 AKRON |
December 29, 2011 Dear Families of Akron Elementary Students: The New York State Education Department has designated Akron Elementary School a School in Need of Improvement (SINI) in the sub group area of Students with Disabilities as it relates to performance on the English Language Arts state assessment. The SINI designation means that the school has failed to meet adequate yearly progress (AYP) in one area for two years as measured by the New York State assessments. The testing results are analyzed for each subgroup with all subgroups expected to achieve the target designated by the state. If a subgroup fails to meet the benchmark set by the state, the school must implement changes dedicated to improving the performance of that subgroup. Two years ago there was a raise in the minimum scores needed to rate proficient on state testing for all students, including those with disabilities. This year 1,325 schools (847 of which are newly identified) in New York were identified as SINI schools as compared to 102 schools last year. This number represents a large jump (8 times more this year) and reflects the increased expectations and rigor expected from the New York State Education Dept. Administrators and faculty at Akron Elementary are committed to meeting and exceeding the increased rigor and expectations set forth. A School Quality Review Team is taking a comprehensive look at all the school’s programs, with a focus on special education. From that, a Quality Improvement Plan will be developed that will contain measurable goals for the school. In addition, the school will be working with a special education school improvement specialist, who will be providing technical assistance to the district. The plan for improvement must be completed and submitted to the New York State Education Department by Jan. 31, 2012. The district as a whole is focused on improving student achievement. With the implementation of Response to Intervention, Common Core Standards, Curriculum Alignment/Mapping, and most importantly Professional Development aimed at improving instructional and leadership practices, we feel that we will make progress in meeting the state expectations. Akron Elementary School will no longer be considered a school in need of improvement after it makes adequate yearly progress for two years in a row. Frequently asked questions about SINI · What is “SINI” status? SINI stands for “School in Need of Improvement.” It is designated based on whether a school made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) toward achievement of the New York State Standards. Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in one of the cornerstones of the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001. It is a measure of the year-to-year change in student achievements on statewide tests. Schools that do not meet the state standard for AYP for two or more consecutive years are designated as schools in need of improvement. This designation alone does not indicate a failing school. However, it does provide information for principals, teachers and parents on the areas of the academic program that can be improved. · How did Akron Elementary School receive the SINI designation? Akron Elementary School is now in SINI status because not enough of its students with disabilities subgroup population tested as proficient (Level 3 or 4) on the New York State English Language Arts (ELA) standardized test in 2010 and 2011. As such, Akron Elementary School did not make adequate yearly progress (AYP). In order for a school as a whole to make adequate yearly progress, every student must meet a designated achievement level on statewide assessments. District leaders believe there is no excuse for any of our schools failing to meet AYP. All students, including students with disabilities, are held to the same academic standards by the state. · What are we doing to improve student achievement in the school? While the SINI designation is based on testing results from a sub-group that contains less than 35 students at the school, the district is using the situation as an opportunity to make changes geared toward raising the academic proficiency of all students. The Akron Elementary School Principal has assembled a School Quality Review Team that is taking a comprehensive look at all the school’s instructional delivery, with a focus on special education. From that, a Quality Improvement Plan will be developed that will contain measurable goals for the school. In addition, the school will be working with a special education school improvement specialist, who will be providing technical assistance to the district. If you have any questions about SINI, please contact Todd Esposito – Elementary Principal at 542-5050 · How can parents be involved and help? ü Parents are an integral part of ensuring the academic success of their children. Your partnership with us plays a major role in achieving our goals. ü Make sure your child comes to school every day on time, good attendance is integral to student success. ü Make sure all homework assignments and school projects are completed on time. ü Let the teachers know you wish to hear from them as soon as problems occur so that you can work together to find a solution. ü Learn more about No Child Left Behind requirements by accessing the NYSED website at http://www.p12.nysed.gov/nclb/. ü Continue to visit the district website to learn about our improvement initiatives. ü Visit your child’s school and volunteer. ü Join the Akron Parent Teachers Association. ü Talk with district staff about the Quality Improvement Plan to help students meet the state standards in English Language Arts and mathematics. ü Become aware of strategies to improve student academic achievement. The United States Department of Education website offers many helpful publications for parents at www.ed.gov/index.jhtml, including a website of free academic resources from federal agencies: http://www.free.ed.gov/index.cfm. Todd Esposito Todd Esposito Akron Elementary Principal |
