Tefft recognized for academic achievement
Submitted by U-46
Tefft Middle School recently received Breakthrough School Redesignation from the MetLife Foundation and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.
The recognition came after the MetLife Foundation and NASSP re-examined all Breakthrough Schools from 2008-2010 to determine the sustainability of student achievement and continuous growth over the past three years. Tefft was one of 10 schools in the nation to be named a Breakthrough School in 2010.
“I want to commend Principal Smiley and her staff on this well-deserved honor,” said Elgin Area School District U-46 Superintendent José M. Torres. “The staff’s steadfast commitment to improvement has had a noticeable impact on the school environment and the academic success of the students.”
Initiated in 2007, the Breakthrough Project strives to showcase middle and high schools that are high achieving or are dramatically improving student achievement and serve large numbers of students living in poverty. The schools that are selected for the annual award share common strategies — collaborative leadership, alignment of curriculum, instruction, and assessment; and a highly personalized, caring environment.
Tefft was invited to apply for the redesignation and provided student progress reports in reading and math, the school’s 2012 report card, and written statement from the school’s leaders regarding practices that have led to sustained student achievement.
“I am extremely proud of the students, teachers, and parents of Tefft Middle School,” said Principal Lavonne Smiley. “Sustaining momentum as a nationally recognized learning community has called for a high level of dedication and perseverance in serving the diverse needs of our students. We continue to embrace our mission of ‘Moving all students forward … whatever it takes … together.’”
According to Smiley, Tefft sustained achievement through sharp focus on instruction, a culture of high expectations, involving students in the analysis of data and goal setting, student-led conferences, an effective structure of interventions, and a schoolwide commitment to continuous improvement.