Jeanné Collins
Superintendent of Schools, Burlington
May 14, 2008

Superintendent's Message

Progress in Burlington Schools can be marked in many ways. This month, I'd like to share with you information about our state assessments and our Vision and Master Plan for Excellence & Equity.

STATE ASSESSMENTS: WHAT ARE WE LEARNING?

Individual student test performance information indicates we are on the right track with the interventions we are putting in place in Burlington schools to address achievement gaps. The majority of our students, in every school, met the academic standard set under the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2008. Edmunds Elementary and Barnes Elementary achieved the academic goal in Reading and Math for every student group. Barnes did not receive the official designation due to participation requirements.

This year, higher performance targets were set as the federal law attempts to move schools closer to the goal of 100 percent student proficiency in reading and math by 2014. In many of our schools, our results mirrored the state and national trend - students from families in poverty tend to have lower performance on standardized tests than students from families of higher incomes. It is largely in these areas that we missed the performance goals.

We are working to ensure that every child, regardless of their family income, receives the tools and support to become proficient in the core subjects that form the foundation for their academic success. We also continue to maintain our unwavering commitment to provide every student with a challenging and well-rounded education that include science, social studies, music, art, computer literacy, world language and physical education. While these areas are not tested, they are essential for our students to succeed in higher education, the workplace and community of the future. We cannot fall victim to "teaching to the test."

For several years, we have put in place additional support for reading. This year, we are piloting a new math curriculum in our elementary schools and math tutorial support has been increased in many schools. After school programming across the district has also increased academic support this year. Next year, we have increased support for English Language Learners and introduced world language at elementary schools. We continue to strengthen our partnerships in the arts and sustainability. Every teacher will be receiving training on how to better use the test results to identify challenges and target support.

We now have three years of test result from the NECAP, our standardized assessments. Using the data from these tests over time will allow us to measure year-to-year progress for individual students, a deficiency in the current assessment model. By tracking individual student progress over time, teachers will have more valuable information to help our students succeed.

VISION & MASTER PLAN FOR EXCELLENCE & EQUITY

The Burlington Schools' vision and master plan is moving full-speed ahead. The master plan will include:

1) A compelling district-wide vision for the future of Burlington Schools,

2) A facilities review complete with cost estimates to help prioritize necessary maintenance, cost savings opportunities and improvements to our school buildings,

3) Feasibility plans for two community-based elementary magnet schools.

To keep the community up-to-date on the progress and the process, a community update meeting was held on May 7th at 7pm at the Burlington High School cafeteria. The proposal is scheduled to be completed and brought to the school board and public in September. Stay tuned for more details in next months North Avenue News and at www.bsdvt.org.

As always, I welcome your feedback. You can contact me at superintendent@bsdvt.org or 865-5332.