Clairfield Elementary School
Linda Keck, Principal
Clairfield Elementary School
6360 Highway 90
Clairfield, TN 37715
Recipe for Success:
During the past few years, Clairfield Elementary has sustained an evolution. Under the guidance of new administration, teachers, students, parents, and community have experienced a shift in attitude towards education. As a result, all aspects of the institutions learning environment has become positive, professional, and academic.
In 2001, Claiborne County received a new Director of Schools, Mr. Don Dobbs. As a direct result, a new principal was contracted at Clairfield. This administration had a clear vision of what was needed to improve test scores. Strong leadership with precise expectations gave the school the focus and direction it needed to flourish. One of the first acts of administration was to rotate and relocate some faculty and staff so that the best possible ambiance could be achieved for a more positive outcome. The wheels of success were now in motion.
Another source of instability was teachers felt unprepared for the task of supplying the intensive instruction that would be needed for dramatic success. They needed better materials, guided assistance and funding. Clairfield was granted Federal and State grants that enabled us to have programs such as Reading First, 21st Century Grant, Think Link, and SIG. Instructors were able to attend workshops and training they needed to create a professional classroom that could meet instructional and student benchmark goals. Personal goals and plans set forth by individuals helped equalize the workload. The entire school was focused on designing and maintaining an institution that would assure student success. With the balance of responsibilities, test scores improved and parents and community acquired a respect and pride in their school.
Parents played an essential role in the growth and development of our school. Parents begin to take a more appropriate and active role in their children's education. They started attending required conferences with teachers, staying abreast of their child's performance with current updates, and adhering to attendance and tardy policies.
The evolution of Clairfield Elementary into a successful academic institution was made possible by strong leadership, district support, highly motivated faculty and staff, and support from parents and the community.
The necessary changes made all stakeholders see the school in a new light.