Math teacher and department chair Matilda Meador brings the management and leadership skills honed during a career in business to her math instruction at Nichols Junior High School in Arlington. Often wearing the same uniform as her students, Mrs. Meador addresses the individual needs of each student, disaggregating test scores and providing enrichment activities for higher achievers while motivating every child to succeed. Not surprisingly, the school's math scores on the TAAS have improved considerably. As department chair, Mrs. Meador models the teaching of state objectives to her colleagues and created a series of "focus tests" aimed at gauging whether students are comprehending the material; if not, teachers are encouraged to try a different approach.
