P.S. 158 The Bayard Taylor School - New York, NY

PS 158, located on York Avenue in Manhattan, lends itself to a family centric community. Our students come together from a wide variety of socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds and are incredibly well rounded, with passionate interests that extend beyond our school building. The emphasis we place on differentiated instruction and attention to the whole child allows each student to incorporate their individual skills and talents into their learning experience. At PS 158 all teachers collaborate in professional structures to develop and promote the implementation of school wide instructional practices incorporating the Common Core Learning Standards and the instructional shifts to consistently provide rigor and access for all students. We believe students learn best when they are cognitively challenged and engaged in the process. For example, students pose questions to one another and design learning opportunities for each other in student-led conversations, read-alouds, and small groups. Additional evidence of student contributions to the exploration of important content comes through in peer conferring, partnership/book club conversations, math discussions, and social studies centers. Our work in fostering independence and ownership has led to deeper critical thinking, strong student voices, and mastery of content. In truth, at PS 158, we believe that our work is never done. We provide opportunities and resources for each child to develop social-emotional, academic, creative, and leadership potential. This belief drives all decisions made at the school. With respect and trust, students, faculty, staff and families, are committed to developing life-long learners in school and beyond.