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Posted on 8/17/10

Message from Dr. L. Oliver Robinson, Superintendent
Changes in 3-8 Cut Scores- What Does It Mean to You and Your Child?

Recently, the New York State Education Department (SED) released the results of the Gr. 3 through grade 8 Testing Program in both ELA and Math. Although the Department has yet to issue the individual state assessment report cards, the district felt the imperative to provide parents with scores as soon as they were made available. Individual scores are now available on the parent portal and will be mailed home soon.

As you review your scores, there are certain things for you to know and consider:
1) The results reflect newly adopted procedures from SED that raise the cut scores students must earn in order to be considered “proficient” in a subject (level 3 or higher). According to the SED, the intent of raising the bar for “proficiency” with the higher cut scores for these tests is to align results with college-ready performance.

2) Shenendehowa students’ actual scores (the three digit score) are as strong this year as they have been in the past. What is different is that even though our students score above a 650 on the ELA and Math exams, the NYS Department of Education no longer considers this child proficient. Like many districts across the state, Shenendehowa saw a 20% dip in the number of students scoring at proficient levels due to this change.

3) The lower scores do not mean that our students learned less, and certainly do not mean your child is a failure. It simply means that New York State is setting the bar higher and expecting students, teachers, and parents to reach even higher to achieve these new targets.

4) Under current state regulations, students who score at Level 2 or below are entitled to receive Academic Intervention Services (AIS). Recognizing the shift in scores state-wide and the potential costs it would carry to provide more AIS service, the Board of Regents has since amended AIS requirements for the coming year to give districts some flexibility.

So, what’s the bottom-line?
Our students have and will continue to make tremendous academic progress. While the state test scores are important, they are only one of several measures of progress. We remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence and we will find different ways to ensure that students who need extra help have access to it. We will continue to work with our teachers to implement the very best learning strategies and teaching practices to serve our students well, not only on state examinations, but in skills needed for 21st century living and learning.

The district is reviewing, planning and getting ready to implement changes that will bring all of our students to the newly defined “Proficiency” standards. You as a parent should continue encouraging your child, making sure that they do not fall prey to the labeling trap, seeing themselves as a “1”, “2”, “3”, or “4”.

Our children are children, and with continued effort and commitment to learning, they will be successful adults. We remain fully committed to bringing out the genius in every child, and will do so together.

You can now view the NYS Gr. 3-8 test results for your child on the parent portal. [The cut off scores for level 1-4 for the ELA exam, Math exam (PDF)]

To see more information about the new Proficiency standards, cut scores and plans, please visit the New York State Education Department’s webpage at: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/irts/ela-math/ .

Posted on 8/11/10

Board of Education sets 2010-11 tax levy

On August 10, the Shenendehowa Board of Education approved a tax levy of $100,633,000. At the time of the budget vote, the district projected a 2.60% increase in the true value tax rate (average for all six towns). The actual increase in the true value tax rate is 2.43%.

 

Town	Tax Rate per Thousand		Percent Change
	2009	2010
Clifton Park	$27.80	$28.51	2.57%
Halfmoon	$27.33	$27.56	0.86%
Malta	$16.12	$16.53	2.53%
Waterford	$49.44	$48.62	-1.67%
Ballston	$18.33	$17.97	-1.94%
Stillwater	$17.72	$17.40	-1.78%
True Value Tax Rate per Thousand	$16.14	$16.53	2.43%

 

Posted 8/11/2010

New administrators appointed as a result of retirements:

After a careful review and interview process for a variety of administrative positions, we are pleased to announce the following people are scheduled to be appointed by the board of education at the meeting on August 10. These hirings are a result of retirements, resignations and/or consolidated positions.

Rose Barra was appointed to the position of Academic Administrator for Mathematics & Science, K-5.

She has a Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY/Plattsburgh, a Masters of Science degree from SUNY at Stony Brook and her administrative certification from the University at Albany. She has taught 8th grade science and 7th grade accelerated science at Acadia since 1999. We are excited to have her in her new capacity beginning August 17.

Amy Bianchi was appointed to the position of Director of Human Resources.

She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Siena College, did graduate work at Albany Medical College and the University at Albany and has certification as a Professional in Human Resource (PHR). She has served as a human resources administrator for Albany Molecular Research, Inc., Berkshire Bank, HERO/Beech-Nut Corporation, and most recently at Plug Power, where she holds the title of Human Resource Manager. We are excited to have her in her new capacity beginning September 1.

Rebecca Carman was appointed to the position of Director of Policy and Community Development.

She has a Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY/Cortland, a Master of Arts in Health Education from Russell Sage College, and her administrative certification from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. She taught Health Education in Guilderland, South Colonie, and Shenendehowa and most recently has served as the Academic Administrator for Health Education and Physical Education, K-12. We are excited to have her in her new capacity beginning August 11.

Jill Gould was appointed to the position of Director of Instructional Programs and Planning.

She has an Associates degree from SUNY/Cobleskill, a Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY/Plattsburgh, a Masters of Science degree from SUNY/Oneonta, and administrative certification from the University at Albany. She taught in Chatham and Cobleskill/Richmondville before coming to Shenendehowa as the Academic Administrator for Mathematics & Science, K-5. We are excited to have her in her new capacity beginning August 11.

Franklin Rosselli was appointed to the position of Academic Administrator for Fine & Performing Arts.

He has a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of St. Rose, and Master of Science degree and administrative certification from the University at Albany. Mr. Rosselli taught instrumental music at Catskill and at Gowana Middle School in Shenendehowa . He presently serves as the middle school Assistant Principal in the Scotia-Glenville Central School District. We are excited to have him in his new capacity beginning on or about September 13.