We believe all students deserve a safe and structured learning environment. We believe all students deserve to be surrounded by dedicated adults who believe in them, encourage them, and have high expectations for their success. We believe all students deserve teachers who utilize a wide variety of instructional strategies to help them achieve. We believe all students deserve opportunities to experience the world around them and to become productive citizens in a global society. We also believe that parents are our partners in education and play a key role in student success. As a school community, we will strive each day to give all of our students the tools they need to become responsible well-educated citizens.

All adults in our community are living by these core convictions daily and as a result, show the following attitudes and actions:

All educators, parents, and community members place a high value on education. To ensure that all children learn, adults provide a safe and caring environment. All teachers are passionate about their profession, are knowledgeable of current educational research and best practices, and are prepared to educate our future citizens. Teachers will present challenging curriculum. Teachers will use a variety of instructional and assessment tools to address the different learning styles. Parents are actively involved with their children’s education and promote positive behavior in and out of the classroom. Parents will volunteer at school, come to school activities, and talk with both their child and his teacher on a regular basis. Community members are also highly involved in the school. Local businesses will encourage employees to do tutoring and mentoring in the schools, and employees will partner with teachers to create real-world application for their curriculum. Businesses will facilitate field trips and provide guest speakers to allow students to observe and experience career opportunities.

In this environment where all adults are living by their core convictions, all students:

In this environment where adults live by their core convictions, all students will be highly motivated to learn. They will be willing to take risks and set high goals for themselves. All students will be engaged in their learning. Students will show respect and take responsibility for their education. They will learn important team building skills by working in small and large groups. They will demonstrate mastery through a variety of authentic assessments and experiences. All students accept challenges, show motivation, and put forth their personal best.

As a result of these efforts; our school’s student achievement data goals are as follows:

• 100% of students will pass ILEARN English Language Arts and Math.
• 100% of students will be at or above grade level reading according to Scholastic Benchmark tests at the end of the school year.
• 100% of students will show 1 year growth on the NWEA MAP assessment.

Dayton Elementary School’s curriculum is based on the Indiana Academic Standards located at https://www.in.gov/doe/students/indiana-academic-standards/. Curriculum maps based on these standards are located in the Principal’s Office for inspection by members of the public.

Benchmark assessments will be administered 3 times per year by certified teaching staff. Reading benchmark assessment, TRC, will be administered for students in grades K-2. Teachers will administer the Fountas and Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System for students in grades 3-5 at the beginning, middle and end of the school year. NWEA will be administered in grades K-5. Additionally IREAD will be administered in the Spring for students in grade 3.

Dayton Elementary has always made a deep commitment to the educational development of its students. Through the use of a variety of funds, the corporation is able to support additional reading and math instruction assistance to children on an individual or small group basis.

The purpose of a school wide Title I program is to improve the entire educational curriculum in a school, which should result in high levels of academic success for all students, particularly the lowest achieving students. The goal is to assist those students in demonstrating proficiency on academic standards. All staff, resources, and classes are part of an overall school wide program.

Parents are the first and most important teachers of their children; therefore, the school supports a strong school and home connection. Our school's Title I funds make it possible to offer many opportunities for families to support education. These include workshops and opportunities to learn the most effective ways to assist your child’s reading and math progress at home.

Our entire school is committed to enhancing each and every child’s reading and math skills by meeting needs at his/her current level, and improving those skills to the highest possible level. Based on standard testing (ISTEP, Acuity, mClass, and Success Maker) given to all students, those who would benefit also receive additional customized reading or math instruction in a small group setting. These groups are lead by certified teachers and/or highly qualified instructional assistants.