Only seven Frazier students attend remedial math program
PERRYOPOLIS – Only seven students are attending a remedial math program for incoming Frazier School District seniors who are required to demonstrate subject proficiency under new graduation requirements. The district’s remedial math program, which began June 17, is being held through July 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and provides students with 60 hours of tutoring, three hours a day, five days a week.
A remedial reading program will follow with another four weeks of tutoring from July 17 to Aug. 13 using the same schedule.
Both programs are being conducted under the direction of Linda Nelson, K-12 supervisor of special education, curriculum and instruction.
Nelson said although attendance is minimal, those students who the administration determined may be in danger of not scoring proficient on the 11th grade Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) tests were mailed letters prior to the programs.
Nelson added that she determined which students were not proficient in reading and/or math by reviewing eighth grade (test) scores.
Because the district won’t receive the PSSA scores until November, Nelson said the remedial programs will serve as a “safety net” for some students who may have scored proficient in reading and math, while those who didn’t will receive that “extra edge” in those areas.
“We’re giving them support so that they will be proficient,” added Nelson.
Beginning with the Class of 2003, students will be required to earn a “C” grade or above in order to demonstrate proficiency prior to graduation. In addition to meeting the district’s graduation requirements, students will also need to score at least 1,320 or higher on the PSSA in reading and math along with maintaining a 1.5 grade-point average.
The new standards coincide with the state’s requirements implemented under the district’s six-year strategic plan that was adopted by the school board in January.
Of the seven students attending the remedial math program, Nelson said she is pleased so far with their participation.
According to Nelson, both programs provide an advantage to the students in preparing them for future testing and other courses.
In addition to the remedial math and reading programs, Nelson said a four-week elementary summer school is also being conducted for first through third grade students. Nelson added the program is designed to improve reading and early literacy skills and is well attended.