Schools Find What Works for Their Students

Alabama

The Alabama Education Association working with the State Department of Education, gave teachers from seven priority schools training on how to close the achievement gap using strategies from the NEA's Priority School Learner Framework. As a result, six priority schools advanced to "Clear Status" while the other upgraded to "Caution." Because of Alabama’s initiatives, the State Department of Education changed its labeling. Schools are now classified as Priority, Watch or Clear.

North Carolina

In 2001, Allenbrook Elementary (a priority school in Charlotte) received a Priority Schools Initiative (PSI) Grant. This year, 76.3% of the school’s 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th grade students tested at or above grade level. The school’s principal declared the success was due in large part to PSI support.

Virginia

Teachers and students at Lake Taylor High, a predominantly African American school in Norfolk, launched their Priority Schools Initiative program with Saturday morning classes that began in February. During the three-hour long "SOL [state mandated Standards of Learning] Xcceleration and Empowerment Sessions," teams of teachers, volunteers, and students concentrated on test-taking strategies and study skills, as well as vocabulary, writing and reading exercises. Teachers collaborated to adjust their lesson plans to better meet the needs of students. Read an update on the progress of Lake Taylor High and three other Virginia schools that are taking advantage of NEA Priority Schools Initiative resources.

California

Under the current system, nearly half of California’s schools would be labeled low performing. To prevent that, California Teacher’s Association invited educators, administrators, education support professionals, and community members from priority schools to attend its Schools of Greatest Need Conference. Participants received in-depth training on the "cornerstones" of the NEA's Priority School Learner Framework. They also attended follow up meetings for additional help in turning their schools around. CTA also uses research from the Priority Schools Initiative to influence state legislators.

Florida

The Florida Education Association conducted two conferences to provide support, resources, and strategies to priority schools in its state. Through the Quality School Conference and Effective Leadership for Academic Achievement Conference, designed to assist 28 counties with schools rated "F" under Florida’s accountability law, the FEA provided information on how to use the research, methods, and strategies of NEA's Priority School Learner Framework.