University to provide assistance for math
CONNELLSVILLE – Connellsville Area School Board members are hoping a $5,500 agreement between the school district and a Pittsburgh university to provide assistance and development for its secondary mathematics program will improve test scores. The board on Thursday agreed to hire the University of Pittsburgh Tri-State Area School Study Council after 11th-grade students failed to meet the math proficiency levels outlined in the benchmarks of the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
The cost associated with the service will be paid for with federal funds and includes technical assistance, action plan development and staff development.
All elementary and secondary building Pennsylvania State System of Assessment (PSSA) scores reported last month by the state Department of Education revealed that each exceeded the math and reading proficiency targets for this year with the exception of the eleventh grade.
Ron Gallo of Connellsville scrutinized the district for the high school students’ failure over the last three years on the PSSA, but was quickly shot down by board member Richard Galand who noted it was in one subject. “The other schools in third, fifth, eighth and 11th grade that took the test passed,” said Galand.
Gallo further argued the district’s curriculum while Galand invited him to view PSSA test samples.
“I probably couldn’t pass it because I graduated here,” said Gallo.
Mark Rowan of Dunbar Township also addressed the district’s math curriculum, suggesting the district implement some type of music program, especially at the elementary level, based on one that he has witnessed first hand where both subjects compliment one another.
Rowan further noted that more parent and community involvement is needed.
“We need to turn (the test scores) around and quickly or Harrisburg will come in here,” said Rowan.
According to Bill Wilson, director of elementary education, federal programs and technology, the district has been using anchors in each school building responsible for showing PSSA material to students in grades that precede the actual test.
While the test is currently administered to students in grades 3,5,8 and 11, Wilson said the state requires grades 4,6 and 7 to also take it beginning in March in order to be counted toward the district’s Annual Yearly Progress.
In a separate curriculum issue, Robert McLuckey, secondary education director, noted the district will kick off its strategic planning meeting on Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. in the high school library.
“We will get organized and analyze data to build on the district’s portfolio based on its strengths and weaknesses,” said McLuckey.
As part of the plan, McLuckey said surveys will be distributed to the teachers, parents and community for further input.
In other business, James Duncan, superintendent, announced the district should have power restored today in Clifford Pritts Elementary School, which has been out since Tuesday.