Timberlake Middle School adopts Ron Clark's house system to boost student engagement

The Lakeland School District is making strides in enhancing student engagement and achievement through innovative practices inspired by the Ron Clark Academy. During the recent board meeting on April 16, 2025, trustees were updated on the implementation of strategies that have already shown promising results at Timberlake Middle School.

The discussion highlighted the introduction of a house system, which groups students across grades to foster community and mentorship. This initiative has reportedly led to increased attendance and a sense of belonging among students. For instance, one eighth grader, who previously struggled with attendance, has not missed a day since joining her house, even bringing cupcakes to share with her peers.

The board learned that teachers from Timberlake Middle School attended a professional development conference led by Ron Clark, an educator known for transforming underperforming schools. They returned with actionable strategies, including a focus on teaching to the highest functioning students and incentivizing attendance through engaging activities. The school has also adopted a point system to reward positive behavior, which has streamlined communication with parents and increased student participation.

Additionally, the district secured a $10,000 grant from the state of Idaho to support its efforts in improving ISAT scores, further demonstrating the effectiveness of these new instructional strategies. The board emphasized that while the Ron Clark Academy's methods are not a formal curriculum, they are valuable tools that can be adapted to fit the needs of the district's schools.

As the district continues to implement these strategies, the focus remains on fostering an inclusive environment that encourages all students to thrive academically and socially. The positive feedback from both staff and students indicates that these initiatives are paving the way for a more engaged and successful student body.