Black Lake Elementary implements targeted strategies for 2024 and 2025 school improvement

The Tumwater School District Board meeting on April 24, 2025, focused on the school improvement plan for the 2024-2025 academic year, emphasizing targeted interventions and equitable resource allocation for students. The meeting highlighted two primary goals: enhancing English Language Arts (ELA) performance across all grade levels and conducting a thorough review of math resources and instructional supports.

At Black Lake Elementary, several successful strategies have been implemented, including the "Walk to Read" and "Walk to Intervention" programs for grades K through 5. Despite facing challenges with limited staffing and resources, the school has maintained its commitment to delivering effective interventions. Additional reading support for grades 4 and 5 has been introduced to further assist students.

The meeting acknowledged ongoing challenges in math, noting a continued need for resources in terms of time, materials, and personnel. Black Lake Elementary is utilizing a data analysis protocol to monitor student progress in both reading and math, setting short-term goals and adjusting instruction based on data findings. Collaboration with the student intervention team is also a key focus to ensure students receive appropriate support.

Professional development for staff is a critical component of the improvement plan. All certificated and classified staff at Black Lake have received training in the science of reading through the Institute of Multisensory Education. This training covers essential areas such as phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. Additionally, staff are participating in district-level training for math and guided language acquisition strategies.

Community involvement plays a significant role in supporting Black Lake Elementary. The school benefits from numerous volunteers who assist teachers with interventions, particularly in math. Partnerships with local organizations provide wraparound services, mental health support, and basic needs assistance for students.

Looking ahead, the timeline for the school improvement plan includes data collection and reviews scheduled for October 2024, February 2025, and May 2025, culminating in an end-of-year review with the site team. This process will inform the development of the school improvement plan for the following academic year.