State closes book on literacy help for rural children Oct 17, 2009
After years of varying professional opinion and exhausting all the special education options in Tamworth, Angela Brown's son Simeon , then 9, was diagnosed with dyslexia at Palm Avenue's Dalwood Assessment Centre. He was prescribed a program that led to his reading levels increasing 313 per cent in less than two years. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
MCAS science, math scores mixed in Hopkinton Oct 16, 2009
Special education students in certain grades and topics also failed to make required federal progress on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System, with those from the middle school falling into a more severe warning category in math, said Superintendent John Phelan Jr. and Assistant Superintendent Mary Colombo. In 10th-grade, 95 percent of students earned an advanced or proficient score, earning Hopkinton a fifth-place tie among state high schools. (Hopkinton Town Crier, MA)
How test scores shape Arlingtons education Oct 16, 2009
But the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System, MCAS, and other measurement tools still serve as motivators for teachers and administrators to do better ... We re using the assessment to drive the instruction, Ruggere said. (Arlington Advocate, MA)
Jeffrey Hernandez and Art Johnson live interview at 9:30 a.m. Oct 15, 2009
According to Florida law: Beginning with the 2008-2009 school year, a district school board shall prohibit each public school from suspending a regular program of curricula for purposes of administering practice tests or engaging in other test-preparation activities for a statewide assessment ... How can Mr. Hernandez or Mr. Johnson convince us the Frameworks and Assessments are NOT all FCAT prep when in fact they have stated the program is to improve NCLB and Adequate Yearly Progress which is... (The Palm Beach Post)
Deciphering MCAS test scores Oct 13, 2009
MCAS stands for Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System. It s the test taken by students grades 3 through 10 to see how they are matching up to NCLB.. (Arlington Advocate, MA)
LISD elementary students excel on TAKS Oct 10, 2009
Leander ISD found plenty to crow about in the 2009 Elementary TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) results, which were presented to the school board on Thursday, Oct. 1. Among the highlights: 15 elementary campuses are now rated Exemplary last year there were only five. (Cedar Park Hill Country News Weekender, TX)
WASL results prompt change of scenery for some Longview students Oct 8, 2009
The Bingmans children are among 24 students from Kessler, St. Helens, Olympic and Northlake elementary schools who transferred to CVG this year through the district s transfer offer, which grew out the four schools failure to make annual yearly progress on the Washington State Assessment of Student Learning test (WASL) ... Under the No Child Left Behind law, Washington school are required to meet schoolwide targets for passing the Washington Assessment of Student Learning exam ... Ella Mentry... (Longview Daily News, WA)
Holliston reports good MCAS scores, except for special ed students Oct 4, 2009
Instead, they directed parents to results for the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System tests posted on the state's Web site. Assistant Principal Tim Cornely said the district continues to work to educate all students and raise scores, but noted that other well-regarded school systems are facing similar warnings or worse. (Holliston Tab, MA)
School notebook for Sept. 24 meeting Oct 2, 2009
Diorio explained a steering committee comprised of faculty members will conduct an assessment to identify the school s strengths and weaknesses. The plan is to collect evidence and draw conclusions on how to address any shortcomings prior to the evaluation visit, according to Diorio. (Saugus Advertiser, MA)
Fairsite Elementary School in Galt is now home to successful pre-school program (4) Sep 30, 2009
Or unrealistic assessment. " Add Your Comments Registered Users Sign in Here *Member ID: *Password: Remember login?( Comment posters are responsible for the opinions they express and the accuracy of the information they provide. We urge comment writers to treat this as a public forum where manners matter. We encourage a collegial, non-insulting tone and we reserve the right to remove any comment from publication. Do not post: Potentially libelous statements or damaging innuendo. Profane,... (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Educational workshop scheduled Sep 30, 2009
Topics for this workshop include the rights of parents and their children with disabilities; updated relevant special education laws; assessment, eligibility, Individualized Educational Program meetings and problem resolution; developing effective IEPs for your child; effective communication with professionals; and response to intervention. The workshop will be held at the Amador County GSA Building, 12200B Airport Road, Jackson. (San Andreas Calaveras Enterprise, CA)
Kurzberg: overall MCAS results for Braintree extremely favorable Sep 30, 2009
Superintendent of Schools Peter Kurzberg is pleased with how Braintree fared on the 2009 Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests. Across the state, students in Grades 3 and higher take the standardized MCAS exams each year. (Braintree Forum, MA)
Choosing Schools and Asperger's Syn... Sep 20, 2009
