School Bd. Chair Speaks To Parents On Improving Test Scores

By Eliza Hallabeck

After being introduced by Newtown High School Parent Teacher Student Association President Carla Kron, Board of Education Chair William Hart spoke to the group during its meeting on Monday, November 8, on improving SAT/ACT scores in general.

“We have certain areas where we chronically score weak,” said Mr Hart, after saying he is not an education specialist but has spoken to Newtown’s experts on the topic.

Using the weaknesses that show yearly on the SAT and ACT, Mr Hart said the district can sharpen its focus and develop curriculum at the lower levels to curb the weakness areas for future test takers. Subject area initiatives like this are already happening in the district, according to Mr Hart, including in the social studies departments, science department, and with the school district’s focus on writing across the levels.

“We need our children to be good communicators,” said Mr Hart, speaking to the district’s focus on writing.

Mr Hart also spoke to graduation requirements going up at the high school level from a mandatory 22 credits to 25 credits from the state level in eight years.

“These are something we can’t wait until 2018 to implement,” Mr Hart said, explaining adding positions at the high school will require multiple budgets to accomplish.

From his own perspective of a parent of three daughters, Mr Hart said having students take the SAT early can help prepare them for when the test will count toward college. One of the parents in attendance suggested having students take practice tests, rather than the actual tests, because some colleges require students to submit all scores with an application to the school.

The PTSA also conducted regularly scheduled agenda items during the meeting, including hearing a report from NHS Principal Charles Dumais on the continuing work on the NHS expansion and renovation project.

In response to being asked if the NHS staff will need help moving into the new space, Mr Dumais said he was sure staff would appreciate help packing.

To make the move, Mr Dumais said, “There’s a pretty good possibility that we will have to consider closing school for part of a school day.”

Mr Dumais also said he is waiting until the time is closer to determine a move-in date to the space, but the date the expansion will be given back to the school is still projected to be December 2 by the construction firm The Morganti Group.

“We’re waiting on the gym, and the track is on progress to be finished,” he said.

His main worry, Mr Dumais said, is the gym, because if it is not completed on schedule it will effect indoor physical education courses and sports.