Howard County public schools that consistently perform well on state standardized tests do so because of the dedication of students, parents, teachers and administrators, according to school officials.
“The children are incredibly focused, and they come to school knowing their purpose,” said Robert Bruce, principal of Centennial Lane Elementary School in Ellicott City.
Centennial is one of nine elementary schools with 95 percent of its students reaching proficiency in reading, math or both subjects, according to the 2006 Maryland School Assessments, which is given to grades 3 through 8.
For several years, 14 of the county?s 37 elementary schools have scored at 90 percent proficient or better in reading. In math, 13 of the schools have scored at 90 percent proficient or better.
Of the 18 middle schools, six have consistently performed at 90 percent proficient or better in reading, but in math, only one school has been proficient at that level.
The federal No Child Left Behind Law requires that 100 percent of students reach proficiency in reading and math by the 2013-14 school year.
Bruce said the pupils? progress is monitored in many ways, including teacher discussions that help students who may be slipping in the classroom.
For instance, if a second-grade student is struggling in math, the second-grade teaching team develops ways to improve the child?s achievement, he said.
The success of Thunder Hill Elementary School, in Columbia, is “a team effort” of the school?s staff, parents, students and the school system?s central office staff, said Principal Cynthia Hankin.
She said the school uses parent surveys and “research-based” instructional strategies, such as calendar math. “You?ve got to make sure that kids and staff feel that they are in a safe and nurturing environment,” she said.
