Painted hallways greet us here at Clap Innovation. But this isn’t just any paint. It’s whiteboard paint.
Clap Innovation is a beacon of educational innovation. It stands as a testament to community resilience. Parents fought to keep this school open. Their efforts led to a new beginning. Clap Innovation emerged from those efforts.
This school faced closure. But parents proposed reopening it with “innovation” status. It became a pilot school program in Massachusetts. Teachers reapplied for their positions. Only one was rehired. This marked a fresh start.
Governor Deval Patrick visited Clap Innovation in 2011. He sought to highlight its potential. He saw it as a model for closing student achievement gaps. The school received a 50,000 dollar innovation implementation grant. This grant supported teacher training. It came from the state’s “Race to the Top” program. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation also contributed.
Innovation schools have autonomy. They enjoy flexibility in hiring, budgeting, and scheduling. These schools were created under the Achievement Gap Act of 2010.
Justin Vernon is the principal of Clap Innovation. The school houses grades K through 5. It serves around 180 students. There are nine classroom teachers. Two support staff and four specialists are also on staff.
The school day is 30 minutes longer. There is a two-week summer program for grades 1 through 5. Administrators use data to identify student weaknesses. They then match students with the appropriate teacher.
Students can draw on desks and walls. This is thanks to a dry-erase paint called “IdeaPaint”. A company based in Ashland created it. Weekly progress reports go home to parents. The school holds regular town halls. These engage the community.
Veteran teacher Donna Harris noted positive changes. The added half-hour each day helped. Initiatives such as weekly reports increased family involvement. Mid-year conferences also boosted family engagement.
PE teacher Angel Scott invites us to her auditorium classroom. Young children enthusiastically do yoga exercises. Charts display feeling words. Students begin each class by writing about their feelings. They also write about how their bodies feel. Specialists teach on Thursdays. This includes Chinese, Visual Arts, and Science classes.
Art teacher Connie Cummings helps students imagine drawings from a circle. Science teacher Amanda Schrekengaustled leads her class singing the “Bones” song.
Goals are posted on large charts. These charts display goals for MCAS achievement. Some fourth-grade students read to answer questions. Only a few read for pleasure.
Despite pressures, students show confidence. They demonstrate determination. Teachers give their hearts to their work. Clap Innovation embodies commitment. It embodies innovative spirit. It provides a nurturing environment for its students.