At Lake George Elementary School (LGES), WIN time, or “What I Need,” has transformed the educational landscape by prioritizing individualized student needs. For the past 15 years, LGES has dedicated daily 30-minute blocks in grades K-6 to this initiative, ensuring every student receives targeted intervention or extension based on their specific learning requirements.
Principal Jim Conway explains the program’s core philosophy: “We want to ensure every student receives the specific support they need to succeed.” This commitment to personalized learning manifests in a schedule that brings together classroom teachers, special education professionals, reading and math intervention teachers, teaching assistants and various teaching staff. These providers collaborate to create small, focused groups, delivering tailored instruction to meet diverse student needs. LGES has operated under a Professional Learning Community Model for the past 15 years where teams are focused on student learning.
Through continual review of data, students move between groups throughout the year as their needs evolve. “We’re constantly reviewing data and adjusting to make sure each student’s learning is optimized for their individual growth,” said Conway. “The ability to meet all students’ needs is the primary objective.”
In a recent first-grade WIN session, Reading Center TA Summer Steves engaged her students with Dan Bar-el’s “The Very, Very Far North.” The children listened to the story, enhancing their reading comprehension and imagination by creating dioramas of key scenes. Steves highlights the program’s adaptability: “WIN is about meeting students where they are. Whether it’s math or English Language Arts, or a combination, it’s about providing what they need, when they need it.”
High Potential teacher, Geoff Bizan, utilizes the I-Ready teacher toolbox to provide targeted instruction. He employs guided practice followed by independent work, breaking down skills into manageable components. Bizan also emphasizes the importance of making learning relatable. “We focus on making learning relevant and accessible for each student,” he says. “Recently, we connected author Gary Paulsen with the Iditarod Race and students realized he ran the race himself. It’s about making information relatable while we work on comprehension skills.”
The WIN program’s success lies in its ability to adapt to the ever-changing needs of its students. By providing targeted intervention and extension, LGES empowers every child to achieve their full potential, promoting a supportive and inclusive learning environment.