Looking over student data, Snyder ISD officials are pleased with the progress being made by students as the testing season approaches.
Dr. Rachael McClain, Snyder ISD’s chief academic officer, said veteran teachers have been using the data provided by the district to help students who need it the most.
New teachers are learning how to use the data, but McClain said other teachers are providing support.
Teachers throughout the district have been working together to plan their day. McClain said students will be working on the same material at the same time, but teachers were able to customize the methods to their styles.
Working in the district’s favor is the test will be shorter this year. McClain said students should not be burned out after taking the test.
“That is something we are looking forward to,” McClain said of the number of questions on the test.
Snyder Junior High School is the only campus that was labeled improvement required. McClain said the current data shows students are pacing ahead of last year at this time.
The district made “significant” schedule changes to make sure students are getting help. She said elective times may be spent working on test areas. Tutorial sessions are also held before and after school.
But if a student needs more individualized help, McClain said that will be possible.
“We are identifying a specific number of students who need help and will come up with an individual plan to help them,” she said.
Snyder Intermediate School students are also improving, according to McClain. She said that is “pretty exciting” for the district and school.
The fourth and fifth grade students should expect more benchmark tests over the next few weeks, she said.
Snyder Primary School third grade students will be taking the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test for the first time this year.
A tutorial program is in place and after benchmark testing, students who need additional help will be able to attend Camp Learnalot.
“That was a big success last year,” McClain said of the program which helps students prepare for the tests.
New this year is second grade students getting accustomed to the common assessments used for the test.
“We are seeing a lot of growth in that grade level,” McClain said of the second graders, who are not required to take the test.
Snyder High School students are preparing for the end-of-course exams and McClain said the data shows improvements in all areas.
McClain said parents can talk to school administrators or teachers about resources available at the school or online. The resources will help students prepare for the tests.
“We encourage you to work with your kids at home,” McClain said of parents.