Before every important test, teacher Nancy Barajas dims the lights, turns on a disco ball and blasts music from her playlist. Her sixth graders dance together as a “pre-celebration” to boost their confidence, then take their exam.
Lately, there’s been a lot to celebrate in certain schools — from Modesto, California to Birmingham, Alabama. Reading and math scores have increased over the past several years.
“We are holding everybody, all along the ladder, accountable for success,” said Birmingham Superintendent Mark Sullivan…