As school got under way earlier this fall, the Carlsbad Unified School District received an important “report card.” It wasn't perfect and room was left for improvement, but it was cause for celebration.
The report is the release of statewide test scores resulting from rigorous testing of all second through 11th grade students last spring. The numerous math and language arts tests are based on California academic standards outlining what students should know and be able to accomplish at each grade level.
First, the good news. For the first time, all Carlsbad elementary and middle schools achieved Accountability Performance Index (API) scores of 800 or more. District-wide, the average score increased from 828 to 831. Kelly Elementary led the pack with 932.
The school enjoying the largest one-year gain to put it over the high-performing threshold of 800 is Jefferson Elementary, which skyrocketed 29 points from 781 to 810. Carlsbad Seaside Academy jumped 23 points.
Over the past years, Jefferson's scores have steadily improved. I credit Principal Carol Van Vooren, her teachers and support staff. I credit the programs instituted to help Jefferson's many immigrant families understand the importance of school. I credit the families who reinforce classroom lessons with their children at home. And I credit the students, who have clearly demonstrated a willingness and an ability to achieve. As Van Vooren points out, “Hard work pays off!”
Although Carlsbad High School's scores rose overall, they did not reach the required increase set by the state among two subgroups of students. Our economically disadvantaged students and English language learners will be asked to do even better this year.
The continued annual increase of scores among Carlsbad High students is heartening. Its API of 775 is just below the 800 needed to meet California's identified goal for all schools.
Federal government looks at test scores, too
Under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, the federal government requires an increasing percentage of students at each school to pass annual standardized math and English tests. Although the Act has helped raise the bar in terms of improving reading and math proficiency for all students, many people in education, and in Congress, think it should be revised. At present, all students are expected to be fully proficient by 2014, an admirable goal that may not be possible to achieve in every school in our country.
Test scores are important, but our mission goes far beyond tests. We aim to guarantee that our students flourish in life as enthusiastic, confident learners. That is why, from day one in kindergarten, we teach life skills along with the three Rs. As business professionals, you know that on the job, attitude can be just as significant as aptitude.
In a future column, I will share with you what we are doing to thoroughly teach a variety of skills that enable our students to flourish, in school and in life. As any of our wise students can tell you, just like two plus two, it all adds up.
The report is the release of statewide test scores resulting from rigorous testing of all second through 11th grade students last spring. The numerous math and language arts tests are based on California academic standards outlining what students should know and be able to accomplish at each grade level.
First, the good news. For the first time, all Carlsbad elementary and middle schools achieved Accountability Performance Index (API) scores of 800 or more. District-wide, the average score increased from 828 to 831. Kelly Elementary led the pack with 932.
The school enjoying the largest one-year gain to put it over the high-performing threshold of 800 is Jefferson Elementary, which skyrocketed 29 points from 781 to 810. Carlsbad Seaside Academy jumped 23 points.
Over the past years, Jefferson's scores have steadily improved. I credit Principal Carol Van Vooren, her teachers and support staff. I credit the programs instituted to help Jefferson's many immigrant families understand the importance of school. I credit the families who reinforce classroom lessons with their children at home. And I credit the students, who have clearly demonstrated a willingness and an ability to achieve. As Van Vooren points out, “Hard work pays off!”
Although Carlsbad High School's scores rose overall, they did not reach the required increase set by the state among two subgroups of students. Our economically disadvantaged students and English language learners will be asked to do even better this year.
The continued annual increase of scores among Carlsbad High students is heartening. Its API of 775 is just below the 800 needed to meet California's identified goal for all schools.
Federal government looks at test scores, too
Under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, the federal government requires an increasing percentage of students at each school to pass annual standardized math and English tests. Although the Act has helped raise the bar in terms of improving reading and math proficiency for all students, many people in education, and in Congress, think it should be revised. At present, all students are expected to be fully proficient by 2014, an admirable goal that may not be possible to achieve in every school in our country.
Test scores are important, but our mission goes far beyond tests. We aim to guarantee that our students flourish in life as enthusiastic, confident learners. That is why, from day one in kindergarten, we teach life skills along with the three Rs. As business professionals, you know that on the job, attitude can be just as significant as aptitude.
In a future column, I will share with you what we are doing to thoroughly teach a variety of skills that enable our students to flourish, in school and in life. As any of our wise students can tell you, just like two plus two, it all adds up.