“A lot of teachers fear data sometimes, because
they’re afraid it will be used as a tool to judge
them,” said Ms. Leach. “When you have a supportive environment, it’s not about judgment – it’s
about growth.”
said. “It’s about the teachers, at the end of the
day. They come in every day motivated to make a
difference in our students’ lives. They are passionate about their content. They come in early, stay
late, and make sure our kids are growing.”
Those who are achieving growth in their classrooms take turns leading instructional meetings,
said Mr. Malone, and staff members are empowered to take on leadership roles. For example,
a particularly hands-on science teacher with a
strong subject matter background has been empowered to help train other science teachers and
clarify standards, fueling NVA’s big science gains.
ELA teacher Rosalie DeMasi is able to provide
very specific student reading levels to teachers of
other subjects. Science and social studies require
heavy reading, and NVA English teachers watch
for standards in other subjects requiring high levels
of comprehension. Ms. DeMasi works to make
sure students have tools to make complex texts
more accessible.
“I want to preach data all day long, but I recognize that my voice gets a little stale,” Mr. Malone
“We’re always looking for ways that we can help
students across subject areas,” said Ms. DeMasi.
Many students enter NVA classrooms two or three
grade levels behind. NVA helps them close gaps
– sometimes very quickly. NVA’s use of data helps
kids understand their potential, identify goals, and
demonstrate progress. Staff members talk openly
and frequently with students about results, with
many one-on-one meetings. Students always know
exactly where they stand.
And when students achieve growth, it’s celebrated.
Quarterly school-wide festivities give the students
something to aim for throughout the year. For example, kids who do well on the year’s first quarterly assessment – which falls right after Halloween
– get free admission to NVA’s fall festival. Pizza
parties and other in-classroom celebrations are
used to reward meeting other goals.
Student of the Week accolades recognize noteworthy effort, while students already achieving
at high levels are honored with school leadership
roles, helping complete peer interventions. Even
small gains are celebrated in some way; high fives
and encouragement in the hallways are common.
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