Math scores rise for eighth-graders

Report card shows that, and areas for improvement Hardyston — Hardyston Township School District put out its annual scorecard on Tuesday, reporting on violence in the schools, test scores and school level objectives as required by the state. While there was good news about eighth-graders making a better grade in math, the special education students didn’t increase their scores as the district had hoped. But the district has plans to improve. A significant part of the report detailed School Level Objectives — guidelines set up by the state that tell districts how well their students must perform on standardized tests. Last year, Hardyston’s performance on these tests led the district to set a specific goal for the year: improve the math scores of the special education students, with a special focus on the eighth-graders. Those eighth-graders made it, with 62 percent scoring at proficiency level in math. But overall, the special education students didn’t make the grade. The scores did increase 7.1 percent, according to Sumpman. But that still wasn’t enough to reach the state standard. This is easily the biggest concern, said Superintendent Martin J. Sumpman, because these students are already below the levels set by the state, and the benchmarks will be getting significantly higher in 2011. To help remedy this issue, the most recent in-service day focused on the testing. “It gives the teachers a chance to talk, analyze their results and share their thoughts among their co-workers,” he said. He is also putting together a multiyear professional plan focusing on training for the special education staff. Counting violent acts There were few incidents of violence in the schools, but even so, the number was higher than the previous year. In the last school year, there were four incidents of violence or vandalism. That’s up from last year, when there were just two. The numbers from the 2008-2009 school year include three acts of violence, all involving students as victims and aggressors, and one incident of substance abuse. In the previous school year, there were two acts of violence and no reports of substance abuse. As a result, at least one student receiving out of school suspension. In three cases, students received some sort of support services: evaluations and/or counseling. “Throughout the year, other things occurred that could have resulted in punishment,” said Sumpman, “but these are things that were specifically reported as acts of violence.” In other news As of Sept. 23, the roofing project had been deemed substantially complete; even though there has been rain since, there have been no leaks. Sumpman, Board Secretary James Sekelsky, representatives from the roofing consultant and the contractors inspected the job several days ago and found created a punch list of repairs.