Spotlight of an Odds-Beater: Access Creates Opportunity at Crown Point
By Catherine Kramer, Research Assistant for NYKids
Leaders and educators at Crown Point Central School describe it as having “a family atmosphere,” with responsibility on everyone to take care of “our kids.” Many educators mentioned efforts to provide students with what they need socially and academically regardless of family circumstances. Some students are provided with backpacks of food and winter clothing. The district owns and provides musical instruments so that any student can learn to play one.
Crown Point is located in rural upstate New York. The district is home to a PK-12 building in the center of town that functions as the hub for community events and activities. In the late 1990s, Crown Point was designated by the state as a school in need of improvement due to low performance on state assessments. In response, leaders worked to stop administrator turnover and implemented a more rigorous curriculum and other support programs to improve school culture and expand student opportunities. Evident in the widespread belief expressed among staff that school is “family,” Crown Point centers its approach to schooling around its kids.
Crown Point focuses on providing students as much access as possible to diverse experiences. Given that the school’s geographic location and size create challenges, the educators described seeking opportunities for diverse cultural experiences that include visits to college campuses, museums, and theaters as well as musical, athletic, and technology events. These experiences, according to leaders and educators, gives students broader world views and provides them with ideas about future college or career goals.
Read the complete Crown Point Central School case study.
Crown Point is located in rural upstate New York. The district is home to a PK-12 building in the center of town that functions as the hub for community events and activities. In the late 1990s, Crown Point was designated by the state as a school in need of improvement due to low performance on state assessments. In response, leaders worked to stop administrator turnover and implemented a more rigorous curriculum and other support programs to improve school culture and expand student opportunities. Evident in the widespread belief expressed among staff that school is “family,” Crown Point centers its approach to schooling around its kids.
Crown Point focuses on providing students as much access as possible to diverse experiences. Given that the school’s geographic location and size create challenges, the educators described seeking opportunities for diverse cultural experiences that include visits to college campuses, museums, and theaters as well as musical, athletic, and technology events. These experiences, according to leaders and educators, gives students broader world views and provides them with ideas about future college or career goals.
Read the complete Crown Point Central School case study.