Northern public schools make annual report to school board

Schools in northern San Juan County made their annual report to the San Juan School Board on April 15.

Monticello High School Principal Scott Shakspeare reports that an effort to prepare college-bound students for the ACT test has had a positive impact. The average ACT score for MHS students has increased over a four-year period from 19.1 in 2004 to 22.6 in 2008.

By comparison, while the 2004 scores were more than two points below the state average, the 2008 scores are nearly a full point higher than the state average.

The ACT scores show that 36 percent of MHS students who took the test are prepared for college, compared to 25 percent of students statewide.

Shakespeare reports that statewide CRT testing results are positive. Generally, approximately 80 of MHS students are “mastering” the various CRT tests.

At Monticello Elementary School, Principal Lance Hatch reports that the goal is for 90 percent of students to show proficiency in key tests. He added that when that goal is reached, the school will clearly be among the top schools in the state.

Most recently, the percent of students proficient in language arts is 81 percent, math is 89 percent and science is 79 percent.

Hatch outlined the plan to meet the goals, including a focus on academics, behavior and coaching. In addition to a school-wide focus on excellence, there is a focused attention of students who need additional help and more intense efforts for special needs students.

Shelly Thayn, the head teacher at La Sal Elementary School (and current teacher of the year for the school district), reports that enrollment remains consistent at 17 students. There are 13 boys and just four girls at the school.

Students are testing well at La Sal, while incentives have been effective for a variety of programs.

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