Spartans show pride on 2010 CSAP.
Artwork by Mia Nogueira
Between 2009 and 2010, TJ’s freshmen and sophomores improved their cumulative CSAP scores so significantly that the administration feels it is due to increased preparation for the test. “I’m very excited about students taking pride in themselves and their school,” said Assistant Principal Scott Lessard. “Doing well in CSAP always reflects pride.”
Students achieved a general increase in CSAP scores in all categories except science. This included an average increase of 7.6% in reading scores between 9th and 10th graders. “I looked at the increase [in reading] and I just said ‘wow’,” said Principal Sandra Just. “I didn’t imagine we’d see such a huge increase. It was amazement, awe, and a realization that we’ll have to keep these scores up this year as well.”
In math, Spartans excelled by achieving an average increase of 6.7% between 9th and 10th graders. While the TJ administration agrees that this is a solid and impressive score, there are still hopes for even greater achievement in this year’s CSAP scores. “We’ll focus a lot of our energy on math,” said Just. “That still has quite a ways to go.”
In addition, Spartans also improved their overall writing scores by an average increase of 2.6%. Even though the increase was minor, Spartans still beat the district average in writing by approximately 14%. “While we didn’t see too much improvement in writing, we’re remaining consistent and solid,” said Just. “Nonetheless, we want to be even better, so we’re going to keep up the rigorous application of vocabulary in classes. We did this last year, and it was pretty effective, so we’re going to keep it up.”
In science, TJ sophomore CSAP scores dropped by 6% between 2009 and 2010. “We’re really going to develop some systematic stuff to help improve our science scores,” said Lessard. “We want it to be content specific and staff developed. We really want teachers to meet with peers to develop strategies for students’ needs in subjects that need improvement. We can also always use data to keep us on track.”
Along with faculty meetings, utilizing data, and content specific classroom material, Just also hopes to gain CSAP advocates in the community in order to help TJ excel in future scores. “We really need to keep up community support and encouragement for students to do well,” said Just. “People get drained from assessments. If they don’t know the purpose, they don’t try. So we need to have the community show that it’s very rewarding to get excellent scores.”
Because of these recent improvements in CSAP scores, the administration hopes to see positive repercussions for TJ’s community. “Having good test scores makes a positive impact on the community’s impression of our school,” said Lessard. “Some people, unfortunately, really just pay attention to test scores. These recent improvements should help people wake up, and realize we’re making an impression that TJ’s doing good, too.”
Lessard also anticipates a higher enrollment due to higher test scores. “A lot of students in the neighborhood don’t come to TJ because they feel like it would be compromising their education,” said Lessard. “By getting good test scores, we’re arguing that you can get just as good of an education here as elsewhere.”
Ultimately, the TJ administration is simply glad that the school year is starting off with gusto and enthusiasm. “It really just shows we’re amazing,” laughed Just. “It’s much more pleasant to start off the year with this much momentum.”
On September 16th, there will be a rewards celebration regarding last year’s CSAP scores.
