SCS Elementary Students Progressing in Reading, Math

SCHOHARIE - Despite the introduction of a new reading curriculum, Schoharie elementary school students are seeing improvement in their reading.

SCS elementary school Principal Betsy Wright told school board members at their February meeting that there has been improvement across the  board.

In the kindergarten, 23 students have tested to grade level in English and nine have tested to grade level in math.

"We're really happy with that progress," she said.

A new curriculum has been introduced in the first grade, she noted. While there has been less improvement in the first grade, the improvement showed is very important since testing is usually down in the first year of a new curriculum, the principal said.

There has been a big shift in the second grade from below grade level to grade level in both English and math, Ms. Wright added. In the second grade, 15 more students are now up to grade level in English and 17 more in math, 

There is less movement in the third, fourth, and fifth grades, but there is significant, positive improvement.

Ms. Wright noted that officials are using data "every step of the way," along with diagnostic information.

Superintendent David Blanchard said officials are looking forward to the end of year benchmark data.

"I'm glad to see the growth," he added.

The district is putting on "a full court press to improve the literacy rate and it's strong."

In other action, Superintendent Blanchard said the district is "really to roll" with a telehealth medical service through Albany Med. The services will be urgent care. Forms were to be sent home before the break.

"We're very encouraged," the Superintendent added.

The district needs 40 visits a year to qualify, which is attainable, Superintendent Blanchard said.

Another e-mail on the services will be sent out after the break.