Rogers-Herr Middle School Listed Among “Schools to Watch”
May 3, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Durham, NC – Rogers-Herr Middle School has been named among this year’s Schools to Watch by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform.
The National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform is an alliance of more than 60 educators, researchers, national associations and officers of professional organizations and foundations committed to promoting the academic performance and healthy development of young adolescents.
“It really means a great deal to me for Rogers-Herr Middle School to be re-designated as a School to Watch,” said Principal Teresa Daye. “This distinction is our affirmation that we are doing great things with and for our students, and it is our motivation for continued enhancement.”
Through the Schools to Watch initiative, the National Forum identifies schools across the United States that are well on their way to meeting the Forum’s criteria for high performing middle-grades schools. Forum members believe that three things are true of high-performing middle-grades schools:
- They are academically excellent - these schools challenge all students to use their minds well.
- They are developmentally responsive - these schools are sensitive to the unique developmental challenges of early adolescence.
- They are socially equitable - these schools are democratic and fair, providing every student with high-quality teachers, resources, and supports.
“I am extremely pleased with the work of Teresa Daye and the entire staff at Rogers-Herr,” said Superintendent Eric Becoats. “Great things are happening at Rogers-Herr Middle School and it is a great model for schools throughout Durham and beyond.”
While each school faces different challenges related to its location, student demographics, levels of district support and other factors, the Forum's site visitors observe some common themes across all schools:
- The schools know and articulate the academic outcomes they seek. In some cases, the outcomes are prescribed by the state or district; in others the faculty has adopted the outcomes recommended by their various disciplines.
- The schools are taking deliberate steps to help students achieve those outcomes by making strategic changes in curriculum, teaching and school services.
- The schools have set benchmarks for implementing their strategies and hold themselves accountable for specific results.
- Each school strategically concentrates its energies on important focus areas. As a result, the changes in each school are burrowing deeply into its culture.
- The schools have strong, visionary leaders who can articulate challenging goals and motivate faculty and staff to reach those goals.
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Tahira Stalberte
Chief Communications Officer
P. 919.560.9112
C. 919.358.8876
tahira.stalberte@dpsnc.net
Jeff Nash
Communications Coordinator
P. 919.560.2602
C. 919.412.7947
jeff.nash@dpsnc.net
