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We believe that the teacher is the deciding variable in the classroom. The administration has worked at school improvement by hiring the best teachers possible and improving the knowledge base and instructional techniques of teachers we have on staff with quality professional development. Our teachers take responsibility for their performance in the classroom, knowing that each moment is valuable in the education of a child in their class.

Describe your philosophy of school change or improvement.

We believe that the teacher is the deciding variable in the classroom. The administrators have worked at school improvement by hiring the best teachers possible and improving the knowledge base and instructional techniques of teachers we have on staff with quality professional development. Our teachers take responsibility for their performance in the classroom, knowing that each moment is valuable in the education of a child in their class. Decisons by the administration and school board about the school are based on what is best for all of the students. High expectations are the norm for our school. Improvements take time, but education waits on no one. We wanted to become the best we could in order to educate the most children now!

What are your school’s top two goals for the next year?

Goal number 1: All students will be reading at or above grade level.
Goal number 2: All students will show academic growth for the year.

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

The single most important factor in our success in the past 5 years has been the increase of quality professional development for all of our elementary teachers. Primary teachers have participated in PD for reading and math. Middle and upper level teachers have utilized the KESAM (Kindergarten Through Eighth Science and Math) program based out of Southwestern Oklahoma State University to learn hands on math techniques to excite their students about learning. Teachers attended social studies, science and reading PD. Professional development has been the key to making improvements in teacher knowledge, instructional techniques and motivation.

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

Kindergarten through eighth grade science and math professional development (KESAM) is a hands on math experience for teachers to develop instruction strategies that will excite students and increase their desire to learn math. The teachers commit to a 2 week workshop based at a local university and are immersed in hands on math taught by experienced leaders. The idea is to increase the teacher’s knowledge, empower the teacher with a multitude of hands on methods for teaching and change the over all teaching strategies to enhance the learning experience for the students.Teachers have also attended Colonial Williamsburg, Reading First, Failure Free Reading, Accelerated Reading and Math workshops to improve knowledge and instructional techniques. We also use our Inservice days to visit other schools, observe teachers and experience the networking to self evaluate.

Describe your school culture and explain changes you’ve taken to improve it.

The overall climate of our school is friendly,professional, caring, and hospitable . The teachers, parents and students are considered family as we interact on a daily basis. In our school, everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As principal my number one goal is to form a team of teachers who are exceptionally knowledgeable in academics and instruction techniques, devoted to students in all levels of achievement, are positive and progressive in their thinking and care deeply for students and each other. The Administration consistently observes and mentors teachers to help them improve and realize their potential. The School Board of Education is a progressive board that has encouraged innovative ideas of technology and professional development. They have continually supported the teachers with new technology, improved school facilities, and paid professional development. This school is supported by the community, the board, the teachers, the staff, and the administration in making the culture of our school a place of opportunity, learning and family.

• Category 2

  Selected in 2012

• Grades: pre k - 8
  School Setting: rural
  Town Population: 100
  Student Enrollment: 85
  Student Demographics:
  

  Black/African American: 0%
  White/Caucasian: 86%
  Hispanic: 9%
  Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
  Asian: 0%
  Native American: 5%
  Other: 0%
  

  Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:9
  % Reduced Lunch: 77%
  % ELL Learners: 0%
  Founded: 1938
• PRINCIPAL:
  Brenda Quinn
• CONTACT:
  11107 N. Highway 30
  Sweetwater, OK 73666
  580 534 2272
  bquinn@sweetwater.k12.ok.us