Gwinnett County School District logo




Accountability and flexibility are hallmarks of Gwinnett County Public Schools' success. Key to that success is ensuring that each school community understands the progress being made by its schools, as well as what plans will drive improvement. Each school creates a collaborative Local School Plan for Improvement (LSPI) to increase student achievement results, with targeted goals based on the four strategic priorities within the district’s Blueprint for the Future: Empathy, Equity, Effectiveness, and Excellence. All schools across the district will focus on goals 2A- Multi-tiered Systems of Support and 2B- Opportunity and Access. Additionally, schools are required to select one goal from each of the other strategic priorities. LSPI goals are dynamic, like our schools, and are updated to reflect changes that occur in schools. Multiple data points are used to determine areas needing improvement and to identify specific, measurable, annual objectives. Schools then determine how to use research-based strategies to achieve these goals, using flexibility as needed. The LSPI development process involves teachers, parents, students, and community members, so the entire school community has the opportunity to be involved in conversations about school improvement.

 

2023 - 2024 Local School Plan for Improvement (LSPI)


School: BENEFIELD ELEMENTARY           Principal: Shonda Stevens
District Strategic Priorities/Goals Rationale Action Steps
(Implementation Design)		 How will you measure growth?
Growth Factors (Baseline & Targets)
Empathy 1.B - Staff and Student Well Being

At Benefield, we desire for each and every student and their families to feel a sense of belonging. Benefield Elementary School is committed to ensuring that all students and staff maintain a work/school life balance. At Benefield we encourage everyone to work hard but take time to relax and rejuvenate.
  1. Continue to provide wellness opportunities will be created where teachers can find time and ways to relax and unwind. Numerous opportunities for appreciation will be provided on a monthly basis for all Benefield staff members.
  2. Consultants will be hired to support families, students, and staff with social emotional learning (SEL).
  3. Students who have chronic absenteeism will be monitored  and rewarded for consistent attendance. Recognition of classes with improved student attendance. improvement.
  4. Continue to offer professional development sessions that address cultural competence, restorative practices, and SEL for students, staff, and parents.

Percent of staff responding positively to the following cultural proficiency EES Staff Survey items will increase by 3-5%.

  • When there is a problem in my school, we talk about how to solve it (Baseline: 74%; Target- 77-79%)
  • My principal/administrator cares about me as a person. (Baseline: 85%; Target- 88-90%)
  • My principal facilitates systems/processes to support school improvement (Baseline: 88% ; Target- 91-93%)

Percent of students responding positively to the following student wellbeing EES Student Survey Items will increase by 3-5%.

  • I am good at figuring out the best solution to problems I’m facing. (Baseline: 32%; Target: 35-37%)
  • I feel safe at this school. Baseline: 45%; Target: 48-50%)I can calm myself down when I am excited or upset. (Baseline: 35%; Target: 38-40%)
  • I enjoy coming to this school. (Baseline: 34%; Target: 37-39%)
  • I often see the principal or administrator around the school talking to students. (Baseline: 36%; Target- 39-41%)

 
Equity 2.A - Multi-tiered System of Supports

To ensure we are leading with excellence and considering each and every student. J.W. Benefield Elementary School will continuously work to create an environment where all students are learning at high levels and understanding how to conduct themselves in a civil society. We will support all students in the areas of academic press and supportive community through school wide programs that will ensure students are engaged in academic and social emotional growth.
  1. Continue to conduct MTSS data meetings to support each and every student’s needs at Benefield. 

  2. Provide additional Extended Learning Time (ELT) for students not meeting proficiency in English Language Arts & Mathematics. 

  3. Hire an MTSS (Multi-tiered system of supports) Coordinator at Benefield. 

  4. Increase the number for English of Students of Other Languages (ESOL)  and gifted trained and certified teachers.

  5. Provide parent workshops, English Classes, and opportunities for parents to collaborate with teachers and each other to create a supportive community and increase academic achievement.

  6. Hire consultants to support teachers with  providing multiple levels of support to students.

PBIS Implementation Status

  • Spring 2023 – Emerging 
  • Target Spring 2024 - Operational 

GMAS Proficient & Distinguished Increase

ELA GMAS Proficient & Distinguished
  2022 2023 2024 Target
3rd Grade 25% 29%  
4th Grade 27% 25%  
5th Grade 35% 33%  
Math GMAS Proficient & Distinguished
  2022 2023 2024 Target
3rd Grade 39% 38%  
4th Grade 42% 46%  
5th Grade 27% 29%  
Equity 2.B - Opportunity and Access

As a school, we will work to ensure each and every student has access to high quality instructional practices where lessons are rigorous and culturally relevant.
  1. Play 2 Learn opportunities will continue to be offered for families with children from birth to 5 years old.

  2. We will increase our number of Gifted certified teachers within the classroom.

  3. Teachers will continue to receive professional development for EL Education (K-5).

  4. Teachers will receive professional development for Reveal Math (3-5).

  5. Provide collaborative spaces for students to engage in SEL practices based on areas of need from the EES survey.

 

Maintain or increase Gifted/Talented Representation:

  • 2022 Baseline: 6%
  • 2023 Target: 10%
  • 2024 Target:  10%-12%
Effectiveness 3.A - Results-Based Evaluation System

As a school, we will work to ensure each and every student is provided appropriate instructional materials and resources to increase academic achievement.
  1. Coaching cycles (county & local) to provide just-in-time learning sessions for new teachers – 2nd year teachers to Benefield ES. 

  2. Purposeful, planned walkthroughs with the leadership team and instructional support/team coaches.

  3. Observation and Walkthrough debrief meetings with teachers and the leadership team to ensure teacher feedback is received and supported.

  4. Quarterly Data Discussions following common unit assessments and Mid-Year Benchmark Assessments that focus on small group mastery of instructional standards.

  5. Professional Development for teachers in core academic areas to support multilingual learners.  Followed by peer observations or Admire and Acquire sessions.

The results from the 2023-24 Milestones will be used as a baseline measure to assess student growth. We will see a 5% decline in the Beginning and Developing performance level ranges for both English/Language Arts and Math. 

ELA GMAS

  • 3rd - Beginning 40%  Developing 31%
  • 4th- Beginning 41%   Developing 33%
  • 5th- Beginning 36%   Developing 32%

Math GMAS

  • 3rd- Beginning 21%  Developing 42%
  • 4th- Beginning 22%  Developing  31%
  • 5th- Beginning 35%   Developing  37%

 

Science GMAS

  • 5th- Beginning 39.6%   Developing  26,74%
Excellence 4.B - Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness

As a school, we will provide opportunities for students to explore post graduation pathways.
  1. Continue to offer National Elementary  Honor Society, Art Club, Math Club, Video Club, and FLL Robotics, and Career Days to open pathways to various post-secondary and workforce options. 

  2. Continue to offer opportunities for interest-based clubs and enrichment sessions. 

  3. Continue to provide ongoing informational sessions and workshops to increase parental capacity.