Top Schools Rankings: How One School Did It
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
If you’re looking for the secret to success, Narrangansett High School Principal Daniel Warner says there isn’t one.
High School sign
“I wish I had the magic bullet but I think it’s a series of things we’re doing,” Warner told GoLocalProv. “The teachers and students in Narragansett High School have been working extremely hard at the new graduation requirements. We’ve been focusing on things we can do with our students to improve their NECAP scores. We’ve had an advisory system for nine years.”
Since the state enacted new graduation requirements a few years ago, Warner said Narragansett High has required that students produce a portfolio of exams, papers, and other work showing they were proficient in six core areas—English, math, science, social studies, technology, and the arts. Seniors hoping to graduation also must complete a senior exhibition—on a topic in which they are interested.
He said the school has also been aggressive about using the data from the New England Common Assessment Program, or NECAP, to adjust its curriculum.
The results have been consistently higher scores. Narragansett High received the Regents’ Commended School award for three years in a row for a 2 percent increase in the average NECAP scores, according to Warner.
The third key to success is a new advisory system established nine years ago.
The system matches groups of eight to a dozen incoming freshmen with an advisor—a teacher, administrator, or other member of the school staff—with whom they meet daily for the next four years. Advisors help students with anything from an academic problem to issues they are having with friends, Warner said.
“It has helped the culture of our school focus on teaching and learning,” he said.
“I think there’s not one magic thing,” Warner concluded. “We’re willing to try anything and everything that works.”
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