By Robert Remler
Extra period proposed to raise state test scores
Disappointed with the high school district's performance on State Assessment examinations, Superintendent Ronald Valenti has proposed implementing a ninth period in the spring to prepare students for the May 2001 English Language Arts and math tests.
With about 50 percent of eighth graders scoring in the bottom two performance levels on state English and math assessment tests, and district scores falling below the county average, Dr. Valenti said intervention was needed. The district has to deal with the large percentage of students not performing well on assessment tests in a "dramatically and in a very comprehensive way," he said.
At last week's High School District Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Valenti recommended setting aside the first and third periods for students needing assistance now. "I think it is an uphill sell, particularly with the students," said Dr. Valenti. Over time, Dr. Valenti hoped students would understand the need for a ninth period. "It is in their best interest to improve some of their skills."
Parents would have to understand that "in this age of accountability, eight periods is not going to do it anymore," said Dr. Valenti.
Funding for the extra period will come from two sources. One hundred thousand dollars will come from this year's budget set aside for academic intervention. Last year the state recommended that all districts set aside money for such intervention, said Dr. Valenti. Forty-four thousand dollars is available from the Reduction in Class Size Act, a federal program. About 100 students are in need of the extra period to improve scores. Each additional period would have no more than 15 students and one teacher.
Room availability is a not a problem, said Dr. Valenti. Trying to fit teachers' availability into the additional period poses a challenge, he said. Next year, the district hopes to include a ninth period in the eighth-grade schedule.
Board president Frank Nuara said those who think an additional period is a burden should consider the benefits for students. "It is not just for the eighth grade, it is for their entire education."
The principal and assistant principal at Memorial Junior High School were in favor of Dr. Valenti's proposal. Principal Robert Kaufold called the proposal an "increasing necessity" because of responsibilities schools face pertaining to assessment examinations. Assistant Principal Don Gately said the proposal would give schools a chance to address the academic needs of students.
Melissa Payes, an eighth grader at Memorial, said the additional period would help students prepare for future exams. Rafael Galante, another eighth grader, said the proposal would give him a chance to improve his grades and become more interested in school. A third student at Memorial, Robert M., opposed the proposal, fearing it would interfere with bus schedules.
Michael Belfiore, former elementary school board trustee, said the proposal was one way to address the problem of failing test scores. He said the district should explore other alternatives, too.
Valley Stream resident Carmine Giandalia wavered on the superintendent's proposal. "If this extra period challenges the students to do more work or better work, then it is worth it." Mr. Giandalia said schools could also accomplish the same results without an extra period.
