• Category 1

    Selected in 2024

  • Grades: k - 5
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 20
    Student Enrollment: 358
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 0%
    White/Caucasian: 55%
    Hispanic: 9%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 1%
    Asian: 1%
    Native American: 13%
    Other: 21%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:26
    % Reduced Lunch: 51%
    % ELL Learners: 3%
    Founded: 1987
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Catherine Pusch
  • CONTACT:
    785 Lakloey Drive
    North Pole , AK 99705
    907-488-3200
    catherine.pusch@k12northstar.org
Ticasuk Brown Elementary School
North Pole , AK
"We have consistently moved students up the achievement ladder."
1. Tell us about your school’s success.
From 2021-22 to 2023-24 on the AK STAR Reading Assessment proficient scores increased from 21.5 percent to 27.5 percent; a 6 percentage point increase.

From 2021-22 to 2022-24 on the AK STAR Math Assessment proficient scores went from 15.28 percent to 26.4 percent; an 11.12 percentage point increase.

From 2021-22 to 2023-24 on the Alaska Science Assessment proficient scores went from 36.48 percent to 48.9 percent; a 16.1 percentage point increase.
2. Talk about the greatest contributing factor(s) that promoted positive change in your school.
Ticasuk Brown’s data-driven approach to literacy instruction centers on the Science of Reading. We employ a Walk-to-Read model, utilizing mClass and MAP assessments to precisely group students. This targeted intervention strategy maximizes student growth and success. Additionally, our implementation of a research-based math curriculum has significantly improved students' mathematical proficiency. Furthermore, our dynamic, project-based science instruction engages students in hands-on learning experiences, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.The School Level Analysis Charts show an upward trend in Reading, Math and Science. We have consistently moved students up the achievement ladder. We have shown an increase in Advanced and Proficient students, and an increase from Not Proficient to Approaching Proficient in reading, math and science.
3. How has ESEA funding supported the school's success?
By strategically allocating Title I funds, they have expanded support staff, hired an Instructional Coach, invested in evidence-based Science of Reading interventions, organized family engagement opportunities to strengthen school-home connections, provided teachers with opportunities to attend professional development, and purchased technology to facilitate individual interventions.
4. What professional development activities were used to improve teaching and learning?
To ensure teacher expertise in the Science of Reading, over the past two years, explicit and direct instruction has been provided to them during dedicated professional development workshops. Teachers were able to attend these workshops by utilizing substitute coverage, allowing for focused learning on literacy routines. These workshops had an immediate positive impact as evidenced by observations by the principal and a shift in conversations with the Instructional Coach.

In 2022-2023, Ticasuk Brown’s inaugural year as a Title I school, all teachers were afforded the opportunity to attend one of the following conferences: Alaska MTSS/RTI Effective Instruction Conference, Alaska Statewide Special Education Conference, National ESEA Conference, or the Alaska Science of Reading Symposium. Each of these conferences go well beyond being a ‘one-shot workshop’; these conferences build teachers’ long-term skill and capacity to deliver high-quality instruction.
5. Talk about the cultural shift leading up to your school's success.
In addition to differentiated instruction, we embrace collaborative learning as a key strategy. By fostering a culture of teamwork with regular staff meetings and weekly Professional Learning Communities, we facilitate the necessary planning to enable students to engage in peer-to-peer learning with buddy classrooms, which in turn enhances their critical thinking and communication skills. Our educators continually assess the effectiveness of these strategies through student performance data, enabling us to make informed adjustments that enhance student engagement and achievement.
6. How has community involvement strengthened your success?
Ticasuk Brown prioritizes family engagement by hosting at least three family nights annually. These events are designed to be both fun and informative.

We have successfully hosted literacy nights specifically for parents. These events have provided opportunities for families to enjoy dinner together while children participate in supervised activities. During this time, parents have learned about the Alaska Reads Act, the Science of Reading, practical strategies to support their child's literacy development and have had the opportunity to connect with representatives from other federal programs offered in the district such as the Migrant Education and Alaska Native Education Programs.
We introduced a punch card system for family nights and other school events. By attending these events, families earn punches on their cards, which are then entered into a year-end drawing. We collaborate with local businesses to offer a variety of prizes.
Stats
  • Category 1

    Selected in 2024

  • Grades: k - 5
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 20
    Student Enrollment: 358
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 0%
    White/Caucasian: 55%
    Hispanic: 9%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 1%
    Asian: 1%
    Native American: 13%
    Other: 21%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:26
    % Reduced Lunch: 51%
    % ELL Learners: 3%
    Founded: 1987
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Catherine Pusch
  • CONTACT:
    785 Lakloey Drive
    North Pole , AK 99705
    907-488-3200
    catherine.pusch@k12northstar.org