COAL GROVE – Dawson-Bryant officials say the district’s Continuous Improvement Plan will increase test scores and help students graduate with the skills they need to find jobs.

Thursday, June 08, 2000

COAL GROVE – Dawson-Bryant officials say the district’s Continuous Improvement Plan will increase test scores and help students graduate with the skills they need to find jobs.

Initiated in January, the plan sets a course to improve academic performance in the Dawson-Bryant School District, said Bill Stapleton, curriculum coordinator and federal programs director. It covers educational activities, purchasing, instruction, staff development and (possibly) hiring additional staff.

"What we have every year is 27 performance standards for which the district is responsible," Stapleton said.

The 27 standards are divided into five objectives for each grade level, including fourth, sixth, ninth, 10th and 12th grades. Two additional academic standards are set for graduating students.

"We use the document for trying to understand if we’re meeting the minimum outcome required by the State of Ohio," Stapleton said. "Last year we met 11 of the 27 state criteria, which puts us on what we call ‘academic watch.’ "We determine the problems within the district’s academic performance, and find the solutions to solve those problems – then find how long it will take to solve the problems."

Board member George York said the district expects to see increasing improvement across the next three years.

The standards to which the district will aspire are set by the state, York added. Priorities of improvement include reading, math, science, and writing skills across all grade levels.

"Our goals are developed from those priorities," Stapleton said. "By having our priorities in place, we don’t deviate from our goals."

The document will be reviewed and revised as the district’s needs change, Stapleton added.

"I’m really excited about it, and think some of the curriculum changes will be very beneficial," he said.

Kindergarten teacher Juanita Runyon said board members have been very cooperative in recognizing the needs of the teachers, students and their parents.

"It’s mutual cooperation and listening (among board members) that will make this plan work," she said.