ROBERT A. TAFT
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Principal: Michael C. Hazen
Assistant to the Principal: David F. Demaree
Our mission is to prepare today’s students for
tomorrow’s challenges by developing students who think
critically and take ownership of their own learning,
character, and achievement.
ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL
ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR 2013-2014
Four Star
School
Status
2013-2014
2011-2012
Designated a letter
grade of an
“A”
2013-2014
2011-2012
ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL
ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR 2013-2015
• Received Four Star School Status from the state of Indiana.
• Designated an “A” school by the Indiana Department of Education.
• Implemented a spring musical performed by the Taft Drama Club. The first phenomenal hit was
“Schoolhouse Rock Jr., Live.” This year’s performance was a smashing rendition of “Annie Jr.”
• Established a stakeholder committee to create more partnerships with parents and local businesses to
participate in the decision-making process to better Robert A. Taft Middle School for our students.
• Placed 17th in the state for Science Olympiad.
• Placed 21st in the state for Academic Super Bowl.
• Raised funds for Taft’s PTA Scholarship Endowment Fund that increased the balance to over $47,000
that is on deposit with the Crown Point Community Foundation. Three scholarships will be awarded
to Taft students graduating from Crown Point High School.
• Named a “Miracle school” by Riley’s Children’s Hospital.
• Had an 8th grade student qualify for the State Geography Bee during the 2013-2014 school year. This
year, we had a 6th grade student also qualify for this event.
• Launched a “Student of the Month” program.
• Converted the Robotics club to a team and they began participating in regional competitions.
ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL
REPORT CARDS
2012 2013 2014
A B A
ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL
2013-2014 REPORT CARD
Overall Student Performance
• Taft students exceeded the 90% passing rate and
83.5% state average for mathematics.
• Taft students reached an 88% passing rate which is
above the 81% state average for ELA.
ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL
2013-2014 REPORT CARD
Student Growth
• Student growth did not affect our letter grade.
• In mathematics, we missed the bonus target by 0.8% for top 75% of students
achieving high growth.
ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL
ISTEP+ % PASSING TRENDS
PASSING BOTH MATH & ELA
2011 2012 2013 2014
Pass 79% 87% 83% 85%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Perc
en
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ing
ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL
ISTEP+ % PASSING TRENDS
MATHEMATICS
2011 2012 2013 2014
Pass+ 25% 34% 37% 40%
Pass 60% 56% 51% 50%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Perc
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ing
ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL
ISTEP+ % PASSING TRENDS
LANGUAGE ARTS
2011 2012 2013 2104
Pass+ 22% 30% 28% 27%
Pass 63% 59% 56% 60%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Perc
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ass
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ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL
6TH GRADE MATHEMATICS ISTEP+ RESULTS
IN COMPARISON TO LEAGUE SCHOOLS
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Robert A Taft MS 82.0% 88.1% 95.9% 90.2% 92.0%
Colonel Wheeler 89.2% 93.3% 88.6% 94.2% 94.4%
Summit MS 86.8% 82.3% 88.2% 93.9% 92.5%
Zionsville West 91.6% 93.9% 97.4% 95.4% 95.3%
Westfield Int/MS 91.6% 94.8% 94.5% 92.0% 92.3%
Avon Int W/MS N 81.6% 84.9% 94.5% 95.1% 96.7%
Kahler 89.5% 80.2% 84.2% 87.0% 79.7%
Liberty Int./Chesterton MS 87.4% 93.1% 92.4% 89.3% 93.4%
Benjamin Franklin 87.5% 89.2% 95.5% 90.9% 92.9%
Schmucker 84.3% 89.7% 89.4% 91.2% 90.3%
82.0%
88.1%
95.9%
90.2% 92.0%
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
80.0%
90.0%
100.0%
This ISTEP+ trend data for 6th grade
math shows that from 2010-2014, the
percentage of students passing the
ISTEP+ math test gradually increases,
and our percentage of students passing is
comparable with our league schools. This
information lets us know that we are
hovering around the 90% pass rate for the
past few years, and we have some area for
improvement within our league of
schools.
ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL
6TH GRADE ELA ISTEP+ RESULTS
IN COMPARISON TO LEAGUE SCHOOLS
This ISTEP+ trend data for 6th grade
language arts shows that from 2010-2014,
the percentage of students passing the
ISTEP+ language arts test gradually
increases, and our percentage of students
passing is comparable with our league
schools. This information lets us know that
we are on average hovering a little below the
90% pass rate for the past few years, and we
are towards the top of our league of schools
based on our passing rate. 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Robert A Taft MS 84.2% 86.4% 93.2% 86.1% 89.9%
Colonel Wheeler 84.8% 89.7% 87.6% 91.2% 91.8%
Summit MS 87.2% 91.3% 84.6% 79.6% 85.6%
Zionsville West 89.3% 84.3% 93.8% 88.6% 86.8%
Westfield Int/MS 84.7% 83.8% 89.0% 88.0% 87.8%
Avon Int W/MS N 75.9% 82.2% 87.9% 81.8% 88.1%
Kahler 83.7% 82.4% 79.7% 82.8% 77.6%
Liberty Int./Chesterton MS 72.0% 83.6% 84.2% 85.3% 84.6%
Benjamin Franklin 91.1% 92.8% 93.3% 86.7% 89.5%
Schmucker 84.7% 84.9% 88.4% 86.8% 85.0%
84.2% 86.4%
93.2%
86.1% 89.9%
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
80.0%
90.0%
100.0%
ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL
7TH GRADE MATHEMATICS ISTEP+ RESULTS
IN COMPARISON TO LEAGUE SCHOOLS
This ISTEP+ trend data for 7th grade math
shows that from 2010-2014, the percentage of
students passing the ISTEP+ math test jumped
from 82% in 2012 to above the 90% passing
rate. When comparing the passing rates of
Robert A. Taft Middle School’s students with
our league schools’ students, our passing rate
falls within the range of scores. This means
that we are making improvements in this area
and need to continue implementing strategies
and best practices that have proven successful
with our students. 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Robert A Taft MS 83.0% 82.2% 90.8% 91.1% 89.5%
Colonel Wheeler 86.8% 90.7% 90.5% 89.4% 91.0%
Summit MS 84.2% 87.9% 78.7% 88.9% 91.2%
Zionsville West 88.9% 91.2% 93.5% 96.2% 94.9%
Westfield Int/MS 86.9% 91.8% 91.1% 90.6% 93.3%
Avon Int W/MS N 86.3% 88.2% 89.4% 85.8% 87.2%
Kahler 81.8% 80.6% 81.8% 78.1%
Liberty Int./Chesterton MS 84.0% 86.4% 84.4% 86.5% 89.3%
Benjamin Franklin 81.1% 88.1% 88.7% 91.9% 97.4%
Schmucker 82.1% 87.2% 84.3% 90.5% 89.1%
83.0% 82.2%
90.8% 91.1% 89.5%
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
80.0%
90.0%
100.0%
ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL
7TH GRADE ELA ISTEP+ RESULTS
IN COMPARISON TO LEAGUE SCHOOLS
This ISTEP+ trend data for 7th grade language
arts shows that from 2010-2014, the percentage
of students passing the ISTEP+ language arts
test shows a range from 85%-90%. When
comparing the passing rate of Robert A. Taft
Middle School students with our league
schools’ students, our passing rates are
comparable and have been towards the top for
the past two years. This means that we are
making improvements in this area and need to
continue implementing strategies and best
practices that have proven successful with our
students.
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Robert A Taft MS 85.6% 85.1% 90.4% 88.6% 85.6%
Colonel Wheeler 85.7% 90.3% 84.6% 87.8% 89.1%
Summit MS 86.8% 90.2% 85.2% 82.6% 82.8%
Zionsville West 82.4% 90.2% 92.4% 89.7% 92.0%
Westfield Int/MS 86.9% 89.3% 88.4% 86.8% 87.4%
Avon Int W/MS N 87.1% 91.1% 90.0% 84.9% 86.4%
Kahler 83.3% 86.4% 79.2% 78.9%
Liberty Int./Chesterton MS 79.7% 83.6% 81.6% 83.1% 84.0%
Benjamin Franklin 94.3% 93.0% 93.7% 88.6% 82.0%
Schmucker 84.7% 91.0% 89.1% 87.1% 90.0%
85.6% 85.1% 90.4% 88.6%
85.6%
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
80.0%
90.0%
100.0%
ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL
8TH GRADE MATHEMATICS ISTEP+ RESULTS
IN COMPARISON TO LEAGUE SCHOOLS
This ISTEP+ trend data for 8th grade math
shows that from 2010-2014, the percentage of
students passing the ISTEP+ math test shows a
fluctuation between 86% and 91% for the past
five years. When comparing the passing rates of
Robert A. Taft Middle School students with our
league schools’ students, our passing rates fall
within the range of all our league schools. This
data tells us that we still have room to improve
when compared to our league schools.
