Curriculum and Instruction

The Morgantown Elementary School instructional focus has been Cognitive Engagment and Powerful Task Design since 2022. Using the Powerful Task Rubric and Matrix created and published by John Antonetti, we are making learning more meaningful, relevant, and memorable for all learners while at the same time pushing our students to think across the rigor divide. We want our students to develop their own answers and solutions that they can support with evidence instead of just repeating surface-level knowledge. 

Since beginning this work, our test scores have steadily increased, and we believe it has helped strengthen our school culture and climate. Through weekly PLCs, monthly Learning Walks, and yearly Lesson Studies, our teachers are also continually working to grow and improve using the Powerful Task Design and Cognitive Engagment work. 

We use Powerful Task Design in connection with our High Quality Instructional Resources. We take the HQIR tasks and analyze them with the cube and matrix, and then we modify the tasks or build our our as needed. 

Data Evidence of Improvement: 

Reading: Percent Proficient/Distinguished has increased from 38% in 2022 to 46% in 2024, and we are expecting even higher scores in 2025. Percent Novice has decreased from 33% to 20%

Math: Percent Proficient/Distinguished has increased from 27% in 2022 to 38% in 2024, and we are expecting even higher scores in 2025. Percent Novice has decreased from 38% to 24%. 

Science: Percent Proficient/Distinguished has increased from 24% in 2022 to 44% in 2024, and we are expecting even higher scores in 2025. Percent Novice has decreased from 18% to 7%. 

Social Studies: Percent Proficient/Distinguished has increased from 21% in 2022 to 31% in 2024, and we are expecting even higher scores in 2025. Percent Novice has decreased from 50% to 44%.