Letting the Students DRIVE: What happens when STUDENTS drive the data-driven decision-making process?

Dr. Anthony Jones • Cahn Fellow 2022

Why has student achievement stalled at Sligh? The story of Sligh Middle Magnet School in Tampa is one of growth and rebirth. Historically one of Tampa’s most fragile middle schools, Sligh has experienced significant transformation since Fall 2018. Many factors went into this success story. However, the upward trend seemed to slow over the past year. Why? Pandemic? Changes to staff? All the above? Careful analysis of the situation brought a significant question to the surface; to what extent have students been incorporated into the process through their own reflection and goal setting? The honest answer was not much at all if any. Virtually all other stakeholders set goals and monitored progress but not the students.