Northview High School Takes F.L.I.G.H.T. by Building on the Importance of Relationships

by Mark C. Thomas, Principal, Northview High School, Grand Rapids

While the two “Rs” of Rigor and Relevance appear to have captured the bulk of the public’s attention, a systematic approach focusing on the third “R,” Relationship, will be the key to greater achievement for all Michigan students. Northview is one high school working to foster and maximize the benefits of “Relationships” at the educational table.

Brief History

Northview High School has roughly 1,200 students with three guidance counselors and one assistant principal. A part-time dean of students was added for the 2006-2007 school year. The diversity of the school has increased 400 percent over the last four years.

Five years ago, Northview Public Schools was in the middle of the North Central Association (NCA) “Transitions” accreditation process. One of Northview’s goals encompassed the concept of teachers utilizing technology/data more effectively in order to better serve students. At the same time, Superintendent Dr. Michael Stearns was cultivating a progressive partnership with the Ball Foundation, www.ballfoundation.org, focusing on, among other things, a data warehouse initiative. Through this interaction, Northview stumbled upon a “mesh point” that resulted in a data warehouse, and more importantly, a technology-based information program—called FLIGHTS—that truly affords staff members a way to “know” each child.

What Is FLIGHTS?

The FLIGHTS premise is based on a desire to prioritize relationships. The acronym FLIGHTS stands for “First Line Information in Guiding and Helping Teach Students.” FLIGHTS offers a student record keeping system for the Northview staff similar to that of a patient’s medical history kept by a doctor. The vision is for teachers to have quality, pertinent information at their fingertips to help unlock each student’s potential “to fly.”

The FLIGHTS Premise

Northview relies heavily on the ingenuity of staff and the quality of teacher/student relationships. Northview’s philosophy is that relationships must be the foundation to improved learning. It is vital that staff has pertinent, real-time data readily accessible in order to be more effective at serving the needs of individual students.

Through the FLIGHTS program, a Northview teacher can “know” 25 students on a regular basis opposed to 150 or more. With that in mind, all Northview teachers utilize FLIGHTS during the 90-minute seminar period scheduled every other day. These seminar classes are multi-aged, 10th through 12th grade students who remain with the same instructor for three years to foster comfort and familiarity. After two years, Northview created a ninth grade-only seminar to better address the unique needs of incoming freshmen.

How FLIGHTS Works

To understand FLIGHTS, envision a computer screen that resembles some sort of “dashboard” of teacher-generated informational categories. This wealth of information, both historical and real time, is available to teachers with a couple of keystrokes including grade level, grade-point average, credits earned, Gates reading scores, Individualized Education Program (IEP), and 504 status with drop-down menus for current accommodations, attendance, and interventions. Another screen offers student contact numbers, medical information, date of enrollment, and previous school attendance. Initial data emanated from the original NCA technology committee, but over the years teacher-driven suggestions have continued to enhance the information available. Throughout the process, the program focuses on maintaining simplicity and care of access for staff members while striving to be proactive.

FLIGHTS also offers an individual student academic screen with the course schedule, teacher, and grades for term/exam and final. The real value of the system is that it allows the school to efficiently monitor grades, attendance, and credits earned. The program attempts to raise “red flags” right away, allowing for immediate intervention to begin. Teachers also have the ability to easily create special fields such as “Endangered Seniors,” “My 504/ Special Needs,” “Attendance Concerns,” and “Seasonal Athletes.”

Summing It Up

Research clearly shows that not all students feel “connected” to their high school experience. The FLIGHTS model strives for each student to have at least one significant adult at school who “knows” them and monitors their academic, attendance, and social-emotional status on a consistent basis. The goal, no matter how challenging, is to find a way to foster hope in every child. Although not an answer to every problem, FLIGHTS is certainly a tool that allows our staff members to more effectively cultivate a feeling that every student should possess: hope.

For more information, contact: Mark C. Thomas, Principal, Northview High School, 4451 Hunsberger N.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49525, (616) 365-6122, (616) 361-3494 fax.