This month's AFT Advocate features an article about the Lowell Public Schools. The article summarizes Dr. Scott's work in Lowell and with the United Teachers of Lowell, beginning with the "school house visits" Dr. Scott began conducting two years ago with UTL President Paul Georges.
Last winter, a team from the Lowell Public Schools, consisting of teachers and school district representatives, traveled to an intensive training conducted by the AFT's Center for School Improvement Leadership. Professional Learning Communities across our district are a part of the culture in the Lowell Public Schools. Looking at student performance data in an extremely focused way in our PLCs is an authentic and meaningful approach. The Lowell Public Schools continuously holds such workshops that have trained hundreds of teachers and paraprofessionals across our district.
The goal of this work is to give teachers and others the tools to interpret student performance data and act on what they've learned about their students. The AFT article goes on to describe how teachers feel valued and have the support necessary to tackle the challenging work like never before.
According to 2009 MCAS testing data, students in Lowell showed more growth in Math than students in any other urban district in the state. As for student growth in English Language Arts, Lowell came out in the top third among urban districts statewide.
This is good news for the Lowell Public Schools, for the teachers and staff and families of Lowell who rely on us to best educate their children each and every day.
To read the complete article, click here.
-
