Finley Gets High Marks in Best Practices Study
A comprehensive study of J. Taylor Finley Middle School highlights the many positive and successful happenings there which make it one of the New York’s best at educating a diverse group of students.
The “Best Practices Case Study” examined higher-performing diverse middle schools throughout the state and looked for the common characteristics that helped them succeed. The study, conducted by Just for the Kids – New York, which is based at SUNY Albany, will be released soon to local, state and national media.
The report provides insight into the multi-faceted academic programs and support initiatives that Finley utilizes to meet the needs of its students. The authors of the study believe the report will help raise awareness as to just how good a school Finley really is.
“It is great to be recognized by a reputable group of educators from New York State for doing a good job,” Principal John Amato said. Finley teachers and staff have been widely known for years as a hard working group that push students toward academic success with a collective approach.
In a section of the study titled “Best Practices Highlights,” the report states that “several practices stand out and shine through the five dimensions that frame the larger ‘best practices’ study of which this case is a part.”
Finley is lauded for “embracing diversity and working hard toward success for all students.” The report also noted that the school’s “team model fosters a unified staff who work together to support students.” Another area highlights the “strong community support and involvement” that has benefited the school for more than four decades.
Finley’s faculty and administrators, along with district office officials, cooperated with the study, submitting to interviews and providing other information. The study focused on the academic progress of ten New York middle schools that possess similar student demographics, using state assessment results for the three year period of 2003 through 2005.
The study also takes a look at Finley’s curriculum and academic goals, experience with state assessments, use of curriculum maps, staff selection and building leadership, instructional programs and practices, how student achievement is recognized and incentives for better performance and after school help, inclusion and academic support classes, among other areas.
The study concludes with a section titled “In a Nutshell.” It states: “Finley Middle School embraces its diversity and accepts the challenge of providing a good education to all of its students. Its strong, united staff reports working together to help students achieve academic success.”
While the results of the study have been welcomed by school faculty members, Finley isn’t resting on its laurels. “We certainly consider this good news, but continue to interpret and analyze our state assessment results to make further improvements in 2008 and beyond,” Mr. Amato said.
The full eight-page report generated by the study can be found on the Huntington School District’s website at www.hufsd.edu.
Comments or Questions? email the Public Information Office