Academics:
The staff at Chenowith Elementary recognizes they serve a very diverse population of learners. A large majority of our students are considered at risk who may not reach the benchmarks established by the Oregon State Department of Education. To provide a strong foundation for our educational program, the staff has chosen to adopt a school wide Language Arts curriculum, First Steps. This innovative approach has significantly raised the achievement level of all students, including those most at risk of failure.
For the past four years the staff has implemented a different language arts focus. The writing component was put into place during the 1995-96 school year, with reading, spelling, and oral language following in succeeding years. This aligns with the curriculum sequence outlined in the school goals adopted in the spring of 1995.
The staff is involved in making fundamental school changes to prepare students to be successful in the 21st Century.
The goals and the beliefs of the "new" concept are:
- All children can learn and achieve.
- The primary academic instruction is done Schoolwide. Title One specialists team teach with the classroom teacher.
- Parent and community support is an integral part of Chenowith Elementary School.
- Parents, staff, and students share a common goal, understanding and vision.
Chenowith Elementary School staff, parents and community believe all children come to school with an ability to learn. These children have a sense of curiosity, strong interests and self identity. The school will acknowledge and assist its students in developing these necessary traits by providing a safe environment and a strong curriculum integrated with appropriate instructional methods which allow each to grow and develop.
As a result of staff efforts, Chenowith Elementary School was recognized as having an exemplary reading program in Oregon, Nationally and Internationally. In 1998, our fourth graders scored above the state average in reading and math. Our fifth grade on the Oregon assessment test scored slightly below average in reading but was far below the standard in math. The goal for our school is to continue to develop and improve our students' writing, reading, and math scores.
Chenowith Elementary is a K-5 school of approximately 415 students. The school located in the west end of The Dalles, Oregon is part of the smaller of two districts. 58% of our students are on free and reduced lunches during the fall with an increase to approximately 67% in the spring. The school has a 93% average daily attendance with about 52% of the student population moving in and out of the school in 1997-98.