• Category 3

    Selected in 2023

  • Grades: pre k - 4
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 0
    Student Enrollment: 445
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 2.5%
    White/Caucasian: 89.5%
    Hispanic: 2.5%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 0.9%
    Native American: 0%
    Other: 4.6%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:19
    % Reduced Lunch: 72%
    % ELL Learners: 0%
    Founded: 1997
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Melanie Needham
  • CONTACT:
    759 Linden Street Suite B
    Dresden, TN 38225
    731-364-3401
    melanie.needham@wcsk12tn.net
Dresden Elementary School
Dresden, TN
Our goal is to improve and get a little better with each day of instruction.
1. Tell us about your school’s success.
For the last 3 years, data trends for Dresden Elementary's standardized state test achievement scores have continuously been on the rise. 3rd grade ELA achievement has improved from 36.7% to 51.8% of students meeting or exceeding expectations, signifcantly better than the state average of 40.5%.
3rd grade Math achievement has improved from 44.9% to 58.8% of students meeting or exceeding expectations, compared to the state average of 40.5%.
Last year, Dresden Elementary students scored their highest achievement levels to date in 4th grade Reading and Math. 60.4% of our students met or exceeded expectations in ELA, compared to 43.5% state average. And, 64.4% of our students met or exceeded expectations in Math, compared to a 43.6% state average.

2. Talk about the greatest contributing factor(s) that promoted positive change in your school.
Teachers genuinely care about their students and build a sense of community in classrooms. The teacher retention rate is very high with most teachers living and raising their own families in this area. Teachers have a strong work ethic and high expectations of each student. Teachers collaborate with each other and the instructional coach to analyze student data and use it to drive instruction. Teachers are knowledgeable about standards they are teaching. They use best practices such as Science of Reading and backwards planning as tools for success.
3. How has ESEA funding supported the school's success?
Current funding projects include funding personnel- a building level academic coach and a computer skills lab teacher. Additional educational assistants are employed to assist in classrooms and deliver reading intervention lessons. We additionally have a part time Reading Interventionist position. Funding is also used for instructional supplies and staff development.
4. What professional development activities were used to improve teaching and learning?
School leaders participated in a multi-year NIET Partnership that included a Professional Development series on leadership and characteristics of strong instruction. Teacher professional development includes training on math and reading curriculum. Teachers spend time at the school and grade level examining student data and collaboration on best instructional practices. Learning walks have been implemented to identify quality instruction. Teachers are also encouraged and allow to visit other classrooms to learn from peers. Additionally, teachers participated in the Educator Summit to gain valuable professional development on topics of their own choosing. All new teachers participate in a year long mentorship with another teacher in the same grade level.
5. Talk about the cultural shift leading up to your school's success.
Dresden Elementary follows a model of continuous improvement. Our goal is to improve and get a little better with each day of instruction. The biggest shift has come from tracking and actively using data to drive decision making and instructional practices. Teachers also have a culture of transparency and trust to openly problem solve and discuss ways to help students achieve their full potential. We know that school is often the safest, best part of many children's day. A sense of community is present in each classroom.
6. How has community involvement strengthened your success?
Teachers work to establish communication between home and school using the Dojo platform. Parents are encouraged to check take-home folders, attend parent teacher conferences, and participate in school events. Open house nights provide the opportunity for grade levels to share goals and expectations for the upcoming year. Fall Festivals and family learning nights are held to bring families into the building for positive experiences. Additionally, clubs, churches, and civic organizations provide resources to make sure school supplies, clothing, and other needed items are not a barrier to learning.
Stats
  • Category 3

    Selected in 2023

  • Grades: pre k - 4
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 0
    Student Enrollment: 445
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 2.5%
    White/Caucasian: 89.5%
    Hispanic: 2.5%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 0.9%
    Native American: 0%
    Other: 4.6%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:19
    % Reduced Lunch: 72%
    % ELL Learners: 0%
    Founded: 1997
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Melanie Needham
  • CONTACT:
    759 Linden Street Suite B
    Dresden, TN 38225
    731-364-3401
    melanie.needham@wcsk12tn.net