Northridge Middle credits A+ grant with test-score gains, teacher pay and supplies

Dr. Rainey, a school staff member at Northridge Middle School, told the Tuscaloosa City Schools Board of Education that the school surpassed its PSAT 8/9 growth goal after joining the A+ Schools program and a related MS-TIP grant awarded in spring 2023.

The presentation said the school’s growth goal was 60 points (one year’s expected growth) and that Northridge posted a 70-point growth indicator this year. As a result, the school was named an A+ School of Excellence and teachers qualified for a $500 bonus; 120 students who met growth or benchmarked in both reading and math received $50 Visa gift cards funded by A+. "I really believe in A plus. It is who we are," Dr. Rainey said.

The speaker described A+ program elements: a four-day summer training for teachers, in-year vertical team meetings and instructional rounds, fall workshops and student surveys. The MS-TIP (middle school training incentive program) grant pays stipends and incentives: up to $500 per teacher for participation; a $300 classroom supply stipend for most teachers and $400 for science teachers; and registration for the training (presenter said the training normally costs $1,000 per person and that the grant covered that cost). The presentation included cumulative figures the school reported as grant-funded benefits over two years: $42,900 in direct teacher stipends, $20,400 in classroom supply funds and about $63,000 in covered registration costs; when combined with student incentives and other covered expenses the presenter said the grant provided in excess of $140,000 to the school over two years.

Dr. Rainey tied the A+ work to improved ACAP scores and increased numbers of students at the highest achievement level in math, saying the school’s weighted growth proficiency was above 100 percent and projecting a 3–5 point increase on the school report card for the year. The presenter also noted that some teachers who attended summer training are being asked to serve as A+ trainers going forward and that the grant runs one more year before the school considers continuing as a partner school.

Board members thanked Dr. Rainey and faculty (one board member referenced "Ms. Thomas" by name as a participant in training). Commenters praised leadership and asked about expanding the program districtwide; Dr. Rainey said the grant has recurring three-year cycles and that other schools could apply or implement similar training independently.

Ending: The presentation closed with the board and superintendent expressing appreciation for the work at Northridge Middle School and an indication that the A+ partnership will continue for at least one more year while the district considers broader application.