Diverse Schools to Watch have much in common

School Characteristics and Replicable Practices

Teacher Keith Sperry leads the middle school band during Adairville Elementary School's (Logan County) Schools to Watch celebration April 14, 2010. Adairville Elementary is the first Kentucky school to be named for the third time. Photo by Amy Wallot

Adairville School (Logan County)

• Community: Rural farming community in western Kentucky
• Enrollment: 121 in grades 6-8
• Grade levels: P-8
• School schedule: Seven-period day
• www.adairville.logan.k12.ky.us

Academic Excellence

• Rubrics are widely used as a means of letting students know teacher expectations, and students are involved in their development at times.
• A no-zero policy has been established and is enforced.
• Arts-infused instruction is present throughout the curriculum.
• Diagnostic, formative and common assessments are used regularly along with student self-assessment and self-reflection.
• Flex time has been designed to reinforce and extend learning, providing a time for students to receive needed interventions.

Developmental Responsiveness

• A daily morning assembly sets the stage for the rest of the day.
• Cooperative grouping of students is an integral part of instruction.
• CARDS program recognizes students demonstrating character, attitude, respect, dedication and success (CARDS).
• All 7th- and 8th-grade students participate in a book study, Teenagers in the Real World.

Social Equity

• Strong, effective collaboration between regular education and special education teachers is evident.
• Word of the Month and Ron Clark’s Essential 55 are used as tools for building character in all students.
• Student Leadership Team meets regularly with principal to discuss school needs.
• Home visits help develop positive relationships and aid communication with parents and families.
• Individual Learning Plans (ILP) are developed with all students.

Organizational Support

• Learning cadres have been established to focus on curriculum and instruction as they relate to student achievement.
• The administration and culture of the school encourage teachers to research, theorize and put theory into practice.
• Early dismissal of students on Fridays provides teachers time to focus on instruction and curriculum.
• New teachers participate in the district’s Professional Growth Academy.
• Teachers move along with students for grades 6-8, giving students the same set of teachers all three years.
• Teachers are provided with a day to go visit other schools for the purpose of observing master teachers to expand and improve their repertoire of teaching strategies.