TEST SCORES DOWN ABSENCES TACKLED
By Anne Scheck
English language learners in the lower grades at Central School District indicate average levels on state testing in English proficiency, but middle school scores drop into the low-performing range. The pattern continues at Central High School.
That was part of the statewide data Superintendent Jennifer Kubista EdD shared at the last school board meeting. For English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA), students in kindergarten through 5thgrade appear “on track,” she said. However, beginning at 6thgrade and beyond, the ELPA tests show troubling trends, compared with elementary school results, she said.
Absenteeism is associated with relatively low achievement, so special attention is being paid to students who “have struggled with attendance,” Dr. Kubista said. For example, a character called “Captain Attendance” at Independence Elementary School “flies through” frequently to acknowledge good attendance.
Low attendance not only correlates with learning challenges, but “it’s actually tied to our funding,” she pointed out. State dollars are linked to the number of students present more than 90% of the days they are enrolled, she explained.
The top goal adopted by the district is student growth and achievement. But the second priority is family involvement. District-wide community chats that were held last year by Dr. Kubista -- and at the beginning of this academic year -- have provided a good foundation for families to connect, said Sharman Ensminger, director of equity, access and instructional technology for the district. Now, district staff are working on a formal plan to bring more family involvement into the schools, she said.
English language learners in the lower grades at Central School District indicate average levels on state testing in English proficiency, but middle school scores drop into the low-performing range. The pattern continues at Central High School.
That was part of the statewide data Superintendent Jennifer Kubista EdD shared at the last school board meeting. For English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA), students in kindergarten through 5thgrade appear “on track,” she said. However, beginning at 6thgrade and beyond, the ELPA tests show troubling trends, compared with elementary school results, she said.
Absenteeism is associated with relatively low achievement, so special attention is being paid to students who “have struggled with attendance,” Dr. Kubista said. For example, a character called “Captain Attendance” at Independence Elementary School “flies through” frequently to acknowledge good attendance.
Low attendance not only correlates with learning challenges, but “it’s actually tied to our funding,” she pointed out. State dollars are linked to the number of students present more than 90% of the days they are enrolled, she explained.
The top goal adopted by the district is student growth and achievement. But the second priority is family involvement. District-wide community chats that were held last year by Dr. Kubista -- and at the beginning of this academic year -- have provided a good foundation for families to connect, said Sharman Ensminger, director of equity, access and instructional technology for the district. Now, district staff are working on a formal plan to bring more family involvement into the schools, she said.
CAREER PREP PROGRAM WILL GO COUNTY-WIDE
A pilot program in Polk County that will place 30 high school students in business internships is scheduled to kick off Dec. 1, with plans to go to different school districts when they’re also ready to start, said Brent DeMoe, the county’s family and community outreach director. Mr. DeMoe announced the plan at the Board of Commissioners meeting last Tuesday.
The inaugural effort, which will place 10 students per school-year term, begins at the Morrison Campus Alternative School in Dallas. “We want to give them the opportunity to be ‘job-ready’ when they graduate,” explained Morrison teacher Charlotte Vidrio.
Students get school credit for successful participation in the internships, and they are being offered the chance to receive dual community-college credit by Chemeketa, according to Roxanna Glang, a psychology professor at Chemeketa who is assisting with the program.
Career and technical education (CTE) – internships, in particular – are a top objective of Central School District, said Julia Heilman, director of student services for the district. In a presentation at the recent school board meeting, she said the district is seeking to expand CTE. “This is really to help support the success of students in school, career, college, work and community,” Ms. Heilman said.
The inaugural effort, which will place 10 students per school-year term, begins at the Morrison Campus Alternative School in Dallas. “We want to give them the opportunity to be ‘job-ready’ when they graduate,” explained Morrison teacher Charlotte Vidrio.
Students get school credit for successful participation in the internships, and they are being offered the chance to receive dual community-college credit by Chemeketa, according to Roxanna Glang, a psychology professor at Chemeketa who is assisting with the program.
Career and technical education (CTE) – internships, in particular – are a top objective of Central School District, said Julia Heilman, director of student services for the district. In a presentation at the recent school board meeting, she said the district is seeking to expand CTE. “This is really to help support the success of students in school, career, college, work and community,” Ms. Heilman said.
CHIEFS READ BOOK TO PUSH PRESCHOOL
As part of "Fight Crime: Invest in Kids," a group that's working to raise awareness of the role preschool can play in getting kids on a good educational pathway, Polk County Sheriff Mark Garton and Independence Police Chief Robert Mason, among other county law-enforcement officials, spent time recently at the Oregon Child Development Coalition in Independence. During their time there, the duo read a whimsical story to an audience of enraptured preschoolers.
END NOTE: ~ LIONS ROAR IN WITH GRANT MONEY ~
On behalf of the Lions Club, District Governor Steve Moser awarded Central School District 13J a sum of $10,500 for emergency preparedness this month at the Henry Hill building in Independence. The grant was received by Jason Clark, director of safety and security for the district; The school district contributed $500, bringing the total to $11,000. Mr. Clark was joined by Terry Cable, president of the Central Lions Club and Mike Ward, secretary of the Lions Club, and Rod Bach, also of the local Lions Club. Ben Stange, chief of Polk Fire District No. 1 and Kimber Townsend, were also present. Ms. Townsend will provide disaster instruction and expertise. Mr. Moser, former president of District 13J’s school board, represents Lions Club District MD-36R, that runs from Polk County westward to the Oregon Coast and south to Florence.