABIT

DCPA Annual Report 2012

in program pacing and delivery, requires a school-wide usage of the same systems and struc-tures, and utilizes flexible ability grouping to meet the diverse needs of our scholars. We will infuse character development within our more tradi-tional academic frame-work and will also create and maintain a school culture grounded in the

expectation that all of OUR scholars CAN and WILL go to COLLEGE.

Our educational design uses a two-teacher instructional model in grades Kindergarten through grade two, maintains consistency

We believe that there is nothing more important than ensuring that all children have an equal oppor-tunity to succeed. To be trusted with this responsibility is a tre-mendous privilege and we appreci-ate the support provided by our scholars, parents, community or-ganizations as we continue this important work.

Our Approach to Educational Excellence is Simple.

We HIRE the BEST TEACHERS.

We believe that ALL SCHOLARS can achieve.

We set HIGH academic and behav-ioral EXPECTATIONS.

We use DATA continuously TO DRIVE our curriculum and staffing DECISIONS.

We make NO EXCUSES and take full responsibility FOR our scholars’ SUCCESS.

DREAMING. The DREAM

of establishing a high per-

forming urban charter school

with an intense focus on disci-

pline and structure. It is due

to your belief in us and your

unlimited support and en-

couragement that we had

such tremendous success.


BE THE DREAM


Celebrating Our scholars and A Year of First!

To be trusted with this responsibility is a tre-mendous privilege and we appreciate the sup-port jjj provided by our scholars, parents, com-munity organizations and citizens as we con-tinue this important work.

Delaware College Preparatory Academy has an intense focus on early literacy. We firmly believe that literacy is the most essen-tial academic skill upon which the majority of all future learning is built. A strong con-centration on fundamental literacy in the formative years of school, is a critical compo-nent of high performing elementary schools. Practices within these high per-forming schools align with the findings of the National Reading Panel as they:

(1) Devote significant time to instructing reading and writing, specifically teaching phonics and comprehension methods; and

(2) Develop fluency by meticulously practicing reading and writing and by establishing a passion for reading.

Studies have also conclusively linked 3rd grade reading results to high school graduation rates. A scholar who is not a moderately skilled reader by 3rd grade, is not likely to graduate according to the National Reading Panel. Thus, a scholar’s ability to achieve mastery in ELA and become a proficient reader is a key performance goal. Listed below are the indicator, measurement, annual target and results for this goal.

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR: Scholars will read, write and comprehend writ-ten materials with a high level of proficiency; scholars will develop an enthusi-asm and love for reading.

Performance Category 1: Scholar Achievement - ELA


DCAS results indicate 37% of our 2nd grade scholars met or ex-ceeded expectations in reading. 41% of our 3rd grade scholars met or exceeded expectations; and 50% of our 4th grade scholars met or exceeded expectations in read-ing. Results indicate that although our scholars showed improve-ment, significant improvement is needed in reading comprehension and retell. An action plan will be developed to increased test scores

MAP Measures of Academic Pro-gress) data will allow educators to understand each scholar’s academic level and gives teachers the power to help them excel. Our MAP data indi-

cates that our Schol-ars’ average score (know as District Av-

erage RIT) on the Spring 2012 test were comparable to the RIT scores for Delaware during the same period. For Kindergarten, DCPA scored 145 (vs. 158 for the Norm Group Avg), 170 for 1st grade (vs. 178 for the Norm Group Avg), 185 for 2nd grade (vs. 190 for the Norm Group Avg).

Vocabulary curriculum was adopted to help develop schol-ars reading comprehension and vocabulary development.

A new writing curriculum im-plemented this year.

Saturday School was imple-mented in the Spring 2012 to assist in both ELA and Math.

Textual analysis was imple-mented to assist with additional reading comprehension instruc-tional practice 4 days a week.

ANNUAL TARGET: 70% or more of scholars will read, write and comprehend with

proficiency.

READ DCPA READ!

