Students fired up to improve HSA scores
LAHAINA — Happy New Year!
The first round of HSA online for Reading was completed in December before the Winter Break.
Some teachers saw an improvement in student motivation when the students took the assessment this time. Why? The results were immediate. They didn’t have to wait until the next school year to see how well they did. In some cases, students were fired up to take the assessment again so they could bring up their scores. Wow! What a change.
It is understandable that the students haven’t had a connection with the HSA results in the past. We have had to wait for 3-4 months to receive the HSA scores.
By then, the students have moved on to another grade or to another school. It’s difficult to have ownership when so much time has passed since taking the test.
Students will be given up to three times this year to take the HSA online. Their best score out of the three attempts will be recorded as their official HSA result for 2011. Math will begin their first round soon. How cool is that?!
On Jan. 31, Lahaina Intermediate School will begin taking nominations for next school year’s seventh and eighth grade Honors Programs. Honors Programs are offered in all core areas: English/Language Arts, Math, Social Studies and Science. You may pick up nomination forms from your child’s grade level counselor (sixth and seventh) or from the main office. Remember that students may be nominated by their teachers, parents, community members and themselves.
A selection process is in place by which each nominated student will be placed on a list by the total score they receive from a matrix of data and characteristics. A selection committee will determine final qualification. Deadline for nominations is Feb. 11.
Have a great month. IMUA!