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Show REFLEX Teachers Attitude; Big Factor First In Scries: Chalk Talk Schools Arent As Good As They Were By BKKKh.NCl.AM IW Education Atwdnilon rcpmcnUlUe Editor's Note: ThU U the first In a series of tducatlon-rcUlrcolumns to be presented on a regular basis.) d I love going back to school in autumn, no matter how desperate I was to escape three months before. Life starts all over again when things get crisp in the fall," wrote F. Scott I ugcrald. The crispness of new school clothes, of the air during a night football game, and of the renewed pace of learning arc all part of the unspoken joys of being a school teacher. BUT THIS time of year always brings a new round of criticism of the school system, picking up at a crisp clip on the nations editorial pages and in the puzzlement of an older generation wondering why the schools dont seem the way "they used to be in the good old days." Of course, the schools have changed with the years, but its very instructive to compare today's system with that of the "good old days," which seem in retrospect so disciplined, productive and virtuous. Let me respond to some of these nostalgic with a few facts: head-shakin- 1. "TEACHERS aren't as good as they used to be. On the contrary, teachers now are much better than ever. A century ago, very few teachers had more than an elementary education themselves. Only recently have state certification requirements given us a college-traine- d corps of public school teachers, with salary incentives to continue work. 2. "KIDS DON'T seem to learn as much as they used to." Thanks to enlightened school laws and dedicated teachers, illiteracy has been nearly wiped out in the U.S. Where at the turn of the century 1 percent of the adult 1 - THAT MESSAGE came from Dr. Curtis N. Van Allen, former teacher, counselor and superintendent of schools who now serves as BYUs education college dean during the annual teacher's convention FARMINGTON While the county's youngsters scored above national test norms in all areas, math comprehension and related subjects were low for second and fourth grades and reading and spelling low for upper grades. THE BOARD of education received results of district testing from Dr. Dallas Workman, GRADE 4 the national, norm was 4.8, district average was 5.4; the high was word study at 5.9 and math concepts came in low at 5.2 along with math application. elementary curriculum director, in a recent board meeting. He noted testing gives means to get norms and provide a sound, reliable basis for improvement of instruction and lets district personnel know how students are progressing. Supt. Lawrence Welling called overall testing results "positive." A breakdown of test scores Grade 6 district average was 7.6 vs. the national norm of 6.8; spelling at 7.2 was the lowest subject area while science, at 7.9, was highest, equal with total reading. GRADE 8 the national average of 8.8 was well below the district average of 9.6. Vocabulary and total reading scored highest at 9.9 while spelling were: vocabulary, reading compehension, word study, total reading, math concepts, math comprehension and application, total math, language, spelling, social studies, science and listenine. TENTH GRADE testing completed in October, 1981, showed students scoring in the 57th percentile vs. national testing, 54th in language and 53rd in mathematics. We havent dropped any- Dr. Workman said, indicating 8th graders are now tested vs. seventh graders. He where, noted testing can bring changes in programs based on results, using the implementation of the McGraw-Hi- ll spelling program as an example. "highest expectation" students by teachers. The following are menus for the week of Sept. The kindergarten snack is varied each day. SEPT. 7, stacked ham sandwich, oven fries, apricots and pineapple, peanut butter fingers, milk. Sept. 8, enchiladas, shredded lettuce, buttered white cake with pink icpeas, fruit cup milk. ing. SEPT. 9, Roast Turkey with whipped potatoes and gravy, buttered green beans, bismark cantaloupe piece, milk. Sept. 10, pizza, buttered corn, tossed salad, watermelon wedge, gingersnaps, milk. Speaking to about 1.500 teachers and other faculty in the new Woods Cross High School auditorium, he quoted philosphcr well-know- liam James w ho said Wil- circumst-ance- s can be changed by changing attitudes and added, "The mind is made up by w hat it feeds upon." AND AS another author Menus: Secondary The Secondary Menus for the week of Sept. are: SEPT. 7, enchiladas with shredded lettuce, buttered corn, Parkerhouse rolls and butter, choice of fruit, gingersnaps, milk. Sept. 8, Deep fried fish with tartar sauce, french fresh fruit fries, buttered peas, hot rolls milk. pieces, congo bar and 7-- SEPT. 