Untitled Document

On or about October 28, 2009, the State Department of Education released the State Report Card and the Report Cards of all School Systems in Tennessee. Taking into consideration all of the curriculum changes that were incorporated into this year’s report card, Obion County’s, as a whole, was very good. I cannot say enough about the excellent staff that we have assembled. All team members – instructional supervisors, school administrators, teachers, and support staff – know and perform their respective duties in harmony and with unprecedented cooperation. All team members take pride in their performance and, best of all, care about each student that walks through the school doors every day. In addition, the County Commission has remained true in its dedication to education and deserves due credit in insuring that our schools are adequately funded. It is my true belief that we have “turned the tide,” and I expect that we will only get better with time. Our students deserve great praise and always seem to rise to the occasion and meet or exceed expectations set by their teachers.

Over the past few years, we have integrated instruction programs within our curriculum that are already showing results. The 2009 – 2010 school year marks the third year that we have had Pre-K classes in all elementary schools. In 2007 – 2008 we began the Reading Recovery Program, which is now in all elementary schools. The Balanced Literacy Program is very complimentary to our curriculum, and our teachers are doing a wonderful job in implementing this program into their daily activities. As with any system, and no matter how good our overall scores are, there will always be areas in need of improvement. However, the programs which have been implemented – Pre-K, Reading Recovery, and Balanced Literacy – will no doubt close the achievement gaps.

In analyzing our report card, administrators have listed our areas of strength, as well as areas that need improvement. Our strengths are fairly self-explanatory, but I want to emphasize three (3) areas to which we have been paying particular attention over the past four (4) years:

Although listed as an area of need, which it is, our graduation rate has increased each year: 2006 – 79.9%; 2007 – 85.3%; 2008 – 87.2%; 2009 – 88% – the State goal is 90% and we will attain this goal.
Due to the changes in the State’s curriculum and testing, our value-added scores have become an area of focus. We have already begun focused collaboration for math and reading and will begin social studies and science with the start of the 2010 – 2011 school year.
Math has historically been a weakness; however, we are making progress. Accelerated Math has been implemented in the elementary schools, which, along with our dedicated math teachers, will strengthen our math scores.

Further analysis of our Report Card will be presented at the Board meeting. In summary, I personally thank everyone involved in the accomplishments made over the past four (4) years: Board members, county commissioners, instructional supervisors, school administrators, teachers, and all support staff. Without everyone’s performing at his/her very best everyday, these accomplishments would not be possible.

Obion County Board of Education January 11, 2010	Agenda Item: VII.A.

Discussion of the District's 2009 State Report Card

Background Information: On or about October 28, 2009, the State Department of Education released the State Report Card and the Report Cards of all School Systems in Tennessee. Taking into consideration all of the curriculum changes that were incorporated into this year’s report card, Obion County’s, as a whole, was very good. I cannot say enough about the excellent staff that we have assembled. All team members – instructional supervisors, school administrators, teachers, and support staff – know and perform their respective duties in harmony and with unprecedented cooperation. All team members take pride in their performance and, best of all, care about each student that walks through the school doors every day. In addition, the County Commission has remained true in its dedication to education and deserves due credit in insuring that our schools are adequately funded. It is my true belief that we have “turned the tide,” and I expect that we will only get better with time. Our students deserve great praise and always seem to rise to the occasion and meet or exceed expectations set by their teachers. Over the past few years, we have integrated instruction programs within our curriculum that are already showing results. The 2009 – 2010 school year marks the third year that we have had Pre-K classes in all elementary schools. In 2007 – 2008 we began the Reading Recovery Program, which is now in all elementary schools. The Balanced Literacy Program is very complimentary to our curriculum, and our teachers are doing a wonderful job in implementing this program into their daily activities. As with any system, and no matter how good our overall scores are, there will always be areas in need of improvement. However, the programs which have been implemented – Pre-K, Reading Recovery, and Balanced Literacy – will no doubt close the achievement gaps. In analyzing our report card, administrators have listed our areas of strength, as well as areas that need improvement. Our strengths are fairly self-explanatory, but I want to emphasize three (3) areas to which we have been paying particular attention over the past four (4) years: Although listed as an area of need, which it is, our graduation rate has increased each year: 2006 – 79.9%; 2007 – 85.3%; 2008 – 87.2%; 2009 – 88% – the State goal is 90% and we will attain this goal. Due to the changes in the State’s curriculum and testing, our value-added scores have become an area of focus. We have already begun focused collaboration for math and reading and will begin social studies and science with the start of the 2010 – 2011 school year. Math has historically been a weakness; however, we are making progress. Accelerated Math has been implemented in the elementary schools, which, along with our dedicated math teachers, will strengthen our math scores. Further analysis of our Report Card will be presented at the Board meeting. In summary, I personally thank everyone involved in the accomplishments made over the past four (4) years: Board members, county commissioners, instructional supervisors, school administrators, teachers, and all support staff. Without everyone’s performing at his/her very best everyday, these accomplishments would not be possible. Staff Recommendation: This agenda item requires no action by the Board.