Twenty-one hours of staff development activities were offered during the course of the school year. These include both district and site level activities, such as using the Program Quality Review process to analyze student writing over time and to examine supplemental math materials. Title VI Federal Class Size Reduction staff development monies were used to improve student achievement through teacher staff development in Class Size Reduction classes, Combination Classes, Arts, Reading and Writing. Quality of Instruction and Leadership All MVES staff members focus on improving the quality of the educational program offered to students. Through a collaborative approach, it is believed that students benefit from the changes that occur.
Teachers possess expertise, experience, and ideas on ways to best educate students.
They hold high expectations for student academic and behavioral performance and continually look for ways not only to improve the quality of their classroom program, but also that of the primary and intermediate teams and the school as a whole. Teachers are encouraged to reflect on and analyze the way children learn at MVES and the educational experiences they are afforded throughout the year. Opportunities to share ideas with colleagues and the principal are encouraged and provided. The role of the principal is to find ways to combine and focus the expertise, ideas, and the good will of the certificated and classified staffs, the parents, and community members on the mission and goals of the school. It is essential that the movement be towards an ascent in the quality of the overall instructional program, which begins with the principal's own expectations for performance and vision for the students in the school.