9, sliced turkey with whipped potatoes and watergravy, buttered carrots, hot rolls with butter, melon wedge, snickerdoodle cookies, milk. Sept. 10, combination pizza, tossed salad, chilled cantaloupe, marble cake and milk. THE HIGH school and junior high schools have a choice of the salad line and burger bar each day. DEADLINE FOR PHOTOS THURS. I Vi years younger for the same grade, "WE HAVE a lot to improve on, and we can't shuk our bul the key to the Mhole thing is the May mc think," he cmphaMed, quoting from former LDS President David U. McKay, also an educator. Mho said, "I Mill know Mhut you are if vou tell me days are r, jr. youre teaching?" CONSTRICT HE thought can show m a persons face, he said, reflecting on the students Mho performed during the Thursday program, including the Woods Cross Wildcat Band and musical numbers by KnoMlton I lem. School fifth grader and I remonl Llem. student Emmett Ricks. g commented, "Oh, how teachers in individual schools that carry out that difference. "What teachers do in Oak Crest (or any) elementary think they should do is probably the most powerful influence on what children do." Noting his leaching career started in Weber School District under then superintendent Ted S. Bell, he noted innovation was the key to "really a wild. peat professional experience" that involved everything from team teaching to carpeting on floors and walls. BIT WHEN he arrived at Huntsville's Valley Elementary School as a young, principal, he thought the school had "made it" with installation of TVs in every room. Such innovations, added to his desire to present teachers with a one hour opening speech that ended up instead by teachers who reminded him he was young enough to be their grandson, led him to realize its relationship between principal and faculty and faculty and students that counts in the end. HE CITED two recent stu- - IT WAS initiated in the 1976-7- 7 school year in elementary grades, he said, noting it has had a very good affect on spelling scores it tells we just need to strengthen what weve been doing." He noted an item analysis is made for every subject and elementary grade and said the 8th grade scores were of some concern. HE NOTED consenent are a low area for our district" but added thats normal for large districts nationally. He said study skills tested well and noted a lot of about phonics are inquiries received. He stressed, We dont want to overdo o indicating if "students can write effectively about auto mechanics, English and football" they will do better in school. Speaking of teacher training opportunities he said the district anticipates expanded opportunities" and added he hoped it would be voluntary participation involving as many teachers as KJH8TH GRADE OFFICERS Key Punch For Adults In conjunction with the Davis Adult High School a business machines IBM key punch class will be taught on Tuesday evenings for 12 weeks starting the evening of Sept. 7, 7 p.m. in Room 294, Davis SAC BOUGHT A high school credit is available if desired, or the class can be taken for employment stressing the touch system. Dictaphone equipment will also be available. One-half , TRADEMARK -- Softex Reg. 2.70 j New classical ballet instructor Lisa began training at the age of 3. Later she studied for 3 years in Madrid, Spain. Since returning to the U. S. she has been involved with dance and the U. of U. Lisa performed 5 years with Ballet West in the Nutcracker Ballet and recently taught ballet at Dance Expression In Ogden. Ages 5 years and up. Special ladies ballet classes. MANY OTHER EXCITING DANCE CLASSES AVAILABLE FOR FALL SESSIONS. 544-894- 7 546-004- 2 HEAT-SEALE- THAT WASNT R OF THE 3M CO. BRAND SAC SAAAAD LOWEST COST, HIGHEST QUALITY, VACUUMABLE. FREEZER POUCHES 7 REUSABLE v IN ALL HEAT SEALERS LIFETIME HEAT SEALERS ORDERS BY PHONE OR FOR FREE LITERATURE CALL Were having Bucilla NOW REGISTERING FOR CLASSES BEGINNING SEPT. 7TH high student achievement. Theyll (students) try to talk you out of the hard stuff but will come back and thank you for (making them do some of the hard things of life. -- Knitting Worsted Reg. 3.75 Tempo Reg. 2.00 a our 12th Birthday! You ! ' to students, Yarn toSale celebrate Where Fun is Spun for 4: in pho- area of study and . information but to set high expectations for SCQTCHPAK pur- poses. Registration will be Tuesday evening as part of the first class at 7 p.m. Adults who have not completed high school graduation requirements are admitted free of charge. There is a $15 registration fee to all others no other books to buy. This three hour class is open to the public. High School. THE ELECTRONIC calculator, ten key adding machine and key punch will be taught THEN STRESSING "academic excellence," he called that probably the most important need, not to