School-Wide Ethos
13. Whole School Culture

The organizational structure and visual presentation of the school reflects a positive, caring and creative atmosphere representing all stakeholders.

How would you summarize your progress in this aspect of your journey toward developing as a Thinking School?

This story begins in a small town in south Mississippi located along the Gulf of Mexico. “The Pass”, as it affectionately is called, has a rich history of culture, pirates, hidden gold, and a strong people. The strength of the people has carried them through many challenges, the greatest of which is rebuilding an entire community after Hurricane Katrina. An integral part of the recovery has been the Pass Christian School District. This is their story.

What documentation (interviews, artifacts) would you include to show evidence (video, documents, photos) of yours chool's development in this area?

See examples on this page and on the following pages:

What have you learned about your school in this aspect of developing as a Thinking School?

Thinking Maps had been introduced as a district initiative in 2002. For four years student achievement continued to climb. Prior to Hurricane Katrina this district was a high performing district with some of the top test scores in the state. The demographics of the district before the storm did not fit statistical data of how students should perform. Over sixty per cent of the students were on free or reduced lunch. On writing assessments students scored in the middle ranges before the introduction and implementation of Thinking Maps. Three percent of the seventh grade students scored a “4”, the highest score on the writing assessment, prior to the Maps. Over thirty percent scored a “4” on the assessment after the maps were implemented. Success was expected and a point of pride among the learning community. The reputation for excellence had spread to all corners of the state and beyond. The high school was a National Blue Ribbon School and the middle school and two elementary schools also commanded great respect for their achievements.

In what specific ways do you envision your school further developing in this area?

Recovery was only possible if a common thread could be used to connect everyone-students, staff, and parents. That common thread was the language of metacognition. Thinking Maps were there before the storm and they were there after the storm. They provided continuity in the midst of chaos.

 

 

School-Wide Ethos
The Pass Christian Public Schools received a grant from Thinking Foundation to document their incredible story. The story of 'The Pass' captured on film traces the efforts of the educators and community there to improve the achievement levels of their students through a focus on thinking, something they accomplished by becoming the top performing school district in the state of Mississippi and continue to sustain today at the highest level long after the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina.

The greatest impact on student learning and achievement occurs not simply in a moment in time but through the integrity of the learner's experience over time.

 

Thinking Schools
Composite

Thinking Schools Accreditation: Case Study Composite

School-Wide Ethos
14. Collaborative Community

Regular opportunities, across roles and responsibilities, are designed for school members to discuss and reflect on the teaching and learning experiences related to the development of a thinking school.

How would you summarize your progress in this aspect of your journey toward developing as a Thinking School?

These bricks and mortar rise from
where the tangled rubble lay,
Standing strong, on battered ground,
Hope’s guardians, holding sway.

Proud old oaks still raise their limbs
In a silent victory dance.
It’s faith, it’s hope, and the love of many
that brought us back-not chance!

As you enter into these sacred halls
never forget the past.
Remember true treasure was never lost.
It was forged from things that last.

You will see it in the children’s smiles,
and in their teachers’ care.
Knowledge, challenge, joy, and strength-
You will find these everywhere.

As you look upon these stalwart walls
This message you will learn-
It matters not that we were gone-
What matters is our return!

What documentation (interviews, artifacts) would you include to show evidence (video, documents, photos) of yours chool's development in this area?

See examples on this page and on the following pages:

What have you learned about your school in this aspect of developing as a Thinking School?

This was dramatically demonstrated in Pass Christian, Mississippi where the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina could not wipe away the deeply rooted learning that students had experienced and the thinking skills they had developed over time, and which remain intact today and thrive long after the flood waters have receded.

In what specific ways do you envision your school further developing in this area?

Dr. Sue Matheson Previous Superintendent of the Pass Christian School District.
Most of the world only knew Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. It hit here in Pass Christian. Pass Christian was wiped off the map.

Thinking Maps have had a tremendous role in achievement. They are a wonderful tool for all students. They are a tool they can use for the rest of their lives. Our students performed at a level 5 and met AYP. This tells you about the strength and quality of our school district.

 

School-Wide Ethos
15. Global Networking

The school actively develops opportunities for collaboration within and beyond the school community, including other schools in the TSI network.

How would you summarize your progress in this aspect of your journey toward developing as a Thinking School?

The greatest impact on student learning and achievement occurs not simply in a moment in time but through the integrity of the learner's experience over time. Learner-focussed schools and school leaders recognize the importance of creating a coherent experience for their students whereby learning deepens and becomes consolidated across many years. Regardless of the setting or student population, whole-school change is a critical factor in supporting student growth and achievement.

What documentation (interviews, artifacts) would you include to show evidence (video, documents, photos) of yours chool's development in this area?

See examples on this page and on the following pages:

What have you learned about your school in this aspect of developing as a Thinking School?

Data as reported by Administrators from the Pass Christian School District

  • 70% of students are on free and reduced lunch
  • Most of our students were scoring in the middle, getting a “2” out of a “4”
  • When our scores came back we were tops.
  • We went from 4 students scoring a “4” to 40 students scoring a “4”

We were then a Level 5, the best in the state.
Pass Christian School District was number 1. Number 1 in 3rd grade… 4th grade…, 5th, 6th , 7th, 8th grade. Number 1 in language arts. We were thrilled!
When we came back after the storm… When our standardized tests scores came back, even though we had lost 6 weeks of school at the elementary level, 7 weeks as the high school level … our students still performed as top performers in the state we were then a Level 5, the best in the state… superior.
Children First Annual Report 2012
The Pass Christian School District continues to receive the highest rating as a 'A Star District Accreditation Status. The district has Blue Ribbon Schools on all levels: elementary, middle and high schools. Read the report (pdf).

In what specific ways do you envision your school further developing in this area?

PASS CHRISTIAN, MS (WLOX) - Pass Christian educators have always challenged their students to climb as high as they can. Their hard work in the classroom just paid big dividends. Pass Christian is the only star school district in south Mississippi.

"The bar has been raised tremendously," Pass Christian Superintendent Sue Matheson said.

The Mississippi Department of Education just changed the way it grades its schools. Instead of striving to be level five, school systems are now vying for the title of star district. And instead of comparing districts within the state, the new accountability system grades Mississippi schools with classrooms around the nation.


Minds of Mississippi documentary film (30 min). Keith DeCristo, director and producer of the documentary Minds of Mississippi, is a documentary filmmaker based in the community of Los Angeles.