Over the past five years, Somerset Oaks Academy has consistently met its projected chartered student enrollment targets, maintaining steady enrollment trends with healthy waiting lists each year. The school's positive enrollment and recruitment efforts have been bolstered by the addition of multiple programs, including enrichment activities and the "Leader In Me" initiative. These programs have enhanced the school's appeal, attracted new families while strengthened student engagement. Furthermore, the expansion of middle school electives and enrichment competitions has been actively marketed throughout the community, proving effective in both retaining current students and recruiting new ones.
In addition to enrollment success, Somerset Oaks Academy has demonstrated consistent academic growth, maintained a B status while striven toward an A rating. The school has shown steady progress toward achieving an A each year, with a notable increase in its overall score from 57 in the 2022-2023 school year to 61 last year. Somerset Oaks has made deliberate instructional and curricular adjustments to boost student performance, emphasizing leadership, state-approved curriculum, and data-driven strategies. The implementation of the "Leader In Me" program has fostered a culture of shared responsibility, where both students and teachers take ownership of their learning and leadership roles. This dedication earned the school Lighthouse Status, recognizing its sustainable approach to student empowerment and institutional growth.
To enhance mathematics instruction, Somerset Oaks Academy adopted the Savvas curriculum across all grade levels, standardizing and elevating the quality of instruction. Teachers received professional development to ensure effective implementation, promoting consistent, high-quality teaching. Additionally, the school partnered with Raising the Barr, a third-party data analysis firm, to conduct in-depth assessments of i-Ready and FAST performance data. This collaboration provided actionable feedback and targeted instructional strategies, with data analysts conducting training sessions to equip teachers with the tools needed to drive student achievement.
The school’s data reveals several significant strengths, with a strong emphasis on both math and reading. While reading saw a slight increase, math showed remarkable improvement. The Math FAST Assessment results indicated that 67% of students in grades 3-8 achieved proficiency (scoring 3 or above), and 64% demonstrated learning gains. This success can be attributed to the new curriculum, focused coaching, and targeted tutoring. Additionally, the school’s acceleration programs for middle school students were another area of strength, with 79% proficiency in EOCs and CTE for Microsoft Office. Enrollment in these courses has increased each year, reflecting their success. Overall, the data highlights the school’s commitment to continuous improvement and targeted interventions, particularly in math, resulting in significant positive outcomes for the students.
The school set a goal to increase ELA proficiency from 52% to 60%. Although the school did not achieve an increase, it successfully maintained the proficiency score at 52%, demonstrating stability in ELA performance. Notably, the school met its goal for overall Math proficiency, increasing from 60% in 2023 to 67% in 2024. Additionally, the science proficiency score surpassed the goal set at 43%, achieving a 53% proficiency rate for 2024. These accomplishments in Math and Science indicate significant progress and a positive trend in the school's overall academic performance.
Do students engage in STEM-specific performance assessments, goal setting, self-assessments, and reflecting-type learning activities that teach them how to develop self-monitoring skills? Yes, Somerset Oaks Academy incorporates STEM-focused learning strategies that align with Cognia STEM Standards 9 and 10, emphasizing student engagement, self-monitoring, and continuous reflection. The school utilizes performance assessments in STEM subjects to track student growth and encourage self-assessment practices. Students set goals, analyze their own progress, and engage in reflection-based learning activities to develop self-monitoring skills. These strategies are reinforced through targeted interventions, such as data-driven instructional adjustments, STEM enrichment activities, and project-based learning experiences. By integrating these methods, Somerset Oaks Academy ensures that students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills, fostering a comprehensive and effective STEM education environment.
How are STEM assessment results used to prepare students for their next steps in learning? STEM assessment results play a crucial role in guiding students toward their next steps in learning at Somerset Oaks Academy. Teachers analyze data from performance assessments to identify individual strengths and areas for growth, allowing for differentiated instruction tailored to student needs. These assessments inform the development of personalized learning plans, targeted interventions, and enrichment opportunities. The integration of data-driven strategies ensures that students receive the necessary support to build upon their knowledge and skills. Additionally, STEM assessment outcomes help educators design curriculum adjustments that align with students' evolving competencies, reinforcing a continuous cycle of improvement. By leveraging assessment results effectively, Somerset Oaks Academy empowers students with the tools and strategies needed to succeed in advanced STEM coursework and future academic pursuits.
The combination of leadership development, rigorous curriculum, and data-driven practices has created a dynamic and responsive educational environment at Somerset Oaks Academy. By empowering students and educators while making informed instructional decisions, the school has significantly enhanced student performance and established a sustainable model for academic success. Through ongoing community engagement and a steadfast commitment to excellence, Somerset Oaks Academy continues to thrive, fostering a robust and growing student body.