Teachers Steer Their Own Learning

Learning Forward

Equity and excellence in teaching and learning.

Teachers steer their own learning

Colorado middle school becomes a school to watch

By Diane Lauer and Melissa Matthews

April 2007

Vol. 28 No. 2

Conrad Ball Middle School in Loveland, Colo., earned a“School to Watch” Award in 2005 from the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform and was designated as high-performing by the state. Teachers now apply for waivers to have their own children attend there. Teacher retention has improved, and student achievement is rising. But in 2002, the school had its lowest test scores ever. Teachers received the news and determined they would turn things around. Since the student population was becoming more at-risk each year, the staff needed to take a comprehensive look at student data to pinpoint ways to better meet students’ instructional needs. Their analysis highlighted the need to change the way they spent their professional time. Instead of being passive recipients of professional development,

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