ML Middle School makes progress on 'Focus' project

The Medical Lake Middle School continues to make progress on helping students with disabilities that are struggling with reading and math.

Back in September, Medical Lake Superintendent Tim Ames explained that the middle school was identified as a “Focus” school and that 20 students with disabilities did not meet expectations in reading and math in state assessment exams. In the last sixth months, middle school principal Sylvia Campbell, staff and administration have been researching different ways and methods to help students who are struggling in the classroom.

One of the big steps the middle school has taken is establishing a new after-school math and reading programs. Campbell said staff monitors students’ progress every two weeks. Students are also monitoring their own progress. Dr. Jeanine Butler from OSPI (Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction) is also coaching staff.

“Staff has gauged where those students are and honed in on where their skills are weak,” Campbell said. “We’ve seen a big improvement with most of those kids.”

One area where Campbell has seen a shift has been in the reading scores.

“The reading scores took off, there’s been a lot of growth,” Campbell said. “To see kids who knew a few vocabulary words to now seeing them read, and the smiles on their faces, is worth it. That’s what we, as teachers, are here for.”

As for math, the school recently implemented the ALEKS (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces) math program, which supplements the Engage NY math curriculum the school district adopted at the beginning of the year. Through progress monitoring, staff has learned that students are having trouble grasping math fluency. Campbell said all of the school’s math classes have a fluency component that students practice at the beginning of class.

Kim Headrick, director of teaching and learning, said staff has done a “fantastic job” of looking at multiple aspects and analyzing their own practices.

“They’ve been working through the instructional framework to see what works for students and what doesn’t,” Headrick said. “And it’s not a top-down from administration. It’s truly a partnership between staff and students.”

Campbell said the school will be in its Focus status for three years and that NWEA (Northwest Evaluation Association) and Smarter Balance testing, which is currently happening, will be “a baseline” for the school to determine where the school is. The school is also preparing to roll out the PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) program to help the school climate. Campbell said staff will explore new methods and adjust practices to help students.

“We’ll continue to look at data, monitor progress and see where we’re at,” Campbell said. “Our staff has worked hard this year and our students have too. I’m optimistic of where we’ll be.”

Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].