Sharpstein one of only three schools in region to exit Focus school status

Sharpstein Elementary staff cheered to the news the school is exiting the state’s Focus schools list effective for the 2017-2018 school year. Superintendent Wade Smith shared the news today during a surprise staff meeting. Sharpstein Elementary was placed on the state’s watch list during the 2014-2015 school year after students with disabilities in the school’s special education program tested in the bottom 5 percent in math and reading academic performance. Sharsptein was one of only three schools in the Educational Service District 123 region to exit based on the academic improvements of students with disabilities and the fact Sharpstein students representing all other subgroups met state targets in math and reading.

“This recognition affirms the outstanding work that has and continues to take place every day at Sharpstein,” said Superintendent Wade Smith. “Staff and students alike are to be commended for their efforts and we look forward to continued success from their extraordinary efforts.”

Sharpstein Elementary implemented Turnaround Principles and Interventions the past three years to enhance student achievement. Turnaround Principles and Interventions included teachers participating in collaborative lesson planning to ensure Common Core State Learning Standards alignment. Teachers also met with their peers to collaboratively score student work, established “Data Days” to review student progress and bolstered staff professional development. The school’s leadership team included parent representatives to advise them on matters related to family and school relations. Parents also received additional support for helping their children learn at home.

 “Your teachers and principals are to be commended for their efforts to improve student learning. Your district is to be commended for the support provided to your district’s educators and students,” said Gayle Pauley, Assistant Superintendent for Special Programs and Federal Accountability. “We strongly encourage leadership teams from exiting Priority and Focus schools to continue implementing your Student and School Success Action Plans and to access state professional development and services to support your improvement efforts in 2017–18.”