The percentage of third-graders at Annaville Elementary School who passed the reading test jumped 12 percentage points from last year, climbing from 84 to 96 percent of those tested. Sixth-grade math percentages rose 5 percentage points. Compared with last school year, the percentage of fourth-graders passing the test increased 12 percentage points to 90 percent. Fourth-graders weren't too far behind with 98 percent. Sanders Principal Roberta Ondak credited the success to teachers and their ability to work together to focus on each child's needs.
Teachers chart each student's progress to determine the necessary focus.
They get that information to the child in a way that the child can absorb it, understand it and make it apart of him or herself. Ondak also predicted that her school would once again be rated exemplary because of teamwork on the part of the faculty and staff. The coaches are out there reinforcing math skills - they'll have them counting jumps and hops. The art teacher is looking for ways how she can integrate math skills into what she's doing, and the music teacher does the same thing - it is a total commitment. Baker Middle School, another top finisher, had the highest number of eighth-graders meeting the minimum requirements at 91 percent.