How National Heritage Academies Empower Urban Students to Overcome Achievement Gaps

Bridging the Gap in Urban Education

Urban students often face unique challenges that can impact their educational journey. Across the nation, a significant number of school-aged children from city environments struggle with various obstacles that hinder their academic success. National Heritage Academies® (NHA) aim to address these barriers, ensuring that these students can thrive both academically and in life.

Commitment to Student Success

NHA schools, such as Pembroke Academy in Detroit, are recognized for their commitment to closing achievement gaps. Having earned the prestigious 2024 Blue Ribbon award, Pembroke Academy highlights the exemplary measures put in place to support urban students. Principal Salwa Kinsey emphasized that understanding the cultural backgrounds of students helps nurture an enriching learning environment. Both Kinsey and Westfield Charter Academy Principal Ira Kleiman prioritize building relationships with students, which is crucial in urban education.

Establishing relationships involves not just understanding students' academic levels through assessments but also identifying their interests and learning styles. "Getting to know your students is pivotal in bridging the gaps in education," Kinsey noted, reflecting on how this knowledge fosters a supportive school community.

High Expectations as a Foundation

High expectations are another critical component of NHA's educational approach. Parents of urban students seek more than mere progress; they desire a commitment to excellence that propels their children toward success. As Kinsey articulated, parents want their kids to be held to high standards rather than just being promoted without proper qualifications. This commitment to excellence is reinforced through NHA's Moral Focus™ curriculum, which encompasses virtues such as respect, perseverance, and integrity.

Kleiman shared how consistent high standards create a structure within the school environment, allowing urban students to experience a sense of security and belonging, crucial for their growth. He believes that consistent accountability and high expectations instill life skills and self-reliance in students, preparing them for future challenges.

Targeted Learning Approaches

NHA schools also utilize targeted instruction strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of urban students. Given the varying educational backgrounds of students, NHA educators focus on small-group instruction to provide personalized attention. Early assessment helps identify students who require additional support, leading to effective interventions from the start.

Kleiman emphasized the importance of dedicated resources in classrooms, with a teacher and paraprofessional assigned in each K-2 class. This strategy allows for a multifaceted teaching approach, where multiple small groups can receive focused instruction simultaneously. Moreover, continuous evaluation ensures that instructional strategies remain adaptive and effective in meeting student needs, allowing educators to modify groupings based on assessment data every two weeks.

Transforming Lives Through Education

The overarching mission of NHA is to transform lives through education by fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment. Both Kinsey and Kleiman recognize that urban students often lack access to essential resources outside of school. Addressing these needs includes not only academic support but also connections to social services like eyeglass provisions and social-emotional learning opportunities.

Kleiman stated, "The greatest impact we can have is to build students' confidence and provide them with the skills necessary for success." The tangible results of NHA's efforts are evident. At events like Literacy Night, the sense of pride among parents as they witness their children reading is a testament to the school's impact. The story of a student who struggled with reading but has made significant progress represents the transformative potential of a nurturing educational environment.

Conclusion

As NHA continues to lead the charge in urban education, their emphasis on relationships, high expectations, targeted instruction, and holistic support showcases a model that other institutions may well emulate. By focusing on the individual's growth and education, NHA schools are not just bridging achievement gaps—they are indeed transforming lives, providing hope and opportunities for urban students to succeed in all facets of their lives.