There is a lot to celebrate at Merwin Elementary School in Covina-Valley USD, California. At the end of their second trimester, Merwin students are moving through proficiency levels on their i-Ready diagnostics in both Reading and Math. In Reading, 92% of Merwin’s students were showing Progress to Annual Typical Growth targets at the end of the second trimester, up from 55% at the end of the first trimester. In Math, 87% of Merwin’s students were making Progress to Annual Typical Growth at the end of the second trimester, compared to 45% at the end of the first trimester.
But that isn’t their only “Good News.” Starting in January, the Merwin team began a process of examining all of their school’s data. Led by Principal Casey Stratton, they compiled everything they could find–from formal assessment results, writing samples, and attendance records, to observational data like how well students were lining up ready to learn in the morning and how happy students seemed to be in school. This investigation led to some major schoolwide celebrations. The team found that, overall, students are showing improved classroom skills and positive behavior and are happy to be at school. Positive family engagement is also evident with participation at Family Reading Nights, Trimester Awards, and PTA events. Principal Stratton credited his team’s relentless work with these results. He also acknowledged how valuable it was for everyone to be willing to press pause and reflect on all of these data points to uncover all of this good news.
Congratulations to the students and staff at Merwin!
To learn more about Merwin’s data dive and the next steps they’re identifying for continued growth and progress, check out our interview with Principal Casey Stratton on our Podcast.
