No Excuses University

Fort Stevens is part of the No Excuses University Network of Schools.  We believe that every child has a right to be educated in a way that prepares them for college. We uphold the six exceptional systems in our school created by No Excuses University founder, Damon Lopez. https://noexcusesu.com/about/

Culture of Universal Achievement

The foundation of the culture developed at Fort Stevens is based upon one shared commitment made by teachers and students alike in the form of our school pledge, “We are committed to creating a school that knows no limits to the social, emotional, and academic success of each student.”

Collaboration

Staff at The Fort are committed to creating an effective collaboration community through meaningful professional relationships, supporting professional growth through weekly Professional Learning Communities collaborative time.

Standards Alignment

The Washington State Common Core Standards are the foundation of every child’s learning at Fort Stevens. Teaching the standards requires a systematic approach that scaffolds specific learning needs across lessons, units, and grade levels. Teachers post Learning Targets and Success Criteria so students can be successful at mastering grade-level standards.

Assessment

Fort Stevens has a wide variety of assessment tools that provide valuable data for teachers.  These common assessments give teachers information to assist them in differentiating their instruction and in planning for interventions which leads to higher achievement for all students.

Data Management

Effective management of data is what drives instruction and the success of the teachers and students at The Fort. Teachers engage in a system of data management that is easily accessible, timely, and structured, using an agreed upon data analysis protocol to guide discussion focused around strengths and strategies that have led to recent student success or ways to improve student achievement.

Intervention

At Fort Stevens Elementary, staff use data and teacher referrals in conjunction with our multi-tiered systems of support to provide all students with social, emotional, behavioral, and academic interventions.