Great Classrooms Video Series

At the heart of a great school is great classrooms and educators who are responsive to the needs of every student. This video series captures some of the instructional practices that are working for students across the urban core of the Las Vegas Valley.

“No matter how the world changes or what the future looks like, students will be well served by communicating powerfully, thinking critically, and by being able to lead others.”
-David Blodgett, Principal

See instructional practices that are working for students at Nevada Prep, an East Las Vegas middle school.

The featured approaches at Nevada Prep are:

A focus on communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills across all classrooms & subject areas
Small group instruction & supplemental tech tools to help students catch-up or get ahead academically
High expectations and a shared belief in what’s possible for ALL students

“Regardless of what students are coming in with, they know that the expectation is high, and they know that they have all the tools necessary to meet those expectations. We have that sense of urgency in the class to learn without using excuses.”
Catalina Allen, 5th Grade Teacher

See instructional practices that are working for students at Helen Marie Smith, a Clark County School District Elementary School with Shining Star recognition by the state for its academic performance with all students.

The featured approaches at Helen Marie Smith are:

Communication Skills
Self-Monitoring and Ownership of Learning
Positive Relationships with Students
High Expectations for All Students

“To have a successful school, it starts with a good cultural floor. You cannot teach in chaos.”
-Alex Daniels, Principal

See instructional practices that are working for students at Democracy Prep at the Agassi Campus (DPAC) Middle School, a 4-star school located in North Las Vegas.

The featured approaches at DPAC Middle are:

21st Century Preparation
Consistency & Structure in the Classroom
High Expectations for All Students
Developing Self-Reliance

“Our goal is always going to be to prepare students for the real world and career.”
-Ignacio Prado, Executive Director

See instructional practices that are working for students at Futuro Academy in East Las Vegas.

The two featured approaches at Futuro Academy are:

Small Group Instruction for Literacy (also referred to as a station rotation model).
Collective Problem Solving in Math.

Click here to see a Futuro Academy feature in KTNV’s Raising the Bar series.

“When students feel that sense of relationship here in this building, they will do anything and everything to be successful.”
Renee Fairless, Principal

See instructional practices that are working for students at Mater Academy Mountain Vista Middle School.

The featured approaches at Mater Mountain Vista are:

Tailored supports for English Language Learners
Rigor and Relevancy in Instructional Content
Critical Thinking, Communication & Creativity Skills
High Expectations and Belief in All Students

See instructional practices that are working for students at Nevada Rise.

The featured approaches at Nevada Rise are:

Small Group Instruction
Additional 45-Minutes / Day of Support for Students to Catch Up
Opportunities for Students to Experience the World Around Them
Strong School Community and Relationships with Families

See instructional practices that are working for students at Joseph E. Thiriot, a Clark County School District Elementary School with Shining Star recognition by the state for its academic performance with all students.

The featured approach at Thiriot is Whole Brain Teaching.

See instructional practices that are working for students at Equipo Academy.

The featured approaches at Equipo are:

Focus on College Access for All Students
High Expectations and Rigorous Instruction
Strong Family Partnerships

STAY TUNED TO SEE MORE GREAT CLASSROOMS IN ACTION!