| To the Parents and Community
of Tokoroa Intermediate School
These are the findings of the Education Review Office's latest
report on
Tokoroa Intermediate School.
This report focuses on the evaluation of reading programmes to
improve literacy
teaching and learning. It identifies good practices and next steps
within each section.
The board of trustees selected this area in consultation with the
Education Review
Office. The report also includes evaluation of the quality of health
and safety
compliances, improving Maori student achievement, improving Pacific
student
achievement, the quality of teaching for Year 8 in technology, and
the information
landscape. It identifies good practices and next steps within each
section.
Tokoroa Intermediate School is a high performing school that caters
successfully for
students in Year 7 and 8 from Tokoroa town and surrounding
districts. The school is
located in attractive, spacious and well-maintained grounds that
provide extensive
opportunities for sports and recreational activities. Considerable
improvements have
been made to buildings, and ongoing site development has taken place
since the last
review in 2001.
Students are receiving quality learning opportunities from hard
working, committed
teachers. Focused whole-school professional development is being
undertaken to
strengthen knowledge and understanding of current 'best practice' in
the teaching of
reading. Further professional development on aspects of formative
assessment should
extend and consolidate current practice.
On entering school in 2004, the achievement of 80 per cent of
students was below
national norms in reading, oral language, essential skills and
computation. By the end
of 2004, the school's analysed data indicates that significant gains
had been made.
The results showed 60 per cent of students performing at or above
national average
levels in these learning areas.
There are high levels of student engagement with learning and
focused on-task
behaviour evident in all classrooms. Students are enthusiastic about
learning, enjoy
being at school and are strongly motivated to achieve success in
reading.
The school has been successful in consulting and engaging with its
community.
Parents and community are well-informed, active participants in the
strategic direction
of the school.
The principal and senior management team are providing high quality
leadership,
direction and day-to-day management for the school. They are hard
working,
collaborative and focused on student learning. The performance
management system is effective in continually improving teaching
practice.
There is a settled tone in the classrooms and playground. Students
are proud to be associated with the school, and consistently meet
the high expectations for learning and behaviour. Many students are
regularly acknowledged in the wider community as being good
ambassadors for the school. The school has policies and procedures
in place to provide a safe physical and emotional environment for
students.
The board is meeting statutory requirements for planning and
reporting. The board chairperson provides effective leadership for
trustees who are confident and knowledgeable. The current direction
of the school is firmly based on analysis of student achievement
information. The board makes generous provision for professional
development and learning resources that is consistent with the
strategic direction of the school.
Future Action
ERO is confident that the board of trustees can manage the school in
the interests of the students and the Crown and bring about the
improvements outlined in this report.
Therefore ERO will review the school again as part of the regular
review cycle.
Review Coverage
ERO reviews do not cover every aspect of school performance and each
ERO report may cover different issues. The aim is to provide
information on aspects that are central to student achievement and
useful to this school.
If you would like a copy of the full report, please contact the
school or see the ERO website, http://www.ero.govt.nz.
lan Hill
Area Manager
for Chief Review Officer
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