The school district is currently soliciting feedback on the turnaround plan that will be implemented over the next 3-5 years at Salem High. Salem High School has individual activities in place to help students succeed, but needs a "systematic approach and leadership" to make sure those activities are coordinated to help all students, according to a 2018-19 assessment. The school system released a draft turnaround plan this week that seeks to improve that coordination and leadership over the next three to five years. The district is currently seeking feedback on the draft turnaround plan.
"SHS seeks to significantly improve academic performance and equip students for success in the 21st Century workforce and in college," the district wrote in the plan's executive summary. The school is currently ranked in the ninth percentile in the state. The assessment leading to the plan included soliciting feedback from staff, teachers, students, parents, and community partners.
Among the problems identified in the assessment:
Lack of connections between students and staff and the school
Inconsistent quality of instruction
Lagging student performance results
Poor attendance and use of time
Lack of empowerment, engagement and leadership
Lack of consistent and transparent communication
Absence of performance management at the individual, program, and systems levels
Need for an investment in social-emotional learning, mindset, and wellness of staff and students
The turnaround plan outlines strategies and policy proposals for addressing those problems.The complete draft of the Salem High School turnaround plan is available on the school system's Website.