Lorena ISD is committed to providing every child with the best education possible, and we work hard to that end each and every day. While Lorena ISD has been a recognized school district for the past several years, this year the state suspended ratings because of the new STAAR tests. The state is still in the process of setting the standard for the grades 3-8 assessments. However, there are different requirements for the Federal government under the NCLB (No Child Left Behind) Act.
Under the NCLB Act of 2001, a Title I, Part A-funded LEA (local education agency/LISD), or school district, that has not met AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) for two or more consecutive years in the same indicator (reading, mathematics, attendance rate, or graduation rate) is subject to LEA-level Title I School Improvement Requirements. Based on the 2012 LEA AYP Status released August 8, 2012, Lorena ISD is subject to the LEA-level SIP (School Improvement Program) requirements for Stage 1 during the 2012-2013 school year. For additional information about the AYP definition please visit TEA’s website at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/ayp/.
Lorena ISD missed AYP in math for the past two years. In 2010-11 we had more students pass the math assessment in Special Education than were allowed by the state imposed cap. There is a 2% cap of special education students that are allowed to take a modified test; therefore, any student who passes over the cap counts as a failure. This caused Lorena ISD to miss AYP in 2010-11. In 2011-12 the standards were raised as the goal of 100% of all students passing was quickly approaching in 2014. Requirements for math in 2011-2012 were 83% of all students and subgroups passing; next year the goal for all students will be 95%, and finally in 2014 the standard will be 100% passing for all students and subgroups.
Lorena’s score were as follows:
District – Math
Hispanic Students – 78% LISD students passed 83% AYP required standard
Economically Disadvantaged Students – 75% LISD students passed 83% AYP required standard
High School – Math
All Students – 79% LISD students passed 83% AYP required standard
Middle School – Math
Hispanic Students – 78% LISD students passed 83% AYP required standard
Economically Disadvantaged Students – 71% LISD students passed 83% AYP required standard
The NCLB statute requires the district to notify parents and guardians of this status and to provide the following information. Please be advised that the district has the opportunity to appeal this district improvement designation and is in the process of doing so. However, the requirements described in this letter must be implemented for the entire school year, regardless of the outcome of the appeal.
The district will be implementing the following activities to address the reasons the district has been identified for district improvement:
· Screen all students to determine skill gaps and then provide remediation and interventions to students identified at risk.
· Provide intensive intervention for students who are at risk with the help of trained interventionists/specialists.
· Provide one on one, and small group instruction for students who are struggling or fail the state assessment during the day, after school and during the summer in our STAAR Camps.
· Monitor student performance and progress to ensure learning for all.
· Provide explicit and systematic instruction for all students in math and reading using instructional materials that are aligned to state standards and allow for differentiation.
· Utilize innovative programs like Texas Success Thinking Through Math to support students at all levels.
· Utilize the On-Track lessons for students in Project Share.
· Provide ongoing high quality staff development for teachers that address specific content areas as well as instructional strategies that are effective with all students as well as students in specific subgroups designating local budget as well as 10% of our Title 1 Funds for these activities.
· Partner with Region 12 Educational Service Center for training and classroom support.
· Conduct interviews with students to see what is working and how we can improve instruction so that they achieve deep understanding of concepts.
· Provide creative opportunities for students to motivate one another to be successful.
· Partner with parents to create a culture of cooperation and focus on student achievement.
You may become involved in addressing the reasons the district is identified for improvement by assisting in the following ways:
· Attend open house meetings, informational sessions, and parent workshops that address state standards and student expectations.
· Serve as a member of a parent advisory council or become a parent volunteer.
· Bring your student to special events sponsored by the school that focus on math and reading such as game nights, family reading nights, career fairs, etc….
· Stay informed of your child’s progress using Powerschool and other tools.
· Ask your child how they are doing and how you might help them be more successful.
· Review the web resources available to parents on the LISD website.
· Build strong partnerships with school administrators and teachers in order to work together so that all students can achieve.
Within three months after being identified for improvement, an LEA must develop or revise its district improvement plan in consultation with parents, school staff, and others. The district improvement plan must meet certain requirements, one of which is implementing strategies to promote effective parental involvement in the district. To view additional district improvement plan requirements, please visit this link: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index4.aspx?id=2147484929&menu_id=798. If you do not have access to the internet, please contact Dr. Talbert, and this information will be provided to you.
If you have questions concerning this letter, would like to volunteer to help revise our district plan, or need us to provide you with paper copies of the material referenced in the web sites, please contact Cheri Borchardt, Director of Curriculum and Instruction.
There are multiple measures of student success other than AYP. We encourage you to talk with our staff and administrators. We welcome your input as we seek success for all LISD students. Again, please be assured that we will continue to work toward success for every child in Lorena ISD and ask for your help as we work together to achieve 100% success for all.
Sincerely,
Dr. Sandra Talbert
Superintendent LISD
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