Black Oak Elementary School
Tommy Carpenter, Principal
Black Oak Elementary School
365 North Shawtown Rd
Hornbeak, TN 38232
Recipe for Success:
Black Oak School is a title one school located in Obion County. Black Oak serves grades pre-kindergarten through eighth grade with a student population of 396 with the percentage of economically disadvantaged students at 64.2%.
The first step in reaching the goal of improving Value-Added scores was to study and focus on the test data to determine strengths and weaknesses. Black Oak Elementary School faculty and staff reviewed the current status of our school by collecting profile data, examining our beliefs, and reviewing our goals.
In evaluating our math scores, it was determined that students entering 6th grade were weak in basic computation skills. To improve math computation skills:
- the Accelerated Math program was purchased from Renaissance Learning and implemented in 4th and 5th grades
- An increase in time was scheduled in classrooms to promote mathematics
- The amount of time in the computer lab was increased from one day per week to two days per week. One day in the lab was devoted to math and the other to reading.
Using the ideas expressed in Mike Schmoker's book, Results, The Key to Continuous School Improvement focus collaboration meetings were held on a bi-weekly basis between teachers in the same grade and monthly meetings with teachers in lateral grades. The purpose of the meetings was to focus on the achievement of Student Performance Indicators as selected by the team.
The evaluation of data in reading indicated that there was a weakness in reading comprehension. To improve comprehension:
- Accelerated Reading from Renaissance Learning was expanded to all grades
- A family reading night was established to involve parents in the reading program
- Increased class time was scheduled in both classroom and computer lab for the purpose of reading skills based on Student Performance Indicators
- In school and after school tutoring was established for all students.
Black Oak faculty and staff recognize that the key to continued improvement in Value Added Scores is to determine the proficiency level of an individual student and to move that student forward from that point.