We know there's debate in the education community: Does class size matter? How much? If so, for which kids?
For our kids, it matters significantly. Domus Academy students are here to learn, and many need to catch up academically. To do that, they need extra time with their classroom teachers. Every minute counts. And if there are additional barriers facing a young person--poverty, social/emotional challenges, troubles at home, illness--that child will struggle to focus in class. The disadvantages just stack up.
A study released today by the Brookings Institution states, "it appears that very large class-size reductions, on the order of magnitude of 7-10 fewer students per class, can have significant long-term effects on student achievement and other meaningful outcomes. These effects seem to be largest when introduced in the earliest grades, and for students from less advantaged family backgrounds."
Large-scale reduction from previous classes our students were in? Check.
Students from less advantaged family backgrounds? Check.
Not only are our class small, with an average of 10 students per class, we strive to always have two adults in the classroom at all times for additional support for students.
Whatever it takes.
It's a tradition at Domus schools: We have a huge feast and invite friends, family members, and alum to join us to celebrate all we're thankful for. This was our second celebration, and it was a blast! Music, decorations, homemade goodies...no better time was had anywhere in New Haven yesterday.
More photos from our fun celebration are here.
All of us at Domus Academy are thankful for the support of the community, our students, family members, loved ones, our colleagues, and the many people who have made this school possible.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
At all Domus schools, we ask parents to stay engaged as partners in their child's education by doing things like coming to Family Nights and Report Card Nights. It helps us create and maintain the relationships which help us, in turn, best serve each student. A child's success requires all the partners--student, parent, and school--giving their best effort.
At tonight's Report Card Night, I talked to one mom whose son is definitely giving it his all. B. is a 6th grader whose mother told me all about his transformation in just a few short months.
"He's been doing great. His grades are coming up, he wants to do homework--he never wanted to do homework before...his behavior has changed--he's more calm. He loves the staff." Mom is visibly proud about B.'s tremendous progress.
When asked about the differences she sees between this school and B.'s old school, Mom says Domus Academy staff members "take time with the kids--they talk with them. [The school has] the advocates--B. goes to [family advocate] Mr. Smith, and he'll go talk with him about any problems" he's having. When I note, after Mom explains how B. takes responsibility for his education, from doing homework to making sure his uniform is all together, she notes with a smile that's true, "plus he's got Mom and Dad backing him up."
Student, parent, school: When everyone pitches in, it works.
Our DA team went through the Hopkins School’s Adam Kreiger Adventure program in New Haven as a way to build team and get to know each other. They utilized the 30+ low and high elements, structures made up of any series or combination of wires, ropes, cables, tires, and wood. The many activities the team did indoor and outdoor focused on a wide range of objectives which may include establishing group trust, cohesion, and/or communication.
And it's great for all ages! Here's some Domus kids from another program years ago stretching their boundaries and supporting each other...about three stories up in the trees.
"I don't wanna fight with people" ..."It's really helping my grades go up."
Yes, music is doing all that and much more.
Kick back and relax as you hear from our students about how creating music helps them express themselves in a healthy manner, feel heard, and feel part of a group--such basic human needs, and you can do it all by creating some tunes.
This video is expertly produced and full of great beats and mature insights from young people finding themselves--take a break from your day to experience the talent we're nurturing at Domus Academy.
