Soap Lake reports low standardized test scores

SOAP LAKE — About 65 percent of students from all Soap Lake schools did not meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) requirements.

 “This is something all districts are going to face,” said superintendent Denise Mehal. “What we are concentrating on is increasing student learning in the classroom; since that is obviously what needs to happen.”

The United States Department of Education uses AYP to measure how public schools and districts are academically performing by looking at results from standardized tests. It is defined by the federal No Child Left Behind Act, Mehal said.

There were 12 cells below the benchmark set by the state.

“This is the first time we have had to face any improvement,” Mehal said. “We are doing well.”

The district is sending out a letter to parents of students, describing the situation and listing available actions to take.

“The reality is that this is a negative thing, but we will keep moving forward,” Mehal said. “It motivates us, telling us to buckle down and do more work.”

A crowd of 10, including teachers, coaches and principals, were present at the meeting to discuss the upcoming school year. Each brought new ideas for improvement.

High school and middle school principal Kevin Kemp said eighth grade Spanish is offered as a high school credit.

“We want to expand Spanish in the future,” Kemp said. “This provides flexibility for students with classes as they go through high school.”

Kemp wanted to bring a Washington State History class down to junior high for a high school credit.

Elementary school principal Dan Andrews said there were 191 students enrolled for this year.

“You never know how it will go,” Andrews said. “I am sure there will be more as the year begins.”

Board members discussed sportsmanship.

“I’ve been embarrassed about some things happening at games,” said board president Jerry Bessett. “It isn’t just students or community members. It isn’t just one sport or one team, it continually happens.”

Members discussed ideas on how to stop bad sportsmanship in schools, inviting audience members to speak. Some suggestions were having police present at games, implementing a card system and establishing rules.

“I think maybe the definition is getting lost a little bit and needs to be established,” Bessett said.

Board members decided principals and coaches should create a list of expectations. The list is going to be read and set for approval at the next school board meeting.