2011 A+ Scholars Campout
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Why the Challenge?
Initiative Overview
The Challenge Network has four main project goals:
- Increase the achievement and college readiness of targeted middle school students (~150 A+ scholars per school)
- Improve teacher practice and capacity through hands-on coaching and targeted, customized professional development for teachers and principals
- Increase student achievement for all students in the targeted cohort grades (~400 students per grade per school)
- Sustain gains at each campus beyond the first two years of engagement
At each Challenge Network school, A+ works with teachers to identify the cohort of 150 students who scored between “proficient” and “commended” on TAKS in the previous academic year. The goal is to move these A+ Scholars up to commended levels within two years, while simultaneously improving instruction for students at all levels.
Students and families also receive information on pathways to college – such as preparing for and choosing the best high school coursework and learning about the SATs – as well as invitations to special events such as college visits.
All schools in the Challenge Network implement six common program components:
Baseline Analysis of Student Data
Students benefit when teachers know their academic history. Teachers and school leaders start the school year with detailed assessment results for students, in order to create an individualized roadmap for each student’s academic success.
Targeted Collaboration Among Teachers and Schools
Students benefit when teachers have time to plan together. Using assessment results and curriculum resources, teachers plan lessons targeted to student strengths and weaknesses and share ideas for improving practice. As Challenge Network schools collaborate, students gain access to promising practices from across the region.
Performance Coaching to Improve Teaching and Learning
Students benefit when teachers work continuously to improve their craft and have adequate support for doing so. A+ Performance Coaches work alongside teachers in classrooms to implement the best lessons, assessments, and interventions for students.
Continuous Assessment FOR Learning
Students benefit when teachers give consistent, immediate, minute-by-minute feedback. A+ Performance Coaches help teachers provide consistent, descriptive feedback to students and determine the next steps for teaching.
Family Engagement
Students benefit when school staff and families communicate effectively and share common goals for students. Houston A+ Challenge and Communities In Schools work with school staff to sign student and family commitments, and to continually engage families in achieving the goals of the Challenge Network.
Extra Instructional Time and Support to Meet Higher Standards
All students benefit from extra instructional time, not just students who are below proficient. To ensure that students reach and maintain high levels of performance, Challenge Network schools commit to providing extra time and support for all students.
