Low-Income Students Embrace K¹² Science Curriculum

Test scores surpass district proficiency percentage

When Michelle Rhee was named Chancellor of the District of Columbia Public Schools in June 2007, she followed six former top executives who lasted a combined 10 years. Rhee, then 37, had her work cut out for her to do what others before her could not: turn around one of the most underachieving urban school districts in the country.

Rhee, who embraced new ideas and innovation to spur student achievement, supported a K¹² initiative in February 2008 to improve science test scores at the city's Draper Elementary School.  Draper is located in the poverty-stricken Anacostia neighborhood and consists of over 95 percent African-American students. In addition, 90+ percent of students are classified as low-income and qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.

Rhee's thinking was to initiate something positive and innovative for the school that would boost student achievement.

The K¹² team was charged with improving achievement in science throughout the school. A local company donated interactive whiteboards and K¹² provided an onsite Teaching and Learning Coordinator, as well as learning materials, and its online tools and science courses.  Working with the school administrator and teachers, the company focused on improved instruction and demonstrating measurable student achievement gains.

Achievement

In just three months, Draper students achieved impressive results on the DC CAS science test.  

Specifically, 100% of fifth graders scored at proficient or above proficient. That's compared to just 30 percent of District-wide students: impressive by any measurement. (Only fifth graders take the District test.)

Teachers soon found that, school-wide, students performed better in other subjects as well.

"Teachers would tell us that students' reading levels and vocabulary improved and the note-taking skills they learned from the science class helped improve their grasp of the materials in other classes," said Susan Furick, K¹²'s Senior Director of Classroom Academics.

Teachers also discovered that the curriculum and interactive whiteboard engaged the students who were no strangers to technology, regardless of economic status.  Further, students realized—many for the first time—how science applied to their world.

"Students displayed a new-found interest and enthusiasm for science," said Furick. "The kids really became interested in how science applied to their world. For example, they really got into electricity and circuit boards," added Furick.

In three months, 100% of the Draper Elementary School students scored "at or above proficient" vs. 30% city wide on the 2008 DC CAS 5th grade science test.