3. How are we doing?
The class that we have the most data on is the 3rd
grade class from 2007-08. These students took
their first standardized test and scored in the
77th percentile. The 2nd year of testing, the class
scored in the 88th percentile. The 3rd year of
testing the students scored in the 80th
percentile. The question is, what happened
between 3rd and 4th grades to merit testing
success that did not occur from in that
transition year from 4th to 5th grade, primary to
middle school?
4. Following the 4th grade class, their testing
percentile for reading from 4th to 5th grade
remained constant and increased one
percentile in 5th grade.
The concerns with the testing for the class
that is currently in 6th grade do not appear
to be concerns from year to year but based
on the class itself.
Further observation shows that the 3rd grade
class is experiencing difficulties in reading
also.
5. Take at look at the curriculum
› Set up a professional learning community to
investigate the current reading curriculum as
well as other options that meet the required
benchmarks. Prompt the teachers to discuss
positive and negative aspects of the current
program and what they see missing.
6. Over the past few years, the Archdiocese
of Baltimore has seen a significant
decrease in enrollment. This decrease has
led to the closing and re-forming of schools
within the Archdiocese.
(www.archbalt.org/aplacetogrow)
Although this school was able to remain
open during the changes within the
Archdiocese, reduced enrollment may
have contributed to changes in test scores.
7.
8. The school has developed a program to
evaluate the current reading program
for students in grades pre-kindergarten
through 3rd grade.
9. Reading work from the beginning
of the year will be compared to
reading work at the end of the
year including comprehension
and vocabulary.
10. •A resource specialist has been
added to the faculty to assess and
assist students with special learning
needs.
•The reading program, with data
from the current year, will be
assessed at the end of the year to
determine appropriate action
11. In addition, a Masters Candidate is
looking at how the school helps students
transition from 4th (primary school) to 5th
(middle school). The study includes
questionnaires from parents and
students, town hall meetings, and
analysis of both reading and math
scores to determine what the students
need to achieve academic success.
12. Whether you are a parent, teacher, or
community member, it is our
responsibility to look for better ways to
educate our children.
If you have comments or suggestions,
please contact me at
hrschell@loyola.edu