GOAL 1: SCHOLARS WILL

ACHIEVE MASTERY IN

ELA AND WILL BECOME

PROFICIENT READERS.

Key Performance Measurement: MAP data (K, 1st,

2nd gr.), and DCAS data (2nd, 3rd, and 4th gr.)

RESULTS:

MINUTES

LITERACY DAILY

160


Delaware College Preparatory Acad-emy is also intensely focused on mathe-matical proficiency. Scholars receive 100 minutes of mathematical instruction daily using a research based curriculum. Both Kindergarten and First Grade scholars during the 2011—2012 school year received double blocks of mathe-matics totaling 80 minutes per day and 20 minutes of Calendar math instruc-tion. Scholars are divided into skills based math groups at the beginning of the school year and are re-assessed every 6-8 weeks using interim math assessments. The interim math assess-ments are paper and pencil tests that cover the standards expected to be mas-tered within each grade within a specific timeframe. Delaware College prep’s math standards consist of an accelerated version of the state of Delaware’s re-quired standards. The end of the year benchmark is a comprehensive assess-ment that tests Scholars on mathematical problems that incorporate all of the years standards. Therefore it is an accurate assessment of scholar achievement and mastery in mathematics and is also used as a the basis for promotion to the next grade. Scholars are expected to score 85% or higher on each assessment to demonstrate mastery of that year’s standards.

Performance Category 2: Scholar Achievement - MATH


The DCAS data for Spring 2012 in-dicated that 62% of our 2nd grade scholars either met or exceeded the 2nd grade math standards. 34% of our 3rd grade scholars, and 68% of our 4th grade scholars met or ex-ceeded their respective standards. The results on both the MAP and DCAS data indicates revisiting to ensure our Scholar’s needs are be-ing addressed. For 2012 School Year, we have an Instructional Coach for Math who will focus on all areas of Math. We also will con-tinue our Saturday Academy.

Similar to our Scholar’s achievement in ELA, our District Average RIT score by grade were comparable to the Norm group average which represents the scores of Delaware scholars who complete the MAP assess-

ment within the same portion of the instructional year.

Our MAP data indicates that our Schol-ars’ average score (know as District Av-erage RIT) on the Spring 2012 tests were comparable to the RIT scores for Delaware during the same period. For Kindergarten, DCPA scored 149 (vs. 156 for the Norm Group Avg), 173 for 1st grade (vs. 179 for the Norm Group Avg), 187 for 2nd grade (vs. 192 for the Norm Group Avg).

Achieve

Believe

Dream

ANNUAL TARGET: 70% or more of scholars will perform mathematical

computations with proficiency.

GOAL 2: SCHOLARS WILL

ACHIEVE MASTERY IN

MATHEMATICS AND WILL

BECOME PROFICIENT IN

MATHEMATICAL

COMPUTATION AND

PROBLEM SOLVING.

Key Performance Measurement: MAP data (K, 1st,

2nd gr.), and DCAS data (2nd, 3rd, and 4th gr.)

RESULTS:

MINUTES

MATHEMATICS DAILY

100


In addition to a strong academic foundation, the Academy believes in helping Scholars to develop strong character. As a result we instill teachings about our charter values in our daily conversa-tions. Lessons, meetings and conduct character education classes occurs minimally two times per week.

DREAM - an acronym for Discipline & Determination, Respect & Responsibility, Excellence and Enthusiastic Engagement, Attitude and Ask & Answer Questions and Manners & Mission Centered, is explained and taught to both parents and Scholars. We firmly believe that establishing a sound, respectful school culture is paramount to achieving high levels of academic success. Listed below are the indictor, measurement, annual target and results for this goal.

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR: Scholars will strive to be GREEN every day and demonstrate positive social behaviors towards themselves and others including fellow Scholars and staff.

Performance Category 3: Demonstrate DREAM Values


of disciplinary action that resulted in some form of suspension. How-ever, 51% of the 66 scholars in-volved in the incidents were re-peat offenders.

