• Category 1

    Selected in 2023

  • Grades: pre k - 5
    School Setting: urban
    Town Population: 98
    Student Enrollment: 379
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 43%
    White/Caucasian: 18%
    Hispanic: 17%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 10%
    Native American: 1%
    Other: 11%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:0
    % Reduced Lunch: 100%
    % ELL Learners: 7%
    Founded: 1921
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Maria Culihan
  • CONTACT:
    108 Whitehall Road
    Albany, NY 12209
    518-475-6575
    mculihan@albany.k12.ny.us
Albany School of Humanities
Albany, NY
The students at ASH are encouraged to display their voice through all aspects of learning.
1. Tell us about your school’s success.
ASH has had a variety of successes over the past few years, ranging from academic, social emotional, and growing student voice. We have maximized schedules so that everyone from classroom teachers to support staff to hall monitors all are invested in the success of every child at ASH. During E,A & I (Enrichment, Acceleration & Intervention) time there has been more intentional instruction in phonics for kindergarten through second grade. During an additional reading block, where we utilized reading staff, we were able to be more premeditated with reading instruction in terms of looking for details and using text evidence in writing responses. In math, students were using new strategies to learn the standards. Building-wide, there is a commitment to teaching through problem-solving. Our students are confident in solving peer conflict through the techniques and tools they are taught at ASH. The students at ASH are encouraged to display their voice through all aspects of learning.
2. Talk about the greatest contributing factor(s) that promoted positive change in your school.
The commitment of teachers to professional development and their willingness to adapt
to evolving educational practices plays a crucial role. Leveraging technology and incorporating student-centric approaches, the school has been dynamic in creating a positive learning atmosphere, propelling positive changes and growth. We utilize all adults in the building to support whole group and small group instruction in both ELA and Math. Students with unfinished learning are often working with multiple adults in a small group setting. The data is tailored to meet each student’s needs. Schedules are meticulously crafted with a focus on achieving maximum productivity. They are flexible in that they are constantly changing, supporting the greatest needs in the building. Leadership has a strong pulse on the academic needs, strengths and weaknesses of each classroom. Leadership is constantly learning, evolving and supporting, while modeling high expectations for students, staff and families.

3. How has ESEA funding supported the school's success?
Title IA - Reading Teachers and Instructional Coaches;Tutoring & Parent Engagement
Title III - ELLs and Immigrants - ENL teacher stipends for additional support, Summer School Programming for ELLs, additional support for our Newcomer program
Title IV - Provided salaries for teachers to do work around enrichment, such as STEM and the Arts curriculum writing; provided materials/supplies for enrichment (Arts/STEM), provided field trips for STEM related trips (Radix); summer ARTS program. Technology Integration PD over the summer.

4. What professional development activities were used to improve teaching and learning?
The professional development we utilize is engaging in embedded studio PD, Unbound ED Standards Institute, and Peer-Peer Visits. PD is focused around specific teaching practices in a sequential, manageable order, higher-order thinking tasks, plan and co-deliver the lesson/strategy/practice learned in a grade level classroom as a team, and follow up coming in the form of individualized coaching cycles based upon identified commitments. We scaffold, rather than modify, in all instruction provided. Teacher Professional Development Offerings reflect choice and are adaptive to the current needs of the building. We also have had great success with staff visiting and learning from each other during peer visits to enhance their current practice.
5. Talk about the cultural shift leading up to your school's success.
One cultural shift our school has made is to become student-centered. Every decision that is made is viewed through the lens of, “How will this help our students?” When deciding what PD is needed for teachers, we discuss where teachers need support to address students with deficit skills and to push students who are at or above grade level. Our master schedule is always changing throughout the year to move support into classrooms that need it the most. The belief that every student can achieve grade level curriculum with the proper supports/scaffolds has driven lesson planning. This allows all students to access grade level material. Data is reviewed with staff to identify areas in need. When data shows students are being successful, teachers share best practices with each other. Teachers are constantly learning from each other through sharing resources, classroom visits, data teaming, and teacher-led PD. This cultural shift has allowed our students to make more growth.
6. How has community involvement strengthened your success?
Community involvement has strengthened our success by collaboration between parents, teachers, and staff. Parents play an active role in student and teacher-led committees, contributing their time and expertise. The Parent-Teacher Association is also highly involved in organizing and supporting school events.
Our dedicated teachers willingly lead night-time activities. These events provide opportunities for community members to come together and engage in enriching experiences. We also encourage volunteers for all events and activities at our school. This collaborative effort extends beyond the school grounds as we maintain a neighborhood garden where everyone can participate. At the Albany Lantern Parade students not only showcases the creativity and talents of our students but also a sense of unity and pride within the community. By celebrating events like the lantern parade, we create a supportive and vibrant environment that enhances the overall success of our endeavors.
Stats
  • Category 1

    Selected in 2023

  • Grades: pre k - 5
    School Setting: urban
    Town Population: 98
    Student Enrollment: 379
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 43%
    White/Caucasian: 18%
    Hispanic: 17%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 10%
    Native American: 1%
    Other: 11%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:0
    % Reduced Lunch: 100%
    % ELL Learners: 7%
    Founded: 1921
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Maria Culihan
  • CONTACT:
    108 Whitehall Road
    Albany, NY 12209
    518-475-6575
    mculihan@albany.k12.ny.us