Testing scores in Bellwood-Antis are on the rise – and the district is reaping the rewards.
Last week, middle school principal Robert Fisher announced that due to an increase in Pennsylvania State School Assistant scores, the fifth grade class was awarded a $21,788 grant from the state Department of Education of Education, part of the School Performance Incentive grant.
“This class worked extremely hard to achieve what they have,” said Fisher. “We’re proud of their accomplishments and also of the accomplishes of the fifth grade staff and faculty who help these students prepare in the proper manner.”
According to Fisher, the PSSA scores measure students’ skills in math and reading.
He said this round’s score of 2,700 was 120 points higher than the combined average of the past five years, which was 2,580
“That’s a pretty significant increase and I think the state took note of that,” said Fisher.
Fisher said the grant must be expended by June 30. Fisher said the funds will be used to add to the curriculum, and may include obligations for staff development, instruction, assessment and traning and in-service programs. He said the money cannot be used for salaries.
He also said a portion of the grant will be filtered through the entire elementary school, but noted that a amount wasn’t specified by the state.