just pound Setting their sites on an interesting slate of activities for the 8th grade class at Kaysville Junior High School this year are new class officers Mandy Hansen, left, vice president; Brad Richins, president and Heather Jensen, secretary. , nics, explaining we need to be aware that reading requires more than just one possible LISA LEAVITT re- freshing!" It mss Mr. Callister Mho his kids Mamed to see Mhen they visited the district office rather than their dad because this new friend alMays had surprises and showed such interest in them. Dr. Van Alfen recalled. DAVIS SCHOOL Board Members Sheryl Allen and Marda Dillrce both stressed importance of parent involvement in schools and that theme Mas continued by Supt. Lawrence Welling. Volunteering parents could do everything from help publish a school bulletin to assist school nights. Itd at buck-tbe a chance for teachers to teach their "fellow citizens what schools are all about, as mcII." he said. "MOST (PARENTS) have gone through the system but many forgot Mhat school is all about. They only remember the good old days and prcccive its not that way now. Principals are challenged to involve parents and volunteers Mith the end result of "strengthening" the program. He also asked teachers to "expand expectations of writing experiences" for students, said, It's the actions of Introduces CALL TODAY dents, as well, although to- OTMDOX of Dance y, for lie noted studies comparing reading ability from a sample from acros 63, txxi the country in 1971 and I97J and indicated improvement in the latter group. Another study compared students 30 years ago sho look the lossa Silent Menus: Elementary J & J School 0. urea schools resulted through the school learning climaie that reflected a pouuvc climate and A man Mtih such a positive ouilook m ho found the good in everything was lloyd Callis-leVan Allen recalled. Mho shoMed him around Tooele after hed been named superintendent. They had stopped for root beer and later, Mith Dr. Van Alfcn at ihe Mheel and Mr, Calhster as guide, stopped abruptly at a light just as Mr. C'allisier was taking a dnnk. Instead of treat-mthe deluge of root beer that covered his suit as a disaster he what you think about Mhen you dont have to think." He asked teachers to "think about Mhat you think of Mhen Reading test with contemporary counterparts and found improvement in (oday's stu- Thursday, J. "SCHOOLS ARE not as good as they once were." Not true. Schools today are much better than ever before at the task assigned them by law. Before mandatory attendance laws, the schools could pretty much pick and choose w hich students to educate; but now the schools are charged with the responsibility to educate everyone not provided for privately. In Utah, nearly 94 percent of the school-ag- e population is in class every day, and citizens educated in Utah schools have the fourth highest literacy rate in the United States (99.4 percent). Contrast these results with this observation by W.F. Phelps, one of the organizers of the National Education Association: "Multitudes of the schools are so poor that it would be as well for the country if they were dosed.. .They afford the sad spectacle of ignorance engaged in the at stupendous fraud of the public expense. These words were written 1 12 years ago, in 1870. So much for the good old days. (Breck England, a teacher at Bountiful High School, will be contributing this feature regularly. Readers comments or questions are invited.) came in at 8.9. Among subjects tested in grades 1, 4, 6 and 8 testing in indicating iucces gheuo"-proble- A WOODS CROSS teachers attitude and w hat she communicates to her students is the biggest contributor to i childs education or lack of it. population couldnt read, now only about 1.2 percent are considered illiterate and this is only half the number reported as recently as I960. As for the phenomenon of decline in college entrance scores over the past decade, I tend to favor the "dilution theory" far more people are taking those tests now than previously. (In 1948. when the Scholastic Aptitude Test was initiated, only about 6.000 students participated nationw ide, by I960 a hundred times that number, and today well over two million per year). A statisticians know, the greater the cross section of the populace participating, the more the results will gravitate toward the mean. Therefore, the test score decline that alarms so many could be attributed to increased educational opportunity. for grades 1, 4, 6 and 8 shows: the national norm for second grade was 2.3, but district average was 3.4; math comprehension was lowest at 3.1 while word study scored highest at 3.8. die BylOMBISSMBIKC Davis Students Score High: Some Weak Spots. 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