Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — In response to Scott Stanford's column in the Aug. 2 Steamboat Today:

Another academic year has been completed and another year in the district is about to begin. All Colorado school districts are currently reviewing past successes and disappointments via their CSAP results, and making improvement plans for the 2007-08 school year. Steamboat Springs School District RE 2 is no different in that respect.

Where we differ might be where we stand in overall CSAP performance rankings for the state. Our district actually has the blessing and challenge few districts ever see. We are considered one of the top-performing districts by the state. Staff and community alike should see us as a district of "advanced" students. When a district has reached our level of performance, our goal shifts to increasing the number of "advanced" students in each subject area. At the same time, we are continually committed to having all our students perform at the "proficient" level.

Our district goal is to move all students to a higher level each year. Standards-based education demands the "bar" be moved upward when mastery is acquired. In a World Series championship, however, there is no comparable shift in alignment. Our staff is dedicated to providing students at all mastery levels an environment of continuous improvement and growth each year.

Because of the high caliber and dedication of our staff, and the support of our parents and community, Steamboat Springs School District RE 2 remains a high-performing district.

Dr. Donna K. Howell

Superintendent

JoAnne Hilton-Gabeler

Director of curriculum

and instruction