"We weave Classworks

through our curriculum

and our ELS program

and RTI program,

utilizing it in many

different formats

– in the classroom,

in summer school,

individually or

on a group basis.”

-Beverly Huffman,
Principal,
Meridian Elementary

On November 12, Principal Beverly Huffman and other representatives of Meridian Elementary School, will be in Washington D.C. to receive the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence from the U.S. Department of Education. This Blue Ribbon award is just the most recent in a string of academic accomplishments for the pre-K-through-sixth elementary school located near Waco, Texas.

Meridian is one of 276 schools across the U.S. to have earned the Blue Ribbon honor this year. Within the ranks of schools in Texas, Meridian shines brightly, as well, as the school is a two-time Texas Education Agency Exemplary Campus – the highest rating for a school in the state – it is one of a small number of 1A school district campuses (300 students) to earn the award.

The climb for Meridian from an average school recording “acceptable and recognized” to one receiving national attention has been a fairly quick four-year journey. And Classworks has been involved with Meridian every step of the way.

“We use Classworks along with our scientifically researched curriculum, and it gives us documentation data so we can see how our students are progressing,” Huffman said. “We use it along with our RTI (Response to Intervention) for documentation of progress, and to comply with NCLB legislation. “

To be recognized in Texas as an “Exemplary Campus,” 90% of all students passing proficiency in all areas of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS).

Students at Meridian receive Classworks weekly in the computer lab, as well as time on the program in class during Centers time.

“We weave Classworks through our curriculum and our ELS program and RTI program, utilizing it in many different formats – in the classroom, in summer school, individually or on a group basis.”

A Master’s thesis, conducted by Meridian’s former principal, Damon Patterson, entitled The Effects of Classworks in the Classroom, reported a first-hand account how Classworks can help improve school success. He recorded how over three years with Classworks implemented throughout the school, Meridian had progressed from “academically acceptable” to “recognized” to “exemplary.”