Just Give Us One More Year...

2005
State % Proficient/Advanced 81
Red Apple % Proficient/Advanced 83
Roosevelt % Proficient/Advanced 57

2004
State % Proficient/Advanced 81
Red Apple %Proficient/Advanced 79
Roosevelt % Proficient/Advanced 83

2003
State % Proficient/Advanced 81
Red Apple % Proficient/Advanced 85
Roosevelt % Proficient/Advanced 65

2002
State % Proficient/Advanced 80
Red Apple % Proficient/Advanced 81
Roosevelt % Proficient/Advanced 84

Net increase/decrease
State 1.23%
Red Apple 2.47%
Roosevelt -33.33%


In order to put things in perspective, I thought I would post the recent 4th grade reading scores (WKCE) along with previous results.

Testing is a tricky thing; it just provides a snapshot in time. In order to fully comprehend and analyze the results, you need to compare it to something meaningful.

I chose the above schools, because they are 2 of the pilot schools for the Continuous Progress reading strategy implemented soon after the arrival of Dr. Hicks to our district. I also wanted to include the state's overall average.

As you can see, even after millions of dollars in consultants the results are mixed. Continuous Progress has some merit; I think separating children by skill level is great but I certainly question the practice of "letting" a 4th grader read at a 1st or 2nd grade level.

RUSD used to use Title 1 funding to have programs that allowed the child to catch up with the rest of the class; now it is acceptable to keep the child reading at a substandard level.

I believe continuing to use the CP strategy will not bridge the gap; it hasn't brought sustained double digit increases in test scores, it will only hold more children back from reaching their full potential.

Good thing Unified has a plan...