CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS TO WATCH
California Schools to Watch is a statewide program implemented by the California League
of Middle Schools, California Department of Education, California Middle Grades Alliance, National Forum, and the California Schools to Watch model schools.
Redesignated: 2019
Designated 2014
Colton Joint Unified School District
San Bernardino County
Erica MacDonald, Principal
670 West Laurel St., Colton, CA 92324
909-580-3610
School Characteristics
Community: Suburb of a Large City. Enrollment: 984. Grade levels: 7-8. School schedule: Seven periods, 52 minutes. Tuesdays are minimum days with 38-minute classes.
School Demographics
Free/reduced lunch: 91%. English learners: 18%.
Replicable Practices
Response to Intervention (RtI) Pyramid: Teachers and counselors use the RtI Pyramid to address the needs of struggling students, ensuring timely and targeted interventions to support their academic progress.
Explicit Direct Instruction with TAPPLE Method: School-wide implementation of Explicit Direct Instruction enhances the standards-based instructional program. The TAPPLE method, emphasizes teaching first, questioning, pausing, picking non-volunteers, listening, and providing effective feedback, promoting effective learning.
Technology Integration for Engaging Lessons:Teachers leverage various technologies, including LCD projectors, interactive boards, and specific devices, to energize lessons and create dynamic learning environments.
Regular Common Assessments and Differentiated Instruction: Teachers conduct frequent common assessments, allowing for timely re-teaching and reassessment. Differentiated instruction, guided by the Icons of Depth and Complexity, adds rigor to the curriculum.
Parent Engagement and Support Strategies: Strategies such as before-school tutoring, tailored English learner and RSP student tutoring, and a "first quarter parent check-off sheet" during Open House promote strong parent-school communication and involvement, fostering a supportive learning environment.