Two Chenango schools on ‘best’ list
CHENANGO COUNTY – Two Chenango County schools were listed by U.S. News and World Report in a ranking of the best high schools nationwide. More than 21,000 high schools in 48 states were examined, and in Chenango County, Greene and Otselic Valley made the list.
According to the publication, the school ranking system is based on the idea that a school should serve all of its students well. The report examined state proficiency tests to determine which schools were performing better than the national average. They then looked at economically disadvantaged students – who tend to score lower on proficiency tests – to determine at which schools they were above the national average. The final criteria examined was how well the schools prepared students for college.
Gary Smith, superintendent of the Greene School District, said he was very happy with the results of the study, which named Greene and Otselic Valley to the bronze list, which included 1,321 other schools nationwide.
“One big indication is the state test results,” Smith said, explaining why the school had faired so well. “It speaks highly of our teachers, administrative staff and support staff and of the solid direction from the board of education.”
Smith was confident that Greene could have been even higher on the list, if the criteria for college preparation had been a little more thorough. The college preparation part of the study looked at Advanced Placement courses and International Baccalaureate programs only, of which, Greene has none. However, Smith explained the school does offer several college courses through Broome Community College, Syracuse University’s Project Advance and SUNY Albany. “Our students do have the opportunity to walk out with 15 to 20 college credits,” Smith said.
Despite that fact, Smith explained he was pleased that Greene made the list. He explained that he believes the school was selected because they “provide students with the support they need to be successful. It’s not always easy. It’s sometimes costly, but so far, we have been able to do that.”
Smith pointed at the small number of area schools that made the list. “That speaks highly of the education that small, rural districts can offer,” he said.
Otselic Valley Superintendent Larry Thomas said he was pleasantly surprised when he was notified of his district’s placement on the list. Thomas said he can’t point to any one thing for his school’s results.
Last year, Thomas said, OV was listed as one of the fastest or best performing elementary schools. “Between that and this, it’s validated for us that we’re on the right track trying to help our kids,” Thomas said.
This year, the school has made several changes to help students achieve success, including the implementing of a new after school program that allows students to get extra help from staff members. Thomas said the school is also trying to revitalize things like the student council to promote student leadership.
He explained that different programs are being used to help students enjoy the educational process. For example, Thomas said next week teachers will be leading a teleconference with individuals at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame about music in turbulent times. “We have those kinds of things going on, where we trying to move kids toward understanding the importance of education and coming to school,” Thomas said.
The superintendent said he hopes the performance on the small district will serve the school well during these economically difficult times. “The staff works hard and the proof is that the kids are doing better,” Thomas said.
According to the publication, the school ranking system is based on the idea that a school should serve all of its students well. The report examined state proficiency tests to determine which schools were performing better than the national average. They then looked at economically disadvantaged students – who tend to score lower on proficiency tests – to determine at which schools they were above the national average. The final criteria examined was how well the schools prepared students for college.
Gary Smith, superintendent of the Greene School District, said he was very happy with the results of the study, which named Greene and Otselic Valley to the bronze list, which included 1,321 other schools nationwide.
“One big indication is the state test results,” Smith said, explaining why the school had faired so well. “It speaks highly of our teachers, administrative staff and support staff and of the solid direction from the board of education.”
Smith was confident that Greene could have been even higher on the list, if the criteria for college preparation had been a little more thorough. The college preparation part of the study looked at Advanced Placement courses and International Baccalaureate programs only, of which, Greene has none. However, Smith explained the school does offer several college courses through Broome Community College, Syracuse University’s Project Advance and SUNY Albany. “Our students do have the opportunity to walk out with 15 to 20 college credits,” Smith said.
Despite that fact, Smith explained he was pleased that Greene made the list. He explained that he believes the school was selected because they “provide students with the support they need to be successful. It’s not always easy. It’s sometimes costly, but so far, we have been able to do that.”
Smith pointed at the small number of area schools that made the list. “That speaks highly of the education that small, rural districts can offer,” he said.
Otselic Valley Superintendent Larry Thomas said he was pleasantly surprised when he was notified of his district’s placement on the list. Thomas said he can’t point to any one thing for his school’s results.
Last year, Thomas said, OV was listed as one of the fastest or best performing elementary schools. “Between that and this, it’s validated for us that we’re on the right track trying to help our kids,” Thomas said.
This year, the school has made several changes to help students achieve success, including the implementing of a new after school program that allows students to get extra help from staff members. Thomas said the school is also trying to revitalize things like the student council to promote student leadership.
He explained that different programs are being used to help students enjoy the educational process. For example, Thomas said next week teachers will be leading a teleconference with individuals at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame about music in turbulent times. “We have those kinds of things going on, where we trying to move kids toward understanding the importance of education and coming to school,” Thomas said.
The superintendent said he hopes the performance on the small district will serve the school well during these economically difficult times. “The staff works hard and the proof is that the kids are doing better,” Thomas said.
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