At a districtwide convocation Tuesday morning at Westhill High School, Superintendent of Schools Joshua Starr invoked Isaac Newton's Laws of Motion, encouraging teachers and staff to perpetually challenge students and use new methods of engagement.
"This year we will continue to enhance some of our strategies so we can turn up the heat a little bit," said Starr, who hailed the district's academic achievements but pinpointed problems. Both are evident in student test scores, which reflected a better grasp of math than reading. Stamford was one of about three dozen districts in the state cited for failing to make Adequate Yearly Progress in the 2009-10 academic year under No Child Left Behind standards.
"We've doubled the number of schools that made AYP proficiency" in math, Starr said. "The gap has not narrowed as much as we would like in reading."
He said he wants to tackle that disparity by emphasizing literacy.
"To me, literacy means access," Starr said. "A literate person in the 21st century not only needs to be able to read, they need to be able to think."
Starr lauded the work of teachers, and other speakers agreed with his sentiment. Several officials, including Mayor Michael Pavia, were among the special guests.
"I don't think there is any more important profession than teaching children," said Pavia, recalling several of his own teachers who made a difference in his life.
Board of Education President Jackie Heftman addressed the gathering, as did Stamford Teacher of the Year Danielle Waring, Westhill Principal Camille Figluizzi and Stamford Education Association President Lori Rossomando, among others.
"Each and every one of you will change a life this year," Rossomando said. "That's the most important thing you do."
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