City School Plan Focuses on Graduation Rate, Core Subjects: The School Board is Scheduled to Vote June 28 on a Draft of the Statemandated Plan, With a Final Vote Slated for August.
Posted on: Monday, 19 June 2006, 09:00 CDT
By Phoebe Sweet, Reading Eagle, Pa.
Jun. 19--A Reading School District plan to improve city schools focuses on improving the graduation rate and bettering students' abilities in core subjects.
The state-mandated strategic plan, developed by a group of administrators, teachers and community members, was unveiled recently during a meeting at Reading High School.
It was the second meeting of the Key Communicators, a districtwide initiative to involve the community in school planning.
"Now what you should be looking for from us is the action," said Dr. Thomas R. Chapman Jr., superintendent.
Chapman touted improvements in test scores and graduation rates this year and promised even more progress to come.
The plan includes an assessment of city schools as well as efforts to improve district performance, technology, special education, and teacher development and induction. Committees focusing on each of those topics have been meeting once or twice a month since March to work on recommendations. The plan is available for public review at the district administration building, 800 Washington St. The Reading School Board is scheduled to vote June 28 on a draft. A final vote is set for August after the state and the public have reviewed the plan. Specified goals include: At least 80 percent of freshman make it to graduation. At least 45 percent of students achieve proficiency in math based on state assessment tests. At least 54 percent of students reach proficiency levels in reading and science.
The district's 2005-06 graduation rate was 59 percent, according to Chapman. That figure does not include students who will graduate after completing summer school.
According to a state report card, Reading currently meets the plan's goal for math, with 48 percent of students demonstrating proficiency. However, just 43 percent of students were proficient in reading.
The state does not currently hold districts accountable for science scores.
The school district's plan also focuses on improving computer literacy among teachers and students through increased training, and boosting student achievement using technology and new teaching methods.
The district still must complete sections focusing on safety and wellness.
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Copyright (c) 2006, Reading Eagle, Pa.
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Source: Reading Eagle
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