PHOENIX, AZ -- (Marketwire) -- 08/09/11 -- In 2009, Clifton was identified as one of the lowest performing elementary schools in the state. Today, they are on their way to becoming one of the highest. The Clifton Elementary of Mesa County Valley School District 51 results show that grades 3-5 scored significantly higher than the goals it set for the 2011-12 school year in mathematics. The objective of their school transformation plan was to meet and exceed the state requirements in reading, writing, and math over the next three years: Clifton did it in one.
Michelle Mansheim, Principal of Clifton Elementary, believes the increases in their interim reading scores were also affected by the work Evans Newton Incorporated (ENI) has supported them with. "This was a complete culture shift for the entire school that spilled over to all aspects of instruction," Mansheim said.
Clifton's results demonstrate the rapid impact of the school improvement grant (SIG) they received in 2010. Using the grant funds, Clifton enlisted the support of ENI to improve math curriculum and instruction at the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year, and the results are compelling.
Mansheim stated, "We are so thankful for our partnership with ENI. With assistance in aligning curriculum, setting up processes, coaching of teachers, and assessment, we have been able to make incredible gains in student achievement and teacher growth. We look forward to continuing our work with ENI. We aren't truly successful until 100% of our students are successful."
This year, 3rd grade math scores jumped from 49.3% to 72.9% proficient and above, while 5th grade math soared from 30% to 71.4% proficient and above. This comes after years of struggling to make adequate yearly progress (AYP).
In order to accomplish this, Clifton had to overcome major hurdles to student achievement, including:
- A poverty level of 81%
- A staff turnover rate of 50%
- Lack of basic reading and math programs
- A school culture that said its students couldn't learn
ENI President Tami Zale commented, "ENI is proud to have played a part in the success of Clifton Elementary. From my experience, results like these are based upon everyone in the school -- leaders, teachers, and support staff -- working together on behalf of students and the belief that every student can learn."
Principal Mansheim described the school's transformation in a webinar titled, "Situation Analysis: Identifying Where You Are and Where You Need to Go." She is also expected to present at the ENI Common Core State Standards School Transformation Symposium in Scottsdale, Arizona from October 5-7, 2011. For more information or to register, please contact Melissa Myers at 800.443.0544 or mmyers@evansnewton.com. You can also register online at www.evansnewton.com/symposium.
About Clifton Elementary
Located in Clifton, Colorado, the school has approximately 470 students in grades PK-5. Its mission is to lead all students to reach their individual potential by rigorously pursuing and evaluating achievement of high academic and ethical standards in a disciplined, nurturing environment.
About Evans Newton Incorporated
Since 1973, the professionals at ENI have been working with schools to improve student achievement using innovative, customized programs tailored to state objectives and standardized tests. Our TargetTeach® process has been used by schools and districts across the country to create dramatic improvement in student performance while empowering teachers and school leaders by establishing a research-based foundation for sustainable change. The company is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. Learn more at: evansnewton.com/turnaround.
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Contact:
Jeff Angle
Evans Newton Incorporated
480-998-2777
jangle@evansnewton.com