Information: www.bbharris.org or 770- 476-2241.
The challenges faced by urban schools are often a mix of educational, economic and cultural factors. Helping children overcome those challenges requires the ability to reach out not just to the students in the seats, but to the adults who provide the support systems as well.
One Gwinnett County elementary school was recently one of a handful across the country singled out for its efforts to overcome the obstacles that an urban school often presents. In May, the National Center for Urban School Transformation based at San Diego State University named Harris Elementary in Duluth one of six second-place winners among schools who are beating the odds. The award was based on more than improved test scores from the 875 students, said Principal Lauri Burton.
“They did look at our data going back years to see the sustained successes we’ve had,” she said, “but a team of five also did a site visit for an entire day. They talked to everybody - teachers, students, community volunteers. It was quite extensive.”
Burton, who has led the Title I school for more than eight years, said improvements came by chipping away at the problems that get in the way of students’ learning.
“We have high expectations, and our attitude is that everybody can do well,” she said. “I believe that’s key to our success.”
One area where significant strides have been made is communication, both for students and their families.
“We have a lot of English language learners here from all over the world,” said Burton. “But we bring them in and teach at a rigorous level.”
That education also extends to parents, who can take English classes at the school. Through the Parent Instructional Center, those who are not fluent in English can meet with parent-run groups who speak the same language to find out what’s happening at the school and how to help their children develop study skills and improve reading levels. For the last two years, Donna Power has run the Center and designed a variety of programs to draw parents into the school.
“We have parent-engagement programs, leadership programs, workshops to help parents help their students,” she said. “Right now, we have 42 families in the Korean speakers group and more in the Spanish group. I really reach out to parents who are intimidated about coming into the school. We’ve tried very hard to turn that culture around; we want them to come in, ask questions and check out resources to help their child.”
Strong involvement from the local community has also helped strengthen the school, said Power. “We have a very strong following of local churches and an active PTA. Having a group of engaged parents has made a difference.”
The difference is evident throughout the building, said Burton. “People come in every day to work with kids, to sit down and read with them, to talk with them during lunch. Our cafeteria is full of parents, and most data show that when parents are involved with children’s education, they do much better.”
As honored as she was to earn a second-place recognition from the San Diego center, Burton has her eye on doing better next year.
“We’re pretty proud to have earned a silver,” she said. “But they only give one gold for elementary, middle and high school, and that’s what I’m hoping for next year.”
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