Case Study: McCallie School Enhances Academic Achievement and Reduces Stress Through Innovative Support Strategies
McCallie School
In response to post-pandemic challenges affecting students' self-management and learning abilities, McCallie School implemented MindPrint in Spring 2022. Initially targeting struggling students, its success led to a school-wide rollout starting with 9th graders in Fall 2023. With MindPrint, students showed improved grades, increased confidence, and reduced stress. McCallie continues using MindPrint throughout high school and is also piloting the MindPrint executive function course to help students apply their individualized strengths to their learning.
McCallie School, an all-boys boarding and day school in Chattanooga, TN, serves middle and high school students in a rigorous academic environment. Post-pandemic evaluations revealed that more students were having self-management and independent learning challenges, prompting the administration to rethink how best to support their students.
The educational landscape changed significantly due to the pandemic, negatively impacting students' ability to manage their academic responsibilities effectively. Recognizing the need for additional support, McCallie School leadership sought ways to assist students in meeting the demands of their challenging curriculum while alleviating excessive stress.
- Initial Implementation: The school introduced MindPrint primarily to support those students who met regularly with the student support team, anticipating the tool would alleviate stress and improve academic performance.
- Early Outcomes: A notable success story emerged when a previously average C student transformed into a confident B student by applying MindPrint strategies, demonstrating the potential of targeted academic support.
- Broadening Access: Upon discovering that MindPrint provided valuable insights applicable to high-performing students, McCallie decided to offer the assessment to all students who expressed interest, including those faced with unexpected academic challenges in honors courses.
Sumner McCallie, Dean of Faculty and Curriculum, spoke about how MindPrint improved learning: "One of the greatest moments in teaching is when we watch a student grasp a concept, uncover a new academic strength, or get the sense that ‘I can do this’. MindPrint allows us to have those moments more consistently. MindPrint is a way for students to understand how they might study smarter, not harder."
- Academic Performance: Students who engaged with MindPrint strategies exhibited significant improvements in their class grades, particularly in subjects where they previously had challenges. Otherwise, high-performing students saw grades in classes where they struggled to move from failing to A’s and B’s.
- Self-Confidence and Stress Reduction: Participants reported enhanced self-confidence and a noticeable reduction in academic stress, improving their overall school experience.
- MindPrint Assessment: Administered to all 9th-grade students, and results were reviewed with students within the first week of school. Results were also shared with families in the fall.
- Faculty Involvement: Faculty members participated in Science of Learning training to develop a deeper understanding of the learning sciences, enabling them to support their students more effectively in an academically demanding environment.
Mr. McCallie spoke about the impact MindPrint has had on the educators, students, and families that are part of the McCallie community: “MindPrint helps parents support their students at home, helps teachers understand where the students are coming from, and helps students understand the specific strategies or ways they can remember things better, or study to comprehend better, or process and organize their time better. It’s their MindPrint.”
By expanding access to assessment tools and fostering an environment of support and engagement, McCallie not only raised the academic achievement of its honors students but also significantly reduced their academic stress.
McCallie School continues to incorporate MindPrint into its curriculum and planning for all 9th-grade students. The MindPrint strategies and profiles are utilized by students and educators throughout high school. Additionally, McCallie is currently piloting the BOOST Yourself Executive Functions Course, an advisory course that guides students in understanding their MindPrint Profiles and utilizing the recommended strategies.
McCallie School's proactive approach to addressing the post-pandemic academic challenges through the MindPrint program illustrates a successful case of innovation in educational support. The findings from McCallie School highlight the importance of individualized support strategies catering to struggling and high-achieving students.
- Grades 6-12
- 992 Students
- Boarding and Day School
- 19% International Students
- 42% on Financial Aid