The results are in, and the results are not great. We had the time of our lives, and students made so much progress, last year, but that progress is not completely or accurately recorded by the state's standardized testing in the spring. We knew Math was our weak point, but NWEA testing throughout the year did not accurately predict our Missouri Assessment Program scores.
 | Communication Advanced = 5 Proficient = 3 Basic = 12 Below Basic = 1 | Math Advanced = 4 Proficient = 5 Basic = 5 Below Basic = 7 |
We are always hopeful that we can take our students where they need to go during the year we have them. Unfortunately, the state test has not been consistent from year to year, in addition to the fact that this school year was fraught with interruptions of quarantines (some unnecessary). In addition, communication with parents was reduced to electronic means.
This year's class has also faced its monsters. They were born in the year following a terror-filled tornado experience in Joplin, and they have been labeled such by family and friends. Then, a quarter of their crucial second grade year was called off due to a global pandemic. This group has always felt different as they have risen through the ranks, and now they face a critical year in which I must get them back (or introduce them to) the joy of learning and an appreciation for order. That's my first priority - to help them develop positive citizenship skills for their present and future. Rising test scores are a by-product of achieving that goal.
This year's class has also faced its monsters. They were born in the year following a terror-filled tornado experience in Joplin, and they have been labeled such by family and friends. Then, a quarter of their crucial second grade year was called off due to a global pandemic. This group has always felt different as they have risen through the ranks, and now they face a critical year in which I must get them back (or introduce them to) the joy of learning and an appreciation for order. That's my first priority - to help them develop positive citizenship skills for their present and future. Rising test scores are a by-product of achieving that goal.
