Talk Priority Schools

I arrived in Colorado on October 25th, after my Priority Schools briefing by Denise Alston which was a great introduction to what we would be doing while in Colorado and how NEA could engage our members.  We traveled to Pueblo and arrived at Pitts Middle School at 7am for donuts/coffee with the staff and conversation regarding the “Turn-Around Model” selected by the district. The members were impressed with NEA for selecting their school and were candid in their responses to the questions we posed.  They were feeling somewhat anxious about the pressure and tension in the building as they are well aware that academic achievement must improve and they have a new principal who is providing support by hiring intervention specialist(s) in Reading and Math and allowing time for Professional Learning Communities at each grade level to meet weekly to discuss curriculum, parental engagement, student behavior and other relevant topics.  I observed each PLC at each grade level (8th, 7th and 6th).  The principal was very positive about changing the school climate and working with the staff for improvement.  I was struck by the commitment and dedication of the teachers to provide learning opportunities for students even with the challenges they face.  We visited classrooms to see teachers in an active role for providing instruction.  The Asst Superintendent and the staff from Global Partnerships were with us for the day. read more »