Superintendent Reports High Levels of Student Achievement

At the August meeting of the Board of Education, Superintendent David Quattrone presented an annual profile of student learning results on NY State Assessments, Advanced Placement Examinations, and college matriculation. He reported that levels of achievement for the 2009-10 school year remain high, with stable patterns and trends.

A new wrinkle this year stems from the higher cut-off scores set by the Commissioner of Education. The higher standards for determining proficiency reflect the state's expressed commitment to ensure that all high school graduates are college ready. The new standards will lead to higher numbers for whom intervention and academic support is required, beginning in 2011. Quattrone reported that the district already extends those services using local criteria and will continue to do so. Last year during the budget process, the Board affirmed the importance of a strong skills program, and the District remains in a good position to deliver these services to a wider group of students.

Quattrone also announced a plan to hold a series of "curriculum conversations" with the Board throughout the year, focusing on "the next level of learning" - the development of higher order thinking skills.

District Conducts Second Satisfaction Survey

Superintendent David Quattrone announced that the Bronxville School will conduct its second total quality measurement survey to judge the district's performance in a number of areas, including its global initiative, technology applications in the classrooms, and the extent to which the district engages all learners.

The survey, to be conducted by Harris Interactive of Rochester, NY., will be distributed to district stakeholders, including students, parents, teachers, and staff. Using the company's School Poll program, the district will collect data using a set of standardized survey instruments. Students in grades 3-12, along with teachers and staff will be surveyed during the week of Jan. 18. The survey, together with a business reply envelope, will also be mailed separately to district parents. All responses will be confidential and anonymous.

The district first conducted such a survey in 2006 with the support of the Bronxville School Foundation. This year's results will track changes in stakeholder satisfaction over the past three years and provide benchmark comparisons with other survey participants. Quattrone said the survey approach was an important part of a comprehensive, balanced system of measuring excellence. Establishing a system of measurement is one of this year's Board/District goals.

The survey will focus on three key areas important to district performance. They include:

• Levels of satisfaction with regard to the atmosphere of the district, its equipment and facilities, its communications, administration, and its principals and/or superintendent.

• The frequency of specific events within the district, such as availability of extra help during the school year, parent involvement, etc.

• The effect specific events have on stakeholder satisfaction, and a prioritized list of issues that should be addressed to improve satisfaction.

"This comprehensive survey will give the entire school community a detailed, reliable, and valid picture of stakeholder satisfaction," Quattrone said.