MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In light of the ongoing discussion about school consolidation, Shelby County Schools gave WREG a peek into what an average day at an iZone school is like.
WREG visited Sherwood Middle School, which became an iZone school two years ago. iZone schools use certain models and curriculum to improve student achievement, and are chosen from a list of under-performing schools in Shelby County.
Sherwood absorbed students from Fairview at the start of last school year.
Eighth-grader Antonio Davis went through that transition. He said coming to Sherwood has led to stronger teachers.
“It’s a lot more stricter here, so my behavior has gotten better,” Davis said.
At iZone schools, the principal handpicks teachers, who undergo regular training to improve and collaborate with learning coaches.
“I will do observations just for feedback with many of the teachers, just to help them to build on skills they may be lacking in,” Master Teacher Patrece Morrow said.
Morrow said teachers in iZone schools strive for interactivity. There is also an extra hour in the school day for an enrichment period, where students can seek out individualized or small group help.
“They get to do everything. Move, write their own wraps, create things. So, I think that’s why science is such a big carrying force in the schools,” science teacher Lisa Moore said.
SCS data shows science scores for iZone schools continue to increase. There is a 41 percent proficiency gain for 2014 compared to a 13 percent gain in 2013.
Routines are a major part of the iZone curriculum at Sherwood. Students walk in single file lines in the hallways and take bathroom breaks at set times.
The SCS School Board is contemplating consolidating more schools to extend the iZone’s reach.
Superintendent Dorsey Hopson wants to move Lincoln Elementary student to A.B. Hill Elementary and South Side Middle students to Riverview, which is a K-8 school. He said consolidation means students will get a better education and more opportunity to succeed.
Teachers at Sherwood told WREG they understand some parents’ concerns about changing. Sherwood runs summer programs to help students and parents transition to the new school.
Some parents spoke out against the proposed changes at a community meeting Monday night.
“I would tell them you’ve got to try new things,” eighth-grader Jerymiah Namoore said.
The school board will vote on the possible consolidations in March. There will be one more community meeting at Lincoln Elementary Thursday at 5:30 p.m.
