Mary M. Knight School District Launches Comprehensive Educational Framework for 2025-2026
District implements research-based initiatives focused on student belonging, instructional excellence, and community partnership to prepare all students for college, career, and life success.
Mission-Driven Transformation
Mary M. Knight School District has spent the 2025-2026 preparation period implementing a comprehensive educational framework designed to ensure all students develop the knowledge, skills, character, and confidence to be successful citizens. The district's renewed focus centers on creating an environment where every student belongs, learns with purpose, and achieves their potential through a shared commitment to excellence.
Four Pillars of Strategic Excellence
The district has organized its improvement efforts around four foundational pillars that guide all educational decisions and practices:
Student Belonging: Creating trauma-informed, restorative learning communities where every student feels safe, valued, and connected. This approach recognizes that students perform best when they feel they truly belong in their learning environment.
Intentional Excellence: Implementing purposeful, transparent instruction where students understand what they're learning and why it matters. Teachers use research-based practices that ensure all students can access rigorous, grade-level content.
Evidence-Based Decisions: Using data and collaborative professional learning to continuously improve practices. The district analyzes multiple forms of evidence to make informed decisions about student support and instructional approaches.
Community Partnership: Building strong relationships and shared responsibility among students, families, staff, and community members. Education is viewed as a collective effort requiring engagement from all stakeholders.
OWLS Culture Strengthens Character Development
Central to the district's approach is the OWLS framework, which integrates character development with academic learning:
Ownership with Growth: Students take responsibility for their learning while developing stronger character and work habits
Willingness with Resilience: Students approach challenges with persistence and commitment to excellence
Leadership with Intensity: Students model positive behavior and focused effort while inspiring others
Success with Tenacity: Students celebrate growth while maintaining persistent effort toward goals
This framework moves beyond traditional behavior management to develop intrinsic motivation and life-long success skills.
Research-Based Instructional Initiatives
The district has implemented three major instructional initiatives based on educational research:
Teacher Clarity: Students always understand what they're learning, why it matters, and how they'll demonstrate success. This approach uses co-constructed success criteria and regular feedback cycles to maximize student achievement.
Professional Learning Communities: Staff collaborate around essential questions that drive effective instruction, including what students should learn, how to assess learning, and how to respond when students struggle or need enrichment.
Know Thy Impact: Teachers use student learning data to understand and improve their effectiveness, adjusting instruction based on evidence of student growth rather than just achievement.
Positive Behavioral Support System
Rather than relying on punishment-based discipline, the district has implemented a comprehensive Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) system that:
Teaches expected behaviors explicitly across all school settings
Uses restorative practices to repair relationships and build community
Provides tiered support based on individual student needs
Integrates trauma-informed practices that support all learners
Emphasizes prevention through strong classroom management and school culture
Social-Emotional Learning Integration
The district uses the Character Strong curriculum to provide systematic social-emotional learning:
Elementary students receive daily instruction in social skills, executive functioning, and emotional regulation
Secondary students participate in weekly advisory lessons targeting specific developmental needs
All instruction aligns with school counseling standards and supports both academic and personal growth
Lessons integrate with academic content rather than being taught in isolation
Family and Community Engagement
Recognizing that student success requires partnership, the district has enhanced its communication and engagement strategies:
Family Belonging Survey to understand how connected families feel to the school community
Transparent communication about both successes and challenges
Collaborative problem-solving that includes family voice in educational decisions
Multiple communication channels to ensure all families can stay informed and engaged
Professional Development Investment
District staff participated in extensive professional development focused on:
Implementation of research-based classroom practices
Trauma-informed and culturally responsive teaching methods
Data analysis for instructional decision-making
Restorative justice and community-building practices
Social-emotional learning integration with academic instruction
Measuring Success
The district will track progress through multiple indicators:
Academic achievement and growth across all student groups
School climate and culture data from students, staff, and families
Behavioral indicators including office referrals and positive recognition
Student voice and engagement measures
Family participation and satisfaction metrics
Looking Forward
This comprehensive approach represents a significant investment in evidence-based practices that research shows improve outcomes for all students. By focusing on belonging, instructional excellence, data-driven decisions, and community partnership, Mary M. Knight School District is creating conditions for every student to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
The district's commitment to this framework reflects its dedication to preparing students not just for academic success, but for meaningful participation as citizens in their communities and beyond. Through this systematic approach to improvement, Mary M. Knight continues to build on its strong foundation while adapting to meet the evolving needs of its students and community.