Improving reading LITERACY, writing and math literacy

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We should strive for every student to read and do math at least on grade level. Current NWEA MAPS Growth assessment and New York State data testing generally show Ossining students are performing below average in English Language Arts (Reading and Writing) and Math. While there are valid questions about the state tests and a variety of reasons for this performance - including loss of learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic and out-of-school issues - we should address these measures strategically and aggressively.  

With the new American Reading Company (ARC) curriculum, we also need to make sure our teachers are fully supported and have the resources to implement the program and improve reading literacy, as well as math literacy.  And we must have clear, quantifiable goals and benchmarks to confirm ARC and our Singapore Math programs are working - our kids should be able to read, write and do math at least on grade level; I'd actually like us to strive to be well above average.

I'd also advocate to expand financial literacy at all grade levels. Having a solid grounding in business principles is crucial for whatever post high school path our students take.

If elected, I will also focus on the following in close partnership with parents, teachers and administrators:

• Ensuring that we are providing the best possible offerings for students with special needs, including IEPs
• Continue to support the development of our diversity and inclusion efforts and dual language program
• Challenging students who are high achievers, giving average students the ability to become high achievers and boosting students who may need additional help so they don’t fall behind
• Emphasizing the widespread use of data to support curriculum decisions
• Assessing our arts and music programs, making sure students have the physical space and equipment to achieve artistic success
• Putting the Ossining School District on a path to first-time or repeat National Blue Ribbon Status for all grade levels (AMD was awarded in 1989, Park Early Childhood was awarded in 2001)