Named a CLAS Banner School

Randy Garrison

Hartselle Enquirer

F.E. Burleson was selected as one of 14 schools out of 178 who applied to be named a 2015 CLAS Banner School. This award recognizes schools and programs that serve as outstanding educational models for other schools in the state of Alabama.

CLAS or Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools was created in 2001. CLAS is comprised of superintendents, principals and assistant principals. Aspiring administrators are provided workshops in the education association as well.

Burleson principal Debbie Queen and Yulanda Hampton, instructional partner submitted the application in September of 2015. Using the theme for 2015-2016 “Under Construction” with explanations of how the faculty and staff of Burleson is investing in the future of their students and the community, were included in the application. Also by following the Hartselle City Schools strategic plan where emphasis is placed on learning, leadership and life by preparing students academically, artistically and athletically was also used a reasons for applying.

In the application, unique student centered programs were offered as a reason for selection. Included were Burleson’s recognition as a Leader in Me School, Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Lighthouse School and a Certified Alabama Wildlife Outdoor Classroom School.

The students using a 1000-gallon cistern is to collect rainwater for the flower and vegetable beds, and students requesting “real food trays” instead of Styrofoam since they are also a award winning Green School, are being learned and taught by using the outdoor classroom.

The students are able to see where technology and nature meet by using the outdoor classroom. The school cafeteria has recently introduced composting as a way to teach students about food waste and sustainability. The students weigh the compost and graph the statistics and then use the fertilizer for the raised beds in the outdoor classroom.

Queen and Hampton also believe that the state adopted ACT Aspire test gains from last year are a large part of the school receiving the award, since they have applied before. The third grade students test scores from school year 2014-2015 gained 22 points in reading, 17 points in science, 14 points in English, 14 points in writing and 8 points in math.

Fourth grade students for the 2014-2015 school year gained 26 points in reading, 17 points in writing, 16 points in math, 13 points in science and 10 points in English.

Both believe that there are multiple reasons for the ACT gains, including teachers teaching to their strengths and their specialties. Fourth grade teacher’s team-taught and looping was also used last year. Looping involves a teacher staying with the same class as they move up a grade level; such as a second grade teacher staying with a class when they move to third grade.

The Fast For Word program used for resource students also helped to increase the scores. This program helped students struggling with reading to increase test scores, and all students take the ACT Aspire basically if they are physically able.

Teaching to the whole child, involving the students in service learning projects and programs to help each child learn were instrumental in the score gains at FEB.

Also FEB English language students had a 90 percent increase in overall proficiency on the ACCESS (Accessing Comprehension and Communication in English State to State for English Language Learners.)

According to Queen, “as an award-winning learning center, all at FEB strive to encourage learners to reach their highest potential through the discovery of their gifts, talents and leadership qualities.”