Lakes High School and Ignite for Schools

 

In 2002, Lakes High School in Lakewood, WA was like any typical urban high school facing serious issues. At that time, the graduation rate was only 55%. Meaning, only a little over half of all students in this urban high school were passing standardized tests, passing classes with college eligible grades, taking and passing high stakes exams such as the SAT, enrolling in rigorous courses and applying for post high school educational opportunities. Building administrators quickly realized only preparing half of students for life after high school was not enough. Several decisions were made by the school leadership team (steering committee) charged with making some significant changes to create a college going culture at Lakes High School.

In 2002, Lakes secured a Small Learning Community (SLC) Grant. This helped in restructuring the courses to an academy and "career pathway" system. Ignite was already part of the partnership, brought into the building to implement an intentional freshman transitions initiative in 2000. This has been part of the Lakes culture now for over 9 years. Ignite has continued to provide both staff and student support throughout the years.

Over the course of nine years, the Ignite team has served Lakes High School in many ways. Ignite has worked to enhance the transitions effort by co-developing the Spring Transition visits to the feeder schools. The spring transition's finale is a Day of Transition. Data collected after this event showed that over 90% of the students find it helpful. These spring and fall orientation days foster a sense of pride for the new students and provide a positive climate beginning with the support of upperclass mentors.

Ignite has also added the 'Power of One' initiative for the freshman students and their advisory teachers. The goal of this program is to strengthen the relationship within the advisory classes and amongst the 9th grade students as they get ready to move into their second year. Data has shown that this program continues to break down the walls between and among students and staff.

Ignite has been coaching the Lakes' staff by providing a variety of professional development initiatives customized to the school goals and objectives, i.e. personal effectiveness (DiSC training), facilitation techniques, and other appropriate trainings) Ignite consultants have been part of the Lakes steering committee since it began. They provide that outside coach's voice with ideas and practices from their extensive work and experience in schools across the country.

Ignite has also supported Lakes High school in its development of Lancer Link, their advisory model. Ignite has provided relevant curriculum, worked with a small team to help lay out the design of a culminating project and guided the implementation of student-led conferences. Their student-led conferences showcase a students' portfolio of best works and evidence of student progress and success.

Ignite introduced Smart and Good (S&G) schools research to the Lakes leadership team and since then, Lakes has adopted these character based practices to further impact their culture and climate. In 2008, Lakes and Ignite teamed up to develop "the Lakes Way" and a school touchstone was developed with extensive input from school staff, students and community. This touchstone is expected to be incorporated within the school community during their Fall 2009 events.

In Fall 2008, Ignite introduced Ignite Learning! focusing on impacting Math performances. One of their consultants partnered with a math teacher and piloted this initiative with the students from one class. This project involved impacting the climate in the classroom by utilizing promising practices like developing a classroom compact (an S&G practice), developing a cooperative learning environment, and challenging and holding students accountable for their own learning in a supportive classroom community.

In 2008/09, Lakes High School experienced a whopping 88% graduation rate.

 

 

Lakes High School

10320 Farwest Dr SW

Tacoma, WA 98498

(253) 583-5550