Pennington staff, families, and stakeholders knew
that adding more time didn’t inevitably equal more
and better learning, but it did provide the conditions
for Pennington to work to meet three main goals:
GOAL 1
Increase student
achievement and growth
• The extra time allows for uninterrupted core
learning in reading, writing, and math for all
students each day. Additionally, Pennington
implemented a competency-based learning
environment to flexibly group students based on
mastery of competencies rather than age.
Students can either be grouped in primary,
mid-intermediate, or intermediate levels. All
students receive 130 minutes of daily literacy
instruction (reading/writing), which includes 45
minutes of interventions and extensions.
Students also have 60 minutes of math
instruction, which includes 30 minutes of
interventions. Interventions and extensions are
provided in small groups and personalized based
on a student’s individual needs. (Watch this video
to learn more about Pennington’s instructional
strategy for flexible groupings.)
• The extra time also provides the space for
professional learning and analysis of student
data. Each day, Pennington educators meet for an
hour and 20 minutes in professional learning
communities to discuss student learning.
Teachers also have 45 minutes of individual
planning time. To allow for this, Pennington is
creative with its staffing. Trained
paraprofessionals, a mental health team, and
licensed support staff — including a master
teacher, literacy coach, and interventionists —
oversee academic enrichments while educators
collaborate and plan.
Goal 2
Close the opportunity gap
• Every student receives daily academic extensions
that rotate throughout the week. These extensions
include math, vocabulary, technology/computer
skills, and library, as well as positive behavioral
supports that are personalized to meet individual
needs.
• Every student also receives daily enrichments in
technology, life skills, art and culture, recreation
and fitness, and/or community service.
Intermediate students can choose these
enrichments based on what excites them and any
academic needs. Elementary students’ schedules
are designed by Pennington staff.
Goal 3
Serve the needs of the whole child
• Community equals school. Rather than having
Pennington be one system within the larger Wheat
Ridge community, the stakeholders at Pennington
strive to create a school that is a vibrant,
welcoming space embedded within its community.
(See wrap-around services for a list of resources
and programs offered to students and their
families.)
Cultivating a safe and healthy space fo ȁ