Quarles cites efforts of Wake teachers

Voices and Choices co-chair Orage Quarles talked about three Wake County Public School System teachers and the success of their schools to illustrate the progress made under Goal 2003:

We are here to build upon a success story. Our public schools help drive our economy, lend stability to our day to day life and help make every corner of Wake County a safer and more satisfying place to live. These summits have been integral to our progress. As a direct result of summit I, the Wake County board of Education adopted the first ever public academic goal for our schools, goal 2003. With each summit since 1998, we have addressed key aspects of achieving Goal 2003 and refining our strategies to make sure that teachers have the support that they need for every child.

Michele Beard teaches fifth grade at Cary Elementary School, one of the school's in Wake County that has implemented Project Achieve. She says that working toward goal 2003 has produced a focus on instruction that is driven by curriculum and has raised expectations for all students. She works to differentiate instruction for her students as she tries creative approaches to reach all of them. Thanks to hardworking teachers like Michelle, Cary Elementary went from 73% of their students at or above grade level to 86% in just two years.

Beth Liebu teaches third grade at Fuquay Varina Elementary School. She acknowledges that the focus on test scores creates pressure, but believes that teachers have risen to the challenge. Goal 2003 has created a good foundation for focused instruction and resources. She also says that goal has helped to bridge the gap among students in her classroom. Thanks to hardworking teachers like Beth, Fuquay Varina Elementary went from 70% of their students at or above to 85% of their students now at or above grade level.

Mary Worthington teaches fourth grade at Hodge Road Elementary School, another Project Achieve school. She said that goal 2003 has helped her become more accountable for her teaching curriculum but it has also driven the need for extra resources. She truly believes that no child will be left behind with our community's focus on this goal. Thanks to hardworking teachers like Mary, Hodge Road Elementary went from 71% of their students at or above grade level to 88% in two years.

Today we continue to build upon that success as the Wake County Board of Education prepares to adopt the next goal, beyond 2003.

 

Quarles on teachers

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