The
Ware High School Math Department, consisting of Department Chair Daniel
Orszulak, Karen Quinn, Shelley Davis, and Adam Green, is being recognized for
the high rate of student growth, demonstrated on the 2014 Grade 10 Math MCAS
exam.
One
of the factors that the Math Department points to with regard to their success
is the implementation of an aggressive attendance policy which puts an
increased emphasis on attending and participating in-class. Two points
are subtracted from the student’s homework average for every absence from
class. Students can make-up absences (and avoid losing points) by staying
after school. The data suggests that fewer students are absent, and
dismissals have decreased considerably, as a result!
In
addition, over the past three years, grant funding has allowed for math
curriculum writing in alignment with the Common Core State Standards, and also
the creation of formative assessments for all math courses. The Math
Department has successful collaboration among department members, with the
teachers regularly sharing successful teaching techniques. After school
assistance is provided by the teachers so that extra help in math is available
nearly every day. Congratulations to the Ware High School Math Department!