Cynthia J. O’Hora - Mathematics

This site is not affiliated with Selinsgrove Area School District and does not reflect the official position of the Selinsgrove Area School Board.

SASD - Scores 2005 | Scores 2006 | Scores 2007 | Scores 2008 | Scores 2009

Back to School/Do the Math: Difficulty understanding fractions can add up to a whole lot of trouble

Number & Operations - fractions - fun, online videos

Algebra, the birthplace and graveyard for many in math Post Gazette

Back to School/Do the Math: Counting too much on calculators Post-gazette.com

Math resources on the Web

Math activities for preschoolers post-gazette.com 8/09

Latest 'new math' concept: Start early and make it fun post-gazette.com 8/09

NAEP 2009 MATHEMATICS FRAMEWORK

Countdown - hundreds of free, beginner friendly, math videos online Loyola University Chicago School of Education

Cutting-Edge Online Game Brings Fresh Approach to Middle School Math Reuters.com

Lure of the Labyrinth, an online pre-algebra middle school math game

Math Playground - how to do anything in math videos

Math Dude - engaging math videos for Algebra 1 from the Montgomery County Schools

Study Island - SASD students can access this site from school and home Get a password at school.

College Remediation rates for local school districts 07/08

Culture Is the Key to Math Gender Gap WebMD 5/2008 | Oakland students enthusiastic about tests May 22, 2008

Mathematics and Science Education in the States 7/06

Free Thinkfinity.org an innovative online resource for teachers, students, parents and the literacy community

A Family's Guide: Fostering Your Child's Success in School Mathematics free download

10 Myths (Maybe) About Learning Math Mathews, Jay. Washington Post article 2005

Twelve Documents in the Math Wars, 1989-2006

Panel Urges Schools to Emphasize Core Math Skills

The good news:

SASD has a highly qualified faculty. This will be one of our greatest strengths as we approach this challenge.

Some important changes are already in place or in the works.

A math coach has been hired to assist struggling high school students. (funding - Accountability Block Grant)

HS students who are not proficient are required to take a math remediation course.

The English and math curriculums at the HS are being revised.

Remediation classes are now provided at the MS.

The K-5 math curriculum has been aligned to the standards as of the 2005-2006 academic year.

Hungry children cannot learn. Kudos to Mr. Oswald for the free breakfast program.

PSSA math testing will be in 3-8 & 11th beginning Spring 2006

More changes/commitments to promote student achievement beginning in 2007

The new Strategic Plan focuses on student success in math and reading

The High School's Middle States Plan commits to student achievement

The High School has received a Classrooms For the Future grant from the Commonwealth.

The High School is participating in the 720 Project for high school improvement

The Board has revised Graduation requirements to focus on critical skills for the 21st Century.

The Dual Enrollment program offers students an opportunity to earn college credits while attending high school.

The District provides eSembler which allows students and parents to access grades and assignments online.

The faculty and administration continue to revise the curriculum to align it to the state standards and focus on student success.

The District is reaching out to struggling students and their parents.

The Board has approved adding Act 80 days to the school calendar for 2008-2009 so that the teachers can attend specialized training to improve their classroom management and teaching skills.

The 2010- 2014 teacher's contract adds two days for teachers to focus on better teaching. One is a profession training day.

The Administration is utilizing specialized software to identify students who are in need of more assistance to be successful.

Study Island - the high school, the middle school and the intermediate school have found this computer program is helping students be better achievers.

All our teaching positions are filled.

SASD has in place a technology infrastructure that can facilitate our students learning both inside and outside of the classroom.

The Middle School is utilizing Study Island software to give students extra practice and reinforcement in Mathematics. Students can access it from home through the Internet. It provides helpful tips to students who are making errors and allows successful students to move ahead at their own pace.

We have the financial resources to tackle the problem. The 2004-2005 budget surplus of $550,000 points to the conservative estimations made of revenues when doing budget forecasting. The 2006-2007 Budget had a surplus exceeding $1 million dollars. The 2007-2008 Budget ended with a surplus over $600,000. Plus the state budget INCREASED our funding for 2008-2009. For 2008-2009 we have a budget surplus that once again exceeds $1 million. Once again the state has INCREASED our funding.

The community appreciates excellence. When called upon, the citizens communicate how they value excellence in the programs and point to the band as an example.

