DC's Bold Performing Schools Break Barriers and Exceed Expectations
RELEASED NOVEMBER 2024
Bold Performance Schools are the DC schools that boldly support priority students — students designated as at-risk, students with disabilities, and students of color — to reach academic success. These 12 incredible schools are proving what's possible, with proficiency rates 13.5 points higher than schools serving similar levels of priority students. They also are improving 3-4x faster than the District average since the pandemic.
Bold Performance Schools are improving post-pandemic at rates that are at least 3-4 times faster than other DC schools.
The 12 Bold Performance Schools have significantly higher achievement than similar schools, and the performance of their economically disadvantaged students is nearly double the state average.
Special Recognition Schools
Whittier Elementary (DCPS) - "Boldest School Award" for 21 points above expected proficiency
Center City Congress Heights - "Enduring Excellence Award" for earning Bold Performance status each year since 2019
Ron Brown High School (DCPS) - "Most Inspiring School Award" for exceptional community-building
Key Practices of Bold Performance Schools
Breaking Stereotypes
Breaking stereotypes for all learners is essential because it fosters inclusivity and equality, ensuring every student can reach their full potential and thrive in life. At Bold Performance Schools, a pervasive culture and steadfast commitment to high academic expectations for every single student are foundational principles.
Every element of the school environment—ranging from the curriculum to the staff and even the facility design and presentation—is meticulously crafted to uphold and advance the belief that every student can and will achieve high levels of academic success.
Building Community
In Bold Performance schools, both adults and students act with mutual respect, accountability, and a knack for having fun! Educators and school administrators consistently highlighted the significance of fostering robust relationships among school leaders, teachers, students, and families. They frequently referred to their school community as a "tight-knit family." Principals set the tone by organizing enjoyable activities and adopting a therapeutic approach to ensure the needs of their staff and families were addressed. This strategy, as described by the teachers, seemed to permeate their own classrooms, resulting in strong bonds between teachers, students, and their families.
Focus on Continuous Improvement
Bold Performance School leadership teams use data for continuous improvement purposes and not as a stick. They focus on leveraging data to identify areas for growth, celebrate successes, and implement strategies that enhance student outcomes. To prevent information overload, educators at Bold Schools commonly review data more frequently and in smaller, manageable segments based on priority.
Instructional leadership teams describe that they started the year identifying specific goals they want to see from students by the end of the year. Then, they backwards mapped what progress was required, and by when, determining which data to monitor and know if students were on track from a pacing standpoint.
Going the Extra Mile
School administrators and educators are deeply dedicated to achieving positive outcomes for students. At Bold Performance Schools, going the extra mile means being incredibly detailed and consistent in the small things, like setting and maintaining routines and expectations. Educators understand that these seemingly minor aspects of daily school life collectively create a stable and predictable environment in which students can thrive.
By ensuring that students know exactly what to expect each day, teachers minimize distractions and maximize productive learning time. This predictability helps students feel secure and engaged, ultimately fostering a more conducive atmosphere for academic and personal growth.
These schools are proof that with the right approaches, all students can achieve at exceptionally high levels, even in the face of significant challenges. Their stories offer inspiring models for education transformation.