MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The state Department of Education and state School Board have awarded the first class of Exemplary Practice Schools.
Faculty and staff from Sherman Elementary School in Boone County, Mountaineer Middle School in Monongalia County and the United Technical Center in Harrison County were honored at Wednesday’s state BOE meeting.
State Department of Education Director of District/School Improvement Margaret Williamson said schools that receive the Exemplary Practice Schools designation based on their performance on the 2023 Balanced Scorecard and are among the top 5% in achievement in their respective programmatic areas. The programs are research-based practices designed to address critical areas through professional and instructional leadership communities for staff, data analysis, and student ownership of learning. Each program is closely monitored to ensure progress.
“The program was designed to highlight innovative practices in one or more areas of the West Virginia Standards for Effective Schools that support success for all students,” Williamson said.
Williamson presented the award, including a $5,000 grant to continue the Parents Learning with Students program, to the delegation from Sherman Elementary School, including principal Lisa Lowe. Based on an a poverty rate of at least 35 percent in the selected year and high academic performance, the school will also receive the ESEA designation. Those schools receive a special award package, including website recognition and a special presentation at the national award conference.
The West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE) and the West Virginia Department of Education recognized the first class of Exemplary Practice Schools today during the May 8, 2024, WVBE meeting. Sherman Elementary School (Boone County), Mountaineer Middle School (Monongalia County),… pic.twitter.com/2Ka0OPfZZV
— West Virginia Department of Education (@WVEducation) May 8, 2024
“Students engage in age-appropriate leadership duties and take ownership of their education,” Williamson said. “A strong culture exists where generations of teachers learn from and support one another, and families are provided resources to promote students success.”
Mountaineer Middle School was recognized for prioritizing sports for social and emotional learning with a program called “real time.” “Real-time” sessions are custom-planned by each educator to maximize subject matter in the classroom. The sessions are held early in the morning, and the staff holds regular meetings to change or add to the program.
“I’m super happy for Mountaineer Middle School,” Campbell said. “Their administration and staff are so deserving of this honor and this recognition.”
Kelly Massinople, Coordinator of District/School Improvement for the West Virginia Board of Education, awarded the delegation from Monongalia County a $5,000 grant to improve exposure to technology.
“We are pleased to announce that Mountaineer Middle School will also receive a $5,000 grant to expand their STEM program, which includes plans for a new robotics program,” Massinople said.
Department of Education Coordinator of Career and Technical Education Jonathan McCormick presented the award and $5,000 check for future educational improvements to the United Technical Center. The selection was based on the instructional leadership program that operates on the premise that true learning only occurs when the student is fully engaged through student-led initiatives, peer tutoring, and participation in the decision-making process.
“What they do up there is absolutely amazing,” McCormick said. “The leadership stems from the administration all the way down to the staff and the students in the simulated workplace.”