Volunteers, educators, officials spent a year spent compiling
data to improve student performances
After spending more than a year gathering data and meeting to discuss and analyze the numbers, the Accountability Task Force has produced a 78-page document outlining the Gilroy Unified School District’s handicaps and what they must do to achieve their overall goal of improving student performance.

But the report, which the ATF calls a “living document” is not all about test scores and drop-out rates. By disseminating the report to the community the district is wiping away the condensation that has historically marred the transparency of public schools.

“We have adopted a new policy of openness,” said Todd Perkins, a GUSD parent and member of the ATF. “We are accountable to the community because we are a public (entity). Everyone in the community is a stakeholder in our success.”

In the past, school districts were reluctant to discuss at length their shortcomings with the community and teachers weren’t too crazy about having their accomplishments or flaws highlighted. One way they’ve begun to inch away from that type of environment is through the implementation of a recognition program, said Superintendent Edwin Diaz.

Principals nominate teachers who have helped their students make tremendous gains. The district measures the teacher’s success by examining data such as their student’s California Standards Test scores and then selects a team of teachers to receive the bimonthly award.

The award, which is also given to other district employees or community members who have made a difference in education, is presented at the beginning of board meetings.

The ATF, a 22-member volunteer group which is comprised of parents, educators, district and city officials and other community members, presented their first report to the board during Monday’s meeting. The ATF was formed in the fall of 2004 to ensure that the district moves forward with its plans to increase the percentage of students reaching proficiency on standardized tests, continuously improve academic performance and close the achievement gap between Hispanics and whites.

To achieve those goals, the district drew up a list of 20 indicators or issues to hone in on, such as how many students are passing Advance Placement tests, student attendance and staff retention rates. The ATF identified each one of those indicators, highlighted the district’s progress, stated the challenges inherent in making the improvements and finally recommended how to begin curing the ailments.

During a meeting with the Dispatch editorial board, Perkins explained exactly what the ATF wants to accomplish.

“To increase student achievement, that’s our mission,” he said. “That’s basically what we are.”

The main criticism from some editorial board members was that there wasn’t enough meat to the report, that the problems are identified, the data is there, but the recommendations are skimpy. But Diaz said the report is intended to serve as a guideline and the staff at each individual site will decide what changes to implement to best accomplish the goal of improving student performance.

“Internally we use it as a support document to make decisions,” he said.

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