Decatur Middle School designated School of Innovation by ADE

— Arkansas Department of Education recently approved the innovation plan submitted by Decatur Middle School, naming it a School of Innovation. Schools of Innovation design new and creative alternatives to traditional teaching methods in order to better serve students.

The designed programs focus on improving academic performance and ensuring that all students are given the best opportunities to succeed. Decatur Middle School is one of fewer than 60 schools across the state of Arkansas to receive this designation.

"As a staff, we are very excited about the opportunities we now have to serve our student body as a whole," said Joli Sotallaro, an eighth-grade teacher at Decatur Middle School. "Having our innovation plan approved means that we will be able to do a better job of meeting our students where they are and helping them all to be successful. Having the opportunity to learn through a project-based and personalized learning model is going to help our students in so many ways, especially because the students also had a voice in building our innovation plan. We are excited to see the changes outlined in the innovation plan and their impact on our school."

Decatur Middle School will implement both project-based learning and a personalized learning model. Students will have the opportunity to work through the curriculum at their own pace and to receive instruction in the way that best suits their learning needs.

The innovation plan aims to create a safe venue for students to voice their ideas and to advocate for themselves. The school will meet each child were they are, focusing on the needs of each individual, in order to make sure that all students are able to meet the standards and their own goals.

Teachers will focus on using standards-based grading practices to encourage students to take ownership of their education. The school will implement these changes over the course of the next four years.

"This is going to be a great thing for the school, the community, and for our students," said John Unger, dean of students at Decatur School District. "Decatur Middle School is committed to serving our students and our community. Being designated a School of Innovation is going to help us do that. We are excited about our innovation plan and we look forward to seeing the academic and social growth of our students in the coming years."

For more information, contact Decatur Middle School at 479-752-3560.

General News on 08/16/2017