Marysville strives to raise achievement in all schools
Published on Wed, Aug 25, 2010 by Megan AdamsRead More Schools
While Tulalip Elementary and Totem Middle School have been specifically labeled as turnaround schools due to low test scores, Marysville School District is applying turnaround strategies to other schools in the area.
As part of the turnaround program, several schools are creating "quick win" plans to raise achievement in students. The administration has defined a quick win as "one thing that can be accomplished in the first 9-12 weeks of school that will make a noticeable difference." They hope this will accelerate the process of improving achievement.
"Part of this turnaround program is to hit the ground running on day one," said Superintendent Dr. Larry Nyland.
Each quick win plan was developed from data collected by Marysville schools. For example, Heritage High School identified its main concern as low average monthly attendance, which was below 80 percent last year. Heritage High School's quick win goal is to have an average attendance of 85 percent or higher during the first quarter of the 2010-2011 school year. Principal Shelly Lacy plans to encourage attendance by calling families of absent students as she receives attendance reports from teachers.
The Academy of Construction and Engineering's data shows an 80 percent passing rate in algebra among students who took math support classes, but these students continued to fail other courses. This school's quick win plan involves offering a lunch time work completion program.
Totem Middle School plans to offer support to students to increase the number of those who meet standards on state math tests. The school will identify students who need this support based on class tests and WASL scores.
Parents of Tulalip Elementary School's students reported that they did not know how to support their children. The school plans to increase involvement of families and community members by December.
Each school with a quick win plan will keep track of its progress by continuing to collect and report data.
"You can have great goals," said Gail Miller, assistant superintendent, "but if you don't monitor and keep track of your data, you're less likely to see the desired results."
When the school board asked what they could do to help schools with their goals, Miller said they would be coming to the board with suggestions later.
As part of the turnaround program, several schools are creating "quick win" plans to raise achievement in students. The administration has defined a quick win as "one thing that can be accomplished in the first 9-12 weeks of school that will make a noticeable difference." They hope this will accelerate the process of improving achievement.
"Part of this turnaround program is to hit the ground running on day one," said Superintendent Dr. Larry Nyland.
Each quick win plan was developed from data collected by Marysville schools. For example, Heritage High School identified its main concern as low average monthly attendance, which was below 80 percent last year. Heritage High School's quick win goal is to have an average attendance of 85 percent or higher during the first quarter of the 2010-2011 school year. Principal Shelly Lacy plans to encourage attendance by calling families of absent students as she receives attendance reports from teachers.
The Academy of Construction and Engineering's data shows an 80 percent passing rate in algebra among students who took math support classes, but these students continued to fail other courses. This school's quick win plan involves offering a lunch time work completion program.
Totem Middle School plans to offer support to students to increase the number of those who meet standards on state math tests. The school will identify students who need this support based on class tests and WASL scores.
Parents of Tulalip Elementary School's students reported that they did not know how to support their children. The school plans to increase involvement of families and community members by December.
Each school with a quick win plan will keep track of its progress by continuing to collect and report data.
"You can have great goals," said Gail Miller, assistant superintendent, "but if you don't monitor and keep track of your data, you're less likely to see the desired results."
When the school board asked what they could do to help schools with their goals, Miller said they would be coming to the board with suggestions later.
Do you know an outstanding local student?
We need your help to profile exceptional local teens in the Student Spotlight feature.Send us your suggestions for young people who are making a difference in the community, their church or at school, those with unusual hobbies or talents, the students who excel at academics or athletics. We want to shine a spotlight on their achievements!
Contact North County Outlook at editor@northcountyoutlook.com
or phone North County Outlook at
(360) 659-1100.
or phone North County Outlook at
(360) 659-1100.
