SEPTEMBER 2015
Our results stem from extensive preparation…to prepare students for success in the 21st century. O
Results of New State Test Released The new Smarter Balanced (SBAC) State tests are a positive step forward in helping to ensure that our students are prepared to enter the 21st century with the critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills required for success in college and careers.
The results of these tests, in conjunction with a variety of other measures, help us monitor our progress in meeting the District’s Goals & Objectives. They provide a concrete benchmark for driving the conversations and collaboration that guide instruction and move us forward. Along with every other school and district across the State, these first-time results establish a benchmark for measuring progress in years to come.
PREPARING OUR STUDENTS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY The Future Forward program equips students with skills needed for the 21st Century through the use of four C’s: creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. Every student uses a digital device to engage in real-world work done by professionals such as scientists, engineers, musicians, artists, filmmakers, authors, and more. FOR MORE INFORMATION http://futureforward.guhsd.net http://fu
I am pleased that our students scored at or above the State average on tests significantly more rigorous than the prior CST assessments. In mathematics — where the content standards have dramatically increased expectations of student skill and knowledge — District students scored four points higher than the State average*. Our results stem from extensive preparation, including on-going work of our teachers to develop new curriculum and devise new instructional strategies to prepare students for success in the 21st century. In addition to the focus on standards and instructional strategies, teachers are preparing students with the skills necessary to work in a highly technical environment. Our FutureForward initiative and the experience of computer-based testing augments the instructional shift. We’ve introduced more than 10,000 digital devices for students, increased internet bandwidth, and devoted significant time and energy to teacher training. As we move forward, we will continue to analyze the 2015 results and use this information as a baseline for our progress over the coming years.
RALF SWENSON SUPERINTENDENT
KEY POIN POINTS:
DISTRICT RESULTS: GUHSD STUDENTS BEAT THE STATE AVERAGE IN MATH BY 4 POINTS
In math, the most rigorous exam, GUHSD students beat the State average for high schools by 4 points in the percentage scoring at or exceeding standard.
33 56
11 GRADE % ATT ME 11TH M T OR EXCCEED E ED STANDARD RD
New tests measure critical thinking with questions that require students to demonstrate research, writing, and problem solving using interactive test questions and constructed responses.
ENGLISH MATH
Preparation for new tests has included investment in more than 10,000 digital devices, additional internet bandwidth, and extensive teacher training. Smarter Balanced results are useful measures of District’s Goals and Objectives and drive conversations and collaboration that move us forward.
EXCEEDED STANDARD
10
20
MET STANDARD
22
36
NEARLY MET STANDARD 27
24
STANDARD NOT MET
20
* Percentage of 11th grade students scoring at met or exceeded standard
www.guhsd.net
GREEN IS % SCORING AT OR ABOVE STANDARD
40
