Pictured, from left, are Mandy Duncan, Jen Miller, Nate Polston, and Cassie Frank. Photo provided by Warsaw Community Schools.

Press Release

WARSAW — At a Jan. 16 Warsaw Community Schools’ board meeting, WCS Deputy Superintendent Dr. Dani Barkey provided an academic spotlight highlighting recent professional development and the impact on student learning.

“WCS teachers and leaders attended a conference on data-driven instruction that furthered the tools we have to intervene with highly effective teaching methods to accelerate learning,” said Barkey. “This conference built capacity in our team which we will in turn bring back to the district.”

Over the past several years, WCS has been part of the Partnership for Leaders in Education program with the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business and Curry School of Education. At a recent workshop, teachers and administrators gained valuable information on how to lead schools through data-driven analysis and instruction. The powerful information and practice gained will enhance instruction and student learning within WCS.

“This conference was just what we needed to reignite our work in the DDI process,” said Leesburg Instructional Coach Mandy Duncan. “Our district has already created strong assessments and Leesburg teachers are working diligently to analyze student data within PLC’s. We were affirmed in the work we are doing and motivated to take the next step: action.”

“I am most excited about enhancing my re-teaching to best fit the needs of my students,” said Warsaw Community High School English Language Arts Teacher Kylie Higgins. “We are working on creating six-week re-teaching plans.”

The Next Level Partnership supported by UVA/PLE and established in 2016 has resulted in increased capacity to strategically intervene and accelerate learning for all students. The team would like to thank the board for this opportunity to engage in high-level learning.