Barret Traditional Middle School

Louisville, KY

Advancing Racial Equity Through Culturally Responsive Teaching. Like many schools across the nation, school leaders at Barret Traditional Middle School realized that they faced academic achievement gaps among students by race.

With support from their district, and through the work of committed educators willing to address this difficult topic, the school engaged in professional development and implemented a range of culturally responsive teaching strategies. In the podcast, they discuss their challenges and successes, and reflect on what other schools can learn from their ongoing endeavor.

As Amy Strite, the school’s academic instructional coach, explains, “we know that we are still in the very early stages of this work”, but “ we also have evidence that our strategies are improving things for our kids.” Principal Tom Wortham agrees, and notes that by opening up conversations around racial equity, “you'll make a tremendous difference in the lives of your kids.”

For those interested in learning more about Barret’s strategies, the school has shared its Racial Equity Improvement Plan Development Tool, which illustrates the reflective, data-driven process they used to identify inequities, set a vision for change, and create a plan for reaching their goals.

To listen to the full podcast, scroll down. You can download the transcript here.

Contact InformationBarret Traditional Middle SchoolMr. Tom Wortham, Principal at time of Nomination2561 Grinstead DriveLouisville, KY, 40206-2862
(502) 485-8207http://barret.jcps.schooldesk.net/

Student Demographics 2019


Number of students 6-8
636

Students eligible for subsidized meals
34%

Students receiving special ed services
2%

ELL
6%

African American students
22%

White students
63%

Hispanic or Latino students
7%

Two or more races
8%

Student mobility rate
1%