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For several years, we used Title I funds in order to conduct summer training institutes in order to train teachers on how to write units and develop performance assessments. The skills and materials developed during these institutes have been critical in ensuring that our classes are effectively planned and student mastery is assessed through valid and authentic assessments.

What is the single most important factor in the success of your school that others could replicate?

We have made a very concerted effort to recruit, hire and retain a staff of highly effective teachers. In addition, we have worked to continue to build the capacity of our teachers particularly with regard to classroom management, instructional planning and assessment.

Describe the program or initiative that has had the greatest positive effect on student achievement.

Within the past two years we have been able to hire a reading teacher to address the gaps in our students’ literacy skills. She has been very successful in administering universal screeners and diagnostic assessments in order to identify struggling readers, diagnose specific skill gaps and ensure that they are scheduled to her class. In addition, she has been effective in facilitating our research-based reading program and investing students in improving their skills.

Explain how Title I funds have supported your improvement efforts.

Title I funds have been critical in purchasing additional instructional supplies and technology in order to increase the rigor in our classes and support our struggling students. In addition, Title I funds have allowed us to conduct extensive additional tutorials after-school and on Saturdays. Most recently, Title I funds have allowed us to hire an instructional coach to support teachers in working with our most struggling students.

Identify the professional development activities you use to improve the teaching portion of the teaching and learning process.

For several years, we used Title I funds in order to conduct summer training institutes in order to train teachers on how to write units and develop performance assessments. The skills and materials developed during these institutes have been critical in ensuring that our classes are effectively planned and student mastery is assessed through valid and authentic assessments.

Describe how data is used to improve student achievement and inform decision making.

Math and literacy diagnostics have been critical in ensuring that students are scheduled to support and honors classes in order to meet their needs. In addition, many teachers have developed comprehensive assessment systems to track student mastery of individual objectives and standards. Using online assessment tools, students can be individually assessed and provided with prescriptive activities in order to address their skill gaps.

• Category 2

  Selected in 2012

• Grades: 9 - 12
  School Setting: urban
  Town Population: 432,427
  Student Enrollment: 280
  Student Demographics:
  

  Black/African American: 96%
  White/Caucasian: 0%
  Hispanic: 3%
  Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
  Asian: 0%
  Native American: 0%
  Other: 1%
  

  Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:13
  % Reduced Lunch: 92%
  % ELL Learners: 1%
  Founded: 2007
• PRINCIPAL:
  Peter McKnight
• CONTACT:
  800 Hutchens Rd., SE
  Atlanta, GA 30354
  (404) 802-5045
  pmcknight@atlanta.k12.ga.us