Posted: 8/15/07
NB School Board hears MBA II results
 Dean Gunnarson |
By Patrick Tepoorten
The results of the 2007 MCA II tests, as well as other proficiency markers, were front and center at the Thursday, Aug. 9 meeting of the North Branch School Board. Director of Teaching and Learning Jan Ashlin summarized for the board where the district is improving, and where it needs improvement.
While the state average of students who did not meet writing proficiency standards as part of the tenth grade MBST (Minnesota Basic Skills Test) rose from 7.1 to 7.5 percent from 2006 to 2007, North Branch students passed the test in greater numbers, with only 5.2 percent not meeting the standard, as opposed to 6.6 percent in 2006. Unfortunately, the MBST will no longer be used as a measure, replaced by the ninth grade GRAD test. North Branch students did not fare as well on the new test, with 10.8 percent not making proficiency, while the state average was 8.8 percent.
The 2006 and 2007 rounds of MCA II reading tests (taken by third through eighth graders and tenth graders) saw a complete flip-flop between North Branch and the state average. In 2006, 31.8 percent of North Branch students failed to meet proficiency, above the state average of 28.5 percent. One year later and it is North Branch improving to 28.5 percent, while the state average has risen to 31.8 percent.
The district saw an even more drastic improvement in the MCA II math test, improving over seven percentage points (40.4 percent) over last year's results. Ashlin called the result a "substantial gain" and noted that, although the district's non-proficieny rate is still higher than the state average of 39.3 percent, it is closing the gap.
A much more detailed look at the 2007 assessments for North Branch is expected at the school board's upcoming work session on Aug. 23, at 7 p.m.
In other school news:
• Dean Gunnarson was approved as the new North Branch Area High School assistant principal. He replaces Neil Fletcher, who resigned after last school year to accept a position in the Anoka school district.
• In response to concerns raised by board members at the last meeting over cell phones and the vending machine choices, Superintendent Dr. Deb Henton noted a new procedure regarding phones and other electronic devices. The use of iPods, cell phones, PDAs, camera phones, text messaging, and video games are prohibited districtwide and can result in confiscation and possible disciplinary action.
As well, Ashlin provided more details about district vending machines. She said there were only four vending machines available to students, all at the high school. Two beverage machines are located in each locker room and sell Gatorade, water, Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, and Mountain Dew. Although she acknowledged that not all the choices were "healthy," the machines give students two buttons for healthy choices for each button for soda.
The high school store also has a variety of choices, some healthier than others, but it is only open for 10 minutes before and after the school day.
• School board member Donna Setter reported that the district is three sessions into negotiations with its teachers' union, the North Branch Education Association (NBEA). She noted that the sessions have been "focused, respectful, and productive."
• Fees for drivers education were increased for the upcoming school year. The new fees are $75 for classroom instruction and $220 for behind the wheel training. The previous fee structure was $65 and $200. Despite the increase, North Branch's rates continue to compare favorably with other area districts.
• The first reading of a health savings account, known as a VEBA, for employees not covered by a collective bargaining agreement was approved, as was a food service agreement with Taher Dining.
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