2009 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough Schools
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- Seaford MS, Seaford, DE
- Douglas Taylor School, Chicago, IL
- Theodore HS, Theodore, AL
- Daniel Webster MS, Waukegan, IL
- Withrow University HS, Cincinnati, OH
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Arkansas City High School, Arkansas City, KS
Ms. Marci Shearon, Principal. Although over 50% of its 9-12 students are living in poverty, this highly involved rural community is committed to offering access to college to every student. The belief that the students are at the center of the community has resulted in strong student academic performance, with the entire school community working closely together to assure this success. This school of 811 students enjoys a four-year 87% cohort graduation rate.
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Stelle Claughton Middle School, Houston TX
Ms. Delic Loyde, Principal. This 6-8 suburban school of 1500 believes that excellence is about creating an environment for each student to succeed. To achieve this goal, the entire staff shares leadership responsibilities, while the students and community also have a voice. Although there are challenges with 74% of its population eligible for the Free or Reduced Meals program, high expectations have been set. The school has more than met those expectations and believes the goal of college for every student is attainable.
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Crockett County High School, Alamo, TN
Mr. Steve Ramsey, Principal. In danger of being taken over by the state, the teachers at this rural 9-12 school of 819, with 50% of its students eligible for the Free or Reduced Meals program, led a successful change effort resulting in a collaborative process focused on student achievement, graduation and preparation for life. Knowing that the achievement of each individual student is important, the school became a model of collaboration and personalization and the level of success on the state exams demonstrates the results of this philosophy.
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Giano Intermediate School, West Covina, CA
Dr. Patricia Cuesta, Principal. Several years ago, a mandate was issued to this urban, 7-8 school to increase parent involvement, address school improvement and cut staff turnover. Undeterred by the challenge of 82% of its students living in poverty, a collaborative effort was undertaken to open the school to the community and motivate the staff to do an analysis of student performance to meet rising state standards. The newest staff members brought fresh ideas, veteran staff became mentors, parents became partners and the 852 students became winners.
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Loris High School, Loris, SC
Mr. Trevor Strawderman, Principal. With a Free or Reduced Meals eligibility rate of 73%, this rural 9-12 school of 884 is a turn-around success story. Ranking near the bottom of state high schools several years ago, systematic changes required strong leadership and focused teaching. School-wide, literacy instruction was implemented along with professional learning communities and differentiated instructional strategies. Results are impressive: less retention, fewer drop-outs, high exam pass rates, increased graduation rates, and a school ranking near the top of all high schools in SC.
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Seaford Middle School, Seaford, DE
Mrs. Stephanie Smith, Principal. In tackling its "needs improvement" designation for this 6-8 rural school of 791 with 62% of the students living in poverty, the staff turned to a model of distributive leadership, now imprinted on every aspect of the school's programs. This thrust was coupled with a focus on changing the climate through a reward system for appropriate student behavior. Equally important, staff turn-over has decreased dramatically. The overall results include improved student achievement, a more positive climate and increased outreach to parents and community.
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Douglas Taylor School, Chicago, IL
Dr. William Truesdale, Principal. This school's unusual structure - 770 students in Pre-K through grade 8 - allows for planning by grade level based on the belief that all students can achieve academic excellence. As a part of this vision, grade level meetings are held to review student data and discuss instructional strategies. With 97% of its students eligible for the Free or Reduced Meals program and a 88% Hispanic population, the staff has created school-wide literacy and math programs as part of the academic focus.
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Theodore High School, Theodore, AL
Mr. Ronnie Rowell, Principal. Located in a rural area, this 9-12 school of nearly 1600 students is one of the largest in Mobile County and has approximately 50% eligibility for the Free or Reduced Meals program. Theodore's instructional design centers around the use of data to improve student performance combined with a rigorous curriculum, diversified methods of learning, and the involvement of all stakeholders giving students the skills and tools needed to succeed in tomorrow's world.
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Daniel Webster Middle School, Waukegan, IL
Dr. Joan Brixey, Principal. Nearly 650 students - 84% Free or Reduced Meal program eligible - attend this 6-8 urban school. Pride is a key word encompassing not just the improvements recently made to the physical plant, but also the attention given to student achievement. Action has been taken to involve more staff members in leadership roles in the school's initiatives. School wide teams have been formed in the categories of operations, teaching and learning, and data analysis resulting in improved student achievement.
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Withrow University High School, Cincinnati, OH
Ms. Sharon Johnson, Principal. The focus of this school of 720 students is on providing a quality college preparatory program by offering gender-specific classes designed to remediate skill deficiencies and prepare the students for higher level courses. Although not a selective high school - over 60% of its students qualify for the Free or Reduced Meals program - every student is expected to attend college or a post-secondary program. To that end, the school provides the support necessary to see that they are successful.
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