Missed it by that much.

Welches Middle School scored 84 on the state achievement index — six points
short of earning an overall Outstanding rating — and settled for a
Satisfactory.

Welches Elementary picked up a 77 on the index, and also earned a
Satisfactory rating from the Oregon Department of Education’s annual school
report card.

Sandy High shed its Satisfactory rating of last year and earned an Outstanding
for 2009.

“Our state report cards once again show that our educators are working hard
to help our students achieve,” said Shelley Redinger, superintendent of the
Oregon Trail School District.

SHS Vice-Principal Melissa Sandven cites increased student achievement to be
a benefit of teaching strategies and staff collaboration.

“Teamwork is key,” Sandven said. “Our teachers work together in Professional
Learning Communities (department teams) to assess student needs, design
curriculum and assessments, develop integrated classroom projects, and
more.”

Welches Middle profited from heavy lifting by Grade 6 students in reading and
math. Eighty-seven percent of sixth graders met or exceeded standards,
compared to 73 percent throughout the district and 77 percent statewide.

The same class had 83 percent who met or exceeded standards in math,
compared to 78 percent in the district and 73 percent statewide.

Seventh graders in math exceeded district and state standards (81-80-78), as
did eighth graders in reading scores (73-70-70).

Welches Elementary scored highest in Grade 5 reading, with 78 percent
meeting or exceeding standards, compared to 78 percent (district) and 76
percent (state).

Sandy High scored above the state average on the index in reading, writing
and science with scores of 72 percent, 68 percent and 66 percent,
respectively.

The state index showed 66 percent (reading), 55 percent (writing) and 58
percent (science).

All 10 schools in the district rated Outstanding in student attendance, and
three schools — Kelso Elementary, Naas Elementary and SHS — rated
Outstanding overall.

All of the other schools attained an overall Satisfactory.

“I’m proud of our staff for their intense focus on increasing student
achievement through rigorous instructional practices,” said Debbie Johnson,
district teaching and learning director. “Our teachers continually improve their
practices through professional development and peer collaboration.”

School report cards for all Oregon Trail schools are available on the Web site
at www.oregontrailschools.com.