Article Summary –
Brimley Elementary School in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has experienced academic success during the COVID-19 pandemic by offering extended learning time and mental health support. The school’s students exceeded statewide scores in key subjects in the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress, leading the Education Trust–Midwest to recognize Brimley as one of its 2023 Building the Hope Schools. In addition to providing additional instruction to make up for lost learning time, the school has implemented a three-tier system to address students’ mental health needs and began using a program called MyPath to create individualized learning plans.
Successful COVID-19 Education Response at Lake Superior’s Rural School
Amidst the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on education, Brimley Elementary School, located by Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, has seen improvements in student learning. The rural school has adopted a whole-child approach, combining extended learning hours with mental health provisions.
Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP) results from 2021-2022 revealed the progress. Third and sixth graders at Brimley exceeded statewide English language arts and math scores, and the trend continued with fifth and eighth graders in English language arts and fourth graders in math.
Education Trust–Midwest, a research and advocacy nonprofit, identified Brimley as a 2023 Building the Hope School. These are Michigan public schools, like Brimley with a majority Native American student body, demonstrating high proficiency compared to state averages. Brimley’s culturally relevant curriculum, contributing to student achievement, was also commended.
“Michigan public schools are showing that students from diverse backgrounds can strive and learn at high levels despite significant challenges,” Mrozowski stated to the Michigan Independent. “Our awards aim to highlight successful schools and provide examples to other institutions in the state.”
Despite Brimley’s advancements, efforts continue to ensure every student adapts to a full-time classroom environment.
In the past three years, additional instruction has been provided to compensate for remote learning losses. After-school programs have been expanded, summer school extended through July, and reading intervention incorporated for every kindergartner and first grader.
Each kindergartner and first grader now receives a daily one-on-one reading session for 30 minutes, regardless of their reading abilities. The school has seen considerable results, but the challenge to close learning gaps continues, according to Clarke.
The successful additional instructional time led to the introduction of the MyPath program, individualizing learning plans to meet students’ academic needs.
As well as academic recovery, Brimley has seen a surge in the demand for student mental health support. A three-tier system addresses individual mental health needs, including positive reinforcement, emotional regulation education, and specialist services or mentorship for those most needing support.
“Addressing mental health is as important as academics,” Clarke emphasized.
Learning from the pandemic, Clarke acknowledges the need to persist with effective methods like early intervention and individualized support: “Our goal should be to continue pushing what works, not just recovery from the pandemic.”
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