Choosing the right school for a child with Asperger s Syndrome is a process of research and assessment. Each child is unique and it is important to find systems and staff that will best work with their needs. (Suite101.com)
Democrats select town office nominees Sep 19, 2009
Mr. Forster s lead position on running for assessor is that the process of property assessment must be run in a transparent and fair manner. The Chatham Dems believe that James Forster has the training and communication skills to improve public confidence in town property assessments. (Hudson Register Star, NY)
Lawmakers seek review of 18-year-old education funding formula Sep 18, 2009
We do not agree with this assessment and, in fact, some would argue that a lawsuit could result if the foundation budget is not increased or an adequacy study undertaken, she said. Loading commenting interface. (Georgetown Record, MA)
Not adding up: Cle Elum-Roslyn schools address low math scores Sep 18, 2009
Results from the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL), the test used to measure student achievement for purposes of No Child Left Behind, show high school students in Cle Elum-Roslyn failed to meet the math standard in testing last year. So did low-income students at the middle school level. (Ellensburg Daily Record, WA)
CHS doesn't make Ayp Sep 17, 2009
g1g2 wrote on Sep 15, 2009 9:01 PM:" So you are going to tell me that what students learn over the course of many years is adequately tested on a test over two days in the junior year? Did the kid eat the day before? Was he/she living out of the home because the parents keep fighting? Does the student get test anxiety? For those of you who are in the dark, the PSAE is made by ACT. If you wanted to go to college, you remember the ACT. EVERY child has to take this test, including very low... (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Gates misses AYP goals Sep 17, 2009
Scituate school administrators are working to improve student scores and preparing for the parent response after the results from the 2009 Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System tests have landed Gates Intermediate School the official classification of needing improvement ... The composite index score is a combination of student scores on the standard MCAS test and the MCAS-alternate assessment. (Scituate Mariner, MA)
Local schools show progress Sep 16, 2009
Both the API and the federal Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) are based on statewide assessment results from the Standardized Testing and Reporting Program (STAR) and from the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE), which was released earlier this month ... The federal AYP focuses only on whether students reach a proficient or advanced level on state assessment tests. (Santa Maria Times)
More of this story Sep 16, 2009
Our Kindergarten assessment has been our greatest challenge ... Our data indicates that 99% of all students that attend these classes after school pass the end of year assessment ... New teachers have been assigned Pathwise trained mentors assisting them in order to pass the rigorous Praxis III Assessments. (Hamburg Ashley County Ledger, AR)
Candidates for Ward 8 School Committee need your vote too Sep 10, 2009
The plan includes 12 initiatives, such as retaining high-performing teachers for five to 10 years; building a social competency program for students; and improving student assessment and evaluation methods ... The plan includes 12 initiatives, such as retaining high-performing teachers for five to 10 years; building a social competency program for students; and improving student assessment and evaluation methods. (Newton Tab, MA)
IWHS wrestling program has a home Sep 4, 2009
A trainer will come to the school one day a week to give free service and assessment to student athletes. Joey Dion, athletic director, is in contact with a graduate student at Western Illinois University to provide services at games and meets of all sports whenever possible during the school year. (Carthage (Hancock County) Journal Pilot, IL)
Erie, Crawford districts meet federal test-score goals Sep 4, 2009
For a school to have made AYP in 2009, 56 percent of its students must score as proficient or higher in math and 63 percent as proficient or higher in reading, as measured by the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment ... Daniel Daum, director of federal programs and assessment for the Corry School District, said he is encouraged by the improved proficiency scores. (Erie Times-News, PA)
State issues warnings to schools Sep 4, 2009
In addition, Eagle View Elementary, Somerset Junior High, Shade Junior-Senior High, Conemaugh Township Area High and Windber Area Middle School were given first level warning notices. That is a lesser designation that school improvement 1. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Annual Conference of Heads of Special Schools ends Aug 31, 2009
The communiqu=E9 urged that the existing assessment centres be well-equipped and manned by a Multidisciplinary Team for Diagnostic Assessment and Placement for all children in Special Schools by the Special Education Division. It appealed to the GES as a matter of urgency to respond to a letter written by the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) to the Director General of the GES for clearance for Special Schools to use the Low Value Procurement Forms and also initiate training programmes for... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Cohasset Schools ready for students Aug 29, 2009
