Gov. Jack Markell (D-Delaware) used a “Principal for a Day” visit to a Dover school Wednesday to make another push for his Priority Schools initiative.
Since announcing the plan last month, Markell has said there are examples in the First State of the results he expects to achieve in the six low-performing Wilmington schools named Priority Schools.
One is Dover’s Booker T. Washington Elementary where Markell was principal for the day Wednesday. It was named a Focus school in 2012 for its low-test scores and high achievement gap between low income and non-low income students. In the 2010-2011 school year the average achievement gap in proficiency in 3rd and 4th grade reading and math was 37 percentage points, with a 47 percent gap in third grade reading. Since receiving additional state assistance as part of its turnaround effort, it has increased reading and math proficiency among 3rd and 4th graders by an average of 38 percent while lowering the achievement gap between low-income and non-low income students in those grades to 8 percent.
Booker T. Washington principal Dale Kevin Brown credits use of data, professional development, and parental engagement efforts with helping to move the numbers. He also points to innovative ideas such as an extended day program that runs from 3:30 to 6pm each day that pairs additional academic work with recreational and community service activities. He says meshed together it all contributed to the school grade out of being a Focus school.
"Sometimes there's a stigma associated with needing help. People say 'Oh, you're a Focus school. You must have done a bad job.' But we turned it into a positive support," said Brown. "We've been able to look at giving our children extra time and filling extra needs. We're working smarter, not harder."
Markell argues it's a story consistent with school that make these kind of strides in a short period of time.
"Our experience is that schools that have done this have something in common - an outstanding principal who creates a culture in the school where excellence is expected, where teachers feel like they have a voice, and where there is a collaborative working environment," said Markell. "My sense is that is exactly what happened here."
And Markell adds the goal is to do with the Priority Schools in the Red Clay and Christina School Districts.
“You know, there is a big focus on proficiency, as there should be – but there’s also a focus [on progress]," said Markell. "If kids are coming in well behind – let’s say in second grade they’re well behind – by the end of second grade, they may not be caught up to overall levels, but they ought to be showing significant growth. And the schools that we’ve identified as Priority Schools not only haven’t shown the proficiency, but they also haven’t shown the growth."
Right now, Markell and state education officials face difficulty getting buy-in. School boards in both Christina and Red Clay districts want to revise the Memorandums of Understanding regarding the terms of priority school initiative. Markell says he and state officials are listening.
“My sense is that Red Clay has made some good suggestions from their perspective about how it can be improved. But what I think is non-negotiable in the end of course is making sure we are doing everything we possibly can based on what we’ve seen elsewhere that works that will help these kids achieve,” said Markell “What’s important is that the adults get together to make these opportunities available to these kids. And when we do, we’re going to see the same kind of growth [as at Booker T. Washington]."
Priority Schools are expected to sign MOU’s and have turnaround plans submitted to the state for approval by the end of December.
The Priority Schools initiative will get another public airing Thursday night when Wilmington City Council’s Education, Youth & Families Committee hears a presentation from State officials on the plan.