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In the last year, Hamilton announced that state testing in English Language Arts and math proficiency rates have improved for students in grades three through eight, though he cautioned that scores still “are not anywhere where they should be.”
According to Hamilton, ELA proficiency has jumped from 14 to 23 percent, while math proficiency levels have risen from 13 to 16 percent. He called the results “the first tangible evidence of the importance of the rollout of the district’s 20/20 Vision,” which is designed to improve the quality of instruction and services while closing achievement gaps.
“Data has improved across the district. We are correct to acknowledge this success as much as we are correct in saying the results are far from being acceptable,” he said. “It is very important for us to begin upward movement, and the 2015-16 results demonstrate that when administrators, teachers, students and their families refocus their efforts on student achievement, progress can and does happen.
“Mount Vernon is now on the right road for better student outcomes.”
Hamilton was cautious in being overly cheerful about the results, noting that this is just the first step in a larger journey that will require the community and families to team up together to close the achievement gap.
“We know those current proficiency levels are not where we want them to be, but this is concrete evidence that we’re headed in the right direction for better student achievement,” he added. “This data represents the first leg on this journey. We know this journey to greatness is a marathon and not a sprint. Our expectation is that improvement will continue each year.”
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