The high school has piloted the program which assesses job skills employers believe are critical to performing well in the workplace. The assessment focuses on three areas — communication, problem solving and interpersonal skills.
The first group of students from the high school completed the assessment during the week of March 4. The 38 students were all seniors who are participating in an internship program this semester. The group had a 100 percent pass rate during the first test.
“With a 100 percent success rate in this pilot, this assessment is an indicator that students are graduating from Mount Airy High School prepared for a variety of work experiences,” said Dr. Darrin Hartness, superintendent. “I look forward to extending this opportunity to more students and analyzing the data to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses so that we can make the high school experience even better for future classes.”
The students were tested on applied mathematics, reading for information and locating information and were given a rating of gold, silver or bronze. There were 14 students who received a gold level, meaning they have the necessary foundational skills for 90 percent of the more than 16,000 jobs available across America researched by ACT Inc. There were 17 students who received a silver level, meaning they have the skills for around 65 percent of those jobs. The final seven students received a bronze rating, qualifying them for 35 percent of those jobs. They will receive a certificate with their rating which will be signed by the governor and is nationally recognized.
“The entire 2009 senior class of 126 was well represented in this test administration, with students ranking from seventh to 122nd successfully completing the assessment,” said Sandy George, principal at Mount Airy High School.
Some of the students are looking to possibly retake the test at a later date to attempt to improve their scores. There is software available through the school system which will allow the students to build their skills in particular areas.
“Along with their high school diploma, this credential will be another tool they can use as they continue their education or go directly to work after high school,” said Hartness. “We hear from employers that ‘soft skills’ are key to successful employment. In addition, foundational skills such as reading, math and locating information are essential elements in almost every job.”
In other news, construction work at the high school is about 30 percent complete, according to Bryan Taylor, assistant superintendent. The exterior wall of the kitchen expansion is up and the back-filling was well underway before rain hit last week.
The concession stand and restroom facility at the middle school is scheduled to begin on Monday when students will be out of school for spring break.
Also, Vickie Cameron, executive director of instruction, is beginning to meet with teachers to have transition meetings for next school year. During these meetings, teachers from each grade level will meet with those from the next grade level to discuss student learning styles so as to be better prepared for the students in the fall. The meetings will especially benefit students transitioning to a new school, such as those moving from second to third grade, fifth to sixth grade or eighth to ninth grade.
“I think this is going to be very good for the school system,” said Cameron.
“That’s wonderful,” said Kate Appler, board member, of the meetings. “That’s a huge change.”
The board will hold a public hearing on April 14 at 6 p.m. at the central office to discuss a preliminary budget for the coming year before going to Dobson at 7:30 p.m. to make a presentation to the Surry County Board of Commissioners. School administrators have been working with Gail Cox, finance officer, to create a first draft of the budget based on a five-percent reduction in state funds.
“We’re going to make it work,” said Hartness of the budget.
Contact Morgan Wall at mwall@mtairynews.com or 719-1929.
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