How STAR Scholars Shape the General Education Classroom at Achievement Prep
Guest blog by Dr. Sarah Lewis, Executive Director and Leadership Team of Achievement Prep Public Charter School
During our most recent leadership retreat, we gathered around the table reflecting on bright spots across our school. One theme was clear: the work of our Scholar Support Team isn’t just transforming outcomes for our STAR Scholars — it’s elevating teaching and learning for all.
Achievement Prep: A Leader in Special Education
Achievement Prep is proud to be recognized as one of only two Leading schools for Special Education in the District, and the only Leading school the previous year. This distinction reflects intentional, equity-centered work happening daily:
100% IEP compliance for two consecutive years
85% of STAR Scholars are meeting or exceeding annual IEP goals
Over 50% of STAR Scholars demonstrate more than one year of growth on NWEA MAP reading and math assessments
85% of STAR Scholars are in general education classrooms for most of the day
Consistent family satisfaction above 90%
STAR Scholar enrollment tripled in 2.5 years, with new families citing “word of mouth - proven advocacy and support” as their reason for enrolling
But the data only tells part of the story.
When We Say 'All Scholars Are Deserving,' We Mean It
At Achievement Prep, STAR Scholars—those with IEPs—may learn differently. But, they are so much more than that! They are scholars who shine in ways that challenge us to be better educators, better planners, and better humans.
Their diverse learning styles, communication approaches, and behavioral needs push teachers to design intentional, inclusive instruction. Their peers gain empathy, patience, and perspective, building a stronger community inside and outside the classroom.
Intentional Structures that Serve All Scholars
When STAR Scholars need more, we provide more, with excellence at the core:
The WISH Program (We Impact Scholars Here): Tailored support for scholars on the autism spectrum, non-verbal scholars, and others with complex needs, driven by weekly collaborative planning.
Sensory Room: An interactive, fully-loaded space for sensory-sensitive scholars to gain regulation through imaginative play.
Co-Planning as the Standard: Platinum general education teachers and the Scholar Support Team co-plan lessons, embedding scaffolds and rigor.
Family Partnerships: Through Navigating the Spectrum, led by Culture Specialist Niya Johnson, families gather monthly to build community and access ongoing support.
STAR Scholars Shape More Than Their Own Journeys
Case in point - Platinum Teachers Ashley Taliaferro (General Education Math) and Nyelah Branham (Scholar Support) collaborated to build a positive math identity among fifth graders. Real-world projects like building a pizzeria to explore fractions, creating a disco to classify quadrilaterals, and shopping to learn unit rates made abstract math concepts tangible for STAR Scholars—and all scholars. These inclusive Tier 1 instructional strategies, incorporating accommodations, multiple representations, and culturally responsive practices, directly contributed to 82.5% growth in Math, far exceeding national norms on NWEA MAP.
Preparing for College, Career, and Life
Our mission to prepare students to excel as high-achieving scholars and leaders in high school, college, and beyond is intentional and unapologetic. At Achievement Prep, inclusion isn’t something we aspire to; it’s something we live. STAR Scholars aren’t just recipients of support—they are contributors, leaders, and culture-builders shaping stronger classrooms and a brighter future for all.
Learn more about Achievement Prep at achievementprep.org.
