CMS math teacher cultivates students to be college, career ready

CHARLOTTE — Leaders with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools district highlighted the accomplishments of teachers and students at its mid-March meeting.

Much of the fanfare was focused on teacher Nakita Dunn and the math-minded students she has cultivated in her classroom at the iMeck Academy in east Charlotte.

Interim CMS Superintendent Crystal Hill said a progress report for Math 1 for grades 9-12 in the first semester showed 12% of test-takers achieved a level 4 or 5, which is considered college and career ready.

Based on variables, such as past test scores, not one student in Dunn’s class was projected by the state to reach a level three proficiency on their end-of-grade tests.

But that changed.

“Even though that was what was projected, for Math I, which is what we have tested already, almost 40% of our kids were college and career ready,” said Principal Paula Cook.

iMeck was among four of the district’s top-performing schools in Math I.

Eight of Dunn’s students were recognized at that board meeting for reaching level four or five.

More than 70% of students at the school reached proficiency.

“We believe that all kids can succeed and what we try to focus on is we want to figure out with each individual student, what are his or her strengths and build upon the strengths,” Cook said.

“Students are very fearful of math,” said Dunn, teacher.

Dunn started with a new math curriculum and testing standards instituted by the state a couple of years ago.

“Let’s build relationships,” Dunn said. “Tell me something about you. Then I sprinkle in the math. ‘Hey, if I have this up on the board. How can I use this?’ Or, ‘What does this mean to you?’”

Dunn added, “Once I continue to push them, then I gradually bring in their student trackers. Those student trackers pretty much engage them to hold them accountable.”

The 22-year teacher veteran said she is proud of her students’ outcomes.

“It does not matter whether you’re proficient or you are college and career ready, the thing is that you grew,” Dunn said.

iMeck Academy could get swept up in the magnet program changes that the district is considering.

It could be moved to Garinger High School, and it’s not clear if iMeck Academy would maintain and keep its identity.

VIDEO: Group of dads greets CMS students, offers support amid violence at schools

Group of dads greets CMS students, offers support amid violence at schools

©2023 Cox Media Group