Although we were slightly above our target, we will continue to im-prove the scholar support function in 2011—2012 by adding addi-tional support staff, cross training office staff to properly de-escalate

During the 2011—2012 school year there were 129 incidents that required some form of disciplinary action that may have included some form of suspension—in school or out of school. The majority of incidences involved demonstrating disrespect to a scholar or staff mem-ber which is a severe breach of our DREAM contract and the Code of Con-duct as outlined in our scholar hand-book. Other incidents included bus violations and behaviors that led to a

disruption in the educational proc-ess. There were very few inci-

dences of fighting or other safety vio-lations. Of the 267 scholars, 66 schol-ars were responsible for one or more of the incidents reported. Therefore, 24% of our Scholars during the 2011-2012 school year required some form

incidents and introduce more be-havior based incentive programs and contests that help us to pro-mote our DREAM values and the desired behavior we expect from all Scholars.

ANNUAL TARGET: 25% or fewer Scholars will require disciplinary action in

school; resulting in an in-school or out-of-school suspension.

GOAL 3: SCHOLARS

WILL CONSISTENTLY

DEMONSTRATE THE

DREAM VALUES.

Key Performance Measurement: Reduction in the

number of in school and out of school suspensions

for disrespectful behavior , bullying or fighting.

RESULTS:


DAILY.

BEING. GREEN. EVERYDAY.

GREEN

“Each week a different CHARACTER is highlighted for formal

instruction during character education class and for special

recognition every Wednesday for the “Apple of My Eye” award.”

In addition to a strong academic foundation, Delaware College Prep believes in helping Scholars to develop strong character. As a result we instill teachings about

our charter values in our daily conversa-tions. Lessons, meetings and conduct char-acter education classes occurs minimally two times per week.

DREAM - an acronym for Discipline & Determination, Respect & Responsibil-ity, Excellence and Enthusiastic Engagement, Attitude and Ask & Answer Questions and Manners & Mission Centered, is explained and taught to both parents and Scholars. We firmly believe that establishing a sound, respectful school culture is paramount to achieving high levels of academic success.

Listed below are the indictor, measurement, annual target and results for this goal.

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR: Daily attendance.

Daily attendance is tracked in the state of Delaware (scholar) database called eSchool

Plus. A report generated from this database at the close of the 2011—2012

school year indicated that our average daily attendance was 267 Scholars and

the percent of Scholars that attended every day was 93%.

Performance Category 4: Demonstrate Strong Attendance


professional manner (86%). Par-ents are also aware that the Acad-emy has a website (82%) and are interested in receiving more infor-mation about how they can be-come more involved (81%). DCPA will be reaching out to par-ents for volunteering opportuni-ties as well as en-couraging partici-pation on our Par-ent Teacher Or-ganization.

Every October a parent satisfaction survey is administered. The survey is designed to receive feedback from parents in four key categories—demographic, college prep focus, parent communication and parent involvement. The survey was adminis-tered to every parent that had a child en-rolled in Delaware College Prep in May 2012.

Overall Delaware College Preparatory Academy parents are satisfied with the college preparatory

focus of the Academy (89%), our DREAM values (93%) and feel their Scholar(s) is being prepared academically for college (92%). Parents also expressed that they feel welcome when they come to the school (87%) and are engaged by staff in a

ANNUAL TARGET: 70% or more of Parents will

indicate satisfaction with the school’s academic

program.

GOAL 4: PARENTS

WILL BE SATISFIED

WITH THE SCHOOL’S

ACADEMIC PROGRAM.

Key Performance Measurement:

Parent Satisfaction Survey

RESULTS:


RESULTS:

ANNUAL TARGET: 70% or

more of Scholars will

demonstrate satisfactory

attendance as measured by

absences (eSchool Plus).

