Reply to How's Ida B Wells doing?

Forum Index » DC Public and Public Charter Schools

Reply to "How's Ida B Wells doing?"

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Whittier parent here. Everything is working out logistically for the schools being across the street from each other. The principals talk frequently (calling it #manorparktowerofpower). Wells was so far above expected enrollment they established a sixth cohort and had to hire more teachers. I haven’t been inside during the day yet but all seems well. Our alumni in 6th grade come back over for hugs a lot.

As far as bilingual or immersion, we talked about it and our families don’t want it. A couple of years ago our 8th graders were second behind Brightwood for all of DCPS on a Spanish language exam. The families who do prioritize it have found other options. We’re investing (relatively speaking) in our STEM program, which we’re really excited about. [/quote]

Congrats on your stellar test scores, PP.  To what do you attribute Whittier's success?[/quote]

We have really high teacher retention. My son's third grade teachers have known him since he was 4. The curriculum aligns through the grade levels so there's less time spent learning the teaching style. We also work really hard to understand the lives the kids bring to school and support the whole child (and family). Because the staff is so stable, the kids develop solid relationships with them and know they are loved. To that end, we had 4 suspensions last year. Total. Student satisfaction is 99%.

A couple of years ago we focused on reducing the 1s and 2s on PARCC; it paid off, and now we are seeing the growth at the top of the scale too. When we look at the internal data, it's even better: 89% at or above benchmark in DIBELS at the end of last year, with similar numbers on math benchmarks.[/quote]

That is super impressive.  What did they do for the 1s and 2s?  I totally agree focusing on the most challenging areas will pay off across the board.[/quote]

Combination of data-driven instruction, heavy use of extended day, and a focus on improving attendance. Great partnership between our teaching team, the social worker and behavioral aides, and the administration.

We of course have a lot of room left for growth but my son and I both look forward to school every day, and it feels like most of the rest of the school community does too. Appreciate your positive questions![/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics