Expectations/Improving math and literacy skills

By Nubia Ruiz

Since our school is small, we can give personal attention to individual student needs in both math and literacy. Computers, equipped with effective, standards based software, can assist the teachers during school hours. Since our children are computer savvy, we should use technology, where appropriate, to enhance individual teacher lessons.

Reading more improves literacy. One of my goals is to get more parent involvement in the home reading program (AR). Parents are the very best role models for their children. It is an acknowledged fact that children whose parents have high expectations for them succeed more often. As a team, we must all have high expectations so that all of our students succeed.

No one argues that math and literacy skills are the basis for continued school success. Without reading skill and comprehension, printed texts and computer programs are worthless. There is no growth. Without understanding math (the number continuum), students do not progress through the high school math courses. Success in high school math (four years beginning with Algebra) is a major key to admission into a four year college.

Dehesa School provides the foundation for continued success in school. We must make sure that every Dehesa student acquires the basics needed to enter and graduate from college. We must encourage success and expect nothing less.