To the Editor,

 At the March 16th School Committee meeting,  Dr. Lisa Schultz, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and MTSS, presented Warwick Schools’ Winter 2023 K-8 scores for ELA (English Language Arts) and Math compared those from Fall 2022.

While it’s typical to explain progress in terms of percentages, I think it’s appropriate to also explain them in terms of how many actual students are impacted because, at the end of the day, that’s what matters.

ELA:

-We had 820 more students performing “Early on Grade Level” and higher - a 46% increase.

-We had 464 fewer students performing “One Grade Level or Below” - a 23% decrease

-We had 183 fewer students performing “Two Grade Levels or Below” - a 27% decrease

-We had 212 fewer students performing “Three or More Grade Levels Below” - a 30% decrease.

- It’s a good measure to show 50% average annual growth for students - in ELA, we showed a 75% level of growth.

MATH

-We had 892 more students performing “Early on Grade Level” and higher - a 52% increase.

-We had 328 fewer students performing “One Grade Level or Below” - a 12% decrease

-We had 324 fewer students performing “Two Grade Levels or Below” - a 42% decrease

-We had 185 fewer students performing “Three or More Grade Levels Below” - a 30% decrease.

-Again, it’s a good measure to show 50% average annual growth for students - in MATH, we showed a 54% level of growth.

The above progress does not happen by some kind of ‘happy accident’. It happens when individuals commit to a group effort, in this case Achievement. It happens when we work together to invest in new curricula, provide training for staff, provide resources for students, and measure what we’re doing. It happens because there are teams in place from central administration to the school building-level that pursue a laser focus on Achievement. It happens when we first believe in, and then challenge, our students.

While team members may come and go, it’s critical that our focus does not waver - ever.

 Improving Achievement levels in a school system takes time, it’s not done in a single year or two or even three. My belief has always been that, for many reasons, Warwick should be among the top 5 districts in the state in terms of Achievement. We’re not close to that - yet. But I believe that we are on a good path. Legendary coach Vince Lombardi said: “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” Let’s stay the course.

 David Testa

Chair,  Warwick School Committee