Wheeling Park High School Targeting Math Scores
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WHEELING - Wheeling Park High School math teachers are targeting higher student math proficiency scores with the help of Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) data.
JoJo Shay, innovation coordinator for Ohio County Schools, and Ashlea Minch, assessment and federal programs director, this week discussed with Ohio County Board of Education members the school district's "Balanced Scorecard" results resulting from the most recent West Virginia Summative Assessment scores.
The scorecard shows Ohio County Schools ranked third-highest among West Virginia's 55 school districts in results. Putnam and Monongalia counties were ranked higher.
But despite improvements, math scores at the high school continue to be a concern among Ohio County educators.
"What's the plan of attack on math at the high school?" Board President David Croft asked.
Minch noted "a few new things" have been implemented.
"A lot of our high achievers take eighth grade algebra," she said. "They are on track to get to pre-calculus as a junior. If you look at the SAT, those kids (who have a pre-calculus background) will have the material to get a good score on the SAT."
The school now is opening up options for students who don't take eighth grade algebra that allow them to double up on math courses during their sophomore year. This is not traditionally done, Minch explained.
"We've done a few things with scheduling with kids who did not take eighth grade algebra, but who were at 'meets' or ‘exceeds’ (on their previous standardized test results). We have put them into a group we are watching and making sure they stay on track every year they are there until they are juniors."
Croft next asked if the high school has enough math teachers. Minch told him there were enough math teachers.
Board member Andy Garber said he is often asked by the public why the school district tests students so frequently.
Information gleaned during that testing is used to pinpoint where an individual student might need help and added instruction, and this helps them to become more proficient in skills, he explained.
"It's not just a test for test's sake," Garber said. "It helps us be better at our craft. It is so important for us to use that information to help our kids."
Taking the SAT not just as a college entrance exam but as a standardized test during the junior year has changed the mind set at WPHS, according to Minch. Freshmen and sophomores are now taking the PSAT tests to prepare.
"That will give us the data we need to make sure they are on track to make the target as juniors, as well," she said.