Reflections

Areas of Excellence

Upon reviewing the standards and reflecting upon the key characteristics discussed in the narrative statements, the Chambers Public School CIP team has identified the following areas of excellence: Professional staff members receive the support they need to support the institution’s mission, purpose, and beliefs; Instruction is characterized by high expectations and learner-centered practices that promote self-confidence and a love learning; Data and input from a variety of sources is used to measure learners’ progress and make decisions for learners’ and staff members’ growth and well-being.

School leaders encourage professionals staff members to attend professional development opportunities to hone their teaching skills. Many opportunities for professional development are offered both on- and off-campus. Using the 5D+ Rubric for Instructional Growth and Teacher Evaluation, professional staff members are encouraged to utilize inquiry, reflection, and collaboration as they strive to support Chambers Public School’s mission, purpose, and beliefs.

Professional staff members use instructional methods that are characterized by high expectations and learner-centered practices. Teachers focus students’ attention on learning and relate current learning to prior knowledge. Learning intentions and success criteria are communicated with students. Teachers recognize that fostering a positive classroom environment that helps students feel safe and motivated with routines and options for learning styles. Students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, taking risks, asking questions, and confronting challenges in their learning.

Formal and informal assessments provide significant insight into students’ progress, curriculum effectiveness, and the success of teaching strategies. Summative and formative assessments give teachers feedback on classroom instruction. These different data sets are used by individual teachers or school leaders to improve classroom teaching and make instructional decisions. Data is used to give school leaders and teachers a global view of their students. This allows teachers to understand the major gaps students may have in learning. It also helps identify successful instructional strategies and areas of success.

Working collaboratively with all stakeholders, the CIP team of Chambers Public School believes it can provide an outstanding educational experience to all learners.

Areas of Improvement

Chambers Public School relies on the use of culture and climate surveys, the eleot observation tool, and the 5D+ Rubric for Instructional Growth and Teacher Evaluation to determine areas for improvement at the school. Chambers Public School has determined that several areas for improvement are a priority for the upcoming school year based on analyzed data, student performance on state and local assessments, and stakeholder input: communication with stakeholders in an effective and timely manner; and, the use of relevant and effective instructional methods.

To fully engage and empower our staff and our community, school leaders and professional staff members at Chambers Public School must communicate with all stakeholders in an effective and timely manner. We must grow and improve our methods of communication, engagement, and transparency to build trust and reach the community at large. Furthermore, building and sustaining partnerships with organizations and opportunities such as the local workforce development, Northeast Community College and Chadron State College, Chambers alumni, surrounding communities, and other partners are key to maximizing student college and career readiness. The development of an effective communication plan is critical to Chambers Public School’s ability to operate efficiently.

Relevant curriculum and effective instructional methods are critical to student learning and support the institution’s mission, purpose, and beliefs. Through adopted core curriculum, the district promotes effective transitions for students at each grade and level throughout the K-12 system. Furthermore, enhancing expanded learning opportunities will help foster students’ problem-solving abilities to prepare for their future successes. School leaders and teacher will continue to monitor assessment data to determine the effectiveness of curricular resources.

The success of Chambers Public School and its ability to bring the mission and vision to life for the students is predicted on the district’s most valuable assets: the dedicated and professional teachers, administrators, and staff. As the Chambers professional staff is supported and challenged, they will grow as professionals, and Chambers Public School students will ultimately benefit. Collectively, the community and the staff are committed to doing all they can to improve the district.

Challenges

While Chambers Public School strives to provide the highest educational experience possible for all learners, there are challenges the CIP team is trying to overcome through collaboration and problem-solving.

The first challenge is a declining population. Like many rural communities in Nebraska, the village of Chambers has been experiencing a decline in population. The school population has fluctuated between 110 and 133 students in recent years. Enrollment estimates for the 2023-2024 school year to the 2027-2028 school year are favorable. Option enrollment students continually help maintain a strong student population. For example, the school has eleven option students from neighboring school districts for the 2022-2023 school year. Chambers Public School needs to continue to appeal to option students as a viable school choice for students.

Another challenge is the recruitment of professional staff members. While Chambers Public School has been fortunate to hire excellent candidates to fill positions in the past, this may not always be the case. Research indicates that there is currently a shortage of teachers in Nebraska. This shortage of teachers harms students and the public education system as a whole. Lack of sufficient, qualified teachers and staff threatens students’ ability to learn and reduces teachers’ overall effectiveness. The Chambers Public School CIP team should begin to consider strategies to help combat potential recruitment and retainment issues before the problem arises.