Golden Valley Charter School in Orangevale recently got good news. They exceeded the state target of 800 API on their 2009 STAR tests! In 2008, the public charter school made the decision to improve the overall API (Academic Performance Index), and placed a special emphasis on math. The main question for the faculty and staff was, “…how do we increase our STAR test scores while at the same time holding true to our curriculum inspired by Waldorf Education?” Well, it seems that they found the answer. They increased their score by an amazing 77 points—and they did it with Waldorf Education methods! This increase was substantial – no other school in the local area achieved this goal.

How does a school make a leap like that? Principal, Deborah Lenny, attributes it to good planning and the faculty’s increased skills in using Waldorf Education methods to meet the students at all levels. Teachers at Golden Valley have both a California Teaching Credential and Waldorf Training, so they are uniquely able to meet the needs of their students by using all available tools in their educational tool box. They were also given additional resources when a math improvement plan was created.

Barbara Ames, Resource Specialist, drafted a proposal to implement leveled Math at the school, and the Math Improvement Plan went into effect in the fall of 2008. This plan allowed students to work in smaller groups more often. Struggling students were assessed, identified and given extra help by the Educational Support staff. All students were supported five days a week in math using a combination of traditional and Waldorf teaching styles.

The Math Improvement Plan took into account that the goal at Golden Valley is for teachers to stay with their class through the elementary grades. Traditionally, a teacher remains in a single grade for at least several years, maybe throughout their teaching career, whereas a teacher at Golden Valley may follow his or her class from 1st through 8th grade. Therefore, the goal was to have a 5% increase yearly – particularly for students who are scoring advanced or proficient on the STAR test in Mathematics. They not only met their goal, but also saw the possibility for continued gains in future years.

This year, the school is implementing a plan to improve the ELA (English Language Arts) score, although last year saw an organic growth without even implementing a strategy. Along with Main Lesson work (which includes history, science, math, art, and culture among other subjects), students are given extra time during the day to focus solely on grammar, punctuation, and reading comprehension. With both the Math and English plans in place, the school can only see positive gains in the API score.

Golden Valley will be holding Parent Information Meetings in January and February during their Open Enrollment Period for the 2010-2011 school year. Please check their website www.goldenvalleycharter.org for upcoming dates and for more information about the school.