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Winnsboro Elementary scores up
When the state Depart-ment of Education released LEAP and iLEAP scores last week, Winnsboro Elementary principal Faye Philips said she had cause to celebrate.
Philips looked at the preliminary scores and saw a marked improvement over last year's scores. For her, it was evidence hard work was paying off.
"We are celebrating around here," Philips said. "We had improvement."
For a school that was at risk for state takeover last year, Philips said any positive move was worthy of celebration.
"It's a small improvement, but we're moving in the right direction," Philips said.
According to the state standardized test results released last week, Winnsboro Elementary showed improvements across the board.
Philips pointed out students in all grades and all subjects improved because of the changes at the school.
The most significant change, however, was in the high-stakes 4th grade LEAP test.
In 2007, less than 18 percent of students achieved scores at basic proficiency levels. This year, something changed.
More than 39 percent of 4th graders achieved basic proficiency -- more than double the 2007 numbers.
Philips, who was hired last year to spearhead changes at the school, credited a proactive curriculum plan and an aggressive improvement strategy.
"The school board has been very supportive," Philips said. "We brought in curriculum changes and other changes around here."
Along with the changes, Philips said teachers began to adopt stricter discipline in the classroom and that's when she began to notice the change.
"They began to perform and work hard," Philips said.
Philips noted the school still has "a long way to go" but she said the faculty, staff and students are continuing their hard work.
A number of students were on the cusp of passing LEAP and will work in summer school to improve their performance.
Also, Philips said, a number of students are going on a trip because of increased performance.
"The students who had no unsatisfactories and at least one basic score are eligible for a water park trip," Philips said.
That trip has been largely underwritten by community support, donations and volunteers.
Philips said community involvement provided the missing element in Winnsboro Elementary's formula for success.
"It has been a combined effort of the administration, the community, the students and the parents," Philips said. |
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