Van Schaick Grade School has been selected to participate in a groundbreaking research study conducted by NYKids, joining an elite group of elementary schools across New York State recognized for achieving exceptional student outcomes.
NYKids, a research organization that has been studying positive outlier schools since 2004-2005, conducts research to identify and understand positive outlier schools across New York State, sharing evidence-based practices that support student success and educational excellence.
After rigorous statistical analysis of schools statewide, VSGS was identified as a “positive outlier” – a school where student performance significantly exceeds expectations based on demographics. The selection process examined state test scores in English Language Arts and Mathematics, chronic absenteeism rates, student demographics, and community characteristics to identify schools that are truly stand outs to learn from.
VSGS Principal Jacqueline DeChiaro was thrilled that her school was chosen for this study.
“I am incredibly proud of our students, staff, and families for being recognized by NYKIDS for our academic outcomes and our attendance,” she said. “While schools with similar demographics often face comparable challenges, our community has proven that when everyone works together with high expectations and unwavering commitment, circumstances don’t define outcomes.”
The study will explore how schools approach four critical areas:
- Mental Health and Social-Emotional Well-Being: Researchers will examine the policies, processes, and practices used to support students’ mental health and social-emotional development, increasingly recognized as foundational to student success.
- Academic Readiness and Performance: The team will investigate approaches that help students achieve strong academic outcomes and prepare for future learning challenges through the lens of the state’s Portrait of a Graduate.
- Educator Workforce Excellence: The study will explore strategies for recruiting, retaining, and developing high-quality leaders, teachers and staff – a crucial concern for schools nationwide.
- Family and Community Engagement: Researchers will document how the school partners with families and community organizations to support student development both inside and outside school walls.
During the remainder of this school year, a team of researchers will visit VSGS to collect data through document review, interviews, and focus groups with district leaders, school administrators, teachers, and support staff.
For more information about the study, visit the NYKids website at ny-kids.org.