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The Okeechobee Achievement Academy Gazette
Home of the Jaguars
Okeechobee County Schools are Achieving Excellence!
J-Jaguars
A-Act Responsibly
G-Give/Get Respect
S-Show Self-Control
- Dear Stakeholder
- All students in grades 3-11 took the FCAT 2.0 in April. The 2.0 version replaced the former FCAT and is reported to be a much more rigorous test with increased expectations among all grade levels. Despite the more difficult test last year, Okeechobee Schools performed well receiving nearly $300,000.00 in school recognition funds. This is a testament to the hard work of all of our stakeholders of which you are a part.
- Last December, the State Board of Education established and released new FCAT 2.0 scoring scales for reading and math. This means the developmental scale score students have previously received will no longer be applicable to this new test. In addition to the new format of scores, new definitions for achievement levels (cut scores) have also been released. The score ranges for levels 2-5 have been increased as a method of achieving continuous improvement in reading and math.
- While everyone agrees that increased accountability and high academic standards are certainly in the best interest of our students, the reality of these changes in terms of real life consequences for students and further impact on our schools needs to be recognized and understood.
- How will these changes affect my child's school and more importantly, my child?
- There may be a decrease in the number of students scoring at levels 3, 4, and 5. For example, students who have consistently scored Level 3 (passing rate) their entire school career could easily score below the passing level with the new standards. The most dramatic impact will likely be in grades 3, 4, and 10.
- Subsequently, there will be an increase in the number of students having to take remediation classes for certain portions of the FCAT 2.0.
- An additional impact may be that individual course selections (electives) may be limited based upon remediation needs.
- As a result, it is likely that school grades will fall significantly. The Florida Department of Education predicts the number of D and F schools across the state will triple when school grades are released.
- What is truly important to remember is that lower FCAT test scores do not necessarily indicate that a student learned less this year than in prior years. It does indicate that the student has work to do to master the new curriculum well enough to successfully progress to the new higher levels of accountability as required by the state. As teachers and students spend more time working with the new and higher expectations placed upon them, it is expected that test scores will rebound, student knowledge will increase, and ultimately the student will be better prepared for life after high school, either in college or the workplace.
- To that end, all stakeholders, including you and I, must work together to continue to ensure the academic success of our students, which in turn directly correlates to the economic vitality of our communities.
- If you would like more information about FCAT 2.0, the standard setting process, or the new scores, please visit: http:IlfcaLfidoe.org/fcat2l or call your child's school.
- Sincerely,
- Ken Kenworthy
- Superintendent of Schools
A BBQ for those that took their time to show what they really know, were present on the day of testing, and were not a behavior problem! Can’t wait to see you on May 18th.
“Take the Lead and Read”
Reading just 20 minutes a day makes a difference!
Research shows that children who read just 20 minutes a day are more successful students and have a reduced chance of dropping out of school.
Visit the Just Read, Florida! Celebrate Literacy Week web site and provide brand new books to children in your local area schools.
Take the Lead and Read Book Donation Site
http://data.fldoe.org/register/JustReadFlorida/
What are Developmental Assets?
Student Accident Insurance
All students attending Okeechobee County Public Schools have received an application for Student Accident Insurance. The school district does not provide accident insurance for every student. If you do not have private health insurance, you may wish to participate in this insurance program sponsored by the Fowinkle School Insurance Agency underwritten by AIG. Please complete the application and return it with your check or money order in the self-address envelope attached to the application. This insurance meets the requirements for participation in after school day-care and the operation of equipment in career and technical classes.
The following are the Six Pillars of Character that our students focus on each day at our school. Included are some examples expected of a person who exhibits good character traits. You can see the Jaguar tie-in behind each trait.
· Trustworthiness - A Jaguar trusts himself and his team; in their abilities and limitations with respect and dignity.
· Responsibility - A Jaguar exhibits responsibility in all venues of his/her activities and competition.
· Caring - A Jaguar shows compassion and empathy for those around him/her and lends a hand where needed.
· Respect - A Jaguar respects self, property of others, and environment. He/she is courteous, polite, and considerate.
· Fairness - A Jaguar practice fair play in following rules, taking turns, and sharing; he/she is just and open minded.
· Citizenship - A Jaguar plays by the rules, does his/her share of the work and cooperates.
May is a good time TO PRACTICE Citizenship
A GOOD citizen shows:
Do your share to make your school and community better
• Cooperate
• Get involved in community affairs
• Stay informed; vote
• Be a good neighbor
• Obey laws and rules
• Respect authority
• Protect the environment
• Volunteer
Be accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes and set a good example for others
WOW! is the month packed? If you get bored, how about reading a book? Here is a list in PDF format for K-12. I am going to work on learning to enjoy being around others
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