St. Mark Offers A Math Equation To Love
“Brilliant Teachers + Good Administration + Concerned Parents = The Best School You Can Get” concluded George A. Clowes after visiting a small North Carolina school that offers the interesting combination of outstanding test scores and a student socio economic profile that qualifies 80% of the students for free or reduced lunches.
What is the magic equation for maintaining a learning environment where all children, even children with significant disadvantages, can be highly successful? The search for such an answer can be found in opportunities provided by in-depth accreditation reviews. The 2006-2007 school year represented the scheduled re-accreditation for St. Mark Catholic School in Richmond, Kentucky, with the Kentucky Non Public School Commission. The accreditation challenges a whole school to examine itself, dialogue in small groups, gather and examine data, and reflect upon the facts. Accreditation and the review cycles that follow are extraordinary efforts. They are at their best an invitation to go through the structured scientific process and beyond. Once the facts are gathered, the reflection and envisioning can begin.
One of the really strong points that was reiterated by multiple constituencies in the review process at St. Mark, was the sense of respect and high regard perceived throughout the school. On multiple survey items related to students feeling a sense of belonging, faculty and student respect for one another, and a positive regard for interpersonal communication respondents provided 100% agreement. Students wrote comments about an environment in which they feel safe and encouraged and in which civilized behavior is expected of all persons, at all times. There was a perception that no student could be bullied or excluded without immediately being held accountable. Responses consistently represented a nurturing environment with high expectations of personal conduct and academic achievement.
The mission of St Mark School, which was founded in 1966, emphasizes academic excellence within a Christian atmosphere. That purpose statement held the accreditation review to a high level of accountability. The data collected showed small class sizes and teacher ratios averaging at 1 teacher per 12 students with 70% of the teachers having earned their Master’s degrees or higher. The rigorous academic program supported students in meeting and exceeding Diocesan and National standardized test scores.
Another element of the school that the review highlighted was the significance of the faith component. All constituency groups rated the importance of the Catholic identity and the value added by the inclusion of faith in learning with high priorities. There were comments about the value of viewing students holistically and about the students feeling safe to discuss issues, behaviors, hopes, and fears with the inclusion of their belief systems. Discussions affirmed an appreciation for the freedom to include the role of faith in history, social reform, and contemporary culture.
The accreditation process at St. Mark provided the St Mark educational community an opportunity to modify George Clowes’ formula. St. Mark is a school with a synergy produced by people working together and caring about each other. At St. Mark the equation for an excellent small school is Brilliant Teachers + Good Administration + Rigorous Academics + Concerned Parents + Christian Atmosphere = The Best School You Can Get.
George A. Clowes quoted from School Reform News, published by The Heartland Institute August 1, 1999