Episode Details

Happy Friday!

Thank you to everyone for your continued dedication and hard work this week. Your efforts make all the difference in the success of our students. I would especially like to thank those who have been working tirelessly to deliver the preliminary ATLAS tests. Your commitment to providing high-quality assessments ensures we start the year with a strong understanding of our students' needs. But remember, it is not how we start that is most important but how we finish.

This Wrap-up is about our continual focus on excellence in Tier 1 instruction, maintaining our safety protocols, and celebrating the successes that make Mena Public Schools a community of growth and achievement.

Reinforcing Our Focus on Tier 1 Instruction

As we continue our focus on Tier 1 instruction, it is important to revisit the insights shared in the Thought Exchange conducted toward the end of last year. The overwhelming consensus from our staff is that Tier 1 instruction serves as the foundation of student learning. It is designed to ensure that all students receive high-quality, grade-level instruction using standardized, evidence-based strategies.

Tier 1 instruction is essential in setting the stage for future learning. Teachers highlighted the importance of using high-quality instructional materials and delivering lessons that are both engaging and differentiated. These strategies ensure that every student can access and succeed with grade-level standards, regardless of their background or learning pace.

Our new teachers, in particular, should understand that from the district’s perspective, Tier 1 is non-negotiable. It is the primary layer of instruction that all students experience, and we must deliver this instruction daily, using direct, explicit methods that build on prior knowledge. We must also assess students regularly to monitor progress and ensure mastery of the skills and concepts they need to advance.

As we move forward, we will stay committed to this focus and make sure we are providing consistent, high-quality Tier 1 instruction to all our students.

Countering Negative Press While Acknowledging Needed Growth

As many of you know, there has been a recent Gallup poll on parent satisfaction with K-12 education that has garnered some attention. Depending on which headline you read, the interpretation of data in the survey could be vastly different. For instance, one article highlights that "More than half of Americans 'dissatisfied' with K-12 education", while another headline states, "Why did satisfaction with K-12 rise in the past year despite little changes?". It is worth noting that even Gallup’s own headline was positive, and they are the people who gathered the data. You can see their article titled "Americans' View of Education Improves From 2023 Low".

As a school, we must read and understand data and news about our chosen profession and counter the negative narratives by showcasing the tremendous work we are doing to support our students. Test scores are one measure, but they do not tell the full story of student growth or the incredible dedication of our staff. Every day, we are creating opportunities for success, focusing on the whole child, and making a difference. We need to ensure that these successes are part of the conversation as well.

That being said, it is essential that we also ac