Union Cross Traditional Academy was recognized as the top school in the state for closing achievement gaps between Black and white students through the National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program.
ESEA refers to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which provides federal funds to school districts serving low-income students.
Every year, the awards program publicly acknowledges schools that are using those funds for positive educational advances. Union Cross was specifically recognized for closing achievement gaps between student groups for two consecutive years.
Principal Javita Noel-Stockton says that involved teacher coaching, weekly meetings to discuss data-driven goals and strategies, and a push for cultural relevance.
“Making sure that you know, when our children come in the classroom, yes, it's the teacher's classroom, but it's their little home for seven hours a day," she said. "So just small changes as, 'Oh, I see someone that looks like me up on the board.' 'I see someone that looks like me represented in this book.'”
The school also made changes to its daily schedule to better support students. For instance, offering reading instruction in the morning, and math and science after lunch when Noel-Stockton says students are fueled and better able to tackle those subjects.
Union Cross also began implementing 30 minutes of small group instruction and 30 minutes of "WIN" time or "What I Need" time each day, where the work is specifically tailored to the needs of each student. And in the mornings, before the school day officially starts, students in each grade level can participate in clubs like art and robotics, which are intended to improve students' sense of belonging.
"We see them where they are, and we try to arm ourselves as much as we can to give them what they need so that they can get where they need to be," Noel-Stockton said.
She says the key to success has been taking a consistent, intentional, and personalized approach in and out of the classroom.
“When I say personalized everything, down to attending baseball games, football games, and family affairs and birthday parties. They got so involved in those children's lives," she said. "They truly came together and acted as a family. And I really think that had an impact on the data.”
Union Cross received a check for $12,500 from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction for this recognition. The school will represent the state at a national conference in February.
Amy Diaz covers education for WFDD in partnership with Report For America. You can follow her on Twitter at @amydiaze.