Student Achievement Levels Climb at Ribault Senior High School [microform]

Ribault (Florida) Senior High School has reported a dramatic increase in student achievement levels since implementing a comprehensive college preparation curriculum. Among the program changes that contributed to those gains are: (1) the establishment and consistent enforcement of a strong discipline program, including rules for student conduct, a dress code, and strict attendance policies; (2) schoolwide promotion of academic excellence based on high standards and expectations for student achievement; (3) assessment of student strengths and weaknesses and refocusing instruction to teach skills needed to increase performance; and (4) strong commitment from teachers, principals, and superintendents to help students achieve. Prior to implementing these changes in 1977, only 56 percent of Ribault students were able to show minimum competence in communications to pass that portion of the State Student Assessment Test (SSAT), and only 20 percent passed in mathematics. In 1981, after implementing the above changes, 84 percent of Ribault students were able to pass the communications portion of the SSAT, and 86 percent demonstrated minimum competence in mathematics. (LH)