How a Durham school is showing improvement despite national learning recession

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- As national data continues to show students across the country falling behind in reading and math, one Durham school is seeing signs of meaningful recovery.

Creekside Elementary, a school the state labels "low performing," is showing academic growth that school leaders say tells a very different story.

HandsOn Learning Driving Math Improvement

In Ms. Formo's fifth-grade classroom, hands-on learning and visual tools are helping students grasp challenging math concepts.

"In fifth-grade math, they struggle a lot with division and fraction operations," Formo said.

With nearly 20 years of teaching experience, she remembers facing similar challenges as a student and now focuses on creative strategies to help her class succeed.

"If they can't multiply, then they can't divide," she said. "I'll often give them multiplication charts so they can figure out the facts they need to be successful."

Data Shows Significant Growth

Despite its state designation, Creekside's internal data shows strong academic gains across multiple grade levels.

• Kindergarten reading proficiency rose from 31% at the start of the year to 71% by year's end.
• Kindergarten math proficiency increased from 19% to 67%.
• Third-grade reading proficiency grew from 54% to 60%.
• Third-grade math proficiency jumped from 20% to 50%.

"Clearly, our kids are making progress," Principal Victoria Creamer said.

Leaders Say Funding and Consistency Matter

Creamer credits the school's growth to intentional, daily work, but says consistent funding is essential.

"There are schools across the state that get taken over by the state, and the way we fix it is to throw money at them," she said. "We get all this money, they fix their problems, and the money gets taken away. That doesn't fix anything."

Last year, Creekside ranked in the top half of all elementary schools statewide for growth.

Literacy Team Focused on Targeted Support

School leaders say there is still work to do, especially in word recognition and reading comprehension.

Literacy coach Delphia Daniels says weekly data meetings help teachers adjust instruction quickly.

"We look at the data, see our strongest areas, what areas we still need more support in, and then together we come up with a plan," Daniels said. "Teachers implement the plan, and I observe them in the classroom and give feedback."

That support can include reteaching lessons, providing additional small group instruction, or offering after-school tutoring for third, fourth and fifth-grade students.

A Bright Future Ahead

Creamer says the school's momentum shows what's possible when educators have the tools and support they need.

She believes Creekside's continued growth is a sign that recovery is happening and that students are on the right track.