Clark county cluster_white_paper

Helping Drive Achievement

in Clark County

Our children’s ability to meet the expectations of a rapidly changing world relies

on an education where they can reach the highest levels of achievement.

EdisonLearning partners with schools to provide solutions that inspire students

to think, learn, and succeed – and prepare them to meet their full potential and

the expectations of the 21st century workplace.

The Clark County School District (CCSD) is the 5th largest school district in the country, serving nearly 300,000 students. In 2001, Superintendent Carlos Garcia sought a breakthrough program that would help the district’s lowest performing schools increase student achievement.

EdisonLearning was selected to partner with six of the district’s lowest performing schools to help achieve this goal. The schools chosen were Marion Cahlan, Crestwood, Lincoln, Ann T. Lynch, John S. Park and C.C. Ronnow Elementary Schools. These schools have a high percentage of Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and Free and Reduced Lunch (FRL) students.

Working with EdisonLearning, the schools utilized the EdisonLearning® School Designs model. The School Designs model is a comprehensive approach to education that addresses the entire learning experience and how it is delivered. The model benefits from EdisonLearning’s 20 years of experience in helping schools succeed.

With EdisonLearning as a supportive partner, these schools have not only been able to increase student achievement, but also create a learning environment that fosters student success, promotes greater school choice, supports community involvement and provides an education enhanced by the benefits of teacher satisfaction and parent engagement.

The Challenge in Clark County School District

The team of Principals and Teachers at EdisonLearning Partnership Schools effectively implement the School Designs model with fidelity.

From the time our partnership began, students at EdisonLearning Partnership Schools have shown increased achievement in the areas of Reading and Math.

In addition, length of partnership has a direct and positive impact on student achievement.

EdisonLearning Las Vegas Partnership SchoolsMath and Reading Combined Results

Meets & Exceeds Standards2003 – 2009 CRT

EdisonLearning Partnership Schools exhibit significant and steady gains throughout the course of partnership.

Helping to Drive Achievement in Clark County

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

27

40

59

44

54

29

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Comparable (+17 points)

Empowerment (+19 points)

EdisonLearning (+25 points)


*Source: Nevada Department of Education, 2009

“In 2001 we were struggling academically. Achieving at only 20%, Park was the lowest performing school in the district. Teachers lacked direction and the school needed greater continuity in its curriculum.”

- Lorna James-Cervantes,Principal

Park-Edison Elementary

Black

Latino

Natives

Asian

White

82.3%

40.4%

22.7%

30.1%

6.6%

0.4%

6.3%

8.1%

2.5%0.3%

EdisonLearning Demographic

Empowerment Demographic Partnership SchoolsFRL Demographic

Empowerment Schools FRL Demographic

84%

16%

58%

42%

% FRL % Non-FRL

Partnership SchoolsLEP Demographic

Empowerment SchoolsLEP Demographic

66%

34%

% LEP % Non-LEP

In the 2010-2011 school year, there will be 30 Empowerment Schools in Clark County School District. Empowerment schools are given greater autonomy and accountability to increase student achievement. They evolved from the be-lief that, if schools are to be held accountable for student achievement, they should be given the freedom to deter-mine what will best accomplish their goals . They came into existence in CCSD from the Superintendent’s commitment to the Board to look for new ways to help schools succeed.

EdisonLearning Partnership Schools are similar to Empow-erment Schools in that both are given the autonomy to determine how to best accomplish their goals.

The two types of schools are different, however, in the make-up of their student populations. EdisonLearning Partnership Schools have significantly larger LEP and FRL populations.

Partnership Schools have an LEP population of 66% com-pared to a 40% LEP population at Empowerment Schools. In addition, Partnership Schools FRL population exceeds that of Empowerment Schools at 84% compared to 58%.

Students attending EdisonLearning Partnership Schools show a higher rate of gain on Nevada Criterion Referenced Tests (CRTs). Even with the added challenges these groups encounter, such as mastery of a new language in the case of LEP students, these schools have been able to close the achievement gap.

