Raising the Bar: Hart District's Push for Better Test Scores
The William S. Hart Union High School District is on a mission to boost student performance in English, math, and science. Despite some progress, a significant number of students are still falling short of state standards on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) tests.
Current Performance
The district is performing better than L. A. County and the state in some areas, but there's still a lot of room for improvement, especially in math and science.
English
- Hart District: 70% of students meet or exceed state standards
- L. A. County: 51%
- California: 49%
Math
- Hart District: 49% of students meet or exceed standards
- L. A. County: 39%
- California: 37%
Science
- Hart District: 48% of students meet or exceed standards
- L. A. County: 32%
- California: 33%
Strategies for Improvement
The district is trying out new strategies to tackle these issues:
- Building-Thinking Classrooms: Students collaborate to solve problems with teachers acting as facilitators. This method is already being used in math classes at schools like Canyon High.
- Professional Learning Community Model: Teachers and principals work together to figure out what students need and how to help them succeed.
- "I Need Time" or Student Health Days: Opportunities for students to get extra help during school hours. Teachers are targeting students who need assistance.
Broader Issues
Some board members, like President Joe Messina, believe that the issue might go beyond the school walls. He's noticed that some parents don't prioritize education as much as they should. Maybe students need tutoring, or parents need support in helping their children succeed. Whatever the case, Messina believes the board has a responsibility to remove any roadblocks that might prevent teachers from giving students the resources they need.