A new standards-based reporting/assessment system will debut at both Osgood and Deer Hill ... The standards-based assessment system reflects our focus on the content areas as well as the arts and 21st century skill such as critical thinking and reasoning. (Cohasset Mariner, MA)
Teachers help grade test fairness Aug 29, 2009
Cindy Simmons, director of the Mississippi Department of Education's Office of Student Assessment, said the Test Item and Bias Review committees meet with officials from MCT2 publisher Pearson Education to make sure the test is accurate, challenging and fair. "The test vendor creates (test) items, and the committee looks at items to determine if they're aligned to the curriculum, appropriate to grade level and do what they're supposed to do," she said. (Brookhaven Daily Leader, MS)
Support building for charter school expansion Aug 28, 2009
Specifically, district spending on charter schools would increase from 9 to 18 percent in those school districts that scored in the lowest 10 percent on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) test. The governor s bill would allow only charter school operators with successful track records to open or expand charter schools in these districts. (Wakefield Observer, MA)
Somerset test scores better, but still not good enough Aug 25, 2009
Somerset Area School District students are making progress in both reading and math, said Krista Mathias, assistant superintendent. Although some of the district s student subgroups, such as students with IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) and those who are classified as economically disadvantaged, did not hit the state s targets, the district s students showed growth at all grade levels. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Hawaii students getting better at math, reading Aug 22, 2009
Middle school and high school students posted steady gains in math and reading in this year's Hawaii State Assessment, while elementary school students made little to no improvement, according to testing under No Child Left Behind. Nearly a month following the release of preliminary NCLB test results, the state Department of Education yesterday released a school-by-school breakdown of the latest round of standardized testing. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Three Cedar Falls schools, district on state's 'in need' list (2220) Aug 21, 2009
Most students, including students with disabilities, will be tested using assessments based on the grade-level achievement standard. Some students with Down syndrome will be able to take regular assessments with accommodations ... For students who can not take the regular assessments, even with accommodations, NCLB permits students to be given some form of an alternate assessment that is also on the grade-level achievement standard. (Waterloo Courier, IO)
School work is slated Aug 19, 2009
Williston Middle School Principal Marcia Armogost is also the curriculum and assessment director on a half-time basis, meaning her duties include organizing and facilitating testing needs and requirements, assessing and ordering text books and connecting professional development needs to curriculum and instructional needs. The budget increase accounts for Armogost's salary, benefits, supplies and travel, Blatherwick said. (Williston Daily Herald, ND)
Roundup of area school announcements Aug 19, 2009
New programs: Two Minnesota Reading Corps instructors at Lindbergh and Lincoln elementary schools; Skyward Student Information System implementation districtwide; Response to Intervention reading program implemented in grades K-3; a new K-12 social studies curriculum; elementary math curriculum pilot; and implementing Viewpoint, a student assessment data warehouse system. Oak Street Christian School. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
Burton ISD board to talk budget Monday Aug 16, 2009
The school is in a remediation program because it exceeded the number of special education students tested by means of the alternative Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills. Being under the stage one program requires a district to allow parents of children at an affected school to be able to send them to school in a neighboring district if they choose to do so. (Brenham Banner, TX)
Fed AYP standards not met in one category Aug 15, 2009
Those tests are assessments designed to accommodate for special education disabilities ... Special education student assessment data for grades 3-8 and 10 is as follows ... Utilize all assessment data, including newly available TAKS-M data and released tests about special education students to better inform Admission Review and Dismiss (ARD) committee decisions. (Rockport Pilot, TX)
Mandan School Board discusses student achievement Aug 13, 2009
The district could consider using the state assessment test, which measures mastery of state standards, or the Northwest Evaluation Association test, which measures academic growth. Below-proficient scores on the state assessment test or below-grade-level scores on the NWEA test could factor into whether summer school or retention is necessary ... The state assessment test is given in the fall, and this is the test that determines the bulk of the criteria for the adequate yearly progress... (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
C.F. schools form stimulus funds plan Aug 12, 2009
The district also will use the money to complete an achievement gap assessment, collaborate with AEA 267 and Waverly-Shell Rock to hire an instructional services coordinator, purchase elementary special education materials, fund an after-school program providing academic assistance at the secondary level and pay for additional teacher training. More Stories from News. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
