Dear Parents,
Annually, we review the results of the standardized tests we administer to our students to determine if we are meeting our School Strategic Plan (SSP) goals. Our Student Performance Goal is to increase the percentage of students scoring in the "exceeds" range on the Criterion Referenced Competency Test (CRCT) by 3%. We are very proud to report that we exceeded our goal! In Math, we increased the percentage of students scoring in the "exceeds" range by 5.36% and in Reading/English Language Arts by 9.62%! Although these results are the scores for third, fourth, and fifth grade students only, they represent the effort and perseverance of all our staff members. Additionally, we are happy to report that the percentage of students scoring in the "exceeds" range on the Fifth Grade Writing Assessment increased by 3.91%.
These increases in the percentage of students scoring in the "exceeds" range on the CRCT and the Writing Assessment are the direct result of our teachers teaching writing across the curriculum and providing our students with rich, authentic purposes for writing. Research indicates a strong positive correlation between writing and increased student achievement in all content areas. Our focus on writing has yielded positive gains for our students on standardized measures as well as preparing them for the real world where effective written communication skills are essential. We will continue to integrate writing across the curriculum to promote student success in all areas of the curriculum.
Our PE Department has been collecting data on the correlation between cardiovascular fitness and student achievement. The charts below represent a five-year study (2007-2011) of 4th grade mile times and corresponding CRCT scores in the areas of Reading, Math, and Science. CRCT scores are reported in the following manner: Below 800- Does Not Meet Standards: 801-849 - Meets Standards: Above 850 - Exceeds Standards. 2007 Math results were omitted because of a different calibration used that year. The numbers are averages of each subgroup. The positive correlation discovered between physical fitness and student achievement encouraged Coaches Maloney and Hunt to create more opportunities for our students to increase their daily physical activity through the addition of the Sunrise, Body Shop, and Kick-Start Programs. Join us in the mornings before school to see these programs in action.
Best Wishes,
Martha Whalen