The Magic of Math - Despite large class sizes and economic challenges that plague many Oregon schools, Fullerton IV Elementary School has improved test scores dramatically by focusing on teacher training and support, including a math coach and summer workshops. 60% free and reduced lunch students AND 98% successful test scores in 3rd grade.

"The most damaging phrase in any language is 'it's always been done that way." Rear Admiral Grace Hopper

Actions:

Speech I gave about 2005 Mathematics scores at Selinsgrove Area School District Board meeting 5/1/06

3rd Grade scores 2005 5th Grade scores 2005

8th Grade scores 2005 11th Grade scores 2005

Since assuming office, it has been explained to me that the Selinsgrove School Board chooses to govern through policy. This means we do not select programs or methods of instruction. We approve or reject what is proposed. We do offer suggestions based on experience or research. This philosophy is embodied in the PSBA's Standards for Effective School Governance. We, therefore, identify concerns and discuss them. It is up to the Superintendent to direct the schools and respond to the issues raised.

* "The shortage of technically proficient workers in Pennsylvania probably has more to do with the quality of secondary education, particularly in science and math, than it does with the absence of opportunities to pursue a baccalaureate degree in those subjects at a Pennsylvania college or university." A Rising Tide: The Current State of Higher Education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania April 2006 A report by The Education Policy and Leadership Center and The Learning Alliance for Higher Education

* “We must address this issue of teacher quality, and one important way is to begin by including mathematical knowledge as a key component in the definition of teacher quality,” Schmidt wrote. To produce more high-quality teachers, math educators must stop pushing “reform that is not based on scientific evidence, but rather on opinion and someone’s ideology,” he said. William H. Schmidt of Michigan State University

My election platform

Improving math skills:

1. In 1999, Pennsylvania adopted academic standards for Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening and Mathematics. Science standards were approved on January 5, 2002. The curriculum should be aligned to the Pennsylvania Academic Standards in a more timely fashion. This allows SASD students to have the best opportunity to succeed on the PSSAs.

2. A clear commitment from the Board that improving our children's math skills is a priority.

3. Contact districts that are highly successful and learn the elements of their success. Implement them. Math - What's working

4. Focus Continuing Education Staff Development spending with mathematics and technology skills as the priorities.

5. Continue to use Accountability Block Grant money to fund the High School Math Coach.

6. Implement All Day Kindergarten 2006-2007 school year.

7. Provide online resources (links to sites or create original ones) for students to grow their math skills, remediate weak areas, or practice current curriculum. MathMastery.com / AAA Math / Math links / Ask Dr. Math / edHelper.com, Tutor.com through the Selinsgrove Community Library

8. Integrate math word problems into other aspects of the curriculum. Do a favorite book or author poll. Create charts to show students the results. Use geometric shapes to create pictures in art class. Math Songs

9. Principals provide a monthly report on the current percentage of students passing math to the Board. Post the results on each school's website.

10. Pass to Participate - revise the athletic and extracurricular policies to require students passing with a D or better, all core curriculum classes in order to participate.

11. Raise student and parent awareness of the diverse use of math in every day activities. Figure This! - math for families

12. Reward excellence. Explore cost free opportunities like the High School's Early Dismissal program.

13. Revise Graduation requirements to include Algebra 1. (With exceptions for challenged students.)

THE FACTS - updated 9/2006

SASDistrict Report Cards: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

Pennsylvania State Standards Assessment - PDE reporting site

AYP - Adequate Yearly Progress. This is the goal set by the Federal government's No Child Left Behind Act

SASD Math PSSA scores 2001-2006

AYP benchmark for Math 2001-2004 (AYP - 35%) in 2005-2007 (AYP - 45%)

In 2008 - 2010 AYP for Math will be 56%

SASD 3rd grade PSSA Math scores percentage of students scoring proficient or better

* 2006 - SAIS 80% - State Avg is 82.7% (AYP - 45%) IU16 average 86.28%

SAIS is ranked 28th in the 38 elementary schools in IU 16 for 3rd grade math scores. Five ele. schools achieved 100%

2005 - 79% - State avg is 80% (AYP - 45%) this is the first year 3rd graders were tested.

SASD is ranked 10th in the 12 school IU 16 in 3rd grade math scores. Top is Lewisburg with 94%

28% (140 of the 501 school districts) of the 3rd grades in PA achieved 90% or better of their students scoring proficient and advanced.

