no ’ s art teacher has also helped students create graphic organizers for science class .
To accomplish all this , teachers work together constantly . Every adult in the building is accountable for student achievement , according to Principal Patrice Shipp , and faculty members work as a team regardless of the subjects they teach . Enrichment teachers receive the same professional development as other teachers , learning skills like building lesson plans around standards , and all faculty participate in the same professional learning communities ( PLCs ). All teachers observe one another in class at least twice each year .
Delano ’ s strong data-driven culture includes full staff participation so the school can use the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program ( TCAP ) results to help students learn and grow . The entire faculty has helped with the school ’ s TCAP Saturday camps to help kids prepare for tests , as well as TCAP camps for parents explaining how to read data and help students accordingly .
Delano is a technology-focused optional school for kids in Shelby County Schools , so one enrichment subject that is continually assimilated with classroom work is technology . In addition to regular use of educational electronics in everyday instruction , kids attend weekly computer classes to gain technical skills while reinforcing core subject concepts . This time has also been useful for TNReady assessment preparation .
By the time kids leave Delano , they are highly proficient and confident with technology . Ms . Williams remembers one child who arrived at the school in kindergarten with no computer exposure , but who could type 70 words per minute by the end of fifth grade .
Every teacher ’ s day includes time to build relationships and help address kids ’ social , academic , and behavior needs . All teachers routinely tutor kids in reading and math , engaging actively in each child ’ s academic status and goals for improvement . Every Delano instructor sponsors an individual after-school student club , which is why Delano is able to offer programming for kids interested in everything from etiquette and poetry to drama and world music .
“ Our parents , our teachers , students , administrators – all of us have a strong commitment to making sure students excel academically ,” said Ms . Shipp . “ We are just very proud of our students ’ academic success .”
“ Our students love technology . They catch on very quickly . They ’ re being raised in a technology world , and we have to take advantage of that ,” said Ms . Williams . “ It ’ s one thing to sit in a classroom and do your classwork . But when they come out of the classroom , they can see that this is actually something they might want to do one day with their career .”
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