What's the Secret?

The American Creativity Academy has been using NWEA MAP testing for years to measure #growth and #achievement in students. Three times per year, we assess all KG2 to Grade 9 students in Reading, Math, Language (grade 3-9), and Science (grade 6-8). MAP is always a consistent and steady indicator of learning, and schools around the world use it as a pivotal data point. ?

This year was different. We saw astronomical gains in our Kindergarten department, however, 95% of staff were not new. They have done MAP testing year after year and have not experienced this type of gain. From a data perspective, we have 12 KG classrooms and approximately 250 students. 98% of students demonstrated growth in both reading and math; 70% of students exceeded US growth norms; and 50% of classes grew by over 15 percentile points in both reading and math. ?

The data is anecdotal to the story. The real achievement is that 12 teachers fundamentally changed the way they approached instruction, and therefore, impacted the student learning and development of their students.

So, what did they do? What’s the secret? ?

Collaboration: Common Planning

• For years, we have touted academic freedom as an indicator of trust in teachers. Common planning feels like restrictions to many staff in the classroom. Nevertheless, ACA has found that common planning builds in fibers of #accountability – both to colleagues and students. ?

Curriculum Planning?

• ACA uses McGraw Hill curriculum with a focus on the #Wonders and #Reveal curricular materials. In the past, teachers have used this supplementary. This year, we dedicated ourselves to following the #curriculum. Implementing curricular goals in a intentional and #standards-based manner. ?

Leadership ?

• As mentioned, the staff are not new -- our KG department show incredible loyalty to ACA and have years of experience in our school. The critical change was in our KG #leadership. Under the guidance of Jessica Lee , KG Principal, and Elizabeth Retzlaff , KG Assistant Principal, the team was able to change the culture of professional learning and instruction within the school.

A strong principal creates the culture of the school.

Moreover, the Team Leads of Randa Ayesh ?and Donna-Jean Lotz , created continuity in the daily coaching and accountability woven into the culture of the school.

School success and student achievement are not accidental. They are built on strong systems, strong curriculum, and strong leadership. Thank you to our strong teams at ACA for modeling commitment and truly making a change in the life of our students. ?

The Team: Maryam AlMousawi , Cindy Moodly, Rahaf Al Turki, Sonia Smaoui, Shareefah Pereira , Fatemah AlJaber, Donna-Jean Lotz , Nahed ElTaha, Fatemah Handal, Randa Ayesh , Sonia Landoulsi , Ruba Skeik.