Last modified: Tuesday, November 3, 2009 2:20 AM EST City school officials outline Coelho plan BY RICK FOSTER SUN CHRONICLE STAFF ATTLEBORO - More small group instruction, teacher training, high expectations and quality programs for special needs students are among areas being stressed in a turn-around plan for Coelho Middle School. The document, entitled an "Action Plan for Improvement," lays out the outline for changes at Coelho, which was placed in restructuring for mathematics by the state's education department for failing to meet state progress expectations for student subgroups. Superintendent Pia Durkin said the plan was developed by the school department staff following focus groups held with teachers and parents and discussions with Coelho administrators and community members. In addition, state education official Joanne Grenier spent visited every English and mathematics class at the school to gather information for a report on teaching and learning, Durkin said. The action plan, presented to the school committee Monday night by Principal Reza Sarkarati and curriculum director Nancy Sprague, set goals in five areas ranging from expectations for students to discipline and school climate. The action plan calls for all students to be held to high standards, with "rigorous mastery objectives" to be carried out through class work tailored to various types of students. A "pacing guide" would be created to make sure that students receive timely instruction on material covered in MCAS tests. Teachers, meanwhile would receive professional development training and participate in school-based study groups that would meet weekly on topics like writing and co-teaching. Sarkarati said the school would also take "pro active" steps to maintain a productive school climate not only through discipline rules but by using positive reinforcement. The plan also stresses timely communication with parents on how to help students at home. Restructuring is the most serious category for schools that fail to meet state adequate yearly progress targets.