The Seymour School District failed to achieve its proficiency goals established for the 2008 – 2009 academic year, but administrators said they are making progress.
“We’re well on our way to achieving goals,” Middle School Principal Bernadette Hamad said. “Overall, we are making progress in each of the grade levels.”
Hamad presented the results of the last year’s tests as part of the Seymour Middle School Improvement Plan for bringing proficiency levels up to projected goals.
Hamad said the results, taken from Connecticut Mastery Tests measuring math and reading skills in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades, show a forward trend in achieving goals.
Despite the positive momentum, none of the set goals were reached. Percentages of students reaching proficiency averaged in the mid-to low-70s while targets were all in the 80th percentile or above.
To help meet the new projected goals, Hamad presented an improvement plan that includes spurring parents to become more involved with their children’s education. One of the proposal points included welcoming parents into the school to participate in activities.
Other areas targeted include utilizing mentoring programs and encouraging students to select their own reading projects.
Hamad also wants to address the school “climate.” By providing a positive learning environment, the school would be creating a situation for optimal learning according to Hamad.
“If the students feel empowered and safe they will perform better,” she said.
Improving the school climate would include such actions as regular survey assessments for faculty, students and parents; more guidance for students and the public celebration of the achievements of faculty and students.
Hamad noted that a “School Climate Committee” would be formed to investigate the best ways to create the most encouraging learning environment possible.
The emphasis on improving the school environment drew commentary from board member Rhonda Geffert, who praised the improvement plan as well-rounded and appreciated that it wasn’t focused entirely on the numbers.
Hamad also said a curriculum review is underway and they hope to have something to present the board in December.
Helping to bolster the good news aspect of the report, Associate Superintendent Christine Syriac noted that the adequate yearly progress for Seymour Middle School was well above levels that would garner concern.
Seymour has managed to stay off the list of schools requiring improvement.
“We’ve improved enough that these are not even on the radar,” Syriac said.
Monday’s meeting was the last for a number of BOE members.
Chairman Bruce Baker presented Jason Buchsbaum, Rhonda Geffert, Rose Marie Yitts and James Ward with plaques for their time served and thanked them each for their service to the board.
Buchsbaum had submitted a letter of resignation to the board as he and his wife were moving to Southbury.
