School District Turns Heads

In 2002, the district’s Annual Measurable Objective (AMO) was 37%, and it grew steadily every year. In 2012, the district average had increased to 71%, besting the AMO state minimum by 5.2 points

The Challenge

After learning that the Carson City School District was reappropriating its Title I funds to focus on schoolwide reading programs in 1998, Valerie Dockery, the district’s grants director at the time, led the charge to find a research-proven reading strategy. She wanted something that would not only address reading but also provide stability for Bordewich/Bray, Empire, and Mark Twain Elementary schools, which had highly transient populations.

After observing SFA’s whole-school reform model in action, and its user-friendly methods, staff at the three schools were sold. More than 95% voted in favor of implementing SFA. “We had overwhelming support,” says Dockery, who is now principal of Bordewich/Bray Elementary.

John C. Fremont Elementary quickly followed the other three schools, implementing SFA the next year, while E.W. Fristch and Al Seeliger elementary schools followed in 2011 and 2012, bringing the entire school district on board.

The Result

After implementing SFA, Carson City schools’ scores began a gradual climb, and academic achievements are still being made. Since 2002, the district’s average Annual Measurable Objective
(AMO), a state-mandated achievement target, has increased every year except one, in some cases by as many as eight percentage points. In 2002, the AMO was 37%, and it grew steadily every year. In 2012, the district average had increased to 71%, besting the AMO state minimum by 5.2 points.

Although SFA has been in the Carson City district since 1998, it’s still a cornerstone of the district’s approach to education. Keema appreciates that the model is constantly evolving to address changes
in education and is in step with new and emerging needs. “Just as we would think that something needed to change, SFA saw the need for that change as well and would come up with a modification,” she says.

Teachers in Carson City continue take pride in their work and they, like their students, strive for success. “What they expect of themselves is really high,” Dockery. “They really want to do everything well, and I think that’s so important.”