By Nancy Martin 

Heatherwood Elementary School Principal Larry Orobona has received the results of the Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP) for reading and writing, which was administered last spring to fourth graders. The test is used primarily to determine how Colorado students measure up to state standards. The standards reflect the reading and writing skills fourth graders should have. These scores do not show how Colorado students compare to their peers in other parts of the United States or in other countries.

The results, released on Sept. 29, show that Boulder County fourth graders performed at higher levels than their contemporaries throughout the state. Scores showed that less than half the state’s fourth graders were at or above their grade level.

Seventy six percent of fourth graders in Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) scored proficient or above in reading, as compared to a score of 59 percent by students in the rest of the state. In writing, fourth graders in BVSD scored 49 percent proficient or above, as compared to 34 percent statewide. 

Heatherwood fourth graders had the following results during the past three years
 

Principal Orobona stated, "While this information will be used by some to rank schools, we look at the data as contributing to the body of evidence we collect on the academic growth of each Heatherwood student. All assessment data helps us ask informed questions about how we might improve instruction to benefit students. The Heatherwood School Improvement Team (SIT) will be reviewing the CSAP results and modifying the school’s achievement goals accordingly."

Current Heatherwood fifth graders took the CSAP test for math in late September. Results of the test will not be available for several months.
 
Although the Heatherwood staff is proud of its students’ scores, they recognize there is always room for improvement. Teachers and staff have begun reviewing a new program called First Steps. This program is designed to help with assessing students’ progress and determining effective teaching techniques to meet the needs of every student.
 
Colorado Governor Bill Owens states, "We are facing a crisis in public education in Colorado. When half the students in public schools cannot read and write at grade level, it means there is an epidemic of failure in our public schools." He stresses that public education will be his priority in the 2000 legislature. 

Colorado is ranked 49th in the U.S. for funding education.