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Chester makes strides to improve math, reading proficiency
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By ELISA SAND, Staff Reporter
| 10/06/2009 |
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In an effort to continue to improve on student proficiency, Chester Area School has put some plans in motion. Math proficiency levels tend to drop off in high school compared to elementary grades. To improve the scores, Chester Principal Mike Reinhiller said that all juniors are being encouraged to take a math class.
Elementary Principal Faith Stratton said a new reading program has been implemented to improve reading scores. The program is called "Step up to writing," and it's based on organized thought.
"It's a hands-on approach," Stratton said.
The program, which can be implemented at all grade levels, starts by giving students the opportunity to look at the main idea and build on it with supporting thoughts.
"It will be a year-long process to implement the program," Stratton said.
Students will learn skills that will help them with both writing and oral presentations.
"Basically we're trying to look at the overall picture to improve all areas, not just areas that are tested," she said.
Chester's proficiency levels on recent Dakota Step tests in reading were at 76.7 percent proficient and advanced for third grade; 73 percent for seventh and eighth grade; and 77 percent in 11th grade.
The state goal for reading for grades 3-8 is 69 percent, with a goal of 62 percent for high school. While scores are above the state goal, proficiency did drop from last year.
Proficiency goals for math were set at 72 percent for grades 3-8 and 63 percent for 11th grade.
This year's scores for Chester came in at 86 percent proficient and advanced in third grade; 82 percent for seventh and eighth grade; and 58 percent for 11th grade.
Reinhiller said the drop in proficiency in 11th grade is expected, but this year's overall score was below the state goal.
"We're trying to get 100 percent of juniors to take math classes," Reinhiller said.
This year the school is close to reaching that goal with almost 87 percent (33 of 38 juniors) enrolled in either Algebra 2 or Precalculus.
"With scholarships being so competitive, you need to take the higher level courses you can," Reinhiller said.
Reinhiller said another change includes the establishment of a true middle school wing at Chester. That area allows for grades 6-8 to have a consistent teacher for all English and math classes.
Reinhiller said the main reason for establishing the middle school area was to focus on proficiency.
In all, Chester Area School met state requirements for AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress).
Although not released with Dakota Step scores, Reinhiller said, testing is starting to determine proficiency in science. The preliminary results are showing a need for juniors to take science classes.
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©Madison Daily Leader 2009
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