Schools That Work

Barbara Morgan STEM Academy

Public, Suburban
Grades K-5
Meridian, ID
  • For the past 3 years, 5th-grade ELA, math, and science results were consistently higher than in competitive districts and the state on Idaho’s Standards Achievement Test.
  • Earned STEM certification in 2018—and again in 2023—with scores higher than the averages of other schoolsreviewed by the accrediting organization.  
  • In the fall of 2024, 78% of students reached the top tier of proficiency on the Idaho Reading Indicator (IRI) scale, outperforming the state and district.
  • STEM

    Connecting Science to Problem-Solving in the Real World

    Tackling authentic problems in science class helps students see the link between the lab and the challenges facing our world—and builds multiple skills along the way.
  • Classroom Management

    How Celebrating Academic Progress Builds Motivation

    When teachers acknowledge the learning journey, they help students gain confidence and develop ownership over their growth—and build a culture of support in the classroom.
  • Project-Based Learning (PBL)

    Using a Learning Map to Build Exemplary PBL Units

    By developing—and revisiting—an instructional roadmap that connects standards, activities, and skill development, these teachers put students on a path toward mastery.
  • Collaborative Learning

    60-Second Strategy: Sage and Scribe

    In addition to dedicated time to practice a skill, this cooperative learning activity provides an opportunity for peer feedback.
  • Communication Skills

    Adapting Socratic Seminars for Elementary

    With a few key modifications, teachers can make a complex academic discussion into an excellent learning opportunity for younger students.
  • Teaching Strategies

    60-Second Strategy: The Last Question

    When time is up at the end of a lesson, there’s one last question teachers can ask to get students to reflect on their work—and how they’d improve next time.
  • ChatGPT & Generative AI

    Helping Students Navigate New Technology Responsibly

    By giving students a safe way to explore using AI chatbots in the classroom, teachers can help them sharpen their digital literacy and critical thinking skills.
  • Assessment

    Encouraging Students to Own Their Academic Growth

    When students use a hands-on approach to track their own progress, goals, and test scores, they begin to take responsibility for their learning.

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