In late August, I received word our elementary school did not meet its annual yearly progress goal in reading. Since this is now the 2nd consecutive year, Grundy Center Elementary has been placed on the SINA (School in Need of Assistance) list.
So, how did we get on the list?
Each year 3rd and 4th grade math and reading student scores from the Iowa Assessments are reported to the state. These two grades must improve their scores or be listed on a "watch." It is always these two grades. We are not tracking classes or kids for improvement, we are tracking the grades, regardless of the fact that the students move out of the grade at the end of the year. It is the grades that must be successful, not an isolated group of students. The state also groups the students into several subgroups including: whole school, special education, low socioeconomic status, african-american, white, etc. Every subgroup we have over 30 students MUST improve their score or the school will be flagged for not improving. Last year, Grundy Center Elementary did not meet goals in both reading and math. This year, we had one subgroup not meet the goal in reading, so we are now listed as a SINA school.
So, what does that mean?
From the SINA logistical point of view, it means we have to set aside some of our Title 1 (reading assistance) money we receive for professional development and "school choice." The second thing it requires is we must offer parents the choice to relocate their children to a higher performing school within the district. We have only one elementary in our district, so although it is a required option, it is not feasible.
From a principal's standpoint, being a SINA school means we must spend a good amount of time studying how, why, and when we teach literacy skills. We need to look at the materials we use and methods in which we help students who are struggling. We also must consider how we can help students outside of the regular school day.
Schools that remain on SINA for multiple years have the possibility of more severe consequences such as creating a public charter school, hiring private management, or allowing administrative and teacher reductions.
Is there good news?
YES! In other reading assessments (FAST and MAPS) we are outperforming elementary schools in the AEA267 district and the state of Iowa. For example, in our elementary school 79% of students are at benchmark in reading compared to 66% of the state's elementary students and 63% of the AEA267 district's elementary students. Good things are happening here at Grundy Center!
Also, the Des Moines Register reported 65% of all public schools in Iowa are now listed as SINA schools. Among our area you will notice, Gladbrook-Reinbeck, Dike-New Hartford, AGWSR, Eldora-NP, Hubbard-Radcliffe, and BCLUW elementary schools. We are not alone.
So how do we get off the list?
In order to be removed from the SINA list, schools must meet their annual goals for two consecutive years. After meeting the goal for one year, it is considered safe harbor. We are currently in safe harbor for math since we met the most recent goal after missing it the year before.
Final thoughts?
YES. Although flawed, the No Child Left Behind act was put in place to help schools improve. We will do that. We would have done that without NCLB.
But, what I refuse to do is have this type of label define us as students, families, teachers, as a school, or a community. We don't teach numbers, we teach kids. Lots of kids and all kinds of kids. We are a proud school with a bright future, and we continue working hard every single day. We lift each other up and celebrate accomplishments. We recognize our goal is to create productive citizens in the community and prepare students for whatever they choose to do beyond Grundy Center Elementary. We are doing that, and we are working to make it better.
Grundy Center has a proud tradition of academic excellence. We will not stray from that. We will move forward not as followers, but as leaders.
So, how did we get on the list?
Each year 3rd and 4th grade math and reading student scores from the Iowa Assessments are reported to the state. These two grades must improve their scores or be listed on a "watch." It is always these two grades. We are not tracking classes or kids for improvement, we are tracking the grades, regardless of the fact that the students move out of the grade at the end of the year. It is the grades that must be successful, not an isolated group of students. The state also groups the students into several subgroups including: whole school, special education, low socioeconomic status, african-american, white, etc. Every subgroup we have over 30 students MUST improve their score or the school will be flagged for not improving. Last year, Grundy Center Elementary did not meet goals in both reading and math. This year, we had one subgroup not meet the goal in reading, so we are now listed as a SINA school.
So, what does that mean?
From the SINA logistical point of view, it means we have to set aside some of our Title 1 (reading assistance) money we receive for professional development and "school choice." The second thing it requires is we must offer parents the choice to relocate their children to a higher performing school within the district. We have only one elementary in our district, so although it is a required option, it is not feasible.
From a principal's standpoint, being a SINA school means we must spend a good amount of time studying how, why, and when we teach literacy skills. We need to look at the materials we use and methods in which we help students who are struggling. We also must consider how we can help students outside of the regular school day.
Schools that remain on SINA for multiple years have the possibility of more severe consequences such as creating a public charter school, hiring private management, or allowing administrative and teacher reductions.
Is there good news?
YES! In other reading assessments (FAST and MAPS) we are outperforming elementary schools in the AEA267 district and the state of Iowa. For example, in our elementary school 79% of students are at benchmark in reading compared to 66% of the state's elementary students and 63% of the AEA267 district's elementary students. Good things are happening here at Grundy Center!
Also, the Des Moines Register reported 65% of all public schools in Iowa are now listed as SINA schools. Among our area you will notice, Gladbrook-Reinbeck, Dike-New Hartford, AGWSR, Eldora-NP, Hubbard-Radcliffe, and BCLUW elementary schools. We are not alone.
So how do we get off the list?
In order to be removed from the SINA list, schools must meet their annual goals for two consecutive years. After meeting the goal for one year, it is considered safe harbor. We are currently in safe harbor for math since we met the most recent goal after missing it the year before.
Final thoughts?
YES. Although flawed, the No Child Left Behind act was put in place to help schools improve. We will do that. We would have done that without NCLB.
But, what I refuse to do is have this type of label define us as students, families, teachers, as a school, or a community. We don't teach numbers, we teach kids. Lots of kids and all kinds of kids. We are a proud school with a bright future, and we continue working hard every single day. We lift each other up and celebrate accomplishments. We recognize our goal is to create productive citizens in the community and prepare students for whatever they choose to do beyond Grundy Center Elementary. We are doing that, and we are working to make it better.
Grundy Center has a proud tradition of academic excellence. We will not stray from that. We will move forward not as followers, but as leaders.