Indy Education: How one Sparks school is getting banner results from students with special needs
Good morning, and welcome to the Indy Education newsletter. I’m Rocio Hernandez, The Nevada Independent’s K-12 education reporter.
This newsletter provides a recap of the latest education stories and highlights interesting educators, students, programs and other events and resources throughout the state. Click here to subscribe to the newsletter and receive it each week via email.
Happy New Year! Hope everyone had a fun and relaxing winter break. I took some time off to enjoy the holidays with my family, and ate probably way too many tamales. But I'm ready to get back into the swing of things, get you up to speed on things you may have missed during your down time and preview some things to look forward to this year.
I want to hear from you! Send questions, comments or suggestions on what I should be covering to [email protected].
News briefs
🏫 Higher ed officials launch federal financial aid state challenge — The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) has launched a statewide challenge to encourage schools to get their college-bound students to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The federal government and many states and colleges use the FAFSA to determine if students are eligible for grants, loans and work study.
The competition runs from Jan. 1 through March 31. The high school with the most improved FAFSA completion rate year-over-year will receive a $1,000 prize and a recognition banner. Additionally, schools that achieve 100 percent FAFSA completion will be honored at an upcoming NSHE Board of Regents meeting and be featured on the NSHE and Apply Nevada websites.
School Spotlight
Federally recognized Sparks school emphasizes relationships to get to the root of student needs
Principal Jason Shipman said while all Washoe County schools care about their students, he thinks his school has an extra ingredient that sets it apart from the rest.
In addition to academics, Shipman said his staff at Florence Drake Elementary School in Sparks is focused on building strong relationships with the school community that have helped them identify and address what students and their families — especially English learners, students from low income households and students with disabilities — need to succeed.
“There's just a special way that we create family here and a sense of belonging for our students,” Shipman said in a recent interview. “Our team is very proactive at staying ahead of family needs and keeping open lines of communication so that we can break down any barriers … so that their students can show up ready to learn every day.”
About 20 percent of Drake’s students are English learners and about 30 percent have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to receive special education. Nearly all Drake students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.
Shipman, who has been the principal at Drake for three years, and the school’s dean regularly pitch in and join teachers in pulling out small groups of students to give them extra support on anything from reading to math.
“That's the best part of my day — any day when I get to work with the students and interact with them at an instructional level. That's what we are all so passionate about,” Shipman said.
These efforts have resulted in proficiency rates that have met and even exceeded the district’s overall proficiency rate for English Language Arts, math and science for the past two school years as well as the state’s annual targets for all schools’ performance.
For example, during the 2023-24 school year, the math proficiency rate for Drake students in special education (about 71 percent) far exceeded the district’s overall math proficiency for that student group, 19 percent, and the state’s target of 39 percent. In 2023, Drake hit its proficiency goals for students who are experiencing homelessness, according to the Nevada Department of Education, though that data was not immediately available.
In November, Drake’s academic achievements among these student groups earned it recognition from the National Association of ESEA (Elementary and Secondary Education Act) State Program Administrators. Part of the ESEA Act, a 1965 federal law, specifically authorizes federal aid for disadvantaged students and requires states to create accountability systems for public schools to improve student achievement.
The distinction is given to two schools in each state every year for one of three categories:
- Schools exhibiting exceptional student performance and academic growth
- Schools that have closed the achievement gap between student groups
- Schools that show excellence in serving special populations of students (homeless, migrant, English learners, etc.)
Shipman said it's relatively rare to be honored in the third category.
“We're all part of the solution,” he said. “We're all contributing equally. So when we get awards like this, it just confirms, reassures our teachers that what they're doing is correct.”
In addition to supporting these student groups, Shipman said the school is constantly thinking about how to challenge all students, even those who aren’t struggling.
“I'm hopeful that with systems we're putting into place this year and next year, some literacy initiatives that we have improved upon, some math work that we'll be doing into the coming year, that we'll start to see better growth levels as well,” he said.
Have a student or staffer who we should feature in the next edition of School Spotlight? Share your nominations with me at [email protected].
Reading Assignments
Retiring superintendent reflects on 29 years at Lincoln County schools
Superintendent Pam Teel started her career at the district teaching pre-K at Caliente Elementary School. While she enjoyed the classroom, Teel said she felt she couldn’t help but to voice her opinion whenever she felt there was a better way to do something.
Top Nevada Senate Democrat proposes universal pre-K, continued teacher raises
The sweeping proposal announced by Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro (D-Las Vegas) would also give appointed Clark County School Board trustees voting rights, add more reporting requirements for the state’s private school quasi-voucher scholarship program and mandate minimum qualifications for superintendents and chief financial officers.
Schools are bracing for upheaval over fear of mass deportations
Clark County district officials reassured families that their schools are safe spaces for all regardless of their immigration status.
Extra Credit
Nevada Current: Washoe County School District remains second largest district in Nevada… barely
Reno Gazette-Journal: Meet the Wooster Woolies: A high school club where newbie knitters are welcome
Events
🍎 Clark County School Board meeting — Monday, Jan. 6, 5:30 p.m. The agenda includes a swearing-in ceremony for the four new trustees.
Featured social media post
I think we could all use at least another two weeks off.
