Published Saturday, December 21, 2002
scores on tests
Herald Staff Writer
C.M. Musser Elementary in Sharon is one of only three elementary schools in Pennsylvania to be named a Governor's Achievement School by the state Department of Education.
The school was given the award for improving the fifth-grade Pennsylvania State System of Assessment test scores by at least 50 points a year for three years in a row, said Michael Calla, director of curriculum and instruction for Sharon City Schools.
Calla -- who was principal at Musser until July -- said each school is given a baseline score, and that's what has to improve.
Calla said he is thrilled about the award. "It's quite an honor. It really is," he said.
John Outrakis, who was a fifth-grade teacher at Musser last year, said the test score improvements are the result of a combination of efforts by all of the teachers, the students and an administration and board of education who put academics first.
The teachers know what concepts to teach and the students are now learning those concepts as early as first grade, Outrakis said. "Everything's starting to catch up," he added.
Outrakis said he's grateful the school was recognized for the work, and he's proud of the kids and all of the teachers.
Fifth-grade teacher Tracie McComb said that three years ago the district revamped its curriculum to match the standards given on the PSSA test because the textbooks weren't covering all of the test standards. Test scores have risen ever since, she said.
"We were so excited and so proud of the kids," Ms. McComb said of the award.
The school received $25,000 along with the designation of being a Governor's Achievement School.
Michael Gay, principal at Musser, said a committee will be formed to decide how to spend the money, but a portion will be used to buy instructional materials and another portion will be used to buy something educational for student use.
Gay said the award is a "great source of pride" for everyone involved with the students. "It's an affirmation. All of the hard work is paying off," he said.
You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Kristen Garrett at:
kgarrett@sharonherald.com