More than half of city schools meet AYP standard Aug 12, 2009
To determine achievement levels in this state, the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment is given to students in grades three through eight, plus grade 11 ... While the district has 66 schools, only 60 were eligible for AYP, said Linda Lane, deputy superintendent for instruction, assessment and accountability. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Pittsburgh schools meet federal AYP standard Aug 11, 2009
The state reading and math tests -- known as the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment -- are given to public-school students in grade 11 and grades 3-8. Mr. Roosevelt last month said preliminary results showed gains on many tests, but he wasn't optimistic about making AYP.. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
We've all got a little work to do Aug 11, 2009
Schools are rated based on student performance on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills and a standardized test for special education students along with dropout and completion rates. In cities and towns the size of Terrell, the schools are always a sense of community pride. (Terrell Tribune, TX)
Students here get better test scores than their peers Aug 8, 2009
Published: Friday, August 7, 2009 1:05 PM MDT Campbell County students performed better than their peers on the majority of this years Proficiency Assessments for Wyoming Students ... That step was necessary to keep the state from stepping in, said Alex Ayers, assistant superintendent for curriculum and assessment. (Gillette News-Record, WY)
WAJ pushes for removal from SINI list Aug 8, 2009
Since that time the in-house, inter-connected frameworks of curriculum, instruction and assessment have been evaluated, aligned and restructured, resulting in significant betterment. Obviously we took the data very seriously but at the same time we used it as a positive to look more closely at our overall programming and staffing, WAJ School Superintendent John Wiktorko said. (Catskill Daily Mail, NY)
Editorial: AYP scores not best measure of learning (Aug. 6) Aug 6, 2009
Both high schools missed, however, and as a result, the overall district assessment was that adequate yearly progress had not been met. Hispanic students missed state standards in reading and math at Corvallis High School, and the school missed on a participation measure. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Four Newton Ward 8 School Committee candidates compete for votes before preliminary Aug 6, 2009
The plan includes 12 initiatives, such as retaining high performing teachers for five to 10 years, building a social competency program for students and improving student assessment and evaluation methods. Green, director of health data for the , said she already has experience assessing data. (Newton Tab, MA)
Architect details Mandan center plans Aug 4, 2009
The change is greater than 75 mills because of projected decreases in the special assessment fund and the sinking and interest fund. The district is basing its mill levy projection on a 6 percent increase in property valuation. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
BREAKING NEWS: Aug 1, 2009
Schools are rated based on student performance on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills and a standardized test for special education students along with dropout and completion rates. In the Tri-County area, Marathon ISD and Terlingua Common School District received recognized ratings, San Vicente ISD and Marfa ISD were rated academically acceptable. (Alpine Avalanche, TX)
Lodi Unified School District administrators to act as department chairs Jul 31, 2009
During their daily release period, chairs prepared for teacher discussions about achievement data on student performance, classroom practices and common assessments ... edumacation wrote on Jul 30, 2009 6:54 PM:" Lou: Regarding your Special Ed comments. You are right on target. Soem administrators use LH classes as a place to put kids with behavior disorders. The child may not fit into the minimum assessment criteria, so they send them there to vegetate and have expensive babysitting.There is a... (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
CL Dist. science results near state averages Jul 31, 2009
Currently, results from the science assessment do not impact AYP for school districts. All Content 2009, All Rights Reserved. (Lindstrom Chisago County Press, MN)
McGrath: Tewksbury schools publish year-end report Jul 31, 2009
We have implemented a new quarterly math and reading benchmark assessment systems in kindergarten through grade 4. We have developed civic and social responsibility assessment rubrics at Tewksbury Memorial High School ... We have been accepted in the Massachusetts School Building Authority Model Schools Program and are preparing for the site assessment phase of the project. (Tewksbury Advocate, MA)
Dems nominate their slate Jul 31, 2009
Friday 31 July, 2009. Candidates were mainly incumbents, with two notable exceptions, Brian Stern, and Nora Jinishian. (Westport Minuteman, CT)
Students, Teachers Have Learned From WASL Jul 30, 2009
But the Washington Assessment of Student Learning also has contributed to student achievement and has helped teachers focus on state education goals, according to a study released Wednesday ... They said uncertainty about the future of the WASL and media reports about changing in statewide assessment have confused their students and encouraged some to stop taking testing seriously. (KIRO TV, WA)
