|
12 area schools lauded for
improved test scores
South Bay and Harbor Area campuses
with large populations of disadvantaged students meet strict
guidelines for test-score growth to receive state award.
March 30, 2006, By Brandy Underwood
Daily Breeze
The state recognized a dozen South Bay and Harbor Area schools with
large economically disadvantaged student populations Wednesday after
they showed gains in statewide standardized testing.
The 12 schools were among 310 across the state to be selected for
the Title I Achievement Award given to campuses with at least 40
percent of their students in the free or reduced-price lunch
program. Schools must meet strict test score growth guidelines to
receive the award.
"We're very excited that our students have proved themselves worthy
of this," said Richard Peterson, principal of Torrance's Carr
Elementary, one of the recipients.
The school recorded a 39-point increase in its overall Academic
Performance Index score with help from its after-school tutoring
program, parent classes and reading intervention instruction. The
campus also received the award last year.
"We've very excited, especially to do this two years in a row,"
Peterson said.
About 39 of the 310 schools acknowledged statewide have received the
award for three consecutive years and 16 can boast a fourth
consecutive year, according to the state Education Department.
These recognized schools have developed strategies to increase test
scores.
"It's really a team effort between parents, students and staff,"
Addams Elementary Principal Frank Noyes said. "We really try to be a
family-friendly school."
Noyes called the recognition for the Lawndale school bittersweet,
because the school will be reconfigured to house sixth- through
eighth-graders next year, a move that will change its student
population. The school had gone from a low 490 API score six years
ago up to 754 this year.
Jane Comitz, principal of Hawthorne's Cabrillo Elementary in the
Wiseburn district, credited her school's teachers and instructional
aides with the test score growth. This is the second time the school
received the award, Comitz said. "I'm very honored," she said.
Kelso Elementary School in Inglewood received the award for the
first time this year after its API score went up 33 points.
Principal Jacqueline Moore points to the school's focus on the core
subjects -- math, English language arts, science and social studies.
She also pointed out that the school offers an after-school arts
program.
"We try really hard to minimize distractions and minimize
extracurricular activities that are not focused on fundamental
academic subjects," Moore said. "I think that's the key, you really
have to focus on what the children are lacking. You have to know
what the child needs and you have to find the time to address that
need."
To meet the criteria for the award, a Title I school for two years
in a row must double its API growth target and must make "adequate
yearly progress," which is a federal benchmark based on a number of
factors including API. At least 40 percent of the enrolled students
must meet the poverty index. California has nearly 5,900 Title I
schools, according to the California Department of Education.
Caroldale Learning Community Principal Suzi Zopatti started working
at the school this academic year and acknowledged the efforts of
teachers, parents, students and the Carson school's previous
principal, Joy Ferguson, for improving test scores. The school
received the award last year as well.
"We'll always be a work in progress," Zopatti said. "There are many
things we do well and there are many thing we're constantly trying
to improve."
Esther Kim, principal at 156th Street Elementary School in Gardena,
pointed out that her school has received the award for three
consecutive years. The school's API went up 50 points to 838.
"We feel great, because that means our students are doing really
well," Kim said. "It's nice to be recognized. It's good to give that
kind of message to the community. It's very encouraging."
At 156th Street school, Kim said students focus on math and reading
as well as the arts. "We want to make learning fun," she said. "We
want kids to be lifelong learners."
The South Shores/CSUDH Magnet School for the Visual and Performing
Arts in San Pedro received the award for the second consecutive
year.
Principal Paul Suzuki tried to pinpoint the secret to his school's
success.
"It's the teachers working hard every day and we also have very
supportive parents, support staff and administrative staff all
working together," he said. "We have great chemistry. If there are
any at-risk kids, they are identified quickly and we try to give
them the help they need." |