“Progress” was the word of the day as educators, administrators, and more met Friday at Sugar Bay Resort to discuss improvements in St. Thomas/St. John schools. About 200 people gathered for what was called the “Education System Improvement Process Professional Learning Community” meeting to learn about data collected and to hear presentations from school representatives.
Speakers discussed assessment tests like “Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills” and “Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces,” touching on data and one of the most common questions among educators: Can aptitude really be measured?
Presenters from schools believed so as they displayed detailed videos and colorful presentations with charts and graphs showing improved performance in schools before and after new programs were implemented.
“We need to ask and recognize what the strengths and challenges of our students are,” noted Racquel Benjamin, while speaking about LAP-3 assessments.
Nearly all schools showed improvement in behavioral issues, staff satisfaction, school activities, parent involvement, homework and test scores, and more. Language and oral development were also discussed in detail.
“The highlight of the day is getting feedback,” said State Director of Assessment Alexandria Baltimore-Hookfin.
After morning lectures, representatives from schools that filter into Charlotte Amalie High School and others that filter into Ivanna Eudora Kean High School led simultaneous discussions on teacher leader effectiveness, student achievement and positive school culture.
A few schools including Gladys A. Abraham Elementary showed that teachers liked coming to work. Other schools such as Ivanna Eudora Kean noted a decrease in behavioral problems resulting in fights and poor attendance.
“I’m really proud of the schools and the work they’re doing,” said St. Thomas-St. John Insular Superintendent Jeanette Smith-Barry. “It’s great to see how schools are working together. It takes communities to take our children to a higher level.”
Edith L. Williams Alternative Academy teacher Celeste Jacobs stressed the importance of meeting students halfway. She said she greets them at the door in the morning to avoid horseplay and skipping class.
“We celebrate every moment of our student’s lives,” she said. “Every month we have people out of the community who come to embrace the students – where they have been; where they can be.”
Another concern schools focused on was achieving “Adequate Yearly Progress” standards as well as accreditation.
Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School received full accreditation in 2011 when a committee came back to reevaluate and meet with community, staff, parents, and students. A representative of the school noted that the committee had nothing but positive remarks as they saw improvement in BCB’s scores and other areas.
Every school has to do a data story at the end of the year entitled “My School’s Data Story.” The district in turn does one about schools in the entire district and so on, so that data is collected and compiled at the end of each school year.
Educators organized PLC meetings after they found schools were struggling. The Department of Education established the platform for educators to collaborate and learn about ways to improve schools. After about one year, the PLC is ready to invite the community to take part in bettering public schools in the territory.
Addelita Cancryn Junior High School technology teacher Peter Wholihan felt the meeting was helpful, but hoped for more resources for schools.
“Days like this assist, but they’re too few and far between,” he said. “We need more meetings like this.”
For more information, please contact Yvette McMahon-Arnold at 773-1095, ext. 7086.
