Schools pledge to focus on English, math

Staff from three Carson City schools provided three to four main points when presenting their school-improvement plans to the district board.

Improvement plans, which detail how schools will meet the ever-rising No Child Left Behind requirements, were due to the Carson City School District by Nov. 1.

"We are now in the middle of review," said Mike Watty, associate superintendent of educational services. "If there are any need of revisions or minor modifications, we'll send (the plans) back to the school."

The improvement plans will be submitted by Dec. 1 to school board members, who will review, then comment on them. The plans will be sent out to the "proper agencies" by Dec. 15, according to Watty.

Fremont Elementary School, the first to present its plan at Tuesday's meeting, is aiming to increase the reading, writing and English language arts abilities for special education, English-language learners and Hispanic students.

Teachers will continue to focus on improving math scores so the school will make adequate yearly progress.

The school-improvement committee also has a goal of increased parental involvement. Right now at the school, tutoring in English is available twice a week for parents.

At Carson High School, goals of the school-improvement team include increasing math and English Language Arts scores.

"Math is a priority emphasis," said Carl Henry, vice-principal of curriculum and testing.

The team also wants to improve communication with parents and is involved in a study of a research-based special-education program.

The Bordewich-Bray Elementary school-improvement team goals include improving scores in math, reading and writing. Students can participate in a homework hall during recess and lunch.

The team also wants to increase parental involvement and improve student behavior.

Contact reporter Maggie O'Neill at mo'neill@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1219.