A nice rising trend in Las Animas CSAP scores took a sudden step backward in 2008.

    Double digit drops in proficiency in several classes has jarred the school's teaching staff and administration.

    "The teachers and administrators are taking this personally. they are already strategizing and analyzing how to help our students achieve," said Superintendent Scott Cuckow.

    "I am disappointed with the CSAP scores. For the past five years we have achieved a steady growth in school achievement," Cuckow noted.

    "We slipped back. No excuses. I do know for a fact we have great teachers, great staff.

    "Our kid are great kids. We need to help them work smarter," he continued during an interview with the Democrat. The school is still generally achieving proficiency levels higher than the school's own averages of five years ago.

    The school was lower than the state average in 17 grade - subject categories, and higher than the state average in eight grade categories.

    But the sudden drop in proficiency for several grades, drops of 38 percent, 28 percent, 25 percent, 19 percent s can't be ignored.

    "If the teachers have not come come to see me yet, they have talked to the principals."

    Is the change to a four-day school week a factor in the sudden plunge?,  Cuckow was asked.    "Not sure. But it will be a discussion point for the teachers, the staff, the principals and the board."

    He said the setback in scores has not been shrugged off by the school.

    'I am pleased with the sense of urgency from the principals and the teachers.

    One bright spot in the school are the students who were in grades four through six last year. They are the highest achievers in the school and if they can continue at this level the entire school will get a boost as they progress through the system.

    But a definite weak spot is detected in last year's 8th through 11th grades. Their proficiency in math is very low — 11th grade 3 percent; 10th grade 33 percent; 9th grade 22 percent and 8th grade 23 percent.

    Writing proficiency levels for the same grades ranged from 23 to 44 percent, and all four classes recorded a drop from the previous year.

    However, the 9th through 11th grade reading scores rose last year.

    The school's science scores in 5th, 8th and 10th grade were well below the state average.

    While the CSAP scores a comparative record of achievement, Cuckow still noted:

    "We need to focus on 21st century skills CSAP does not measure. The ability to use technology to enhance all areas of  communication, the ability to collaborate and cooperate to solve problems, working together to reach a goal.

    'Our teachers are expected to do everything, not only in the content area, but also to incorporate character, ethics, the 21st Century (skills).

    "They have a big job and they take great pride."

    Cuckow roughly estimated the school will have about 500 students in kindergarten through 12th grade this coming academic year. And there are 40 teachers, roughly equivalent to one teacher for every 12 students.

    The superintendent noted that the families have an important role to play as well.
    "We have got to get families more involved in our schools. The family has such an important role."