Emporia schools cited for Excellence
Friday, October 17, 2008
The words “excellence” and “exemplary” were associated with assessment test results for the Emporia school district this year.
The Kansas State Department of Education announced on Wednesday that four schools here had achieved Standard of Excellence ratings in the Kansas Assessment Program, according to information from the school district.
Timmerman and Walnut elementary schools both received Standard of Excellence in reading and mathematics.
Riverside Elementary received Standard of Excellence in mathematics and Emporia Middle School reached the Standard of Excellence in Reading.
“We’re always happy when we get some accolades, or when somebody else recognizes the good things we’re doing,” Superintendent John Heim said this morning.
The ratings came, in part, because of the number of students here who have reached the “exemplary” level in the tests.
Over the past eight years, Heim said, the number of students at that level has doubled in math and more than doubled in reading.
“It’s amazing,” Heim said. “... A fourth of our kids are in that exemplary (category). You could say that’s phenomenal.”
Heim had expected numbers to improve as the district’s improvement plan caught hold and evolved.
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning George Abel has led the effort to achieve, Heim said. Abel had told teachers and staff that there was no reason to settle for the proficiency required by the No Child Left Behind Act.
“George Abel said we really should, with our staff and our kids, we should be talking about making Standard of Excellence,” Heim said.
Abel emphasized the goals over and over.
“I think you have to give credit to George for setting that standard high, and then to people for actually reaching out and grabbing it,” Heim said.
Abel will give a detailed report on the assessment test results at the school board meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Mary Herbert Learning Center, 1700 W. Seventh Ave.
To receive a Standard of Excellence in reading for grades three through six, at least 25 percent of students must be in the Exemplary category, with not more than 5 percent of students in Academic Warning, according to information from the district.
Twenty percent of students in grades seven and eight must score as Exemplary, with no more than 10 percent in Academic Warning, to qualify for Standard of Excellence.
For high schools, at least 15 percent of students must be in the Exemplary category, with not more than 10 percent of students in Academic Warning.
To receive a Standard of Excellence at the grade or building level in reading or in math, the building also must make Adequate Yearly Progress in the “All Students” group.
More information about the districts 2008 Kansas Assessment Program results can be found at the district Web site, www.usd253.org.
trackstar (anonymous) says...
Good leadership is necessary, but the teachers I know work very long hours to achieve the results being reported in this article. I'd like to see them recognized for all their hard work and dedication.
October 17, 2008 at 7 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MisterO (anonymous) says...
Congratulations to the teachers, administrators, parents, and students for their contributions to this great achievement!
October 17, 2008 at 7:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
This is very good news. I know teachers have been working hard as have administrators and parents. Good work, everyone!
October 18, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kseyetie (anonymous) says...
Great news: And, yes, it takes leadership from the board and the superintendent and his colleagues. Good learning comes from good teaching, and all the teachers who are working so hard deserve most of the credit for these results.
October 20, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )