GOALS 2000 QUARTERLY REPORT
LEA: Jefferson County E-55 Project Name: 2001: A Skills Odyssey!
Project Contact:
David Goff Date of Report:
Please answer the following questions in as much detail as possible.
You may use attachments.
- Using specifics, compare your timeline and benchmarks in the grant to what is actually occurring in your project.
Though we were a little behind in the beginning due to technical problems, our Skills Odyssey is on track and our students and faculty are thrilled to have the classroom mini-labs, and the new software, as well as the books and tests which are helping to enhance the educational experience and improve the basic skills levels of Talbott Elementary students. Our students recently took the Terra Nova test and we are anxiously awaiting the results, in hopes that our use of these technology-based programs will have been helpful in raising our test scores.
- What progress have you made toward reaching the objectives and goals that you set in your proposal?
We are currently meeting the goals of our program in all grades. The mini-labs are all in place, software is installed and active on the computers in the classrooms and teachers have been trained to use these programs.
- What progress has been made toward the National Goal or Goals as you presented in your proposal?
Teachers in grades 3-5 are already using the programs for enrichment to provide “a more challenging curriculum and assisting student progress at each grade level.” Title 1 teachers are getting new computers and are we setting up a mini-lab for themselves, using Title funds to further enrich and sustain the program. The Kindergarten skills modules in the Orchard Reading and Math programs, as well as some of the Accelerated Reader books and tests will help with “first grade readiness” as Kindergarten teachers continue to use the program in their classrooms.
- At this point, how is the Goals 2000 funding positively affecting the education of the children in your county?
The Goals 2000 Funding has provided our county with some excellent tools for enhancing the education of our children. Teachers, parents and children are THRILLED. Grades 3-5 are already using both Skills Bank and Orchard with great success. Mrs. Britt, one of our third grade teachers told me a few days ago, “Orchard is WONDERFUL! I use it every day and it has revolutionized my teaching!” Other teachers have made similar statements. Our Special Education teacher is particularly excited and uses Orchard as one of her major tools for instruction.
- Describe some great happenings concerning your project. Please send any articles or documentation to us for our files
The new library books and Accelerated Reader quizzes have been a great asset to our school wide reading program. Our students are having a record-breaking year, with more students participating than ever before. I strongly believe that the increases in circulation and in reading comprehension (as indicated by successful Accelerated Reader testing) are directly attributable to the new books and tests that are available to them. Consider the following statistics:
As of today, we have one student over 600, 2 others over 200 and 23 others over 100!!!!
On MARCH 14th of last year we had one student over 300, one over 200, and 5 others who
are over 100 points. At the end of the year two years ago we had only ONE student in excess of 200 points, and only two others over 100 points!
At this time we have 56 students who have 50 points or more. Last MARCH we had 19 students who had reached more than 50 points. The preceding year, at the end of the year, it was only 17.
We currently have 81 students who have 20 points or more. Last year we had 48 students who had reached 20 points by March 14th. The previous year, at the end of the year, it was 55.
We currently have 108 students who have earned more than 10 points. Last year we had 73 students who had reached 10 points by March 14th.. The preceding year, at the end of the year, it was 74.
These numbers indicate that our students are reading and understanding what they are reading. Many thanks go to our classroom teachers who are working with the students day by day and encouraging them in their reading efforts.
