I am constantly reminded of how important partnerships are in the day-to-day operation of the Springdale school system.
The involvement of parents in the education of their children is central to the success of virtually every student. It is often said, that if parents expect their children to do well in school, and if parents support and encourage them, their children very likely will do well in school. Parental involvement in school takes on many forms, and the same is true for meaningful partnerships. In this age of accountability, it is really helpful for parents to be involved with their student's teacher and to work closely with the school principal, PTA, booster organizations, etc. Those working relationships put parents in a position to know first-hand the workings of the school and the new initiatives the staff -- and thus the students -- are addressing.
In the last few weeks, the district has received the spring 2015 state student assessment data reports. Our students overall did not perform at the high level our staff had anticipated. An intensive effort is under way to try to understand why our students scored as they did and to assure higher student performance in the future. That's all very good, but again, it is essential that moms and dads are fully aware of these educational models and are in position to encourage their children to give their very best effort. Sometimes just a word of encouragement from mom or dad can make all the difference. In this case, we need your help!
The Springdale School District has an outstanding teaching team. Their performance over time has been and continues to be exemplary. Every Springdale educator worked extremely hard to get our students ready for the state exam. As a team, we will reexamine our every effort. We will refine that effort and, in the process, make the required adjustments that will produce higher student performance. That's what great teams do.
Everyone understands this state exam was a new test. This was the first time it had been administered. Clearly, the testing format and procedures presented a real challenge for our students.
A new baseline on a new test has now been set. All concerned now have a personal understanding of the rigor addressed in the new state assessment. Instruction will be adjusted to accommodate the advanced rigor.
As we go forward, students will be exposed to higher-level learning experiences. That's a very good thing. As a result, they will be better prepared for both college and career opportunities. That is exactly the intent and purpose of the new educational learning standards and the complementary assessments. It is also new and rigorous information parents need to know about.
All concerned must be learners in this age of accountability -- students, parents, teachers, principals and certainly school superintendents. I believe in the Springdale educational team. Together we will do whatever it takes to prepare our students for future success. That effort is under way. The reality is, that in about 60 days, the state assessments will begin all over again -- hopefully this time with more clarity, less politicizing and an appropriate focus by all concerned to give our best effort. That, parents, is where you can help a great deal simply by emphasizing to your children that giving their best effort on state exams is important.
The assessment of learning is an integral part of the educational process. All stakeholders have important roles to play in this process. I encourage every Springdale parent and patron to become informed and engaged in the education of our students. The staff of the Springdale school system needs, welcomes and sincerely requests the help of every caring adult in encouraging students to make their performance on state exams a priority. When we together convey that message to our children, they will compete, and they will excel. "Success for all" is worth everyone's effort.
Parents and patrons, thank you in advance for helping our educational team put Springdale students in a position to compete and demonstrate the great potential
NAN Our Town on 02/04/2016