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Broad Branch teachers point to monthly 'pulse' tests, PLCs and new programs for student gains
Summary
At a school-visit portion of the meeting, Broad Branch staff described monthly 'pulse' tests, PLC-driven data study, interventions and engagement programs (Game Changers, Capturing Kids' Hearts) they credit for improvements in certain grade-level scores and attendance.
Broad Branch school leaders told the Wyoming County Schools board that monthly 'pulse' tests, frequent PLCs and targeted interventions are helping teachers respond to current learning needs and are reflected in recent gains on state-linked measures.
The principal (who introduced the teacher team) highlighted several grade-level results from the district report card and said the school is "trending upwards" since 2021–22. The principal also noted the school met behavior subgroups and exceeded expectations for students with disabilities and for economically disadvantaged students in math.
Stephanie Smith Harper, the school’s test coordinator, described the data room and how teachers use short, monthly 'pulse' assessments that track skills the class is actively working on. "Those pulse tests are just what the kids are working on like that current month of the curriculum," Harper said, adding the practice helps teachers plan targeted instruction and communicate progress to students.
Teachers reported use of interventionists and Title I supports, monthly data chats with students and classroom coaching. They said module practice has increased (LA: 44 module tests, 434 individual tests) and listed pass-rate highlights: third-grade ELA 68%; fourth-grade ELA 60%; grade-4 operations 80%; some middle-grade ELA/math rates were lower and were targeted for improvement.
Teacher Nell Endicott credited instructional-empowerment work and programs such as Capturing Kids' Hearts and Game Changers for raising engagement and cited student recognitions (county fair placements and spelling-bee results) as examples of growth.
Board members commended the staff for a clear academic focus and invited them to return for follow-up visits; the chair noted the county commission fully funded Game Changers. The presentation concluded with short classroom demonstrations (robotics and student videos) and board questions about enrollment, which the presenters said had inched up.
