In order to reach the top, this school knew
they needed a strong ladder and the patience to climb it rung by rung.
The Wahneta
School Family's goal is that all students show progress in skills,
thinking and attitude-now and for the rest of their lives. It is
a building block, foundation process that the school will only consider
successful when the students achieve "lifelong learner"
status. It starts with the macro: District and School Improvement
Plans. It works down to the micro: individualized learning plans
for youthful learners. The school also has strong builders: the
administration, teachers, and staff. Strong partnerships reinforce
the goals, and an ambitious staff is credited for forging these.
They include a free Homework Club, courtesy of the Polk County Department
of Parks and Recreation, and support activities from a local retirement
subdivision.
Results: FCAT Reading: 77% of 3rd graders
scored at Level 3 and above; 87% of 4th graders scored at Level
3 and above; 83% of 5th graders scored at Level 3 and above.
Practices that Promote High Performance:
- Hiring of teachers who are team players, can relate to a Hispanic
population, and will make home visits
- Establishing an after-school FCAT tutoring program with 170
voluntary school attendees
- Promoting higher order thinking: "Questions for Critical
Thinking" and "Activities for Multiple Intelligences"
Reading is the
key to unlocking the student potential according to the Wahneta
staff. The school has marshaled all its resources to make students
excellent readers and critical thinkers. They have a formal pre-K
program to promote readiness and skill advancement. Programs used
include Collier's Strategies for Reading, Thinking Maps, and Accelerated
Reader. Ongoing assessment tracks student progress and the performance
of the instructional programs as well. Vertical teaming is used
to power instructional delivery. The Assistant Principal reviews
Reading Progress Charts weekly. Parents are required to sign daily
homework and "Friday Night Notes" are sent home to parents
every week explaining progress or challenges.
Results: School grade 2000: C; 2001: C; 2002:
A
Practices that Promote High Performance:
- Fine-tuning reading instruction to reach and teach students
in the lower 25%
- Implementing a School-wide 90 minute daily reading block
- Following and individualizing a comprehensive district plan
with built-in monitoring and other support
One-third of
the families served are migrant workers. Most parents in this group
only speak Spanish. The staff knows when crops are picked. They
can recognize geographic dialects within a language. They visit
homes to contact parents working double shifts and weekends. Parent-teacher
conferences are scheduled with harvest dates and places in mind.
Translators are available at the school at all times. These are
all indications that the school cares about, and takes care of,
both the families and students that they serve. Much of the school's
success stems from the relationship of trust between parents and
school, and a mutual respect for education and achievement. The
same respect and service is extended to all students and families.
Results: Low rate of out-of-school
suspensions, low teacher turnover, high student population stability
Practices that Promote High Performance:
- Providing a bilingual computer program for parents to increase
their skills and support their children
- Using Diversity in Literature to teach about and celebrate the
Hispanic influence of the community
- Having all material bilingual, including school signage
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