District Improvement Letter
From Superintendent Paul Hurst
December 3, 2011
Dear Putnam City Families,
Each year, Oklahoma’s State Department of Education rates each school district as part of the No Child Left Behind Act. For the 2010-2011 school year, Putnam City has been identified by the state as one of 56 school districts in the state “district in need of improvement.”
What does the needs improvement designation say about the district? Simply put, it’s a signal that identifies where districts need additional focus. The data shows the district did not make AYP in math or reading for English Language Learning students, students on individualized education programs and Black students. The district also did not make AYP in reading for our economically disadvantaged students. In summary, Putnam City did not make AYP as a district in seven of the 35 areas required by the state.
Still, a breakdown of the data shows that compared to last year, student achievement in Putnam City improved in every category except one. That means that compared to last year, Hispanic students and English Language Learning students in Putnam City are achieving higher in reading and math, so are Black students, White students, American Indian students, Asian students and economically disadvantaged students. A closer look at achievement numbers also shows Putnam City’s scores for reading, math, attendance rate and graduation rate are higher than the state targets for those categories. The data clearly shows the district is moving in the right direction.
As noted, though, even while moving in the right direction there are areas in which the district needs to put special emphasis. What plan will be put in place to address those needs?
As required by the state, the district will use at least 10 percent of its Title I funds (annual federal funding for schools with high numbers of students in poverty) to provide high-quality professional development for teachers. Training for teachers will focus on literacy and math. We will continue to use technology and best practice instructional strategies in the classroom as well as provide interventions for students needing additional help in the areas of reading and math.
There are also important roles for parents. Research indicates that children who come from homes where learning is highly valued are more likely to have higher student achievement, better attendance, greater expectations for themselves and more positive relationships with their teachers. Tracking your children’s learning, reading with them and supporting them as they work on homework and projects at home make a difference.
Putnam City’s goal is for all students to achieve academic success. We are committed to implementing a strong, comprehensive improvement plan and look forward to working with parents and the community to help increase the academic achievement of our students.
Sincerely,
Paul Hurst, Superintendent