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By Gerald Ochs
Rappahannock News Writer
Recently reported Standards of Learning (SOL* test results precipitated some discussions at the November meeting of the School Board. Though some improvement was noted in high school scores, RCHS is still categorized as “Provisionally Accredited/Needs Improvement” and this static placement is seen by some as a failure of the local system.
RCHS scored well in English and science, with passing grades of 85 and 87 percent respectively, but the history score of 69 is slightly off the mark of 70, and the math score of 52 shows that si'jnificant improvement is required in vhat area.
On a positive note, RCES again achieved full accreditation with scores in English of 83, in math of 87, in history of 75, and in science of a perfect 100.
During the “Public Comments’ portion of the meeting, former Jackson District School Board member Ron Makela praised the principal and staff of the elementary school, but expressed concern about his child’s impending move into the high school where “there has been very little improvement” and “things don’t seem to be working.” Mr. Makela, in ! fact, laid blame directly on ! Superintendent Dr. David Gangel, * asking Dr. Gangel “if you’re up to the r. job?” r ~ Response to Mr. Makela’s comments was not made directly, but ■ various agenda items reflected an * ongoing understanding of RCHS needs and work in progress to overcome the problems.
RCHS Principal Joseph Perrine reported on efforts to improve mathematics and social studies results through instructional program reviews and by adding additional assessment processes and remediation assistance. He noted too continued work with Virginia’s Best Practices Center, and he said that he thought that “we will achieve 70 percent in social studies and achieve or come close in mathematics (this year).”
In a Nov. 7 letter to students and parents from Dr. Gangel, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Richard Smith, and RCHS Principal Joseph Perrine, the system's concern with mathematics problems was again highlighted. In this letter, “an alternative for students in Algebra II and seniors currently enrolled in Geometry” is offered to those students “who do not learn math quickly or easily.”
The proposed new offering, scheduled to start no later than Dec. 1,"would emphasize Algebra I and Geometry skills, focus on the application of these skills in the real world, ! ’ and have a strong SAT test preparas' tion component.” 4
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