Defining The Challenge

60%

40%

“Since our relationship began, Edison[Learning] has been a committed partner, helping us to improve our schools by providing our Teachers and Principals with the professional development and support that they need to drive achievement. Edison[Learning] works closely with us–on an ongoing basis–to make sure that they continue to be responsive to our school-specific needs. Together we are truly improving educational outcomes for Las Vegas students.”

– Marsha Irvin, Former Northeast Region SuperintendentClark County School District

Despite having the largest LEP population, Partnership School gains in Reading and Math are up 25 points from 2003

Despite having the largest FRL population, Partnership School gains in Reading and Math are up 27 points from 2003

LEP and FRL Results







*Source: Nevada Department of Education, 2009

Math and Reading Combined Results Meets & Exceeds Standards

LEP Students 2004 - 2009

Math and Reading Combined Results Meets & Exceeds Standards FRL Students 2004 - 2009

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

2004

2004

2009

2009

16

23

34

43

44

54

19

27

20

31

41

53EdisonLearning (+27 points)


Parent SatisfactionAccording to a recent U.S. Department of Education report, “thirty years of research shows that greater family involvement in children’s learning is a critical link to achieving a high-quality education and a safe disciplined learning environment for every student.” Parent participation in the education of their children has been linked to increased reading ability, higher grades and attendance rates, more positive attitudes toward school, improved graduation rates, and higher rates of enrollment in higher education.

Family and community is a big part of the EdisonLearning Partnership School culture.

Parents have the opportunity to talk face-to-face with their child’s teacher quarterly and discuss their child’s progress and ways to become more engaged in their child’s education. Special care is always taken to ensure all parent communication overcomes any possible language barrier.

EdisonLearning Partnership Schools score high with parents. On the 2008-2009 Harris Survey, 95% of parents with children attending Partnership Schools gave their school an overall satisfaction Grade of A or B.

“I chose to send my child to an EdisonLearning (partnership) school because the structure and academic programs challenge my child to do her best. She is proficient in reading and math and I know she is getting a great education.”

- Detricia Wroten, ParentLynch-Edison Elementary School of a Third Grade Student

Teacher SatisfactionEdisonLearning Partnership Schools have a higher average attendance rate and lower teacher turn-over rate than that of the district, and in most cases, the nation.

“What impresses me most about working at an EdisonLearning (Partnership) School is the sense of belonging and being part of a team that is willing and able to collaborate and support you in all that you do. At Ann T. Lynch-Edison, I am part of a family which values my thoughts, ideas, and opinions. It is professionalism personified!”

- Pamela A. Robles, Intermediate Teacher & Learning Strategist

Lynch-Edison Elementary School

Prepared for the FuturePrincipals at EdisonLearning Partnership Schools in CCSD receive overwhelmingly consistent feedback on their graduates. Middle Schools report back on the academic preparedness and exceptional conduct of 6th graders moving up from Partnership Schools.

“Before our partnership with EdisonLearning, 60% of our graduates were failing out of 6th grade. Now our Middle Schools are overwhelmed by the readiness and outstanding behavior of our students.”

- Lorna James-Cervantes, Principal Park-Edison Elementary

There is a positive correlation between teacher satisfaction and student achievement.

EdisonLearning® School DesginsEdisonLearning School Designs is a comprehensive approach to education, one that addresses the entire learning experience and how it is delivered – from school organization and scheduling, to curriculum, professional development, and administration.

School Designs is based on EdisonLearning’s Four Cornerstones™ of highly effective schools: Top Talent; Culture of Engagement and Aspiration; Demanding Content and Customized Instruction; and Achievement-Driven Management.

The Four Cornerstones come to life at our Partnership Schools.

• Recruiting and training the best educators • Nurturing a school culture that supports all learners • Choosing a challenging, innovative, student-focused curriculum • Effective management of all the factors that impact achievement

Monthly Benchmark AssessmentsEdisonLearning Benchmarks are formative assessments that provide data on student learning progress toward end-of-year standards. Benchmarks make it much easier for teachers and other users to diagnose each student’s knowledge throughout the school year and adjust instruction to improve learning outcomes.

“Teachers are able to adjust their teaching and instruction based on monthly Benchmarks. At Crestwood-Edison, they don’t have to wait; remediation, event acceleration, is immediate.”

