We are pleased to share a recent research report conducted and written by the Washington School Research Center, an independent research and data analysis organization within Seattle Pacific University. Happy Valley Elementary School was involved in the research project which took place last year. The findings have just been published. The selection of study schools began with a screening of all elementary schools in Washington State with free and reduced lunch populations above 25%. Schools which demonstrated a three year pattern of high percentages of students meeting or exceeding standards set forth in the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) were identified. Happy Valley was one of the 16 high performing schools identified in the screening. This study examined the practices of these schools whose students have been extraordinarily successful in meeting Washington's learning standards.

Findings were similar across schools and districts, resulting in several clearly identifiable themes. Four of these factors have been categorized as primary factors and these are viewed as essential elements of a successful and effective school because they were present in all or the vast majority of the 16 schools visited. The four primary factors are:

• A caring and collaborative professional environment
• Strong leadership
• Focused, intentional instruction
• The use of assessment to inform instruction

Educator responses revealed other important factors that were present in some, but not all, of the schools. While important, these factors were not felt to be as critical to the development of an effective school as were the primary factors. The second group of factors includes:

• Small school size
• District support
• Lack of student and staff mobility
• Parent and Community involvement
• Professional development

I am pleased to share this information with our families as we continue to work together to make this good school even better. Teachers, parents, and students all should be congratulated for quality work.

If interested, the full report may be accessed at the following link. Research Report

Sincerely,

Rob McElroy

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