Woodland Academy is an innovation school in Main South, Worcester. As an urban public school, Woodland represents an extremely diverse and high need population. It serves 626 students grades K-6. Ninety-six percent of the students at Woodland are classified as “high need,” and 74% as English Language Learners. Despite the challenges often associated with serving this population of students, Woodland’s strong school culture and teacher collaboration produces an enriching and quality-learning environment.

This year our school received an Apple grant, which gave every teacher an iPad and Macbook, and each student their own iPad. This has certainly impacted how lessons are taught, as technology allows students to dive deeper into their learning. Students are always thrilled to use their new tool in the classroom, and will be better prepared to enter a technologically advanced world.

Woodland’s focus is on helping students grow in literacy and mathematics, staying especially mindful of the high amount of English Language Learners. To address literacy Woodland uses a Daily 5 structure, Fundations in grades K-1, and RTI groups across grades based on needed skills. There is also an emphasis on reading strategies like the C.A.F.E. model (Comprehension, Accuracy, Fluency, and Expanded Vocabulary) to help encourage readers. To help support literacy Woodland also implements Jan Richardson’s Guided Reading Strategies, the Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark System, Making Meaning, and Discussions for Learning.

Woodland’s uses the GoMath curriculum, supplemented by math groups and whole group instruction. During math centers students are purposefully grouped, and rotate through four centers: a teacher station, worksheet center, a computer or iPad center, and a game center. This allows students to interact with the subject in diverse ways, while teachers can target instruction to individual groups.

To help students succeed Woodland has a strong model of collaboration and growth. As an innovation school, teachers participate in monthly professional development. These sessions address various salient topics, like teaching students with trauma, incorporating technology in the classroom, or structuring effective RTI groups. The constant collaboration ensures consistency throughout classrooms and grade levels, which is evident as students grow. This ensures that despite having a “high need” population, Woodland maintains high expectations, delivering a quality education for all students.