I would like to share an article about my son, Jeff, and his school. By Jayne W. Miller News Editor Jayne@YourTownCrier Commissioner of Education cites high progress as basis for recognition WILMINGTON – In a time when other districts are fighting slides in MCAS scores or debating the relative merits of the Common Core curriculum and the PARCC test, Wilmington’s Woburn Street School has cause to celebrate as it was recently recognized as a 2014 Commendation School by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Woburn Street School was one of only 42 schools across the Commonwealth that achieved this noteworthy accomplishment due to its high progress toward narrowing proficiency gaps for its students. Commissioner of Education, Mitchell Chester stated in his letter to the school, “My hope is that your school will serve as a model to schools statewide and that you will continue to make strides to ensure that all students are prepared for success at the next level.” In a message to the Woburn Street School Community, Principal Jeff Strasnick shared, “When schools and families work together in the best interest of the children great things happen. This is the result of dedicated teachers, hardworking students and supportive parents.” “We are pleased that Woburn Street and all of our schools are working hard to address close the proficiency gap and increase achievement levels for all students here in Wilmington,” stated Superintendent of Schools Mary DeLai. “Dedication to our students, commitment to continuous growth and improvement, and teamwork are keys to the last year’s successes.” The Town Crier spoke to Principal Strasnick to find out the key success factors that contributed to this achievement. A combination of examining the data and applying the lessons not only across the school, but also to individuals, made a big difference in the scores this year. “We really started looking at student data. We started off looking at 2013 MCAS results, setting some goals for ourselves,” said Strasnick. “ We looked at the data, the curriculum, how we teach it, and then how we could improve.” Strasnick praised teachers for their collaborative efforts, as well as the Elementary Math Coordinator who works across the six elementary schools. Teachers use unit assessment data and other markers to identify specific skills that individual students need support with, then they group similar students together during ‘WIN’ time. WIN (What I Need) time began as 20 minutes of time outside the regular English Language Arts (ELA) or math block which teachers use for interventions or extension activities to help students develop skills they need, or challenge students that have already mastered certain skills. “This year the teachers wanted to try it in the afternoon, so we have it every afternoon for 25 minutes,” said Strasnick. “It’s really about scheduling – making it sacred WIN time. The whole school, every grade, every teacher.” When Strasnick first learned of the Commendation School status his first reaction was excitement. “It is a nice recognition for the staff and the students. All the hard work, the growing pains from trying something new, paid off and motivates us to continue this year. We will look at the things we did well last year and replicate those, and look at the areas that still need some work and address that.” The Town Crier congratulates the students, teachers, parents, and administration at the Woburn Street School for their achievement. © 2014 Homenewshere. All rights reserved.
Posted on: Mon, 13 Oct 2014 00:56:29 +0000
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