When she presented her report on student progress to the Region 15 Board of Education on November 9, Lorrie Rodrigue, Pomperaug High School principal, proposed that quotation from a former president of Trinity College, Hartford, as a crucial component of 21st-century education philosophy.

"We still have a long way to go," Ms. Rodrigue allowed, "but we are on the right track."

Developing the practice of lifelong learning requires going beyond traditional measurement techniques which "are no longer sole and sufficient indicators of student preparedness," according to John Wilson, chair, Partnership for 21st Century Skills.

Basic skills embedded in traditional core subjects of the Three R's must be supplemented with global awareness; financial, economic, business and entrepreneurial awareness; civic literacy; health and wellness awareness; problem solving; communication skills; collaboration skills; information and literacy skills.

Information Technology literacy is a given, along with life skills that incorporate leadership, ethics and personal and social responsibility.

Student progress is measured in state-mandated tests such as CAPT and No Child Left Behind.

Ms. Rodrigue had excellent news about Pomperaug High School's 2009 performance at or above proficiency versus state average: math, results were 93.4 percent to 78.4 percent; science, 95.8 to 78.4 percent; reading, 96.1 to 81.8 percent; and writing, 96.9 to 86.5 percent.

The results for scoring at or above goal versus state averages were equally impressive: math, 70.6 to 48 percent; science, 73.2 to 43 percent; reading, 69.7 to 47.5 percent; writing, 78.4 to 55.1 percent.

In the three-year period 2007-09, and with three different groups of students, Pomperaug High School eclipsed the state while still showing a need for improvement, Ms. Rodrigue noted.

Reviews are underway to support math through instruction, and "thoughtful" modifications are under consideration in areas of the most concern.

In science, Ms. Rodrigue reported that 71 percent of the class of the year 2000 took more than the minimum number of courses required for graduation.

In the class of 2009, 95.3 percent are scheduled to take science courses beyond that requirement.

Other changes noted are the addition of physical science labs in 2005 that "changed the face of science at Pomperaug High School."

There is increased enrollment in A.P. science courses. Elective courses added included Earth Science, Environmental Science, Marine Science, Forensics, Field Biology and Meteorology.

The latest progress reports project that all students will be at 100 percent proficiency in both math and reading standards by 2014.

As matters stand now, 97 percent of students have surpassed the state's measurement of 80 percent Adequate Yearly Progress in math.

In reading progress, which the state measures at 81 percent, Pomperaug High School students are already there at 100 percent.

Ms. Rodrigue began her presentation with a nod to the region's Strategic Plan and the commitment to excellence declared in its Mission Statement.

At her conclusion she referenced the significance of teacher professional development and the understanding that collaboration at the district level is an essential component of achieving the goals laid out for high school students, as well as rigor and relevance in classroom instruction, data review to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses, "and the understanding that we are part of a bigger system, collaborating with district colleagues and administrators to make improvements."

The board approved the superintendent's personnel recommendations and approved, in concept, new course proposals pending budget approval, staffing and student registration.

These courses are: From Inquiry to Action; Introduction to Digital Music Keyboarding; History of Western Art; A.P. Art History; Grade 6 World Language.

The board is scheduled to meet again on Monday, November 23, at Pomperaug High School.