High expectations
1. The winners of the 2012 SCORE Prize have all demonstrated a commitment to high standards for their students.
For example, John Sevier has fully implemented the Common Core State Standards and has insisted all teachers
teach to the level of rigor required by them. Rose Park expects that all of their students will improve at least five
points on every assessment. At Covington, there is an emphasis on postsecondary preparation for all students.
a. How are the expectations the SCORE Prize winners set for their students similar or different to the expectations you
have of students at your school? How can you raise expectations for your students?
b. Examine where your school stands in the transition to implementing the standards. Do you teach to the Common
Core standards in your classroom? What supports do you need to effectively make this transition?
Teacher recruitment and support
2. John Sevier has a rigorous, multi-stage hiring process in place to ensure they attract highly effective teachers.
Covington ensures that all new teachers receive two mentors who help them deepen their content knowledge
and enhance their instructional planning.
a. How does your school ensure you have a highly effective staff?
b. What steps do you take to support effective teaching? What other tools and supports are in place to support teachers in
their professional development? How might you enhance the support you provide?
Parent engagement
3. At Rose Park, all parents are automatically members of the Parent-Teacher-Student Organization (PTSO). John
Sevier actively engages parents through weekly academic folders and as volunteers at the school.
a. How does your school engage parents in the learning process? What practices from the SCORE Prize winners seem
most feasible for your school to adopt? What new ideas do they inspire?
b. How do teachers in your school make connections with parents of their students? How can teachers improve the
ways they communicate with parents?
Pathways to the Prize
Lessons from the 2012 SCORE Prize School Winners
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