Educators from all over New Jersey were invited to the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association Headquarters in Jamesburg this past Tuesday to hear the results of the first completed assessment of the “Just for Kids Benchmark” schools. The idea behind benchmark schools, which are chosen on the basis of consistent high performances on state assessment tests, is to identify how these schools do so well, and then apply those tools to other schools.
“This is an Illustrative Best Practices study,” said William Firestone, professor of education at Rutgers University and a member of the research panel. “We’re trying to show what we could do if we had the chance to do a series of these studies. This was a first effort.”
Studying the six
The study began some time in the fall and December. There were 28 schools in the state whose positive data resulted in their getting “benchmark” status. Six were studied to find out the secrets of their success, including two schools from Hudson County – Christopher Columbus Middle School in Union City and Horace Mann Elementary School in North Bergen.
“What they have in common is that they all scored higher than you would predict,” said Firestone on comparing schools with similar demographics.
This particular study was based on middle schools grades 4 through 8. Ultimately the research team would like to do studies on elementary, middle and high schools, as well as compare high-performing schools with average schools. The studies at this point are suggestive, not definitive.
The conference got underway at about 9 a.m. After some brief introductions and information, the discussion was turned over to Jeff Osowski, vice president of educational policy at the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce.
One of the three principal panel members was Clara Herrera, principal of West New York Public school No. 3. She was accompanied to the event by the principals of West New York schools 4 and 5, who all recently reached benchmark status.
Most of the 28 benchmark middle schools were represented at the event, and about 30 principals from other middle schools throughout the state were in attendance eager to learn of the findings.
Representatives from the Business Coalition for Educational Excellence included Dana Egreczky and George Koodray.
Osowski gave of synopsis of the BCEE’s mission, and their project with the benchmark schools.
“This is not to criticize or rank low-performing schools; it’s to help find essential and effective practices,” said Osowski. “This eliminates blame and excuses. You study what works and do what works. That’s how you improve.”
He also emphasized that these schools were top models in their groups.
The findings
The discussion was turned over to William Firestone, who proceeded explain the process on how these schools were studied, which included individual visits by the research team.
According to the BCEE’s news release, “The study identified education practices in three major clusters: School Cultures that Respect and Motivate Teachers and Students; Organization of Curriculum and Instruction; and Other Facilitating Factors that Support the First Two Clusters of Practices.”
Roberta Schorr, another member of the Rutgers team, took over to explain in more depth each of the clusters. On of the main things she pointed out for culture was that in these particular schools, there is a sense of camaraderie among the staff and student population, and the staff includes anyone from the principal to the janitor. Everyone is motivated and given respect and support.
The main point in Curriculum and Instruction was the flexibility in applying the curriculum. A few schools didn’t put as much emphasis on preparation for state assessment tests like the Eighth Grade Proficiency Assessment (GEPA), while other schools would begin prepping for the GEPA as early as fifth grade.
As for the cluster of Facilitators, there were many reasons why these schools did progressively well including effective principal leadership and recognition of teachers and students.
Afterwards, the floor was opened up for questions and answers, so the principals and visiting superintendents had a chance to comment on the study and ask any questions. All the information on benchmark schools can be found on Just for the Kids website, www.just4kids.org.
“We’re sharing information with coalitions like these middle schools,” said Schorr about how to carry out personal visits. “Any other school can find the schools they want to visit.”
Opinions
“I thought it was amazing to see how many schools have things in common,” said Geri Perez, principal of Christopher Columbus School. “These are common-sense principles that have to be put into use.”
Principal Perez is very proud of the accomplishments of her school.
“The model is successful by design,” said Perez. “It starts with the teaching facilitators, a great deal of support from our superintendent, and a team of very committed teachers. We don’t change for the sake of change; we change for the sake of improvement.”
Following the announcement of the results, a discussion panel of school principals joined the Rutgers research team in continuing to ask questions and hear comments. The principals also took the time to share the type of programs implemented in their schools and their culture.