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The Results Are In.....DSTP 2010
The Delaware Department of Education has published the results of DSTP testing for 2010. Information released for grades 2-10 show that many math scores stayed constant or improved. The outlook for reading is not so optimistic. Scores decreased for reading in almost every grade. Here are the results of students meeting or exceeding standards, along with the comparison to 2009:
Mathematics
- Grade 2---88%, up one point
- Grade 3---78%, no change
- Grade 4---78%, up one point
- Grade 5---76%, down one point
- Grade 6---73%, down two points
- Grade 7---70%, down one point
- Grade 8---68%, up two points
- Grade 9---54%, down one point
- Grade 10---57%, up one point
Reading
- Grade 2---82%, down three points
- Grade 3---77%, down four points
- Grade 4---76%, down six points
- Grade 5---81%, down four points
- Grade 6---74%, down nine points
- Grade 7---83%, down four points
- Grade 8---78%, down three points
- Grade 9---69%, down five points
- Grade 10---64%, down seven points
This year, Delaware received advisement from the U.S. Department of Education regarding its "Read Aloud" accommodation. This provides for printed material to be read to students and not have them read for themselves. In doing this, the skill being assessed actually changes from reading comprehension to listening comprehension.
The government asked that "Read Aloud" be scaled back. So for 2010, 23% of students previously allowed to use "Read Aloud" used it this year. The overall drop in the reading scores is attributed to lower performance in about half of the previous Read Aloud students. Their comprehension skills have not been fully utilized and fine-tuned in the past so many fell below standard when being left on their own to take the test this year.
Find out more....
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Help Fight Childhood Cancer!
Kid's Runway for Research will be held on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 at the DuPont Country Club. It will benefit the Nemours Center for Childhood Cancer Research (NCCCR). This facility has been in existence for three years and is the only pediatric cancer research facility in Delaware.
The main event will be a fashion show featuring models ages 5-18 that are childhood cancer survivors. A light lunch will be served and there will be a silent auction. Vendors will be attending, giving demonstrations and having their merchandise available for purchase. Kids' activities will include face painting and a balloon artist. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for kids, and can be purchased at the door. Come out for a day of fun and support a great cause as well!
Quote of the month: "It is books that are the key to the wide world; if you can't do anything else, read all that you can."-Jane Hamilton, American Novelist
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| Student Showcase on...Melissa F. |
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This month we feature Melissa F. in our student showcase. Melissa is an adult college 1-on-1 tutoring client here at Back to Basics. She has used our services, as needed, for the past six years. Melissa said she did her "homework" years ago when searching for a tutoring service. One thing that set Back to Basics apart from the rest was that there was no assessment fee. She kept hearing about all the tests that had to be given at a substantial cost to determine what program was to be used. Melissa said, "I knew what I needed help with and I wanted instruction just for me. I found it at Back to Basics."
Melissa says the 1-on-1 tutoring is very beneficial to students, who can miss the connection with their teacher. A tutor can explain skills piece by piece and address the exact difficulties that his/her student is having. Melissa says she feels much better prepared for her college exams. Her grades have improved and she feels the outside influence of a tutor supplementing her professors' materials is very good.
Melissa keeps an extremely busy schedule with work and school. However, when she does get a moment to herself she enjoys watching sporting events, especially the Phillies and Flyers. Thank you, Melissa, for sharing your thoughts about Back to Basics. Your choice to keep coming back to us is a true testament to your trust in us. We are happy to serve you!
Happy with your or your child's success? Spread the word!
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Melissa likes to visit... |
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| Tutor Spotlight on...Julie Nichols |
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August's spotlight shines on tutor Julie Nichols. Julie has been part of the Back to Basics team for over two years. She is certified in elementary education. Julie's subject matter includes adult literacy, basic math, ESL, general science, geography, history, phonics, reading, social studies, vocabulary and writing. She also instructs students in the verbal portion of the high school entrance, Praxis, and SAT exams. Julie is certified in the Orton-Gillingham and Wilson reading programs.
When Julie isn't working, she especially loves gardening, as well as hiking and reading. Julie was born and raised in Northwestern Pennsylvania. She then taught in the shore area of Southern New Jersey. She is a four-year resident of Delaware, currently residing in North Wilmington. Julie has three grown children who live in various cities along the east coast. Thank you, Julie, for your dedication and commitment to your students and helping them succeed.
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Julie finds great resources at... |
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