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Robert A Taft MS 91.0% 86.3% 90.0% 86.8% 89.8%
Colonel Wheeler 84.5% 88.6% 92.4% 92.9% 88.6%
Summit MS 94.5% 90.5% 89.1% 83.9% 85.4%
Zionsville West 93.8% 93.8% 95.8% 95.5% 95.7%
Westfield Int/MS 86.5% 87.4% 91.0% 91.1% 91.4%
Avon Int W/MS N 87.7% 91.4% 94.5% 93.9% 94.2%
Kahler 84.9% 81.3% 83.4% 77.5% 81.8%
Liberty Int./Chesterton MS 81.5% 87.9% 78.5% 78.9% 87.0%
Benjamin Franklin 87.9% 91.8% 89.3% 89.9% 92.4%
Schmucker 83.6% 90.7% 94.0% 93.6% 90.1%
91.0% 86.3%
90.0% 86.8%
89.8%
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
80.0%
90.0%
100.0%
ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL
8TH GRADE ELA ISTEP+ RESULTS
IN COMPARISON TO LEAGUE SCHOOLS
This ISTEP+ trend data for 8th grade language arts
shows that from 2010-2014, the percentage of
students passing the ISTEP+ language arts test
consistently hovers between 87%-89%, with the
exception of 2011. When comparing the passing
rates of Robert A. Taft Middle School students
with our league schools’ students, we fall within the
range of scores from our league schools and have
been inching towards the top for the past two years.
This means that we are making improvements in
this area and need to continue implementing
strategies and best practices that have proven
successful with our students.
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Robert A Taft MS 87.0% 83.7% 89.3% 88.2% 88.8%
Colonel Wheeler 83.2% 84.6% 85.2% 91.0% 88.6%
Summit MS 88.9% 85.6% 84.3% 84.6% 78.1%
Zionsville West 90.5% 91.1% 93.0% 91.5% 91.8%
Westfield Int/MS 86.9% 87.0% 86.7% 89.9% 88.1%
Avon Int W/MS N 79.1% 88.9% 89.7% 92.5% 84.3%
Kahler 84.6% 82.1% 79.1% 78.3% 79.3%
Liberty Int./Chesterton MS 80.4% 83.0% 73.9% 76.5% 84.0%
Benjamin Franklin 90.2% 91.7% 91.7% 91.1% 90.6%
Schmucker 84.5% 91.4% 88.3% 88.8% 84.6%
87.0% 83.7%
89.3% 88.2% 88.8%
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
80.0%
90.0%
100.0%
ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL
ACT EXPLORE RESULTS
FOR 6TH GRADE
12.5
13
13.5
14
14.5
15
15.5
16
16.5
English(Benchmark 13)
Math(Benchmark 17)
Reading(Benchmark 16)
Science(Benchmark 18)
Composite
2013
2014
This data shows us that our students are performing above the benchmark in
English whereas the students are performing below the benchmark in math,
reading, and science. This was the students first year taking the ACT Explore test.
ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL
ACT EXPLORE RESULTS
FOR 7TH GRADE
14
14.5
15
15.5
16
16.5
17
17.5
18
English(Benchmark 13)
Math(Benchmark 17)
Reading(Benchmark 16)
Science(Benchmark 18)
Composite
2013
2014
This data shows us that by 7th grade, students are making progress towards
the benchmark scores. Students are exceeding the benchmark in English and
math. However, students are still below the benchmark in reading and
science.
ROBERT A. TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL
ACT EXPLORE RESULTS
FOR 8TH GRADE
16.6
16.8
17
17.2
17.4
17.6
17.8
18
18.2
18.4
18.6
English(Benchmark 13)
Math(Benchmark 17)
Reading(Benchmark 16)
Science(Benchmark 18)
Composite
2014
2014
Last year, 2014, was the first year that 8th grade students were administered the ACT
Explore in the spring. Previously, this assessment had been given in November. The
2014 spring ACT administration has established baseline scores for subsequent test
data. This data shows us that by 8th grade, students are exceeding the benchmark in
all areas.
