LOWER SCHOOL / FEATURE
What I Need : a WIN win
WIN : what I need , an educational initiative unique to CPA Lower School , provides strategic time for every student to progress in the ways that he or she most needs . Imagine what we could all accomplish with 30 minutes daily , reserved for our immediate needs !
Brainchild of Assistant Head of Lower School – Academics Amy Webster , WIN has been successfully integrated into the lower school curriculum this year as a way to progress student learning , ensure curricular objectives , and allocate time for one-on-one , teacher-student connection during the school day . This intentional , individualized learning initiative was developed to engage each student , as God has designed each student with a different intellect .
“ How can we address the unique development of each student , not just by looking at test scores , but by surveying the whole child ’ s character , social and emotional well-being , academic development , and creativity ?” poses Webster . “ The WIN program gives us the time and space to see each student as God has created us all : living , breathing , diverse works in progress .”
Each day , each student benefits from WIN time , advancing in areas such as reading skills , math proficiency , and even social-emotional growth . The purpose is to address exactly “ what I need .” This time can look like reading in a favorite corner of the classroom , working on writing , math , processing a history lesson , asking critical questions about a science experiment , experimenting with an art project , or even just taking some time to be still and think . It ’ s whatever is best for the student on that day , at that time .
And the program addresses strengths as well as weaknesses , recognizing that some students need time experiencing things they love , things they ’ re good at , things that they enjoy , or things that bring them confidence .
“ We have some students who may excel in a certain area , and we ’ ll use WIN time to help them explore that gifting more intentionally . Or perhaps a student needs time to process a big transition or work on social skills . I am able to meet with them , helping them talk , engage , and empathize ,” explains Assistant Head of Lower School Ann Pack .
Intervention Strategist Fonda Baumgartner works full-time in the lower school to advance students in reading and math during WIN time . Her work with students in these areas also addresses deeper learning in confidence and grit , giving them one-on-one time to become a self-advocate for their learning .
A fun collaboration took place this year between upper school National Honors Society members and students during their WIN time . Lower school administration partnered with these upper school leaders to tutor and mentor several students during their WIN time throughout the year .
“ I really enjoyed getting to work with these younger kids because it gave me a chance to connect with someone outside of your normal social circle and also helps you learn teaching skills . They ’ re so much fun .” says NHS member Carli Cone .
The lower school students loved interacting with older students , and engagement was high as they bonded in mentorship ! During their WIN lessons , NHS students were able to encourage , teach , and befriend lower school students .
“ We encourage parents to shift from a fixed to a growth mindset , when describing the learning profile of children . A growth mindset approaches the whole child , using testing data that goes hand-in-hand with teacher input and grade-level team analysis to build up specific skills in a student ,” explains Webster .
In order for the WIN program to take effect , the school relies on methodical teacher input , interpreted testing data , a dedicated gradelevel team , key administrators , and a full-time intervention strategist . Bottom line : it only works if the whole child is known .
“ The premise of this program is at the core of everything we strive for at CPA ,” says Pack . “ Our students are truly known and loved for the individuals God has created them to be . The goal of WIN is transformation , and it ’ s what we as educators are really after .”
10 Purple & Gold / September 2018