Clarkston students scored about 17 percent higher than state averages this year in Michigan assessment tests. But, with an average of 27 percent of students failing to at least meet state standards, changes are still needed.
‘I’m pretty satisfied with what happened before in reading and math, but we’re not doing a complete job,? said David Reschke, deputy superintendent for junior high and high school services.
‘Twenty-nine to 30 percent of students are not ready for college course work ? they need remediation classes.?
Along with more rigorous graduation standards, required to be in place by 2011, and trimester scheduling next year at Clarkston High School, changes include a restructured student-service program this year at the elementary level.
‘We’ve got to get better, and this change will make it better over time,? said David Reschke, deputy superintendent for junior high and high school services. ‘That’s what this is about.?
Previously, the school district employed academic development specialists, two in each elementary school, and part-time talent development specialists, one in each building.
Academic development specialists worked with students who needed extra, remedial help with reading and math. Talent development specialists worked with gifted students.
The new program combines the two into a new position: academic development specialist. They will help students in need of remediation as well as those who need advanced work, in all subjects.
‘We’ve taken the best elements of both and combined them,? Reschke said. ‘It addresses the needs of all students in all areas of learning ? it fills the gaps in our intervention program.?
Now employed are 15 academic development specialists, most former instructional support and talent development specialists. Training started in spring.
‘It’s a very talented group of teachers, very experienced,? he said. ‘They’re some of the best we’ve got ? they’ll really make a difference.?
They are no longer assigned to specific schools, but will be assigned based on subject. Renaissance High School serves as a central location for training and meetings.
‘They’ve all moved,? Reschke said. ‘That will get some fresh ideas and new relationships in the buildings.?
Work will include meeting with students to find out what they need, teachers to figure out what to do, assist in doing it, reassess to see how they did, then start over.
They will work with all students, not just those at the top and bottom of academic performance.
‘Kids in the middle aren’t in the middle in everything,? Reschke said. ‘They have a talent or lag behind in different subjects.?
The specialists are funded through general education dollars. It is separate from special education, which is funded and regulated through state and federal agencies.
The program costs less because it has fewer positions, but budget savings was not its purpose, Reschke said.
‘It wasn’t done for money,? he said. ‘It’s to get students up to graduation requirements. It starts at the elementary level, so that when they get to the junior high and high school, there are fewer gaps.?