By CHRIS FROST
Eagle Times News Editor
NEWPORT, NH — The New Hampshire Department of Education has released a report identifying Richards Elementary School in Newport as a Comprehensive Support and Improvement School (CSIS) for 2023. In short, that means it has scored in the bottom 5% of schools statewide. It is at least the second consecutive time the school has been so identified, despite receiving additional federal funds to address poor academic performance.
“As required by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and in compliance with the New Hampshire Consolidated State Plan, the New Hampshire Department of Education identified 19 schools throughout New Hampshire as CSIS schools, designated once every three years as schools that show the greatest challenges with academic achievement and student performance,” wrote the NH Department of Education.
New Hampshire students participate in the New Hampshire Statewide Assessment System (NH SAS), the general statewide assessment for English Language Arts (ELA), mathematics and science.
Richards tested 93% of its students in ELA and 95% in Math and Science with just 23% of its students testing proficient in ELA Proficiency is 23%, 12% in Math and 19% in science.
Superintendent Donna Magoon said typically, schools remain on the CSI list for three years, but due to COVID, those previously listed were only affected for one year.
In response to an inquiry from the Eagle Times, she said she told the school board that Richards would be on the list again this year. Magoon also outlined efforts to improve student achievement.
“This academic year, we initiated several measures to bolster student learning. Notably, we introduced Heggerty for Phonemic Awareness Instruction and Fundations for Phonics Instruction, with plans to continue these into the 23/24 school year. Additionally, we implemented Amplify CKLA for vocabulary and comprehension instruction in grades 3-5, including a writing component,” she said. “There’s consideration to extend this program to 2nd grade, emphasizing background knowledge, vocabulary, and comprehension. The 23/24 school year marks the first full year of implementation, starting in November.
“We’re introducing Open Up Math for grades K-5 in the 23/24 school year. We’ve established a consistent master schedule to provide support for students in Tiers 2 and 3. Virtual Learning Teams (VLTs) at every level aim to offer more opportunities for students to address learning gaps. We’ve also embraced Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and a continuous use of data to guide instruction. This process began this year and will be even more pervasive in the coming year. Lastly, we’ve implemented support through ESS (Emotional and Social Support) for students’ social, emotional, and mental well-being,” she said.
Magoon said she planned to brief the school board on the matter at its Dec. 14, meeting.
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