Manatee charter school presents plan to boost reading, math after slipping state grades

Manatee School of Arts and Sciences Principal Clinton Jones told the Manatee County School Board at its Sept. 16 workshop that the K–5 charter has a new school improvement plan to raise student achievement after the school’s state letter grade slipped close to the D/C cutoff.

Jones said the plan centers on boosting reading comprehension, writing proficiency and math fluency, expanding targeted small-group interventions for the lowest-performing students, strengthening parent engagement and adding social-emotional supports.

The school’s results have shown gains in some areas but persistent gaps in learning gains and among low-performing students, Jones said. "We've hit a crossroads where we can't just be a safe welcoming place. We have to push the envelope with getting these kids prepared and ready for middle and high school," Jones said. He noted the school missed a C rating by one point last year and by two points this year.

Jones summarized three broad priorities: academic skill-building, attendance and family support.…