RSS 2.0 FeedAugust 12, 2010, Freeport-Baldwin Leader
Freeport school board releases assessment results
Student achievement measurements were discussed at the August 4 Freeport Board of Education meeting at New Visions School. After speaking about the smooth function of the summer school, Superintendent Dr. Kishore Kuncham had good news to report on a matter of great concern to many – the schools' graduation rate.
Dr. Kucham announced that the numbers now in showed the previous rate (63%) increasing 10 points, to 73%. It is hoped that the final figures after August graduation will improve that number further. Assistant Superintendent Wafa Westervelt then presented the results for the grades 3-8 math and English language arts (ELA) assessments for 2009-2010.
The tests were given later this year (April instead of January for ELA, and May instead of March for math) as part of the process of requiring a broader level of knowledge in order to meet the “core standards” set for 2014. The performance levels have different definitions; Level one is “below standard;” two is “meeting basic standards;” three “meets proficiency standards” and four “exceeds proficiency standards.”
And to show they mean business, the state has also raised (between the tests and the anouncement of results) the “cutlines;” that is, the border between the various levels. For example, for grade three, 650 was level three in ELA; now, it's 662. In math, the grade three cutline was 650 – now, it's 684! This has caused a drop in the percentages of level three and four students; the district presented those numbers alongside the percentages using the old standards: ELA: Grade 3 – 65% old standards, 85% new standards, grade 4 – 66%, 87%; grade 5 – 48%, 85%; grade 6 – 47%, 71%, grade 7 – 51%, 82%; grade 8 – 51%, 63%. Math: Grade 3 – 76% old standards, 95% new standards, grade 4 – 70%, 94%; grade 5 – 59%, 88%; grade 6 – 58%, 85%, grade 7 – 71%, 91%; grade 8 – 60%, 73%.
Dr. Kuncham noted that the district accepted the standards increase, saying “we want to have high expectations,” and assured the public that the district would continue its academic intervention services as in the past to help students achieve on the higher level. In public comment, Pat Lewis expressed concern as to how students and parents would receive the news of the lower scores (she described as “absurd” the changing of the cutlines after the test). She was told that the results are first sent to the district, and the students would receive them by letter in September – accompanied by information regarding the changes in testing and cutlines. Alan Jay asked the board that the district expenditures be used on “more pertinent education,” on matters concerning global warming and economics. “Don’t discourage thrift,” he told the board.
In other matters:
- The board approved the first reading of the district’s professional development plan for 2010-2012.
- The tax levy was officially approved at the level it was stated at when the budget was passed in May – 1.88% increase budget-to-budget, 5.45% hike in the tax levy. Dr. Kuncham noted there was some apprehension that a decrease in Medicaid funding might result in necessary mid-year aid cuts and budget problems on Freeport's end, but he said the U.S. Senate might be making up the differance in another manner, and hoped that mid-year budget cuts could be avoided. Dr. Kuncham also reminded attendees that base proportions and reduced property assessments might make actual tax increases larger.
- The board approved a student trip to Orlando, Florida in May 2011. Ms. Lewis questioned the board and was assured the trip would not be paid for by taxpayers.
- The board re-appointed Dr. Mary Bediako district clerk, and appointed Syntax as the district's new public relations firm.
- The board approved a bid for pizza, and among the usual staff comings and goings terminated one position in the health area. The next meeting of the Freeport Board of Education will be Wednesday, August 25, at New Visions. This meeting was rescheduled from August 18.
