Working in a "highly effective" school, I often support my students in mastering tested skills by providing targeted practice within my English content area. One of the main foci of the current English 8/Language Arts curriculum is imitating professional writers. With the use of grammar mini-lessons on matching, unscrambling, combining, imitating, and expanding/creating original sentences, students practice effective writing styles. Ultimately, understanding how published authors creatively get their points across inspires students to take a risk.


My school's state report card shows proof and promise of good things happening. Although progress still needs to be made within our African American and Hispanic subgroups, the School Improvement Team (SIT) works rigorously to promote professional learning communities that support best practices and gradual academic growth.