SUPERINTENDENT LYNCH SAYS "WE WANT TO KEEP IMPROVING"

(05/13/2008)

Calhoun Schools Press Release This week in Calhoun schools, the state assessment WESTEST was being given. This test is a chance to look at our students' scores and identify their strengths and weaknesses in addition to looking at our curriculum and where we may need to make improvements. "We want to keep improving, says Jane Lynch, superintendent. When we look at data or test scores over time we can not see improvement in all grades and all subjects. We have pockets of improvement, for example, such as reading scores at our elementaries, however, composition needs work." We as a county also need to meet state expectations. There is a framework for effective schools, which all counties, schools and classrooms are expected to use. In reviewing the school and county strategic plans, which are to be based on this framework, our plan needs work. "When you talk to staff, they should have had a part in the development of the plan for improving their schools. This was not the case in all schools," says Mrs. Lynch. "I have spent some time looking at data and the plans, parts of which were developed four years ago. Basic goals usually don't change much. But the plans appeared to be more an exercise on paper than a plan for improvement. We need to revisit the planning process, using our data and develop a working document for improved student learning." Dr. David Scragg made a presentation on the strategic planning process at the May 5th Board work session. Mrs. Lynch also presented information she had gathered from each school's teachers representing their curriculum team, with additional members. The representatives identified programs that were working well at each site and areas the schools would like to improve. This information has also been compiled to identify common goals in all schools to plan for improvement. The information gathered will be used with test scores and other data to determine the training needs for staff over the next few months and to revise school and county strategic plans.

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