Urban Community School

Academic Strategy, School Design

2021 - Present

Work Type

Academic Strategy, School Design

System Type

Independent School

2021-present

Summary
Support school leaders with instructional and leadership strategy, teacher support, and school improvement aimed at improving student academic outcomes for several years. Our support has included a focus on:
Teacher observation, coaching and feedback
Implementation of a cycle of shared, facilitated intellectual preparation for teacher teams in math and ELA
Support for the implementation of CKLA/Ampilfy in grades K-8, including leader and teacher training
Implementation of a common interim assessment strategy for mathematics in grades K-8
Regular coaching and feedback for UCS leaders aligned to instructional priorities
Strategy support for the CAO regarding support priorities including teaching assistants, culture and behavior, and family engagement

Outcome
Leaders are following an instructional support cycle that includes observation, coaching, feedback and professional learning for all teachers in grades K-8
Teacher satisfaction with support from their Directors is high

2023-2024

Summary
Partnered with the Chief Strategy Officer to explore school design options to enable the school to best serve students and staff. Facilitated a comprehensive process including stakeholder engagement, best practice research, decision-making and implementation planning. Examined more effective ways to use student and staff time, including improvements in aftercare services.

Outcome
UCS piloted an enrichment model in early 2025 to inform final decision-making on any design changes. The school also implemented improvements to aftercare services to best serve student and family needs.