Recent Test Scores

By Yolanda C. (Peņa) Mendrek, M.A.

Test scores in the district have been fluctuating with no explainable reason

When test scores fluctuate in this manner, it is assumed that some students were able to grasp the subject matter and some did not. Were students able to adjust to the new 4x4 Colegiate Model schedule? were classes too acellerated for the slow learner? Did students have enough time to cover all the material included on the standardized tests? It is here where school officials need to review and desaggregate the data to determine where the problems lie.

Also, at this time it may be appropriate to review and determine whether or not class sizes are impacting the ability of students to learn. Were the classes too crowded to be able to have a positive learning environment?

With the No Child Left Behind federal requirement that make test scores public, we as community members are more informed about how our schools are doing. We must ask the pertinent questions to the school officials, that being, what is LUHSD going to do about making sure that all students are successful? What kind of support is LUHSD going to provide to students scoring below basic, while still providing a rigorous curriculum to Gifted and Talented student that need to be continually challenged so they don't get lost in the mix?

No child Left Behind means just that, so when we hear that a high perctage is passing, that is not sufficient, because it means that still some students ARE left behind. That is not acceptable.

I am ready to ask pertinent quetions to make sure our students have a succcessful future. I am ready and willing to continue working with your students as I have done for the past six years.

I am respecfully asking for your vote on November 7, 2006. I pledge to represent you and your students in the years to come.