Guest column: Good news on writing test scores
Published 12:00 am Sunday, May 25, 2008
By Gerrie Blackwelder
Special to the Salisbury Post
According to Shakespeare, “The evil that men do lives after them, the good is oft interred with their bones.”
So it is with Rowan-Salisbury School System. When recent writing scores were released by DPI and the good news celebrated among Rowan-Salisbury educators who had shepherded students to record highs, the story was buried under the doom and gloom so often reported about school business and student performance.
What students and teachers need is a bit of positive news to inspire and fuel further success. Parents would like to know that the scores in writing have been lifted by an amazing 24.1 points among high school students.
And while I personally celebrate Carson’s 20-point growth, I am stunned and happy for Cavalier students and teachers who diligently worked for North Rowan’s 22.3 jump. South performed well with a 38.7 percent increase, though its student body, too, declined in number.
Knox Middle topped the middle school efforts with a 10.6 percent increase, and China Grove Elementary jumped a generous 28.7 percent. Opening strong, Shive Elementary students’ first year performance reached almost 70 percent!
Sixty-one elementary students across Rowan County scored at the highest level on the exam. Overall, Rowan County students rocked the test and deserve at least a passing nod for their sterling efforts.
Last evening I attended the Greater Rowan Reading Association celebration of Young Authors and was both thrilled and saddened with the turnout. Those students who attended read their winning selections and received the applause of parents, teachers and principals. Unfortunately, though Superintendent Dr. Judy Grissom handed out trophies, many students did not attend the celebration.
I congratulate the women who initiated and who sustain the Reading Association. These noble teachers intend to continue celebrating academic performance for our students.
To join Greater Rowan Reading Association, contact Anne Goodman at Landis Elementary. The $20 membership fee supports student writers in their quest to perfect their craft through local, state, and national competitions.
Perhaps educators, especially those who appreciate and encourage formal and informal writing, need to ask the Salisbury Post to join us in suggesting to the population of Rowan County that writing is a skill required in the workplace long after the sports equipment is put away! Please tap a teacher on the shoulder and say good job. The work of raising writing scores is a labor of love and compassion.
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Gerrie W. Blackwelder is curriculum coach at Jesse C. Carson High School