Leading the Charge

Our middle school, C.S. Porter, serves students in the 6th through 8th grades. 57% of our students are economically disadvantaged and 7% of our students are Native American.

In 2006:

• 
  60% of all C.S. Porter students were proficient in Math


• 
  83% of all C.S. Porter students were proficient in Reading


• 
  44% of Economically Disadvantaged students were proficient in Math


• 
  74% of Economically Disadvantaged students were proficient in Reading


• 
  20% of Students With Disabilities were proficient in Math


• 
  46% of Students With Disabilities were proficient in Reading

In the fall of the 2006-2007 school year, we implemented PLCs with the following staff targets: "I will participate in collaboration meetings that have purpose and direction. I will respect and value the input and discussion during a collaboration meeting. I will use the feedback and encouragement that I receive at collaboration meetings to improve my pedagogical skills."

It was tough going, with many staff changes having to occur in order for the culture to change from one of isolation to one of empowerment. However, we began to trust each other, to focus on assessment results, and to raise the levels of achievement in our school. The PLC process brought about a true focus on student work, outcomes and learning targets. Our teachers have never worked harder and the results are telling.

In 2010:

• 
  71% of all C.S. Porter students were proficient in Math


• 
  92% of all C.S. Porter students were proficient in Reading


• 
  59% of Economically Disadvantaged students were proficient in Math


• 
  87% of Economically Disadvantaged students were proficient in Reading


• 
  30% of Students With Disabilities were proficient in Math


• 
  60% of Students With Disabilities were proficient in Reading

We are proud of our accomplishments as a staff but more importantly, we are extrememly proud of our students' achievements. 45% of our students score in the Advanced range in Reading and 35% of our students Score Advanced in Math.

PLCs work to improve student achievement with the added bous of improving the culture and climate of a school! Thank you Dr. DuFour!