The bar has been raised significantly at Oakdale Elementary School.
The school’s test scores are up a phenomenal 102 points. That’s the highest increase seen in any comprehensive school in Sacramento County.
“I’m so proud of our students and staff,” says Linda Kyle, Oakdale’s principal. “They rose to the occasion and exceeded all of my expectations.
The Academic Performance Index (API) scores, which were recently released by the California Department of Education, show that in one year the school climbed from 675 to 777 points.
Kyle credits high expectations of students and an incredible staff that rose to the occasion. She came to Oakdale last fall after serving as assistant superintendent of educational services in the former North Sacramento School District. Kyle hit the ground running and made some drastic changes at the school, which serves 375 students. Included in her plans were a focus on core curriculum, increased teacher collaboration and a targeted effort of teaching the California standards. By cutting back on extra activities, teachers were able to dedicate more time to reading, math and English language instruction.
Kyle also credits two grants which were rolled out at Oakdale School. The Quality Education Investment Act (QEIA) Grant is a seven year grant that will allow Oakdale to reduce class size for students in the intermediate grades. This allows teachers time to focus more intently on the learning style and needs of each individual student. In addition, the High Priority Schools Grant enables teachers to get intensive training in core curriculum instruction and effective methods of delivery.
“Nothing is more fun for kids then to learn and gain new skills,” says Kyle. “Learning is fun if students experience success. They like school if they succeed."
Prior to Kyle’s arrival, the API at Oakdale School was flat. The API is a number, ranging from a low of 200 to a high of 1,000 that reflects a school’s performance level, based on the results of statewide testing. The state has set 800 as the API target for all schools to meet, and by the looks of things it won’t be long before Oakdale surpasses that goal.
Although it took a few months for staff, students and families to embrace Kyle’s no-nonsense plan for the school, they soon realized her changes were making a difference. Parents are encouraged to visit classrooms, join parent groups, volunteer for school committees and participate in parent/teacher conferences. Monthly family nights are held with a variety of student performances, informational presentations, games and food.
Teachers at Oakdale are excited to see if they can see yet another increase in their school’s academic scores this year. Plans for the 2008-2009 school year include additional professional development for teachers that will encompass effective teaching and active student engagement strategies. Staff is not just resting on last year’s success, rather they are looking to see how they can do even better and engage every student in learning at all times.
Oakdale School, located just north if I-80 in North Highlands is part of the new Twin Rivers Unified School District, which formed on July 1. Twin Rivers is also celebrating Joyce Elementary School, which saw a 53-point increase, as well as Del Paso Heights Elementary School where test scores went up by 59 points.