Over twenty West Virginia educators met to be trained in the process of the West Virginia Program Improvement Review (WVPIR). The training was a collaboration between the Regional Educational Service Agency II (RESA II) and Appalachian Rural Systemic Initiative (ARSI). The WVPIR grew from a model developed in Kentucky by ARSI. The West Virginia Review was developed by educators from across the state representing the West Virginia Department of Education, higher education Regional Service Agencies, central office staff, teachers and principals from all grade levels.
The WV Program Improvement Review is a process designed to assess the science or mathematics instructional program at the elementary, middle and high school levels. The purpose of the review is to collect as much data as possible concerning the science or mathematics program from which recommendations for improvement can be made.
RESA II received a grant from the WV Department of Education Title II Eisenhower Fund to offer the training in the science component.
The four phase process includes:
- Site visit to the school
- Review of the school documentation
- Data analysis
- Data summary and recommendations
During the site visit, there are interviews of the principal, teachers, students and parents. Teachers are observed teaching science lessons while students are engaged in science activities. The overall school climate is observed as it relates to mathematics or science instruction as well as mathematics/science related books and videos in the school library. Various school documents, including the mathematics/science curriculum, teacher lesson plans, assessment data, tests and the Unified school Improvement Plan are reviewed.
Following the site visit and document review, the data which has been collected is analyzed and a report based on identified standards is completed. This report includes recommendations for improvement. The report is provided to the building principal for the purpose of improvement of the school mathematics/science program. One or two of the recommendations are chosen by the school to receive focus during the first year of improvement efforts.
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Barbara Maynard (RESA II) and Lynda Cannon (ARSI) collaborated their resources to offer the PIR training. |
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C. Carter Chambers, Phil Alexander, Karen Lucas, Bernie Adkins from Wayne County ponder the alignment of the PIR instrument to the overall goal of the process. |
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Assistant Superintendent Larry Lane discusses an interview question with Teacher Partners Carolyn Falin and Linda Richards. |
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Kathy Whoolery, Dr. Harry Sowards and Mack Winter collaborate on the refinement of the instruments to collect science program data. |
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Matt Kittle, Anne Jones and Jo Hendricks participate in developing a final report as part of the PIR training. |
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Steve Beckelhimer shares a thought regarding the observation instrument with Dr. Rick Bady and Harold Ward. |
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Larry Markham, Jack Cullen, Joann Cullen and Elizabeth Nibert from Mason County work as a team to complete an assignment during the training. |
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Patsy Beckelhimer, Sonya Picklesimer and Elise Adkins discuss the positive aspects of the PIR process for school staff. |
