Louisiana Schools Earn Top Gains Honors Through Focused Approach Built on Encouragement
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Published: Jun 27, 2024
Beyond any methodology or approach, Willow Charter Academy students in Felita Mitchell’s math class made tremendous gains thanks to a simple but immensely effective motivator – belief.
Sixth- and seventh- grade students came into her class at a low level of proficiency. The staff at Willow strategized to make sure students were aware of data and that teachers were aware of the part they played. They looked at state assessments, identified proficiency gaps, and had a weekly professional development in which teachers collaborated by discussing potential areas for improvement, such as possibly implementing a co-teaching method. If something was working in one class, another teacher could implement it in their class.
The approach worked, as Willow and another National Heritage Academies school, Advantage Charter Academy, earned Top Gains honors from the Louisiana Department of Education for their school performance score on the 2023-24 state assessments. Advantage earned a B rating for the third consecutive year and continues to be the top performing school in the city of Baker. Willow also earned a B rating, up nearly eight points from the previous year.
To earn Top Gains honors, a school demonstrates exceptional student progress and ensures that students meet or exceed their learning goals each year. The progress they displayed starts with the support their teachers showed.
“I remind them ‘You are the smartest kids on this campus. There’s no one that can beat you,’” Mitchell said. “A lot of kids that have that mentality that I can't do it because I had so many teachers tell me that I couldn’t but then you get to Miss Mitchell, you get that mentality that no matter what I’m going to do it. Once you leave me, remember that you can do it.”
Mitchell has been teaching for 32 years, including the past six at Willow. She said parents and students are amazed at the love and patience they experience not long after being enrolled, which stems from the passion she and her colleagues bring to the classroom.
“It is not a job for me,” she said. “I don't come here because I want a paycheck. I come here because I love what I do and I love to encourage kids. I love to enhance their learning. I tell them all the time, ‘You’re going to be the future.’ I want to make sure that you as my doctor can take care of me and give me the medication I’m supposed to take. I want to make sure that if you ever when you become president or vice president that you understand the position that you’re in and the control that you have.”
Jason Fisher, an at-risk teacher at Advantage, has helped students make strides by identifying frustrations and listening to students explain why they might be struggling. Making an effort like that gives students a foundation built on trust and enables them to flourish.
“One thing that we’re great to here at Advantage is building great relationships and getting our kids comfortable,” Fisher said. “Our leaders continue to develop us and push us so we can achieve success and set our scholars up for success.”
Helping students achieve in every aspect of their educational journey varies from person to person, and by encouraging them with a targeted approach, Advantage and Willow have helped them make great strides that will embolden them to even bigger things.
“Our theme this year, ‘Dream Big’ has truly come to life,” said Willow Principal Jessica Dominique. “This achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and resilience of our amazing students, faculty, and staff. Together, we’ve fostered an environment where big dreams are not only encouraged but realized!”
About National Heritage Academies
National Heritage Academies (NHA®) is a network of more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
Sixth- and seventh- grade students came into her class at a low level of proficiency. The staff at Willow strategized to make sure students were aware of data and that teachers were aware of the part they played. They looked at state assessments, identified proficiency gaps, and had a weekly professional development in which teachers collaborated by discussing potential areas for improvement, such as possibly implementing a co-teaching method. If something was working in one class, another teacher could implement it in their class.
The approach worked, as Willow and another National Heritage Academies school, Advantage Charter Academy, earned Top Gains honors from the Louisiana Department of Education for their school performance score on the 2023-24 state assessments. Advantage earned a B rating for the third consecutive year and continues to be the top performing school in the city of Baker. Willow also earned a B rating, up nearly eight points from the previous year.
To earn Top Gains honors, a school demonstrates exceptional student progress and ensures that students meet or exceed their learning goals each year. The progress they displayed starts with the support their teachers showed.
“I remind them ‘You are the smartest kids on this campus. There’s no one that can beat you,’” Mitchell said. “A lot of kids that have that mentality that I can't do it because I had so many teachers tell me that I couldn’t but then you get to Miss Mitchell, you get that mentality that no matter what I’m going to do it. Once you leave me, remember that you can do it.”
Mitchell has been teaching for 32 years, including the past six at Willow. She said parents and students are amazed at the love and patience they experience not long after being enrolled, which stems from the passion she and her colleagues bring to the classroom.
“It is not a job for me,” she said. “I don't come here because I want a paycheck. I come here because I love what I do and I love to encourage kids. I love to enhance their learning. I tell them all the time, ‘You’re going to be the future.’ I want to make sure that you as my doctor can take care of me and give me the medication I’m supposed to take. I want to make sure that if you ever when you become president or vice president that you understand the position that you’re in and the control that you have.”
Jason Fisher, an at-risk teacher at Advantage, has helped students make strides by identifying frustrations and listening to students explain why they might be struggling. Making an effort like that gives students a foundation built on trust and enables them to flourish.
“One thing that we’re great to here at Advantage is building great relationships and getting our kids comfortable,” Fisher said. “Our leaders continue to develop us and push us so we can achieve success and set our scholars up for success.”
Helping students achieve in every aspect of their educational journey varies from person to person, and by encouraging them with a targeted approach, Advantage and Willow have helped them make great strides that will embolden them to even bigger things.
“Our theme this year, ‘Dream Big’ has truly come to life,” said Willow Principal Jessica Dominique. “This achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and resilience of our amazing students, faculty, and staff. Together, we’ve fostered an environment where big dreams are not only encouraged but realized!”
About National Heritage Academies
National Heritage Academies (NHA®) is a network of more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.