Learn more about what makes Crum PK-8 an Exemplary Practice School.
Overcoming Barriers with Effective Practices for Sustainable Improvement
At Crum PK-8, data drives all decisions. The staff continually and systematically analyzes behavior, attendance, formative and summative assessments, and anecdotal evidence. This analysis provides a foundation for all instructional decision-making. The staff at Crum PK-8 has confidence that all students can achieve mastery and that every teacher can effectively teach all learners. This belief has shifted the school’s focus from sympathizing with students in poverty to equipping them to compete academically, regardless of circumstance. This shift toward a data-driven professional community, grounded in an unwavering conviction in students’ ability to succeed, has enabled the school to implement innovative practices that address the barriers students face.
The school takes an innovative approach to overcoming staffing challenges by pairing teachers for instruction. This enables the school to draw on educators’ expertise and fosters a collaborative culture for ongoing school improvement. At the middle-school level, this ensures every student has access to a certified math teacher, while at the elementary level, general education teachers work alongside interventionists to provide targeted, small-group instruction that supports students' mastery of grade-level standards.
As a result, math achievement has increased from 15% in 2021 to 32% in 2025. By raising expectations for both students and staff, the school has achieved significant academic growth through intentional collaboration, targeted interventions, and a relentless focus on mastery of grade-level standards.