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Owen Valley Middle School highlights math gains, IU lab-school partnership and expanded dual-credit pathways
Summary
Principal Tom Arthur told the board that the middle school has seen measurable instructional gains, an IU partnership designating the building as a lab site for early field experiences, expanded high-school credit offerings, and strong project-based learning that supports college and career readiness.
Tom Arthur, principal at Owen Valley Middle School, told the board the building has seen marked instructional gains and credited a combination of professional development and teacher-led initiatives for progress in math and overall student growth.
Arthur described a growing partnership with Indiana University: the middle school will serve as a lab site for early field experiences and IU will prioritize sending prospective teachers to the building. Arthur said the arrangement expands classroom support and enables more hands-on coaching for his staff.
Arthur outlined curricular gains and opportunities: the middle school now offers pathways that let students graduate with at least two college credits (computer science and PCC), potentially saving families thousands in tuition. He also noted strong community partnerships—citing Boston Scientific plant visits that expose students to production-line and AI applications in local industry.
On areas for improvement, Arthur said math remains a focus and recommended refining PLC time and professional development so teachers can collaborate more effectively. He also suggested targeted use of AI tools (not automated essay writing) to provide rubric-driven feedback to help teachers scale individualized instruction.
"I have some of the most amazing teachers that I have seen in my career," Arthur said, adding that strategic PD and time to implement interventions are the key next steps.
