In addition, from fall 2008 to spring 2009, the number of Classworks students in jeopardy of failing one or more subjects dropped from 40 students to less than 10. From 2007-08 to 2008-09, the number of students retained school-wide plummeted from 50 students to five students in grades six through eight.
Holding students accountable for their behavior
To extend student accountability, we also implemented Time to Teach, a program that focuses on strategies for teaching children how to be responsible for their own behavior and learning. At its foundation is the notion of “teach-to’s,” which are behaviors and routines teachers purposely and clearly teach every student for the classroom to run smoothly. Through this program, our teachers teach positive, explicit behaviors for everything that happens in school–from how to ask a question in class, to how to sharpen a pencil, to how to ask to use the restroom.
As a result, student behavior has improved dramatically. From 2007-08 to 2008-09, discipline referrals were reduced by 43 percent and suspensions were reduced by 67 percent.
Building student success
At Bell Street Middle School, there is great teaching taking place by very dedicated and hard working teachers. The integration of individualized instruction, along with the practice of holding students accountable for their learning and behavior, has also contributed greatly to students’ achievements. Students are proud of their accomplishments and are working diligently to meet their academic growth goals. Through the innovative strategies of the school leadership team, Bell Street Middle School is smoothing the transition from elementary to middle school and preparing our students to be confident, successful learners.
References:
Balfanz, Robert and Nettie Letgers. 2006. Closing “Dropout Factories”: The Graduation Rate Crisis We Know and What Can Be Done About It. Commentary in Education Week 25, no. 42.
Maureen Tiller is the former principal of Bell Street Middle School and now serves as the district’s executive director of instruction K-12.
- Children learn best on paper: We need better technology, not less of it - July 13, 2026
- In districts, reaching readiness, retention, and success - March 5, 2026
- AI use is on the rise, but is guidance keeping pace? - January 2, 2026