West ‘exceeds expectations’ in latest state report card findings
West can put another report card on the refrigerator. Ranked as “exceeding expectations” among other regional school districts for the 2023-24 school year, West exceeded scores from previous years and the current state average. This report from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) portrays the strong suits of the school and its recent academic achievements, while still highlighting spots that need improvement. Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, Dr. Sam Coleman, doesn’t think the roots of success are any secret.
“We attribute our current results to the talent and hard work of our students, educators, support staff, counselors, administrators, families, and community partnerships,” he said. “High expectations paired with high care and high support are essential elements to high achievement in our schools.”
Principal Rebecca Montour attributes West’s success to its environment, particularly the people, that fosters successful results.
“Students, teachers, and any staff in the building that are helping students with their schoolwork are all part of the reason why we achieved these scores,” she said. “At the end of the day, it comes down to students and teachers.”
State scores for schools are based on four main categories: achievement, growth, target group outcomes, and on-track to graduation. West scored notably high in the categories of growth and achievement, Montour noted.
“We are above where we need to be, and above the state average in all of the areas. In achievement, we are higher than 71% of schools in the state, and our growth rates were higher than 87.9%,” she said.
This is one way West stands out, according to Montour.
“A lot of schools scored really well in growth, but not very well in achievement, or vice versa. West is unique in that we score well in both areas,” she said.
Montour recognizes that although scores have improved from that of previous years, this does not mean West is exempt from holes that need to be filled.
“We can still work to increase our achievement scores in reading and math. This is why we are focusing on vocabulary a lot in the hallway slideshows,” she said. “We’re really trying to focus on it from a schoolwide perspective.”
Coleman wants the district to maintain its recent improvements.
“Reading and math scores across the district are improving. However, we need to sustain that improvement and accelerate growth,” he said. “College readiness and proficiency on high school standards must increase for all students.”
In order to further the success of district report cards and achieve these goals, standardized testing scores need to be addressed. Students have the ability to reach the threshold of scoring goals, according to Montour.
“Taking standardized testing seriously is important. A lot of students go in and they don’t really care, but if they really tried their hardest on the ACT and PreACT, that would help, since it plays a lot in how well we do,” she said. “This goes the same way for work in classes. Just show up and try your best.”
In addition, Montour has confidence that improved standardized testing scores in schools also benefits students.
“You’re going to be more prepared for your future, if you put in the work and help your school get to that point. There’s also something to say about how proud it makes you feel,” she said. “West has so much to be proud about, and this is one of those things. What we do here matters.”
by Phoebe Fletcher
Published December 2nd, 2024
Oshkosh West Index Volume 121 Issue III