FHUHS Administration

Last week the Vermont Department of Education (DOE) announced new federal funds would be available for school improvement efforts. In order to receive the federal funds, the Vermont DOE was told to list ten schools deemed “Lowest Achieving”. The state decided to use only Reading and Math NECAP scores from 2007-2008 and progress shown during that one year. As the commissioner’s news release did not offer many details, I thought it important to offer some clarity. It should also be noted that for the past three years, as Principal of Fair Haven Union High School, I have regularly spoken about the need to be held accountable; I remain committed to meaningful accountability as does the faculty.

Fair Haven Union High School has improved student performance each of the three years that NECAPs have been given. From 2007-9 our scores have increased 6% in Reading, 11% in Writing and 12% in Math. While we are by no means satisfied with these results and will continue to improve on the state testing, they are indicative of our improvement efforts. Over the past three years we have implemented significant change using a wide variety of data. The math curriculum was reworked to better match state standards. We meet weekly in various professional learning groups to make informed and meaningful decisions. I am even more proud, however, of the more meaningful improvements we have made with 21st Century student learning. I am confident that we are, and will remain, leaders in this area. Because I believe only specifics should be used to judge performance (and never just one exam), I write weekly on what staff and students accomplish at FHUHS. My newsletters may be read online at fhuhs.org. I am also more than willing to speak personally on our improvement efforts and results.

The exact criteria for determining the schools listed was not given, but according to the commissioner only schools eligible for Title I money, but not receiving it in 2007, were considered. Title I money is based upon free/reduced lunch numbers. This placed FHUHS in a pool of 27 out of 66 high schools. It should also be noted that FHUHS has met Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) the past two years in Reading, Writing and Math. This was, until last week, used by the state to evaluate performance.

Accountability remains crucial in education. We at FHUHS are committed to educational excellence and will continue to broadcast our performance. While we will continue our NECAP improvement plan, we will also be continuing our more meaningful overall work with modern learning.

I encourage you to contact me with any questions or comments. Next week I will return to writing on accomplishments and events happening at Fair Haven Union High School.

Sincerely,
Brett C. Blanchard, Principal