Neal - Liberty: Transforming Two Schools, One Innovative Solution at a Time

Neal Middle School in Durham, North Carolina, and Liberty Point Elementary in Union City, Georgia, faced significant challenges in improving teacher performance and student outcomes. Despite their unique contexts, both schools shared a common goal: to create an environment where every student could thrive. Neal Middle School had struggled for two decades to meet growth targets, serving a 100% economically disadvantaged student population with additional complexities such as high numbers of second-language learners and students on Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Meanwhile, Liberty Point Elementary grappled with low school climate ratings and proficiency rates in reading, math, and English that hovered around 50%. Both schools needed innovative strategies to drive meaningful improvements in teaching practices and student achievement.

The Challenge

Neal Middle School faced systemic challenges, failing to meet growth targets for 20 years despite serving a 100% economically disadvantaged population. With 22% second-language learners, 15% of students on IEPs, and another 15% who had failed a grade, progress seemed out of reach. Similarly, Liberty Point Elementary struggled with an accountability score of just 58 out of 100, low proficiency rates around 50%, and frequent behavioral issues leading to suspensions. Both schools needed a solution to boost academics while fostering collaboration and positivity among teachers and students..

The adoption of Sibme’s platform in 2018 transformed both Neal Middle School and Liberty Point Elementary. At Neal, the school met growth targets for the first time in 20 years, with grade-level proficiency rising by three points and behavioral incidents dropping by 36%. At Liberty Point, the accountability score surged from 58 to 83, while math proficiency rose from 18% to 45%, English from 22% to 40%, and reading for third and fifth graders from 53% to 70%. Suspensions fell by 109 incidents, earning the school a five-star distinction. Beyond academics, Sibme fostered collaboration, improved teacher retention, and created a culture of continuous growth at both schools.

There’s nothing more powerful than hearing a success story straight from the source.

James Payne, Principal of Liberty Point Elementary in Fulton County, GA, shares how he tackled the challenges of low teacher performance and student outcomes head-on. Facing an accountability score of just 58 and widespread behavioral issues, Payne turned to Sibme’s AI coaching platform to drive change. In his own words, he explains how this innovative tool transformed not only his school’s metrics but also its culture, proving that the best stories come from those who’ve lived them.