The Oregon Department of Education has released school report card ratings, recognizing Oregon Trail schools for increased academic achievement and student attendance. Superintendent Shelley Redinger said, “Our state report cards once again show that our educators are working hard to help our students achieve.” All ten Oregon Trail schools rated Outstanding in student attendance, and three schools (Sandy High, Kelso Elementary, and Naas Elementary) rated Outstanding overall. Each of our other schools rates Satisfactory overall.
         Our three Outstanding schools distinguished themselves in the 2009 state assessment tests, with exceptionally high achievement in reading at Naas and Kelso. Sandy High School made significant improvement overall, with reading achievement scoring well above the state average.
         Both Kelso and Naas principals’ attribute their school’s success to effective models of instruction. Kelso principal, Pat Sanders, identifies the tremendous dedication of teachers, parents, and volunteers, and their collaborative focus on student achievement as key factors. Naas Principal, Kimberly Braunberger, attributes their success to a highly skilled staff that continues to hone their instructional practice using skill based groups for both reading and math to meet individual needs of students. Kelso and Naas use a teaching process called “flooding” which places 1st and 2nd grade students in small reading groups with teachers and specialists. Kelso also uses a computer program called Study Island that is accessible to students at school and home, and reinforces reading and math skills.
         Sandy High Vice-Principal, Melissa Sandven, relates their increased student achievement to a combination of teaching strategies and staff collaboration. Sandven said, “Teamwork is key. Our teachers work together in Professional Learning Communities (department teams) to assess student needs, design curriculum and assessments, develop integrated classroom projects, and more.”
         Teaching and Learning Director Debbie Johnson added, “I’m proud of our staff for their intense focus on increasing student achievement through rigorous instructional practices. Our teachers continually improve their practices through professional development and peer collaboration.”
         School report cards for all Oregon Trail schools are available on the District web site at www.oregontrailschools.com.