In a district where literacy rates present a significant challenge, the accomplishments of the Class of 2024 at The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology are significant. In District 7, only about 30% of students achieve proficiency in English Language Arts (ELA) tests across various grades, according to the New York State Education Department. Despite these statistics, the students at 223 have made remarkable strides, setting themselves up for success as they transition from middle school to high school. In 2023, across all grade levels, 55% of students at MS 223 achieved proficiency in English Language Arts. This significant achievement highlights the school's efforts in overcoming the broader literacy challenges in the district.
Overcoming Literacy Challenges
Ms. Emily Haines, an educator at 223, has witnessed firsthand the incredible progress made by this year's graduating class. "When students arrive in the 6th grade without the ability to decode, there's a real risk they won't reach grade-level reading proficiency by graduation," she explains. "At 223, we take pride in teaching from the ground up, ensuring that no student is left behind."
This bottom-up approach has yielded significant results, with students like Emily Uribe and Gianni Villano, demonstrating notable improvements in decoding, reading comprehension, and fluency. Their success stories highlight the effectiveness of 223’s commitment to tailored instruction and support.
Building Critical Skills for the Future
Preparing students for the rigors of high school is a multifaceted process at 223. The middle school curriculum is designed to build critical thinking and essential skill sets needed to meet high school graduation requirements. One unique aspect of the preparation involves pre-Performance Based Assessment Tasks (prePBATs), which help students develop the analytical and problem-solving abilities that will be crucial in their high school years.
Ms. Haines notes, "Although middle school and high school are different, being part of a Consortium allows us to align our curriculum with the expectations of high school. This way, our students are not just meeting but exceeding the standards set for them."
The heroic literacy gains of the Class of 2024 are a testament to the dedication of the teachers and the resilience of the students at 223. As students move on to high school, they carry with them the skills, confidence, and determination to continue their academic journey successfully!
Recent Comments