PASS scores improve
Students and teachers in Anderson School district One have a lot to celebrate with the recent release of the state PASS scores. Students in grades three to eight are tested on five content areas (writing, English language arts, math, science and social studies). Of the 30 categories, 20 of those improved placing Anderson One’s scores among the top in the state in those categories.
District One Superintendent David Havird said, “This was certainly a year of more difficult standards and rigorous assessments. I am pleased that students, teachers and the school leadership met this challenge and produced very encouraging results with improvements in 20 of the 30 test categories. I would contribute much of the success to a lot of hard work, appropriate professional development and the teachers’ willingness to comprehend the standards and to truly teach students to a higher depth of understanding that required more critical thinking skills.”
“I was not surprised to see the scores go up this year,” said Jane Harrison, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction. “Teachers have worked harder than ever to raise the rigor in the classroom and set high expectations for all students. Teaching and learning has transformed into a more personalized approach. Students should be working at the highest level possible. It is no longer about whole group instruction but challenging students from where they are to grow academically. Teachers raised the bar for students by teaching more strenuous college and career readiness standards and the students reached a higher level producing very positive results for Anderson One.”
“The test scores are a testament that Anderson School District One teachers are constantly striving to ensure every student is reaching their potential. Teachers, administrators and staff are constantly analyzing student performance and working to overcome any obstacle by innovative interventions, utilizing every minute of the school day, and the evaluation of programs. The test scores are a reflection of the team work it takes to see every student excel,” said Christie Shealy, Director of Testing and Accountability.
Robbie Binnicker, Assistant Superintendent for Administration gave credit for the excellent test scores to the quality teachers and students in the district. “Our teachers do an outstanding job working diligently daily to help our students succeed academically.”
