September 2004 (back)

Dear Parents:

The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001 requires all schools to insure that their students must reach proficiency on New York State Assessments. Each school is required to make adequate yearly progress each year so that all students meet these standards. Based on its performance each school is classified for the purpose of accountability. For example, a school meeting the required level of achievement would be given the rating, School in Good Standing.
 
In the 2003-04 school year, the Monticello High was identified as a School in Need of Improvement. This was a result of the scores of our economically disadvantaged students on the Math A examination of June 2003. The High School will continue this school year to be a school in need of improvement. 

Monticello High School, as well as most other schools across the state, is working to improve test scores in Mathematics and all state assessments. We have taken a number of steps to improve instruction and provide support to students. These include:

1. Revising and aligning the curriculum with the New York State Mathematics Standards.
2. Promoting differentiated instruction to provide each student with the help that they may need in learning the material.
3. Providing students with extra help through the afternoon tutorial program.
4. Helping students with test taking techniques to better attack test questions.
5. Reviewing the pattern of student answers to better identify student strengths and weaknesses. 

We recognize that we have much work to do and are committed to improving our students’ test scores. It will take hard work and cooperation on the part of students, parents, and teachers to achieve our common goal. 

We have been cited as a School in Need of Improvement because of our Math test scores. Under the law, if there was another high school in the district, you would have the opportunity to send your child to it if it had a better record of achievement. Since you do not have this opportunity, we recognize that it is incumbent upon us to provide your child with the best instruction possible. 

Please help us raise the level of achievement by doing the following:
1. have your child attend school every day
2. monitor your child’s progress and be in touch with his/her teacher
3. encourage your child to take advantage of extra help opportunities

If you have any questions about the Math Program or extra help for your student, please feel free to contact your child’s math teacher, or the Director of Math, Mr. Gary Furman at 794-0128
.
Sincerely,


Eileen P. Casey, Superintendent of Schools

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