John Hanson Middle School credits SAP planning and Collins writing framework for test-score gains

John Hanson Middle School principal Ben Coherst told the Board of Education that a two-year focus on collaborative planning and a schoolwide writing framework has begun producing measurable gains.

Coherst described a Standards Analysis Planning (SAP) protocol that requires teachers each week to unpack standards (circle nouns, underline verbs), review strong instructional practices and examine student work. The school then used SAP trackers to monitor a targeted set of 10 "bubble" students in reading and math.

Assistant Principal Phil Jones described adopting the Collins "five types" writing framework so that writing instruction is consistent across content areas. Jones said the framework provides focused "focus-correction areas" (typically limited to three items) so students can concentrate on clear expectations rather than long rubrics.

Coherst presented evidence from county common assessments: Hanson administered 20 common assessments this year, beat the county average on nine assessments and showed year-over-year improvement on 16 of 20. He said the work was supported by an ATSI/title funding to bring an external Collins trainer to the school and by targeted, subject-specific professional development.

Board members asked how the school will measure growth at the individual student level; Coherst and Jones said they are using county common assessments for near-term tracking and will dig down to student-level reports to identify who needs targeted interventions. The school also plans peer review of writing (type 4) as a next-phase step.

The presentation received praise from board members, who recommended sharing the approach and outcomes with the broader community after the school refines its materials.