How One Teacher Boosted ELA Test Scores 40%
Discover how educator Ezera Washington achieved a remarkable 91% proficiency rate in ELA assessments within a single academic year, raising her students’ test scores by 40%. This transformative approach integrates relationship-building, tailored small-group instruction, and high expectations, proving that personalized, data-driven strategies can revolutionize student outcomes. If you want to improve your ELA test scores, you’ll want to listen to what Ezera did.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How she works with students who are below grade level by helping them tune in to how they feel about reading and how to help them do grade-level work even if they read below grade level.
- How to use formative assessments to adapt instruction in real time.
- Practical methods for scaffolding content without lowering grade-level expectations.
- The power of strong parent-teacher partnerships in boosting reading achievement.
- Motivational strategies to inspire struggling readers.
Join us for actionable tips and insights that will empower every teacher to redefine success in their ELA classroom. Whether you’re new to teaching or a veteran educator, this episode will equip you with proven strategies to elevate test scores and ignite a love of learning.
Key Takeaways
- Relationships Matter: Start by knowing your students’ interests and how they like to learn.
- High Expectations: Never compromise on grade-level goals—scaffold instead of simplifying.
- Formative Assessment: Adjust instruction based on real-time data to meet students where they are.
- Parental Involvement: Engage parents as partners to extend learning beyond the classroom.
- Iterative Planning: Be ready to adapt lesson plans based on daily learning data.
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Resources
Ezera Washington – Bio as Submitted
Ms.Washington is a dedicated and transformative educator born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey. As the eldest of seven children, Ms.Washington developed a strong sense of responsibility and a passion for education early on, recognizing it as a powerful pathway to economic mobility.
Currently serving as the K-5 Supervisor in Paterson, Ms.Washington is driven by a commitment to empower students and ensure they are prepared for academic success, from the early grades through to college and beyond.
A proud graduate of Montclair State University, Ms.Washington earned a Bachelor of Arts in English, becoming the first in the family to graduate college with the support of the Educational Opportunity Fund. This personal journey exposed Ms.Washington to the academic challenges faced by students from underserved communities, motivating a lifelong commitment to strengthening educational equity in Paterson.
Inspired by a promise she made to herself, to ensure no student from Paterson feels unprepared, Ms.Washington dedicated her career to empowering future generations through transformative teaching and leadership. She believes through high expectations and good relationships all students can succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Beginning her teaching career at School 13 in Paterson,
Ms.Washington quickly expanded her impact, moving on to teach fourth-grade Math and English Language Arts (ELA) in Newark for four years. Here is where she became a highly effective educator and instructional leader. During this time, Ms.Washington earned a Master’s in Elementary Education while working full-time, further developing expertise in instructional strategy, student engagement, and peer mentoring. Returning to Paterson, Ms.Washington continued to excel as a fifth-grade ELA teacher at College Achieve, where her dedication to student success led to notable improvements in test scores, earning her the 23-24 Governor’s Educator of the Year award.
As a supervisor, Ms.Washington champions a collaborative, co-teaching model to elevate instructional quality across the district. Supporting curriculum writing and network professional development sessions for the network. Through consistent modeling and coaching, Ms.Washington develops teachers who are equipped to inspire and support each student’s unique potential. Today, Ms.Washington remains steadfast in her mission to create equitable learning environments where all students are prepared to excel in every space, especially in college, fulfilling a lifelong vision of opportunity and success for Paterson’s youth. Ms.Washington believes in the Thru and Thru mission of all of her students.
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