Villadom Times Weekly Newpaper Online-December 8, 2010 Issue

Midland Park Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marie Cirasella and her administrative team presented the district’s annual assessment report to the board of education at its last meeting, noting that the district’s public school children perform above the state and national averages and show steady improvement over the Adequate Yearly Progress benchmark. As required by the state, students take standardized tests every year from Kindergarten through 8th grade and in the 11th grade to assess their achievement level, identify areas in need of improvement, and provide districts with statistical data which may be used to make informed program decisions. Action plans are then developed to address any identified weaknesses. Students in grades K-2 are tested to establish benchmarks for future years. In grades 3-8, the NJASK (Assessment of Knowledge and Skill) tests proficiency in language arts and mathematics, with science tested in grades four and eight only. The HSPA (High School Proficiency Assessment) is taken by 11th graders in language arts and math as a graduation requirement. Passing End of Course exams, also known as competency tests, in algebra and biology, will be required for the 2012 graduating class. Principal Danielle Bache said that at Highland/Godwin schools test results in language arts and math at each level from first to sixth grade have been charted for two years, with assessments conducted four or five times a year. In language arts, speculative writing and analyzing text in reading were areas of concern. Reading problems was identified as a weakness in math. Based on the test results, she said, instruction is realigned to address weaknesses. The school is piloting two reading programs which offer small group instruction and differentiation. In addition, a problem of the week is solved to generate enthusiasm among students, and a common language has been adopted across grade levels to help with terminology. Principal Patricia Terraciano said that in grades 6-8, persuasive writing was identified as a weakness in language arts. She said, however, that the greater challenge is in math. The action plan for the middle grades includes the development of individual Education Proficiency Plans (EPP) for each student (grades 7-8), increased tutoring, expanded articulation among the middle school grades through departmentalization and emphasis on student improvement through professional development as well as district wide curriculum analysis. “For every student who did not achieve proficient level, we have a folder and teachers must show what they are doing to remediate the deficiency,” Terraciano said. For students falling below the standard in the HSPA, the action plan also includes the establishment of EPPs for each student, focusing on math essentials, diagnostic testing and increased tutoring. Midland Park students also take a variety of Advanced Placement tests. The 47 students enrolled in AP classes last school year took a total of 77 tests in 11 subjects. Of these, 15 students received 5’s (the maximum grade); 16 attained 4’s and 16 received 3’s. Individualized action plans address students’ weaknesses Dr. Cirasella’s report also included statistics on special awards and recognition for Midland Park High School students. Seventy five percent of June graduates attend four-year colleges, with 15 percent going on to two-year colleges. Five students were named Bloustein Scholars and two were National Merit Scholars, one of whom became a finalist. One student received a perfect score in the SAT MIDLAND PARK Holiday GIFT GUIDE December 8, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES II, III & IV • Page 19 Critical Reading test (May 2009). In the SAT subject tests, five students who took the US History and two taking the biology test scored 750-800. “We’re happy to have the data. It sheds light on where the kids are going and what we can do,” Terraciano said. “By teaching to the standards, we are helping the children get smarter,” said Dr. Cirasella. �� a�� ® � �� a�� a�� a�� a�� a�� Auxiliary (continued from previous page) “Giving Tree” program, a partnership with Valley Health Services’ Maternal Child Health (MCH), which provides home care to critically ill pediatric patients. The program helps to make the holiday season special for children and their families who have faced debilitating health challenges throughout the year. This year the Midland Park Branch has adopted a family, whereby members provide all the gift requests for the branch’s adopted family. Previously the auxiliary helped MCH collect, wrap and deliver close to 5000 gifts which included from basic needs to food store gift cards. Anyone interested in supporting this cause or wanting more information about joining the auxiliary may call 201-652-0873. �� a��a�� 12-8-10