Performance Category 5: Parent Satisfaction of Program

Scholars at Delaware College Preparatory Academy are enrolled in accordance to the laws governing charter school enrollment in the state of Delaware. After desig-nating an official enrollment period, scholars are either accepted into the Academy on a first-come, first-serve basis or via lottery if the number of applicants exceed the

number of available seats. Any parent of a child who lives in Delaware is able to submit an enroll-ment application for consideration.

The Academy will continue to focus on retaining existing scholars and using its network of par-ents and community supporters to generate in-terest in the Academy.

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR: By April 1st, 80% or more of scholars will be enrolled; by May 1st, 100% of scholars will be enrolled.

By May 1, 2013, Delaware College Preparatory Academy will sub-mit the unaudited required Unit Count paperwork reflecting 100% of its enrollment.

Performance Category 6: Annual Enrollment


ing, writing and mathematics. Formal assessments such as MAP data, DCAS and interim assessments administered by teachers are used to measure scholars growth and are reflected on report cards. Scholars who have an overall average of a 2 or below will be recom-mended for retention.

During the 2011—2012 school year 98% scholars were advanced to the next grade. In 2011—2012 school year, DCPA implemented a new promotion policy. This policy will better align with the goals and mission of our school.

DCPA has redesigned the report cards to better reflect Scholar’s performance and will be improving upon the advancement policy.

The mission of Delaware College Prepara-tory Academy is to ensure that our Schol-ars are prepared for college. In order to do so, we must do an exceptional job of laying the academic foundation in reading, writing and math that will lead to success in middle and high school. Thus achieving mastery in these core content areas is critical to the Academy’s mission and vi-sion.

Delaware College Preparatory Academy sends report cards home to each parent at the end of each trimester. Each re-

port contains specific detail regarding how well Scholars achieved proficiency in read-

ANNUAL TARGET: 75% or more of DCPA

scholars will advance to the next grade.

GOAL 6:

The Academy will

meet or exceed an-

nual enrollment

targets for the

2012-2013 school

Key Performance Measurement:

Third Trimester Report Cards

RESULTS:


RESULTS:

ANNUAL TARGET: DCPA

will enroll 300 scholars

in grades K-4 in the

2011—2012 SY.

Performance Category 7: Scholar Advancement

Delaware College Preparatory academy is required to provide audited financial statements each fiscal year. Listed below is a summary of the audited financial statements from 2011 – 2012 school year. Also included is the unaudited financial statements as of June 30th, 2012.

Financial Summary



DELAWARE COLLEGE PREPARATORY ACADEMY

STATEMENTS OF NET Position

JUNE 30, 2012 and 2011

ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS: 2012 2011

Cash and cash equivalents $563,286 $815,275

Due from other governments 10,810 0

Total Current Assets 574,096 815,275

NONCURRENT ASSETS:

Issuance costs 324,333 338,333

Capital assets, net of depreciation 2,830,828 2,860,318

Total Noncurrent Assets 3,155,161 3,198,851

TOTAL ASSETS $3,729,257 $4,013,926

LIABILITIES AND NET POSITION

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Accounts payable $59,763 $85,477

Accrued salaries and related costs 159,028 93,764

Accrued interest payable 108,885 109,698

Due to State of Delaware - pension costs 29,434 16,066

Bonds payable 60,000 0

Total Current Liabilities 417,110 305,005

NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:

Bonds payable 3,550,000 3,610,000

TOTAL LIABILITIES 3,967,110 3,915,005

NET POSITION (DEFICIT):

Invested in capital assets, net of related debt -779,172 -749,682

Restricted for debt service 323,940 323,947

Restricted for capital expenditures 24,482 0

Unrestricted (deficit) 192,897 524,656

TOTAL NET ASSETS (DEFICIT) -237,853 98,921

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

$3,729,257 $4,013,926



would like to thank all of our

friends, families, communities and col-

leagues for your continued support and

we look forward to a great 2012 - 2013

school year.

delaware college prep charter 2012 annual report

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