Dupont Tyler Middle School

Second Place, Middle Division, Middle Schools

Carol Cutsinger, Principal
431 Tyler Drive
Hermitage, TN 37076
Metro. Nashville Schools
http://www.duponttylerms.mnps.org/site123.aspx

Recipe For Success:

It is an absolute joy to be chosen for this prestigious honor! It’s extraordinarily satisfying when all of your plans, goals, and visions culminate into one desired result – student achievement. Here at DuPont Tyler there is no “magic formula” to explain our success. We simply combine consistency, expectations, preparedness, diligence, and most importantly, teamwork to efficiently and effectively serve our student population.

We begin each school year by collectively disaggregating our most current TCAP data. We briefly celebrate our strengths and then get to work at identifying our weaknesses. Once those are recognized, we set specific goals to correct our deficiencies. For example, a couple of years ago we assessed that students across all grade levels were struggling in vocabulary. We immediately researched tried and true materials in an effort to elevate our scores. We found funds to purchase Sadlier Oxford vocabulary books for all or our children. This year we incorporated the district- mandated vocabulary initiative. We sent teachers to the training and they, in turn shared information to the entire faculty during an early in-service. Teams met periodically to evaluate the implementation. Not surprisingly, we’ve watched our vocabulary scores steadily increase each year.

Based on a respected recommendation, I purchased Robert Manzano’s acclaimed book, A Classroom That Works, at the end of last year. I asked my faculty to read and review it over the summer, and then we discussed it in depth once we returned for our first in-service. We also found funds a few years ago to purchase ThinkLink, a testing program that we administer three times a year. Math and Language Arts teachers receive detailed feedback for which they can then address and reteach the recognized skills and concepts. Many teachers also take advantage of Edusoft, another technological tool provided by the district.

We’ve also incorporated various programs into our curriculum. In reading, we’ve successfully utilized the Language! program and beginning next year will incorporate the district reading initiative, for which many of our teachers have already been trained. For years, we’ve offered our children the opportunity to participate in an after and before school remedial and enrichment program. In addition, we house a YMCA Fun Company program and are the base of our cluster’s ELL population. Incidentally, we’ve recorded an increase in scores from our ELL students under the NCLB guidelines.

Of course, any successful organization relies heavily on the dedication of the people involved. Selecting and cultivating great teachers is a major component. We also have tremendous support from our PTO and many other parents as well.

But perhaps our greatest steadfast principle is the matter of high expectations for our children, both academically and behaviorally. When we consistently hold our students responsible for their actions, while simultaneously convincing them of their potential, we are never surprised when they strive to succeed. Hmmm. . . . .perhaps we do have a magic formula to explain our success.