South Fork Schools keeping focus on data and kids
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KINCAID — The South Fork Board of Education met at 6:30 p.m. in t he Media Center on Wednesday, December 15, 2021.
At the meeting, the principals and Superintendent once again asserted their focus on data collection and doing the best work possible for the students under their care.
Steven Groll, Junior and Senior High School Principal, in particular puts heavy emphasis on collecting data to find out how to better serve students. He and his teachers have been working hard all semester to identify areas in math, English, and language arts where students needed interventions and assistance. Thanks to those efforts, the Junior high reported 54% of its students capable of doing math at grade level, and 40% capable of doing English and language arts at grade level. Both percentiles were near the thirties at the start of the semester.
The high school also reported gains, but not nearly as high as the junior high. Roll explained that was typical of high school students.
“We have an uphill battle against the education from last year,” Groll stated, “ But we’ve had a good first semester. We’ve put in time and effort, and have phenomenal teachers. Sometimes, it is a challenge, but the teachers are doing awesome jobs.”
Roll also identified four major issues that also affected the learning among the students: COVID, being a high poverty district, staff turnover, and curriculum. Groll said they were doing their best to address all those issues, including having ongoing discussions about the curriculum.
Elementary Principal Michelle Rogers also said the teachers were focusing on data and how to help students. After winter break finished, the students were going to take more testing so she had data on areas where they improved and areas where they needed more help.
Rogers also told the Board that the elementary students put on a digital holiday program this year. She hopes to have it on Facebook and the District website as soon as possible.
Also approved at the meeting:
– Treasurer’s report
– Approval of bills
– Approval of minutes
– Approval of destruction of Executive session audio tapes older than 18 months
The next regular meeting of the South Fork Board of Education will be held on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. in the Media Center.