No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
PA System of State Assessment (PSSA)
"A Real Reality Game"

    The name of our reality game is NCLB, NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND and PSSA, Pennsylvania System of State Assessment. NCLB is Federal Law that sets academic standards for every child in the country and charges the State with the planning and accountability to see that each and every child meets these standards. It is as real as real can get! PSSA is the State's response to this challenge. Presently we give students in grades 3, 5, 8 and 11 the PSSA in reading and math. Over the next few years, more grade levels and additional areas will be added to the testing.
    The challenge is at two levels. Individual school districts and their schools must show adequate yearly progress (AYP) toward the goal of each and every student testing at the proficient leve by the year 2014,
    Each school and district must show AYP or face warnings and sanctions. Money coming to each individual school to achieve the goal is limited.
    Fortunately, so far Schweitzer Elementary School is faring well with the challenge. Grade 5 is our measuring stick and over the last three years of NCLB/PSSA, we are far beyond our proficiently expectations. Roughly 75% of our students is grade 5, over the last 3 years have been at the proficiency level in reading and math. This places us at the AYP level that we are expected to achieve by the year 2011. In one way, our position is satisfying and comfortable. We appear to be way ahead of the game and we have plenty of time to work in reducing the 25% of our children who test at the Basic or Below Basic levels. On the other hand, the playing field is not always level. Each class at each grade level shows unique characteristics and abilities. Performance is often unpredictable. Making a change in the score will also require financial and human resources that will further tax our burgeoning school budget.
    Neshaminy School District is on the right track and the fast track. Extensive work has been done to align our curriculum with Federal and State Standards. Student materials and resources align with these standards. Teachers are provided with training and teaching resources to better help our children achieve expectations. We will be providing PSSA specific tutoring to children in grade 3 and 5.
    Basically, we have "kicked-up" our curriculum, student expectations and teacher expectations. This is a good thing. Changes are being made thoughtfully and over time.
    However, children and families are noticing the changes above and, in some cases, must make adjustments. School is harder. Homework practice is more important. Regular absence from school will increase a child's challenge.
    The expectations for students, as outlined in Federal and State Standards, are lofty and rigorous. Children to whom school work and study have come easy, are finding that they must work harder. The introduction of new skills and concepts is at a rapid pace. Children must practice at home to keep up. In a culture that promotes participation in an array of evening activities, homework often takes second place to games, lessons and meetings.
    Absence from school is often unavoidable. However, there is a far too casual attitude toward school attendance pervading our thinking. As a community, we take far too many days off for vacation and business that can be done on days and times that do not necessitate absence from school. Kids who have erratic attendance will usually suffer in their school performance, and often experience feelings of low self-esteem. 
    There are several basic and solid principals on which NCLB and PSSA are based. Raising the bar for all of us is a good thing. Questions about NCLB and PSSA need to be raised and addressed and adjustments need to be made. But, all in all, you cannot argue with the motivation and vitality that has resulted from the challenges set before us. 
                                       GO MATH! GO READING!
    Unlike most, in this reality game, we seek to make each child a winner!