Posted on Feb. 26 2010 by IUSD.net
Sailing to Greatness: Daniel Freeman Elementary is Named a “High Achieving School
It took a lot of hard work over the past three years, but in 2003—the third consecutive year that its students made major gains on state tests— Daniel Freeman Elementary School was named a California State Title 1 Achieving School.
A State Honor
California has nearly 5,000 Title 1 schools, which receive federal funds for low-income children. Out of those 5,000 schools, Daniel Freeman Elementary School was one of only 115 schools to receive the award in 2003.
At a school-and-community celebration, Dr. Leonard Osborne, former Interim Superintendent of the Inglewood Unified School District, commented that “Daniel Freeman Elementary is not only a high achieving Title 1 school, it is simply a high achieving school.” His words could not have more true. In 2002, Daniel Freeman students earned a state Academic Performance Index (API) score of 753, just 47 points shy of 800—the State’s equivalent of scoring an “A.” On California’s 2002 Similar Schools Report, Daniel Freeman ranks a “10” on a scale of 1-10.
Much More Than Test Scores…
To be eligible for the Title 1 Achieving School distinction, a school must have a 2002 score of 675 or higher. It must have reached its “growth target”—the goal set for it by the state—for three consecutive years.
However, the award is not based on test scores alone. A school has to show that all students have the opportunity to do very well; that staff take part in continuous training; that specialized programs such as “Gifted and Talented” and “Special Education” are effective; that each student’s needs are met; and that the school works together with parents and the community. Under the leadership of Principal Sammie Young, Daniel Freeman Elementary School excelled in all of these areas.
No Child is Left Behind
At Daniel Freeman Elementary School, teachers team up regularly to study test results and keep track of students’ progress. Students who need extra help can take part in tutoring after school, on Saturdays, or during the summer. For those who have other needs—such as counseling, anger management training, or speech assistance—there are special programs to help. The school’s philosophy is that if all the child’s needs are met, it will help him or her “to achieve on all levels.”
“Your Title 1 school has proven that the achievement gap can be closed if every child has the chance to learn and succeed,” wrote Anne McKinney from the U.S. Department of Education in a letter to Ms. Young. “Your staff’s work and accomplishments exemplify [President Bush’s] goal to assure that no child has been left behind.”
Making Use of Resources
Daniel Freeman offers a long list of specialized programs—from the federally-funded “Reading is Fundamental” (students receive free books to build their own home libraries); to school and district-based programs like the “Science and Math Magnet” and “Peace Builders” (students learn peace-keeping techniques); from university-sponsored programs such as “Five a Day Power Play” (students and parents learn to make good nutritional choices); to programs made possible by community and business partnerships, such as Jet Propulsion Lab’s “Computers for Schools” (which donated $58,000 worth of technology equipment) and the “Rites of Passage” mentoring program with the Inglewood Police Department, to name a few.
A Well-Run School
It can be said that half the battle in running a school is good management—especially with so many different programs to coordinate—and it is something that Daniel Freeman Elementary School has down to a science. Second grade teacher Vida Henderson attributes this fact to “a lot of collaborative work amongst the whole school. We’re not leaving anybody out,” she said. “Everyone has a place and a chance to be involved.”
Parents Get Points for Getting Involved
As a part of Daniel Freeman’s innovative new “Parent Points Award Program,” parents earn points for attending school activities. At 500 points, they win a dinner for two at a local restaurant. “Parents are the child’s first teachers,” explained Principal Sammie Young. “[Their teaching] has to continue throughout the school years. Parents have to know what’s going on in school so they can reinforce it at home.” For this reason, parental involvement has been a major emphasis at Daniel Freeman Elementary this year. In addition to the “Parent Points” program, many parents are part of PTA, Freeman Dad’s Club, and school advisory committees.
Opening Children’s Eyes to the World
Traditionally, students go on two field trips per year. At Daniel Freeman, those who work hard and do well in school are rewarded with a third. In 2003, students visited the Getty Museum, the California Science Center, the Arboretum, the Kidspace Museum, the African-American Film Festival, IMAX, and the Music Center Special Arts Festival, to name a few. At the same time, the school hosts assemblies and activities to broaden students’ horizons. Program Coordinator Suzanne Simmons is always on the lookout for new grants to provide extra opportunities for students.
The Making of a High Achieving School
When Principal Sammie Young arrived at Daniel Freeman in 2001, she found a “high achieving school” already in the making. “Daniel Freeman had already started up the ladder,” she said. “The API scores had already started to go up. I just brought in some ideas as to how to push them up a little more.” \