Data-Driven Instruction

Music

Art

   Physical Education

MAP Test Results are in!!

Duval County Public Schools holds all teachers accountable for learning gains in the classroom, regardless of the subject matter they teach.  Schools, as a whole, must make "annual yearly progress" or suffer the consequences imposed upon them by the district.  It is the teacher's responsibility to move the students forward and not allow anyone to fall behind.  Safety nets are in place for the "general education" student, the "exceptional education" student, the "gifted and academically talented" student, the "English Language Learner," and many others.  On the fringe are those of us who teach electives and what is commonly called "resource" at the elementary level.

All 2nd grade and 5th grade students in Duval County are tested in Music, Art and Physical Education twice a year.  A pre-test is given at the beginning of the school year to determine their baseline scores.  We "resource specialists" then teach our standards (YES, we have standards too!) throughout the course of the year and a post-test is administered in June.  Learning gains are then measured against the pre-test.  If you are fortunate enough to land in the top 25% of all teachers that hold your certification across the district, you are rewarded with a performance pay bonus the following year.

The MAP test results from last year were recently posted.  After calculating percentages for over 400 students, I am very pleased to announce that my fifth graders increased their test scores by 15.5% as a grade level and my second graders increased their test scores by 13% across the grade level.  It's definitely time to celebrate!!

My principal would attest to the fact that I take my job very seriously.  Although I am not the only music teacher in the building, I feel personally responsible for the music education of over 1300 students entrusted to me at Chets Creek Elementary.  Twice a month, they pass through my classroom and I have approximately sixteen opportunities to work with them during the course of the school year.  It is never enough time to accomplish everything I would like, but it is evident from their improved test scores that they are learning.

Personally, I would be remiss if I did not share my success with the other three teachers whose efforts in the music classroom last year contributed to student growth over the course of the year.  I would like to thank Lorraine Roettges, Jane Plank and Samantha Lambros for their diligence and dedication to the students of Chets Creek Elementary.  Although they split their time between two schools, I am so grateful to each of them for their willingness to serve.  Thank you, ladies!

Until next time...