- Kalandra Sheppard, PrincipalCrestwood-Edison Elementary School

✔ Teachers receive quick and reliable feedback on how every student is progressing toward mastery of state standards, enabling them to make real-time adjustments as necessary.

✔ Access to results helps students set individual learning goals and monitor progress, enabling them to take ownership of their own learning.

✔ Administrators benefit from information about strengths and weaknesses of whole classes and grade levels.

✔ School leaders and teachers are trained on using and analyzing the data that Benchmarks provide.

Benchmark assessments advance teaching and learning in several important ways:

“Nobody has anything close to a system where students are assessed monthly, feedback is within the touch of a button and it is comparable from month to month.

“Without Benchmarks, we’d be shooting in the dark

toward end-of-year standards.”

- Debra Slauzis, PrincipalLynch-Edison Elementary School

“The Eight Core Values allow students to take pride in themselves. I see their courage to stand up and say ‘yes, I’m doing my best.’

WiSDom

JuSTiCE

CouRAGE

ComPASSioN

HoPE

RESPECT

RESPoNSiBiLiTy

iNTEGRiTy

By actively promoting and embracing the Core Values, we provide a clear reference point that encourages the formation of a positive learning environment. This is true for all members of the EdisonLearning community, including teachers, administrators, students, and parents.

EdisonLearning

Eight Core Values

- Wanda Renfrow, Principal Cahlan-Edison Elementary School

Professional DevelopmentAn extended day gives teachers instruction-free periods that are protected Professional Development times. Teachers use this time to learn and work together. They collaborate to develop and coordinate curriculum, to share and refine instructional strategies and to address the needs of individual students across grade levels.

“Coming from a background in business, EdisonLearning served as a challenging and rewarding path into the world of education. I was really impressed with the amount of support and sharing of information all designed to serve the students on their paths to an educated future.”

- Christopher Mahoney, 4th Grade Lead TeacherLincoln-Edison Elementary School

In addition, EdisonLearning’s national reach provides a unique opportunity for school leaders to meet several times annually to share best practices and connect with a powerful network of colleagues from across the country.

During the 2008/09 school year, Principals from Park-Edison, Lynch-Edison and Cahlan-Edison were chosen to speak at a National EdisonLearning Symposium on English Language Learners. Together they shared successful practices in ELL that drive student achievement.

Longer school daysThe extended day set at 8 hours affords more time for instruction and special activities and subjects for students.

“I feel that my daughter is getting a much better education at Park-Edison. The longer school day, and opportunities for extra-curricular activities are helping to make my child a college bound student in the future.”

– Kimberly Fundaro, Learning Strategist and ParentPark-Edison Elementary School

CurriculumConsistent curriculum from year-to-year helps grow teacher competency in delivering lessons.

“We were in tune with each other… The Success for All (SFA) reading program is the heart of the school and I haven’t been part of any literacy program since that offers such a powerful schoolwide structure for literacy.”

- Jim Britelli, Former TeacherLincoln-Edison Elementary School Teacher

more Parent interactionEdisonLearning Partnership Schools have the privilege of meeting with parents, face-to-face, each quarter. During these meetings, families actively work on quarterly Student Learning Contracts. Overall accountability is enhanced by the frequency and active involvement of families in both a review of performance to date, and the setting of specific goals, expectations and action plans for the coming quarter.

At EdisonLearning Partner Schools in CCSD attendance at all four annual Student Learning Contract meetings is 100%!

A Common Focus on Character DevelopmentFocusing on each student’s character and social development is an instrumental part of overall academic development. Embracing EdisonLearning’s Eight Core Values support a culture of engagement and aspiration.

EdisonLearning partners cite the positive changes that occur among teachers, administrators, students, and parents when all members of the school community actively embrace the Eight Core Values.

EdisonLearning Partnership Schools in CCSD show consistent gains in students meeting and exceeding standards on Nevada CRTs. Students attending EdisonLearning Partnership Schools show a significantly higher rate of gain across the entire student body including the challenging LEP and FRL populations.