Teaching and Assessing for Learning The schools’ curriculum, instructional
design, and assessment practices guide and ensure teacher effectiveness and student
learning.
ADVANCED STANDARD 3
INDICATOR 3.1
INDICATOR 3.1 EVIDENCE
• Core Subjects Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies
• RtI period for all grades
• Encore Subjects Physical Education, Health, Family and
Consumer Science, Engineering Technology, Exploring Music,
Visual Arts, Explore Course
• Electives Band, Choir, Orchestra
INDICATOR 3.1 EVIDENCE
CONTINUING
Challenging High Ability Students
• 6th grade Honors Math covers 7th grade standards for both current 6th
graders and qualifying elementary students.
• 6th grade Honors Language Arts covers 7th grade standards for both
current 6th graders and qualifying elementary students.
• 7th grade Honors Math covers 8th grade standards for current qualifying
6th and 7th students.
• 8th grade Honors Math covers Algebra standards for current qualifying
7th and 8th grade students..
• Several 8th grade students have taken Honors Biology, English Honors 9,
and Honors Geometry for credit through CPHS.
INDICATOR 3.2
• Multiple Assessments Informal, Formative,
Summative, Acuity Readiness, Star Reading, Star
Math, ISTEP+, ACT Explore
• Common assessments complete in most courses
• Emphasis is on using informal and formative
assessments to guide instruction
• Currently course building for CP 2.0 Initiative
INDICATOR 3.2 EVIDENCE
INDICATOR 3.3
• Teachers write daily learning goals for each class
• Technology utilized throughout the school
• Teachers collaborate in departments horizontally and
vertically to create scope and sequences that align with
common learning goals and various common
assessments.
INDICATOR 3.3 EVIDENCE
INDICATOR 3.4
INDICATOR 3.4 EVIDENCE
• Marzano’s iObservation evaluation system has been
implemented
• Multiple classroom observations and teacher
conferences take place
• Student achievement and student growth is paramount
• Teacher effectiveness ratings have been implemented
• 98% of teachers were rated as highly effective or
effective based on the Marzano’s iObservation
evaluation system and school test scores
INDICATOR 3.5
INDICATOR 3.5 EVIDENCE
• Academic team planning outside of school day
• Articulation activities and tasks
• Preparation of common assessments
• Focused professional development
• Marzano’s iObservation elements
• Differentiated Instruction
• Google Docs integration
• Complex text
• RTI
• Writing in the Content Areas
• Collaborative course building
INDICATOR 3.6
• Students are informed of both daily and long-term
learning goals
• Assessment data is used to inform instruction and
curriculum decisions
• Feedback is given students in a timely manner
• Instruction is modified based on data analysis
• Students are placed in the three RTI tiers based on
data from various assessments
INDICATOR 3.6 EVIDENCE
INDICATOR 3.7
• New teachers participate in a corporation-wide
induction program
• New teachers are assigned mentors
• Mentors meet on a regular basis with the principal
• High expectations are communicated
INDICATOR 3.7 EVIDENCE
INDICATOR 3.8
• Weekly school messenger voicemail
• School website
• Teacher/team websites
• Team emails and telephone conversations
• Parent portal on RDS system
• Quarterly newsletter
• Teacher homework message line
• Parent-teacher Conferences (implemented in 2014-
2015)
INDICATOR 3.8
INDICATOR 3.9
INDICATOR 3.9 EVIDENCE
• Concept of academic teaming is in place to create
schools within a school and smaller learning
communities
• Currently in the planning stages of implementing a
student advocacy program because building
appropriate student relationships is essential to
students’ success.
INDICATOR 3.10
INDICATOR 3.10 EVIDENCE
• Common grading practices are being developed
• Grade reporting is adequate
INDICATOR 3.11
INDICATOR 3.11 EVIDENCE
• Professional development sessions offered for teachers based
on School Improvement Goals and AdvancED
• Marzano’s iObservation elements
• Differentiated Instruction
• Google Docs integration
• Complex text
• RTI
• Writing in the Content Areas
• Articulation opportunities
• Department meetings
• Leadership meetings
• Faculty meetings
INDICATOR 3.12
INDICATOR 3.12 EVIDENCE
• Students are offered support services through
Guidance Department services, PBIS (positive
behavior intervention systems), ELL, and Exceptional
Learner services.
LOOKING TO
THE FUTURE