Lion's Lore

Happy Friday!

As discussed during staff development, we are concerned with the number of students taking the SAT each year. Certainly our overall scores are impressive; however, as you recall our Hispanic population in terms of participation is around twenty-eight percent in 2007. The 2008-2009 AEIS report will be available in November. Our district has provided the 2008 data for us to review.

Below is a link to our SAT data comparison (count represents the number of students tested):
C-FB SAT Data

Recently the College Board reported information to explain trends in the 2008 data.

• This year’s class is the most diverse class on record with historic increases in the number of Hispanic, African American and Asian American students taking the test.
• Minority SAT takers comprised 40 percent of all test-takers, up from 33 percent 10 years ago.
• The number of first-generation students has increased over the last decade and from last year. In the class of 2008, 36 percent were first-generation students, compared to 35 percent in the class of 2007.
• Females have narrowed the performance gap with males in critical reading, closing the gap to 4 points, compared with 7 points a decade ago, and females continue to outperform males on the writing section — by 13 points this year.
• A record number of students in the class of 2008 received fee waivers, with 221,962 students qualifying for and receiving them. This indicates an increase in the number of traditionally underserved students preparing for college success.
• The writing section of the SAT is the most predictive section of the test among all racial and ethnic minority groups.
• The inclusion of the writing section has also contributed to an increased emphasis on writing in the classroom.

We are working on a plan to increase the number of students taking the SAT at Turner. If you have recommendations, please post your comments this week. We truly need creative ideas!

MINDSET MINUTE
As we continue our focus on Mindset, let’s revisit the definition of a growth mindset. The growth mindset is based on the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts. Although people may differ in every which way—in their initial talents and aptitudes, interests, or temperaments—everyone can change and grow through application and experience. This week, we would like to highlight Shannon Luttrell for demonstrating a growth mindset. Mary Gesino states, “she has REALLY stepped up as a new member of the Team in her caring attitude and hard work to help kids pass the Math TAKS and graduate on time! She is our current Ag teacher and FFA sponsor and now she is also a MATH teacher!”

Digital Coffee for Gen X-ers
Generation X is known for going it alone, but the way of the rugged individual is giving way to the power of the group. Our students learn best with and through others. There is no better way to get this generation on board than with inspirational words from great coaches to kick off the football and learning seasons. ARE YOU READY FOR SOME TEAMWORK?

Click on the video