By Chris Hendrickson, Special to the Monitor Skykomish School is one of seven schools in Washington that have been recognized as Title I, Part A Academic Achievement Schools.
That means that the school has successfully met the state's annual measurable objectives and the annual yearly progress for three consecutive years. The award is given to those schools who have managed to significantly raise student achievement levels in math and/or reading. Skykomish has received the honor for their results in math.
"Achieving these kinds of results isn't easy,GÇ¥ said Randy Dorn, state superintendent of public instruction. "I'm proud of the hard work these schools are doing to make sure that every kid is successful.GÇ¥
Each school will receive a $10,000 award to further advance their educational programs.
"This award demonstrates the commitment of our staff to improve instruction and help all our students achieve academic success," said Skykomish Superintendent Edwina Hargrave.
Hargrave is planning on using the award money to help strengthen the school's math curriculum in several different ways. The money will enable teachers to receive training that will enhance their science, technology, engineering and math programs.
The teachers will also meet on a periodic basis to encourage team-building and discussion of ways to improve the math instruction process. Specifically, the teachers will focus on better aligning the current curriculum to the common core state standards in math.
The district will also use the funds to purchase new technology that will be instrumental in broadening and advancing the school's instruction techniques. There are many different computer-based math programs that require the purchase of site-licenses in order for them to be utilized in the classroom. The school will utilize the latest technologies to assist in creating effective training models for the students.
The Skykomish School District, small as it is, has excelled on state tests. Last spring, every student who took the state test passed. And they not only excelled in math, but in all subjects. When asked why she feels her school did so well, Hargrave commented, "We have a fantastic community with parent support along with the best students anywhere."
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