The 2011 Kentucky Core Content Test results are in, and we have a lot to celebrate at Westport! In April, our students took tests in math, reading, science, social studies, and on-demand writing. After a school year characterized by a lot of changes -- 28 new teachers to the school (and 15 of those in their first year of teaching), a new demographic of students, and new leadership -- we were cautiously optimistic about what the results would show. When a school undergoes that much change in one year there is the potential for a dip in performance during the transition. However, we are proud to report gains in 4 out of 5 of the tested areas.
In reading, 46.67% of our students scored proficient or distinguished, up 2.39% from last year. In on-demand writing, we are up 3.84% in proficient and distinguished. In social studies, 1.89% more students scored proficient and distinguished. In science, we had a jump of 6.26% more students scoring proficient and distinguished. We are proud of our students and teachers for their hard work last year.
The only area in which we did not have gains was math. Our math teachers are implementing the new KY Core Academic Standards in math this year, and we are fortunate to have such a talented, professional, dedicated group working with our students. They are collaborating to design lessons that are rigorous and engaging and assessments that pinpoint where breakdowns in learning occur. We provide interventions for students below grade level and enrichment for students ready to be pushed further. In fact, our math department is so impressive that our 8th grade math teachers were selected to be featured in a national professional development program as they implement the new standards this year. We are confident that all of this will show improved results on the new math assessment students will take in May 2012. It takes more than one year to turn around any organization, and with all of the changes and improvements we made last year, we are optimistic that we are headed in the right direction.
You will see it reported that we did not meet all of our No Child Left Behind (NCLB) goals, which include proficiency goals for students with disabilities, African American students, and students on free or reduced lunch. There has been a lot of conversation at the state and federal levels about changes to NCLB, and Kentucky is applying to the Department of Education for a waiver from NCLB. However, in the meantime, you will receive a letter from JCPS stating that because our school did not meet our NCLB goals, you can apply for a transfer to one of two district school choices. The district is required by law to send that letter, and a transfer is an option, but we hope that you will determine that there are so many good things happening at Westport that you will want to stay.
In addition to improved test scores, we have many other things to cheer. Our Montessori magnet program has been a wonderful addition to the school, and the students and teachers are thriving in the Montessori environment. We look forward to expanding that program by bringing in an even larger group of 6th graders next year. The athletic and extracurricular opportunities for students have just exploded. Students are playing more sports and participating in more clubs than ever before. Our volleyball and football teams are having very successful seasons this year, and chess, quick recall, and basketball are beginning. We have added support staff to provide counseling, mentoring, and security for students. We have more related arts courses, such as Japanese, drama, and robotics, to allow students opportunities to discover and develop their talents and passions.
There are a lot of positive things happening at Westport, and the test results affirm that we are headed in the right direction.
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