Discover how ambitious Stretch Growth goals and five key leadership actions transform Grades K–8 education, boost student achievement, and create high expectations for all.
As Grades K–8 educators, we know nurturing student growth and achievement isn’t easy. One evidence-based approach that’s gaining traction is setting Stretch Growth goals. It’s a method focused on establishing ambitious but achievable individualized goals for each student based on the high expectation that all students can and should reach grade-level proficiency. This strategy empowers learners to reach their fullest potential, regardless of their starting point.
Stretch Growth Goals in Action
In the pursuit of educational excellence, districts like Frontier Central in upstate New York and Bristol Warren in Rhode Island have demonstrated that establishing Stretch Growth goals for all their students with targeted actions can lead to significant student growth. Here’s how they mapped their school initiatives to the following five Top Leader Actions.
Creating Community Support for Student Growth Goals
Leaders in Bristol Warren have crafted a clear vision for proficiency that all stakeholders can rally around. Mary Cabral, the school’s Grades K–8 literacy coordinator, highlighted strategic planning efforts aimed at ensuring every student has the opportunity to reach their potential. “We’re thinking about all students and what they deserve and need. And we’re trying to do everything we can to get students to that place of proficiency, so they realize their potential and do everything they need to do to prepare for their future.”
Linda Dansa, director of elementary education at Frontier Central, added, “Once the kids really understood their goals—Typical Growth and Stretch Growth—they were more aware of what they were working toward.” This shared vision creates a unified approach to education across the district.
Both districts have created enthusiasm around Stretch Growth by celebrating student achievements. They emphasized the importance of districtwide recognition events for students who reach these ambitious goals. Linda said, “When [students] can see their success, even within particular domains, we celebrate it and inspire them to continue to reach for the stars, to stay the course with their personalized online learning, and continually try. It’s time well spent. In the end, it has a real impact on kids.” These celebrations not only motivate students but also actively engage families in the learning process, fostering a community spirit.
Building Structures for Successful Growth Goal Implementation
Clear communication about expectations for Stretch Growth is critical. Frontier Central has established consistent schedules for assessments, ensuring all students participate in Diagnostics on designated days. This structured approach helps maintain a focus on growth and sets clear expectations for both students and educators. Linda said, “We had issues in the past where if a student needed particular services, they might be pulled and miss Tier 1 instruction. So, the administration set a schedule for all classroom teachers to protect Tier 1 instruction for all students. We also put math and reading into the schedule, and added acceleration time, where students have dedicated time to work on their stretch goals.”
Leaders have prioritized resource allocation to support all students effectively. For instance, Frontier Central utilized rescue funding to appoint Teachers on Special Assignment (TOSAs) who model data chats and support classroom instruction. This targeted use of resources ensures that educators have the necessary tools and support to facilitate student growth.
Assessment Strategies for Monitoring Growth Goals Regular engagement in data analysis is a cornerstone of instruction at both schools. At Frontier Central, teachers participate in data chats. They collaboratively analyze student performance, driving instructional priorities based on reliable i-Ready data. This practice empowers educators to make informed decisions that directly impact student learning.
At Bristol Warren, teachers have regular data chats with students. Mary said, “We help the child understand why Stretch Growth is important and work with them toward that goal.” This ongoing evaluation helps identify areas for improvement and adjust strategies as needed, ensuring that every student is supported in their learning journey.
Empowering Educators to Achieve Student Growth Goals
Both districts reserve time for educators to plan collaboratively, ensuring that instruction reflects best practices informed by relevant data. This collaboration fosters a supportive environment where teachers can share insights and strategies, enhancing overall instructional effectiveness. Linda said, “We’re having conversations about how our students are doing and critically looking at what we’re doing in the classroom to try to better support all students where they are.”
Designating program champions within schools helps lead fellow educators in successfully implementing Stretch Growth initiatives. These champions create a network of support and shared expertise, empowering teachers to take ownership of their professional growth and instructional practices.
Building Teacher Capacity for Stretch Growth Goals
Both districts prioritize targeted professional learning experiences for educators, ensuring they have the tools necessary to drive student achievement effectively. By focusing on specific needs, these professional learning opportunities enhance teaching practices across the board. Leaders schedule regular classroom visits to provide constructive feedback and foster a culture of reflection among educators. This practice encourages continuous improvement in teaching methodologies and reinforces the importance of high-quality instruction. Linda said, “The relationships I’ve had with kids warm my heart. I recently ran into a former student who works in a local grocery store and was excited to share with me that he got into a program in college to become a pilot. He said he wanted to make sure I knew.”
Looking Ahead for Continued Success
By focusing on these high-leverage actions, Frontier Central and Bristol Warren are leading the way in implementing Stretch Growth initiatives successfully. These actionable steps not only enhance student achievement but also foster an inclusive environment where every learner can thrive. Let’s take inspiration from these successful strategies—our students are ready for the challenge.
Discover how ambitious Stretch Growth goals and five key leadership actions transform Grades K–8 education, boost student achievement, and create high expectations for all.
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