During a recent government meeting, education officials discussed ongoing efforts to improve student performance in math and English Language Arts (ELA) across the county. The meeting highlighted the challenges posed by high turnover rates among teachers and the need for a focused approach to address foundational skills in students.

Officials reported that while progress is being made, the increase in student performance is gradual. They presented data indicating that several third-grade math standards were below 50% proficiency countywide, with similar trends observed in fourth and fifth grades. In response, a comprehensive county plan is being developed to enhance professional development for teachers, targeting identified weaknesses in student performance.

Karen Freeland and Stephanie Runyon, key figures in the initiative, were introduced to share insights from their hands-on work in schools. They emphasized the importance of tailored professional development sessions that address both the strengths and weaknesses of teachers. These sessions are designed to provide practical strategies that can be implemented in classrooms, fostering a collaborative environment where teachers can learn from one another.

The officials underscored the significance of modeling effective teaching strategies in real classroom settings, allowing teachers to observe and learn from experienced educators. This approach aims to build trust and confidence among teachers, ultimately leading to improved student outcomes.

As the county continues to implement these strategies, officials remain optimistic about the potential for significant improvements in student performance in the coming years.