ParTnershiP WiTh resulTs

Out of 36 measurable areas of achievement gains, EdisonLearning Partnership Schools in CCSD exceed those of Empowerment and Comparable Schools 94% of the time.

Of those instances in which Partnership School achievement gains do not outweigh those of Comparable and Empowerment Schools the majority of those differences amount to less than 2 points.

PerCenT sTuDenTs MeeTing anD exCeeDing sTanDarDs 2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009

Reading Math LEP Reading LEP Math FRL Reading FRL MathLynch-Edison Elementary 21.7 45.4 33 60.3 7 35.2 14 52.3 20 45.2 20 61.2Gains 23.7 27.3 28.2 38.3 25.2 41.2Comparable Schools 20.6 40 28.1 48.9 9.2 28.2 21.7 40 19 39.4 27 47.9Gains 19.4 20.8 19 18.3 20.4 20.9Empowerment Schools 36.1 55.9 42.9 61.6 15 34.2 24.7 47.2 26.3 49.7 35.6 55.3Gains 19.8 18.7 19.2 22.5 23.4 19.7

2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009

Reading Math LEP Reading LEP Math FRL Reading FRL MathC.C. Ronnow-Edison Elementary 17 44.3 35 56.3 12 29.6 31 45.4 17 43.2 35 56Gains 27.3 21.3 17.6 14.4 26.2 21Comparable Schools 20.6 39.5 28.1 48.9 9.2 28.2 21.7 40 19 39.4 27 47.9Gains 18.9 20.8 19 18.3 20.4 20.9Empowerment Schools 36.1 55.9 42.9 61.6 15 34.2 24.7 47.2 26.3 49.7 35.6 55.3Gains 19.8 18.7 19.2 22.5 23.4 19.7

2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009

Reading Math LEP Reading LEP Math FRL Reading FRL MathCrestwood-Edison Elementary 27 58.2 44 63.7 13 42.8 32 54.1 25 56.4 44 62.8Gains 31.2 19.7 29.8 22.1 31.4 18.8Comparable Schools 20.6 39.5 28.1 48.9 9.2 28.2 21.7 40 19 39.4 27 47.9Gains 18.9 20.8 19 18.3 20.4 20.9Empowerment Schools 36.1 55.9 42.9 61.6 15 34.2 24.7 47.2 26.3 49.7 35.6 55.3Gains 19.8 18.7 19.2 22.5 23.4 19.7

2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009

Reading Math LEP Reading LEP Math FRL Reading FRL MathPark-Edison Elementary 23 44.2 31 55 13 32.3 24 50.9 23 42.1 34 54.1Gains 21.2 24 19.3 26.9 19.1 20.1Comparable Schools 20.6 39.5 28.1 48.9 9.2 28.2 21.7 40 19 39.4 27 47.9Gains 18.9 20.8 19 18.3 20.4 20.9Empowerment Schools 36.1 55.9 42.9 61.6 15 34.2 24.7 47.2 26.3 49.7 35.6 55.3Gains 19.8 18.7 19.2 22.5 23.4 19.7

2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009

Reading Math LEP Reading LEP Math FRL Reading FRL MathLincoln-Edison Elementary 21 52.2 28 59.2 13 41.5 26 53.8 21 52.2 28 59.2Gains 31.2 31.2 28.5 27.8 31.2 31.2Comparable Schools 20.6 39.5 28.1 48.9 9.2 28.2 21.7 40 19 39.4 27 47.9Gains 18.9 20.8 19 18.3 20.4 20.9Empowerment Schools 36.1 55.9 42.9 61.6 15 34.2 24.7 47.2 26.3 49.7 35.6 55.3Gains 19.8 18.6 19.2 22.5 23.4 19.7

2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009

Reading Math LEP Reading LEP Math FRL Reading FRL MathCahlan-Edison Elementary 27 48.3 38 65.1 12 36.4 29 58.5 21 47.7 40 63.5Gains 21.3 27.1 24.4 29.5 26.7 23.5Comparable Schools 24 39.5 28.1 48.9 9.2 28.2 21.7 40 19 39.4 27 47.9Gains 15.5 20.8 19 18.3 20.4 20.9Empowerment Schools 39.6 55.9 42.9 61.6 15 34.2 24.7 47.2 26.3 49.7 35.6 55.3Gains 16.3 18.7 19.2 22.5 23.4 19.7

Source: Nevada Department of Education, 2009

“i have parents asking on a regular basis if EdisonLearning will be renewing the contract and concerned that it might not be renewed. This community is very satisfied with the school design and curriculum that we provide our students. They see the benefits of the partnership and are very supportive of keeping that partnership.”

