The Washington Community School Board heard an update on the ISTEP situation at last night’s regular meeting.
Assistant Superintendent Kevin Frank commented on the problems that have plagued the test as a result of the state implementing new standards and tests. Frank told the board that statewide English schores are expected to drop by 16& while math scores could drop by almost 25%. Frank added that preliminary scores are showing a significant drop. He reported parents have the option of having their child’s test rescored. Frank said the Indiana Department of Education is dealing with 200,000 requests to rescore last year’s ISTEP.
Final results of the tests won’t be available until January.
The Washington School Board learned of a new student directed anti-bullying program called “Upstanders”. The program will be implanted at the high school.
Captain Neil May with NJROTC and a student, Jerrica McCracken along with principal LeAnn Kelly told the board that by using a special cell phone app, students can anonymously report incidents of bullying. Kelley said the UpStander program uses students as the eyes and ears of the school to help deal with problem situations. In addition, they reported that over 200 Washington High students have signed a pledge to stand up for the victim when they see bullying….not be a by-stander.
Captain May said the initiatives are continuing evidence of Washington High School’s proactive approach to give students every opportunity to alert staff of situations where they feel unsafe or where they are not being treated fairly. McCracken and Kelkey said bullying is not a big problem at WHS, however McCracken said, even If it is only 1%…it’s too much.
In other business at last night’s school board meeting, the board accepted the resignation of Sonia Gaither as a part-time cook at Lena Dunn. And adjusted the rate for school bus drivers from $16.67 to $18.04.
In financial matters at the meeting, the board approved a resolution for a temporary loan to alleviate potential cash flow concerns.
