School board concerned about students’ writing

By Annie McCallum

Published: October 29, 2008

The Amherst County School Board discussed the division’s accreditation status at its most recent meeting, in which it highlighted concerns including low writing scores at Central Elementary School.

When statewide accreditation results were released in September, Central was one of only two county schools accredited with a warning. Low writing scores caused the school to miss the mark.

“I don’t think there’s a whole lot to tell you that you don’t already know,” said Superintendent Brain Ratliff.

Board members received specific accreditation information at the Oct. 23 meeting. The information showed accreditation results for the past three years, including specific writing pass rates for all county schools.

Elizabeth Gamble, the board vice chairwoman, noted a marked difference in Central’s writing scores from 2007 to 2008. In 2007, the school posted a pass rate of 76 percent, but in 2008 it had a rate of 55.3 percent.

“Is there any explanation for that?” Gamble asked. “That’s a significant difference.”

Most other schools showed writing pass rates in the 80 percent and 90 percent range. Only Madison Heights Elementary School dipped lower, with a rate of 73.9 percent, which was still higher than Central.

Jones Stanley, the board chairman, was startled at the low number.

“I thought it was a typo,” he said.

Ratliff assured board members that the challenges in writing and reading were being addressed. For example, Ratliff said, the school is participating in the Reading First program and has a reading coach.

Julie Rogers, assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and assessment, was not at the meeting. When reached by phone Monday, she provided specifics about ongoing efforts at Central, including Reading First.

“It involves a lot of professional development,” she said of the program, “and resources aimed at increasing student achievement in reading.”

Additionally, Rogers said there are two remediation programs at the school specifically tailored to addressing the needs students have in reading and writing.

In a morning remediation session for kindergarten through second-graders, older students help younger students in reading, Rogers said. The school also holds a writers workshop on Wednesdays.

In addition to various programs in place, Central also has a reading coach and a reading specialist working with students.

At the school board meeting, Ratliff emphasized optimism.

“Our schools are doing well and we’re working hard and will continue to be successful,” he said.