News from the Superintendent: September 21, 2009

September 20, 2009

Good morning.

Schools set growth targets last year as they move forward in expectations for student success, and I’ve talked before about how amazed and pleased I was about how many schools by far exceeded those targets. Principals and teachers were extremely excited about the process and were willing to set ambitious targets because they believed in their students.

We’re setting goals again this year, but trying a little more structured approach. We’ve got a formula in place that will set higher targets for schools with lower proficiency rates (15 percent gains) and more modest jumps for those with higher rates (5 percent gains). Statistically speaking, this makes more sense because a larger jump is more likely when there’s more room to grow. The district-wide goal is to increase the proficiency rate by 10 percent, on average. You can find out from your principal what your school’s own goal is.

Addressing the achievement gap between Anglo and Hispanic, Native American and African American students also is once again on the agenda this year. We want to reduce it by 5 percent each year for the next three years. Between the extended school day at high schools, AVID and other programs, this is a realistic goal.

The Board of Education approved a set of six strategic objectives, the two I’ve listed among them, at last week’s meeting as part of a goal for academic excellence. We’re making good strides. Keep up the good work.

We’re in the midst of the nomination season for Selfless Seniors. For the third year, the APS Education Foundation is looking for the unsung heroes of the Class of 2010, who give back to their communities and take time to help others but haven’t been recognized for their selfless efforts.

If you know one of these kids, I encourage you to take a few minutes to nominate him or her. Just go to the APS Education Foundation’s web site (http://www.apseducationfoundation.org/) and you’ll find the nomination form. The deadline is Oct. 15. Our kids don’t have to be top athletes or valedictorians to be superstars. Some of our best are also our quietest.

Finally, it was a packed house last week at the opening celebration of Coronado Elementary. It was exciting to see so many families, including grandparents, come out to see the school because it means they are involved in their children’s education. On Thursday, we’re celebrating Helen Cordero Primary School, unique in APS because it serves only the lower grades of pre-kindergarten through second.

Have a great week.

Winston Brooks