Just when we moved up a notch, the board and administration are discussing closing an elementary school, increasing class sizes, furloughing teachers, and all the other things the "fear mongers" have been predicting.
Finally, an explanation to 21st century learning by Dr. Steinhauer:
A major challenge for us will be to stay abreast of the rapidly changing technologies that impact education and infusing 21st- century skills into our curriculum. We will need to offer a more blended instructional environment with some online classes offered as well as building-based instruction.Regarding PSSA scores, "Upper St. Clair School District once again had the highest-scoring students in Pennsylvania on state standardized tests. Upper St. Clair has led this ranking all seven years the Business Times has done statewide rankings." Mt. Lebanon came in fifth in the state.
I am looking forward to reading the guide after it arrives in my mailbox. I will be going into more detail in the next couple of days.
8 comments:
A related article is posted on Josephine Posti's blog. It was posted after she read my blog according to Analytics. Nothing on the district website. Why do we have Cissy again?
Elaine
USC is approving a 136 high-end single family housing development on what will become the former 120 acre Bedner Farm site. Looks like USC will be able to accomodate the growth in parents with children who will be moving there for the schools along with the normal turnover in existing housing stock ownership.
This may take away from Lebo demand, and enrollment will continue to decline. But, we'll probably continue to add staff.
Veblen Good
While our enrollment declines, we will still have administration getting increases, Veblen. Obviously, O'Toole is in it for the kids.
The development of 136 homes will increase their tax base, something that will never happen here unless you count the fees that are starting to hit at the district and municipal levels.
Elaine
Once again, Mrs. Posti makes widely absurd remarks on her blog without evidence or analysis. Remarks that under close examination... mean absolutely nothing.
Now then Mrs. Posti, if my above statement is wrong, I'm sure Ms. Gillen will allow you equal time to dispute my comment. I would love for you to prove me wrong.
I suspect as usual you won't here or in your blog, because you are... the president... and therefore above reproach.
Mrs. Posti you wrote in your blog: "There's also an interesting report in this issue about the impact that Upper St. Clair's recent middle school renovations have had on instruction."
What was the impact of that renobvatin that you find so interesting? This is the third time this school has topped the 7 & 8 grade ranking. The renovation was completed last year, so what do you find interesting - please tell us?
I could easily say, I find it interesting that all of MTL's renovations have been completed for several years, save one - the high school project.
Examining the BT rankings MTLSD moves up one spot in the rankings.
I guess we could infer that having high sschool students working in a noisy, dust filled renovation raises test scores. Therefore we should keep the high school in a state of perpetual remodeling!
That just as logical as your conclusion.
Seriously, Mrs. Posti, enlighten us please. While you're at it, you might provide that list, the cross-section of the communiity, that helped create the latest survey!
Godfrey Hardy
Someone check my math, but moving up one spot in the Business Times rankings cost us $5 million in increased salaries and fringe benefits!
Godfrey Hardy
Statewide Ranking of Neighbors,
1) USC
5) ML
10) SF
Tough competition in our area. Two out of three have a growing tax base. Bill Hook
Yep, and the top one's superintendent and business manager are willing to lead by example and take a pay freeze.
Giffen Good
Maybe that is why the entire list is not being published. Dr. Tim and Jan would not want that to get out. There is a reason the entire list is not being published, and Jo Boxer's explanation doesn't add up.
Elaine
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