The No Child Left Behind legislation requires schools to improve test scores over time. The chart below shows the percentage of students meeting or exceeding expectations in Reading, Math, and Science on the ISAT test for the past 5 years. As of now, reading and math scores are used to pass judgment on schools, with science to be added next year as part of the criteria for determining whether a school is failing.

As this chart shows, there are bright spots in district-wide student achievement, areas where we are holding steady, and potential problems. (Note: From 1999-2000 the state switched from the old IGAP test to the current ISAT test; in 1999 Science was still assessed using the old test so those scores are not shown in this graph.)

What is the district doing to improve scores?

• K-2 Reading Assessement: Last year we piloted a program in which students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade were assessed 3 times a year to measure their progress in reading. This not only assists us in identifying the students who may need extra help, it also provides insight into specific difficulties the student may have.
• 5th Grade Center: As the chart shows, 5th grade scores are generally consistent but tend to slip a little compared to other grades. One advantage of the new 5th grade center at Wharton is that it will bring together the collective knowledge of all of our 5th grade teachers more than ever before. We believe that this will have a positive effect for our students.
• Heritage Internal Review Committee: Late last year, a committee comprised of teachers at Heritage was formed to address specific concerns in the Middle School. A primary focus for the upcoming year will be to identify the reasons for math scores slipping on the 8th grade assessment, and to create and implement a plan for dealing with the problem.