This is from the Assistant Superintendents' presentation. Doesn't it seem like District math scores dropped, as well as six of the seven elementary schools' math scores? When I say that math is not my thing, can I say it is because I am a Mt. Lebanon graduate?
Why are we excited about this?
In this paper:
ReplyDeleteElementary School Mathematics Priorities
By W. Stephen Wilson
Professor of Mathematics
Johns Hopkins University
and Former Senior Advisor for Mathematics Office of Elementary and Secondary Education
U.S. Department of Education
Mr. WIlson writes: "The foundation for K-12 mathematics is laid in the early years of elementary
school. To succeed in college, this foundation must be solid."
Looking at the comparison between 2009-10 and 2010-11 math proficiency for grades 3-5 scores appear to have fallen in the Asst. Superintendents presentation.
The graphs don't back up the claim that results are CONSISTENTLY strong!
Yes they are above state levels granted, but CONSISTENTLY STRONG-- that's a bit of a stretch. Same goes for 3-5 Reading scores.
While the results don't make a case for panic, if Professor WIlson is correct in his claim that a math foundation is laid in elementary school the results should warrant investigation. Certainly not PR spin.
Dick Saunders
Elaine,
ReplyDeleteIt comes down to the fact that some classes perform better than other classes in a given subject area. Therefore, scores will vary from year to year. All schools have to live with this variable and it doesn't mean our teachers and our students didn't perform. The growth measures show they did perform. Congratulations to all our students, staff and parents for a job well done.
John Ewing
Your absolutely correct John and the 3rd-5th graders performed quite well-- above state averages. Applause is definitly warranted and why MTLSD is so highly regarded.
ReplyDeleteNo need to panic as I wrote.
The results are consistently strong compared to state levels-- most certainly.
Compared to last years MTLSD scores... no they aren't. It would be a shame to look back in a few years and see that as the first indication of a downward trend.
Dr. Steinhauer's recent reorganization probably isn't reflected in the scores to date.
Dick Saunders