NECAP test results at Springfield High School

The NECAP’s (New England Common Assessment) recently released tests scores for the Springfield High School delivered some great news.
http://www.vermontjournal.com/content/necap-test-results-springfield-high-school

NECAP Test Results at Springfield High School Submitted by admin on Tue, 02/18/2014 - 4:28pm By ANNE DEMPSEY The Shopper SPRINGFIELD, VT -The NECAP’s (New England Common Assessment) recently released tests scores for the Springfield High School delivered some great news. SHS principal Bob Thibault said,” I am very proud of the successes of our students over the past few years and it is a testament to the commitment of our teaching staff to implement the PLN approach to instruction.” Test results show that SHS has increased its reading scores by 7% and its writing scores by 18%, in the last three years. Science scores increased 9% to rise above the state average. Critically reading and writing skills are essential for doing well on NCEAP Science test. As Thibault mentioned, his teachers have shown a commitment to the PLN style of instruction, and perhaps that has made all the difference. PLN (Penn Literacy Network) of the University of Pennsylvania meshes research and theory with the practical implementation of strategies found to be most effective in engaging students in reading and writing across the curriculum. PLN training is on-going at the Springfield High School with instruction and discussions occurring typically every few weeks. The only disappointing news was that the NECAP Math scores had declined. With the added emphasis on reading as a result of NCLB legislation, Math proficiency has declined, not just locally but across the state. Superintendent Zach McLaughlin stated, “I believe that we are already developing many of the answers to our Math problems. We will continue to rely on our district wide Math team to help chart a cohesive approach to how and what to teach. The key for us as a district will be to create district approaches as opposed to building specific ones.” Next year, Springfield will join the rest of the state and 23 other states in transitioning to a new testing system, Smarter Balance Assessment Consortium (SBAC). This system delivers tests to students via computers. The most valued attribute to SBAC is its close correlation with the Common Core State Standards. More information about NECAP and Springfield High School’s test results can be found at: education.vermont.gov/assessment/necap. To learn more about PLN and to read a SHS teacher response to PLN training, visit: www.gse.upen.edu/pln. Information about next year’s new state wide tests can be found at: www.smarterbalanced.org.