Consumer confidence down as job worries persist Jul 30, 2009
Both components of the Conference Board's consumer confidence gauge - one that measures shoppers' current assessment of the economy and another that measures shoppers' outlook over the next six months - further declined from last month. But economists believe an improving job picture is the vital factor in boosting confidence and getting people spending again. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Durable goods orders drop 2.5% in June Jul 30, 2009
Combined, the assessments of businesses on the front lines of the economy appeared to be brighter than those they provided for the previous Fed report in mid-June. The observations in the Fed survey are consistent with an assessment made just last week by Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke: that the economy should start growing in the second half of this year, ending the longest recession since World War II.. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Regular business resumed at school board meeting Jul 30, 2009
They will strive to improve the Life Skills assessment and increase the visibility and leadership of the peacekeepers. The staff hopes to increase the reading and literacy rates by implementing Write Source and Words their Way textbooks, and have Koenitzer in the classroom more often. (Chetek Alert, WI)
MME scores show progress (735) Jul 29, 2009
The exam incorporates the ACT college exam; the national WorkKeys work skills assessment; and other state-derived tests of mathematics, science and social studies material not in the ACT exam. Michigan has set the bar very high, said Dave Eichberg, director of secondary curriculum for St. Joseph Public Schools. (The Herald-Palladium)
Schools impress Arizona; feds tougher to please Jul 29, 2009
But state officials believe the federal assessment is unfair because it downplays overall achievement in favor of achievement in each of various demographic segments. Federal officials say the state's measure, called the AZ LEARNS Achievement Profile, does not meet the requirements of federal law. (AZCentral -- News)
Schools put up record scores on PSSA exam Jul 28, 2009
The percentage of students scoring at grade level increased in each grade level in both reading and math, resulting in a record amount scoring proficient or advanced on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment exams given in the spring. In 2002, when only grades 5, 8 and 11 were tested, 51. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Jacobson brings soothing personality Jul 26, 2009
The new principal, V. Keith Jacobson, agrees with McNarys assessment. Im pretty calm, pretty relaxed. (Williston Daily Herald, ND)
Possible $1 million shortfall in fiscal 2011 Jul 25, 2009
However, he is predicting most expense line items, from salaries to pension assessment, to rise. Our projected expenditures exceeds our projected revenue, Griffin said, with a level services budget. (Cohasset Mariner, MA)
Area offers students several high school options Jul 24, 2009
According to the No Child Left Behind Act, all schools are required to give student assessment tests and track progress. Reports on those tests, as well as school statistics in Kansas, can be found on the state's Report Card, rcard. (Leavenworth Lamp, KS)
School calendar has no parent-teacher time Jul 23, 2009
eanwhile, Director of Curriculum and Assessment Linda Walker provided one more piece of the budget puzzle with her report on stimulus funds from ARRA. She said that ways were found to spend some of the federal desginated funds on general education, within the federal guidelines ... equipment and training for the primary assessment system called M-Class. (Hartford City News-Times, IN)
Study Calls For New Approach To Teaching English As A Lingua Franca Jul 21, 2009
25, 2005) Immigrant children still mastering the English language risk being shuffled into special education services they don't need, because of errors in assessment for speech problems, according to a new. (Jan. (Science Daily)
Options may make state graduation test palatable Jul 20, 2009
Schools could require students to pass state-validated local assessments. Students could complete a locally designed academic project if the student fails a Keystone or state-validated local assessment ... If the request is approved, the current 11th-grade Pennsylvania System of School Assessment exams will be dropped, and all public schools would be mandated to administer the three tests to all students, except for some in special education. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Stimulus for schools Jul 19, 2009
This will help schools work with students who are struggling to pass the state assessment test, which in turn affects the schools' adequate yearly progress results. Some of the money also will be used for assisted technology, including training for the teacher on how to use it. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
66% of Isle schools miss goal Jul 18, 2009
"I don't beat the teachers over the head with the HSA (Hawai'i State Assessment) scores," Sosa said ... "What AYP doesn't tell you is whether a school missed it by one kid or 100 kids. ... We do want to increase our AYP numbers, but more important is when we look at the assessment, it shows as a whole that students are learning and improving," Tanimura said ... HAWAII STATE ASSESSMENT HIGHLIGHTS. (Honolulu Advertiser)
