A year ago, Donaldson Elementary School received a “D” grade on state tests, its students “minimally performing” in English and math.
“It was a bit of a gut punch for everybody,” allowed Principal Andrew Szczepaniak.
He rallied staff, students and the community to do better. Among many tactics, teachers used data and tools, regular measurements of performance, small-group instruction, help from Amphitheater Public Schools leaders, parental encouragement and reinforcement of positive behaviors to improve student performance on state-required tests…