- Jon Herring, PrincipalC.C. Ronnow-Edison Elementary School

“As an instructor at an EdisonLearning (Partnership) School, i find that the emphasis on quality instruction for all students is an objective that is not only in writing, but supported through a variety of research-based programs, resources, and professional development opportunities. Being part of Edison means being part of an academic community that gives teachers the support that they need to offer young learners the best opportunities to achieve their goals.”

- Joyce Gomez, 2nd Grade Lead TeacherLincoln-Edison Elementary School

“i love the value of having the extended day at Crestwood. Students are able to have additional time to learn concepts and skills. As a parent i feel my children are fortunate to be able to have additional time in fine arts, science, reading, and math that they would not get if Crestwood wasn’t an EdisonLearning partnership school.”

- Miriam Quinteros, ParentCrestwood-Edison Elementary School

“We stand out from other schools because of our EdisonLearning school design; our outstanding curriculum, the opportunity to work together as a staff to meet common goals and because of monthly Benchmarks which provide regular, real-time assessments of student performance allowing us to adjust and inform instruction for each individual child… Without these tools and this structure we wouldn’t be able to perform at the level we’re performing right now.”

- Lorna James-Cervantes, Principal Park-Edison Elementary

“my kids have made a lot of progress thanks to the EdisonLearning program.”

-Rubi Medina, ParentLincoln-Edison Elementary School

“With EdisonLearning Benchmarks i am able to speak confidently about each student’s strengths and weaknesses to parents. This, in turn, allows the parents to fully engage in their child’s learning as well as celebrate their child’s success.”

– Susanie Ann Egan, 4th Grade TeacherPark-Edison Elementary School

EdisonLearning, inc.485 Lexington AvenueNew York, NY 10017www.edisonlearning.com

EL10 09.10

www.edisonlearning.com/ccsd

EdisonLearning Partnership Schools

Dr. Laverne White Regional General Manager C: 917.714-6136Birdie miller, Ed.D. Vice President Educational Services C: 719.210.1625michelle Schmitt Regional Controller o: 719.574.4613Rose Branson Business Specialist/SOM C: 702.241.7005 F: 702.799.7904 ext. 2120 Cahlan-Edison Elementary School P: 702.799.7103 F: 702.799.0406 2801 Fort Sumter Dr. Wanda Renfrow Principal ext. 2004North Las Vegas, NV 89030 Robert Rava Academy Director ext. 2005 Crestwood-Edison Elementary School P: 702.799.7890 F: 702.799.7884 1300 Pauline Way Kalandra Sheppard Principal ext. 2004Las Vegas, NV 89104 Jennifear Boccia Academy Director ext. 2005 Lincoln-Edison Elementary School P: 702.799.7133 F: 702.799.1724 3010 Berg St Keith France Principal ext. 2001North Las Vegas, NV 89030 Chris Popek Academy Director ext. 2002 Lynch-Edison Elementary School P: 702.799.8820 F: 702.799.8895 4850 Kell Lane Debbie Slauzis Principal ext. 3004Las Vegas, NV 89115 Diana Cruz Academy Director ext. 2162 Park-Edison Elementary School P: 702.799.7904 F: 702.799.7949 931 Franklin Ave Lorna James-Cervantes Principal ext. 2310Las Vegas, NV 89104 Claudia Martinez Academy Director ext. 2392 Ronnow-Edison Elementary School P: 702.799.7159 F: 702.799.7164 1100 Lena St Jon Herring Principal ext. 2001Las Vegas, NV 89101 Bernard Chamberlain Academy Director ext. 2006

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EdisonLearning®, the EdisonLearning logo and the Edison “e” mark are trademarks of EdisonLearning, Inc.

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