In the Upper St. Clair School District, 98% of 3rd graders scored proficient or advanced.

SASD 4th grade PSSA Math scores percentage of students scoring proficient or better

* 2006 - SAIS 78.4% - State Avg is 77.2% (AYP - 45%) IU16 average 83.44%

SAIS is ranked 29th in the 38 elementary schools IU 16 in 4th grade math scores. Two ele. schools achieved 100%

First year 4th grade is tested. Top scores in IU 16 Line Mt. Leck and Mifflinburg Buffalo Crossroads

SASD 5th grade PSSA Math scores percentage of students scoring proficient or better

*2006 - SAIS 53.8%, State Avg 66.9%, IU 16 Avg 68.8 Top Score is Milton Montandon

SAIS is ranked 30th in 35 schools in the IU16 in 5th grade math.

2001 - 50.2%	2003 - 54% State Avg 56.3%	2005 - 56% State Avg 69%
2002 - 52.3%	2004 - 64.1% State Avg 61.8%	2006 - 53.8% State Avg 66.9%

2005 - SASD is ranked 12th in the 12 school IU 16 in 5th grade math. Top is Mifflinburg with 85.5%

29% (146 of the 501 school districts) of the 5th grades in PA achieved 80% or better of their students scoring proficient and advanced.
In South Fayette School District, 97% of 5th graders scored proficient or advanced.

SASD 6th grade PSSA Math scores percentage of students scoring proficient or better

2006 - SAMS - 73.3% - State Avg - 68% IU Avg - 76.6%

First year 6th is tested. SAMS is ranked 10th in 19 IU 16 schools

Top local scorer in IU 16 is MiddWest West Snyder 88.5%

SASD 7th grade PSSA Math scores percentage of students scoring proficient or better

2006 - SAMS - 76.2% - State Avg - 66.5% IU Avg - 69%

First year 7th is tested. SAMS is ranked 6th in 19 IU 16 schools

Top local scorer in IU 16 is Lewisburg 91.9%

SASD 8th grade PSSA Math scores percentage of students scoring proficient or better

2006 - 70.1% PA Avg 62.2% IU Avg 62.79

SASD is ranked 6th in the 19 schools IU 16

Top local scorer in IU 16 is Lewisburg 81.1%

2001 - 46.5% (AYP - 35%)	2003 - 48.4% State Avg 51.3%	2005 - 68% State Avg 63%
2002 - 51.6% (AYP - 35%)	2004 - 53.8% State Avg 58%	2006 - 70.1% PA. Avg 62.2%

2005 - SASD is ranked 4th in the 12 school IU 16 in 8th grade math. WELL DONE 8th grade!

Top local scorer in IU 16 is Lewisburg 79.8%

In the Upper St. Clair School District, 92.% of 8th graders scored proficient or advanced.

SASD 11th grade PSSA Math scores percentage of students scoring proficient or better
2001-2004 (AYP - 35%) in 2005 (AYP - 45%) in 2008 - 2010 will be 56%

2006 - 48.3% State Avg 52% SAHS is ranked 9th in the 17 school IU 16

Lewisburg is top 67.8%

2001 - 48.8%	2003 - 41.4% State Avg 49.1%	2005 - 48.9% State Avg 51%
2002 - 49.4%	2004 - 47.1% State Avg 49.1%	2006 - 48.3% State Avg 52%

2005- SASD is ranked 6th in the 12 school IU 16 in 11th grade math. Lewisburg is top 67.1%

Tredyffrin-Easton was the state's top scorer with 88.8 % of their 11th graders scoring proficient or better.

2005 - I have talked with the administration at length expressing my concern about the poor math scores of our graduates. One explanation offered to me was a lack of motivation on the students' part. Initially, I supported a positive approach that rewarded those who passed the PSSAs. I still support rewarding success, but I also believe we must focus students on their success in core academics.

Passing Class to Participate - SASD's current policies regarding participation in extracurricular and athletics permits students who are failing 2 core academic classes to continue to participate. This must be changed.

Pass PSSA or improve 10% to Participate - I believe students should be accountable for their studies and their behavior. A score of proficient or advanced on the PSSAs could be expected in reading, math, writing and science. Those students with IEPs (individual education plans) will have expectations adjusted to their abilities.

"The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking
we were at when we created them." Albert Einstein