• LEP (Limited English Proficiency) students
• PARCC Scores - Mathematics (Elementary grades 3, 4, 5)
• PARCC Scores - English/Language Arts (Elementary grades 3, 4, 5)

Key Challenge #2:  Limited English proficiency for students and/or families

While Nantucket Elementary has always been a diverse community, we have seen a gradual increase in the number of English Learners in the last 10 years. This year, we had over 70 active EL students. While most of our students come to school speaking English, we are seeing more students enrolling with limited or no English proficiency. In addition, we have seen a significant increase in the number of Spanish-speaking students in the last 3 years. EL students can often struggle in general education classes as they try to learn both a new curriculum and a new language. When students have limited to no English proficiency, they face barriers in their education.  While we work hard to support our EL students, we recognize that there is more we can do. Through the Bilingual Facilitators and the English Language Acquisition Teacher, we work to be sure that the families of our EL students are aware of the resources available to them. To ensure that these families feel welcome, we are working to ensure that everyone in our community understands and celebrates the rich diversity we have here at Nantucket.

Key Challenge #3:  Assessments

Academics have always been important to the stakeholders at Nantucket Elementary. In the 2016-17 school year, we had a 15% decrease in the percentage of second graders who read on- or above-grade level by the end of grade 2. In the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years, we have put a strong focus on implementing guided reading with fidelity. Our goal is to have at least 90% of our second graders reading at- or above-grade level by 2023. 

Nantucket Elementary students also have a discrepancy between PARCC scores on the  mathematics and English language arts (ELA) assessments. Our students scored 14% higher in PLDs 4&5 on ELA than on mathematics. In fact, the math scores for the last 2 years have remained at a pass rate of 51%. Nantucket Elementary needs to eliminate this difference through strong instructional practices.

• Socio-Economic Issues (employment, income levels, housing costs)
• Businesses/Job Market
• Student Mobility
• Limited English proficiency for students and/or families

 Key Challenge #1:  Socio-economic community issues

The community of Nantucket Elementary has changed since the school opened in 2008. It has become a more transient community due, in part, to the many rental properties.  We have seen an increase in students registering under Tenant Verification Forms, as more than one generation or family inhabit a given residence. Transferring to a new school can present not only academic challenges but social-emotional difficulties, both of which can negatively impact students’ ability to succeed. 

In addition, Nantucket Elementary has seen an increase in the number of students qualifying for Free and Reduced Meals (FARMs). In 2019, Nantucket Elementary was identified as a Targeted Support Initiative School for economically-challenged students by the Maryland State Department of Education. Many of these students have both academic and social challenges.  We need to be sure our students feel welcome and are available for learning each and every day.

This year presented a new socio-economic challenge when the Federal Government was shut down. Many of our families work for the Federal Government or are contractors for the Federal Government. Not having a paycheck for several pay periods was taxing on our families that are not normally faced with economic shortfalls. The school community rallied around these families and offered support and resources.

• Socio-economic community issues (employment, income levels, housing costs)
• Significant changes over time in student/community demographics