Preliminary Kindergarten Data: WPS is in the middle of our second assessment cycle to determine progress in English/Language Arts and Mathematics. Kindergarten data concerning the reading levels and progress of students is extremely encouraging. The data set for this grade level is nearly complete, and there is much to learn about specific areas in which to focus.
We are celebrating the significant increase in the percentage of children who are currently reading at grade level. In September, only 16% of kindergarten students were at the appropriate level for beginning kindergarten. As of this week, a full 40% of students are reading at the grade level appropriate for the middle of the school year. This lets us know that we are bridging the gap in readiness children come to school with as they enter from preschool or home. In addition, we are very excited that in September, 80% of students were one level below where they should be, but that number is currently a greatly reduced 58%. There is certainly much growing to do, but our children are thriving and making very significant gains quickly. There will be more data to report in the coming weeks as our assessment cycle concludes late this month.
Special Program Restructuring: In an ongoing effort to provide the best possible interventions for students in our special programs, WPS is in the midst of a significant programmatic adjustment. Special programs include special education, the WPS Rainbow Room (Autism/LifeSkill Support), and the Student Support Center.
The focus of these programs remains, but the integration of services allows us to meet the diverse needs of an ever-changing student population. This restructuring allows more appropriate utilization of human resources, the flexibility to use innovative methodology for supporting student achievement, and addresses scheduling concerns. Simply put, these changes facilitate leveraging the strengths of our staff members where they can be most effective. Jake Hall has been a valuable support throughout this process, and it is exciting to already see some significant improvement in child behavior and academic achievement.