The members of the California R-I School Board were presented, Wednesday, Sept. 16, the results of the California Juniors Class ACT testing in comparison with the state test results.
Since this was the first time for state-wide mandatory ACT testing for all high school juniors, there is no previous information available for comparison with the test results. In future years, test results will make it possible to compare results, and chart the progress, of the junior classes from year to year.
Overall, California juniors averages 19.7, three-tenths of a point higher than the average scores of the rest of the juniors in the state.
It might appear low to some that only 15 percent of the California Junior Class members are considered "college ready" by the ACT test results. But, it must be remembered that these are juniors - not seniors - and therefore have another year before any of them are actually ready to head off for college. The state-wide average for juniors was 17 percent, only two points higher than the California students.
It should be encouraging to students, parents and teachers that, for College English, 45 percent of California High School Juniors were rated ready; for College Algebra - 37 percent; College Biology - 33 percent; and College Social Science - 28 percent.
CHS juniors rated ready for college was 6 percent above state averages in both College Algebra and College Biology, 6 percent below the state average in College Social Science and 8 percent below in College English.
With no comparison possible for previous years, these scores stand alone. According to Curriculum / Assessment Coordinator Darci McFail, the school had already identified where additional resources would be best concentrated. The Junior Class ACT scores are helpful, however, in focusing the attention of the teachers and administrators on the areas of the curriculum - especially Social Science and English - which may need additional re-enforcement.
Other special business at the meeting included acceptance of a donation and the awarding of a Missouri Option CHS diploma.
A $1,000 grant was presented for the California Middle School from Bartlett and West Engineering. This donation was for "chrome carts" for the school. Recently the District purchased Chromebooks. The carts will do three things for the District: keep the Chromebooks locked up when not in use (30 books per cart), charge the Chromebooks, and allow the Chromebooks to be easily moved around the school. The District should be able to purchase two carts with this money. Bartlett and West, relies heavily on technology. "This opportunity fits well with our company values and our interest in the community," said presenter Gary Davis. Davis is married to teacher Krista Davis.
Ryan Furney received his CHS diploma, earned under the Missouri Options program. Friends and family were present for the presentation by School Board President Jay VanDieren. Furney plans to, first - join the military, second - earn a college degree, and third - eventually start his own business.
Superintendent Dwight Sanders commented that the school has reached its max capacity for internet service. The school is in the process of upgrading to the Co-Mo Connect internet system which should allow the school to operate at least the next five years.
Elementary School Principal Daniel Williams reported the current enrollment at 615, an increase of seven from the same time last year. Williams also spoke of the Monsanto grant received. The check was presented Friday, before the football game with Hallsville. The staff continues training. Recent training included the alignment of the Lucy Calkins Writing Curriculum for K-5 and training in best practices for incorporating comprehension as a focus for daily instruction.
Middle School Principal Matt Abernathy reported 285 students enrolled. The maintenance staff was mentioned for the installation of a new handrail at the middle school entrance and mounting the four benches purchased through a recent Aurora Foundation donation, after pouring the pads for the benches. The new benches are placed between the middle and elementary school buildings. Counselor Marcia Bibb was informed that a Cardinals Care Grant of $1,000 will be presented at a Cardinals game later in the month. She is determining the lucky students and chaperones who will get the six tickets to the game for the presentation. The grants are for a maximum of $3,000 to a school with students in need of school supplies, clothes, shoes, etc. The middle school staff also received a six-hour training session on autism, with additional training for special education staff.
High School Principal Sean Kirksey reported 419 students enrolled. He said the NEE (Network for Education Effectiveness) teacher evaluation process is in the process of being implemented. The re-introduction to the program was done during the professional development and collaboration day held Sept. 8. NEE provides member districts with a system for recording multiple measures of educator effectiveness, allowing evaluators to monitor progress and record information in one place for each educator using four data sources: Classroom observations, Unit of Instruction (UOI) provided by each teacher, Professional Development Plan (PDP) provided by each teacher and student surveys.
Kirksey commented that in his effort to know the team at CHS, he has met with each teacher and asked the same six questions to each one. He said that the last four questions brought forth the same impressive answer from most of the teachers - caring for students is the most important factor in being a great teacher, building positive relationships and being remembered. The questions were what does a person need from a teacher, what makes a great teacher, how do you build positive learning relationships with students and how do you want to be remembered by your students.
The next regular board meeting is Wednesday, Oct. 21.