During a recent government meeting, McGee Elementary School was celebrated for its significant achievements in closing educational gaps, particularly for English learners and students with disabilities. Principal Emily Gomez and her staff were recognized for their outstanding performance during the 2022-2023 school year, as the school transitioned from being identified as a tier 1 support school to achieving foundational status, meaning no student groups fell below the performance threshold.

The recognition was part of the Washington School Recognition Program, which evaluates schools based on the Washington State School Improvement Framework (WSIF). McGee Elementary excelled in the \"closing gaps\" category, demonstrating substantial growth in student performance metrics. Notably, the school reported an increase in the performance of English learners, who improved from a decile score of 2.2 to 4.17, and students with disabilities, who rose from 1.75 to 3.13.

The meeting highlighted the collaborative efforts of the school staff, who employed various instructional strategies and tools to enhance student learning. These included the use of ARC toolkits for small group lessons, aligned math instruction, and formative assessments to monitor progress. Additionally, all K-5 general education teachers received GLAAD training to better support English learners.

McGee Elementary also emphasized the importance of social and emotional learning, implementing a comprehensive approach to foster essential skills among students. The school initiated attendance improvement strategies, recognizing that consistent attendance is crucial for academic success.

The accomplishments of McGee Elementary reflect a broader commitment to educational equity and excellence, showcasing effective practices that can serve as a model for other schools in the district.