The Instructional Spark Podcast https://instructionalspark.podbean.com The Instructional Spark Podcast highlights the voices of West Virginia educators as they share real stories, proven practices, and innovative strategies that improve teaching, learning, and student outcomes in the middle grades. Focused on high-quality Tier I instruction and practical ideas educators can implement, each episode is designed to spark reflection, inspire collaboration, and support meaningful change in schools.]]> Thu, 30 Jul 2026 10:26:11 -0400 https://podbean.com/?v=5.5 en Copyright 2026 All rights reserved. Education 1440 episodic The Instructional Spark Podcast highlights the voices of West Virginia educators as they share real stories, proven practices, and innovative strategies that improve teaching, learning, and student outcomes in the middle grades. Focused on high-quality Tier I instruction and practical ideas educators can implement, each episode is designed to spark reflection, inspire collaboration, and support meaningful change in schools. The Instructional Spark Podcast The Instructional Spark Podcast No false https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/22485416/The_Instructional_Spark_Podcast7cy3e.jpg The Instructional Spark Podcast https://instructionalspark.podbean.com 144 144 1 | From Challenge to Change: George Washington Middle School’s Journey to Improved Student Outcomes 1 | From Challenge to Change: George Washington Middle School’s Journey to Improved Student Outcomes https://instructionalspark.podbean.com/e/1/ https://instructionalspark.podbean.com/e/1/#comments Thu, 30 Jul 2026 10:26:11 -0400 instructionalspark.podbean.com/68f7c146-f84f-3577-9ec2-a869cc86c6be George Washington Middle School was recently recognized as a 2026 West Virginia Department of Education Exemplary Practice school for prioritizing the connection between academics, attendance, and subgroup performance as key drivers of the school’s success. The school’s improvement journey began in 2022, when performance data across multiple areas fell below expectations, sparking a renewed commitment to make changes. Two teachers came together and began a collaboration that has scaled school-wide with an emphasis on teacher-led collaboration and data-focused inquiry to improve student outcomes. In 2024, the formation of a Guiding Coalition further accelerated progress, strengthening a cohesive, schoolwide approach to writing and literacy across all content areas. A collaboratively designed instructional framework has been central to these efforts. As a result, the school achieved a 20% increase in English Language Arts proficiency, a 16% gain among students with disabilities, and nearly a 6% reduction in chronic absenteeism between 2022 and 2026.

Guest(s):

George Washington Middle School (Putnam County)

  • Erika Klose, Office of Academic Support, Director
  • Kelly Massinople, Office of Academic Support, Coordinator
  • Matt Kelly, Office of Academic Support, Coordinator
  • George Washington Middle School (GWMS) Principal Denny Paugh
  • GWMS Assistant Principal Dr. Anne Wilkinson
  • GWMS teachers Tiffany Fellure and Maureen Miller

The Instructional Spark Podcast is produced by the Office of Academic Support at the West Virginia Department of Education. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and follow the for more stories and strategies from West Virginia educators. Thank you for joining us as we explore ideas, strategies, and stories that spark meaningful learning for all students. We hope today's conversation leaves you inspired and equipped to bring new energy to your classroom, school, or district. For questions, feedback, topic suggestions, or to learn more about the podcast, please contact us at instructionalspark@k12.wv.us. Until next time, keep learning, keep leading, and keep sparking success.

 

]]> George Washington Middle School was recently recognized as a 2026 West Virginia Department of Education Exemplary Practice school for prioritizing the connection between academics, attendance, and subgroup performance as key drivers of the school’s success. The school’s improvement journey began in 2022, when performance data across multiple areas fell below expectations, sparking a renewed commitment to make changes. Two teachers came together and began a collaboration that has scaled school-wide with an emphasis on teacher-led collaboration and data-focused inquiry to improve student outcomes. In 2024, the formation of a Guiding Coalition further accelerated progress, strengthening a cohesive, schoolwide approach to writing and literacy across all content areas. A collaboratively designed instructional framework has been central to these efforts. As a result, the school achieved a 20% increase in English Language Arts proficiency, a 16% gain among students with disabilities, and nearly a 6% reduction in chronic absenteeism between 2022 and 2026.

Guest(s):

George Washington Middle School (Putnam County)

  • Erika Klose, Office of Academic Support, Director
  • Kelly Massinople, Office of Academic Support, Coordinator
  • Matt Kelly, Office of Academic Support, Coordinator
  • George Washington Middle School (GWMS) Principal Denny Paugh
  • GWMS Assistant Principal Dr. Anne Wilkinson
  • GWMS teachers Tiffany Fellure and Maureen Miller

The Instructional Spark Podcast is produced by the Office of Academic Support at the West Virginia Department of Education. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and follow the for more stories and strategies from West Virginia educators. Thank you for joining us as we explore ideas, strategies, and stories that spark meaningful learning for all students. We hope today's conversation leaves you inspired and equipped to bring new energy to your classroom, school, or district. For questions, feedback, topic suggestions, or to learn more about the podcast, please contact us at instructionalspark@k12.wv.us. Until next time, keep learning, keep leading, and keep sparking success.

 

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