Great news for CCSD – 200 schools improved performance, and 80 saw a rise in their star ratings from 2023 to 2024.
Context: The Nevada School Performance Framework rates schools on a 1 to 5-star system, using a 100-point index to measure performance.
The big picture: We discovered a consistent recipe for success: strong teamwork, high-quality instructional materials aligned to content standards, data-driven decisions, healthy professional learning communities, and deep community engagement.
- To better understand why CCSD schools improved their performance, we visited two elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school.
By the numbers: Lee Antonello and Lomie G. Heard elementary schools were among the six CCSD schools that boosted their ratings by two stars, jumping from 1 to 3 stars each.
Antonello Elementary School made notable gains in Read By Grade 3 proficiency from 28.3% to 38.3%. The school also saw substantial growth in English language arts and math, and more English language learners made progress on the WIDA assessment of language proficiency.
What they’re saying: Antonello’s Principal Dr. Kathi Rozek credits a team-first culture for the school’s rapid gains. “We do it together,” Dr. Rozek said. “It’s not about me. It’s about our team. It’s about our school. It’s about our teachers. It’s about our support professionals. It’s about our kids and families.”
Heard Elementary School made remarkable improvements in Read By Grade 3 proficiency from 34.1% to 43.9% and drastically reduced chronic absenteeism rates from 14.6% to 8.1%.
What they’re saying: Principal Rebecca Mestaz said that after the school’s star rating fell one year ago, “We analyzed our curriculum, analyzed our instruction, and we looked at data every single week, and we refined our instructional practices to meet the needs of what the students were telling us that they needed.”
John C. Fremont Middle School students made considerable progress in closing opportunity gaps for English language arts, while increasing the percentage of English learners advancing on the WIDA assessment. The chronic absenteeism rate also fell sharply from 33% to 16.3%.
What they’re saying: “I believe the reason for Fremont’s amazing outcomes,” said Principal Abigail Johnson, “is our tenacity and determination to fight through challenges.”
Jack Lund Schofield Middle School, which rose from 1 to 2 stars, saw its index rating increase from 17.5 to 44. Students significantly improved their proficiency in English language arts, math, and science.
- They also made progress in closing opportunity gaps for English language arts and math.
- Additionally, the chronic absenteeism rate plummeted from 34.4% to 19.9%.
What they’re saying: “Mentorship plays a big role here. We’ve also started home visits, making sure we’re connected with our students and their families in every way possible,” said Principal Terri Rodriguez of Schofield Middle School.
Sierra Vista High School, which rose from 3 to 4 stars, saw gains in English language arts, made progress in the WIDA assessment of English language learners, and improved the participation and completion of post-secondary preparation.
What they’re saying: Principal Jessica Lovell noted that to see student improvement it was essential to focus on classrooms and support the needs of teachers, asking them in essence: “What do we need to do, how do we need to get it done? You’re the professionals, let’s support you.”
What’s next: These are some of the schools that are setting a new standard for success across CCSD. Teamwork, data-driven strategies, and community engagement are driving real results. The journey continues, but the progress is promising.
