School a perfect example

New program helps Tulip Grove attain 100 percent fourth-grade reading score

Thursday, July 20, 2006

Tulip Grove Elementary in Bowie was the only school in the county whose pupils achieved 100 percent proficiency in fourth-grade reading in the Maryland School Assessment this year. The results came after the school introduced new programs, including after-school classes.

Tulip Grove’s improvement was shown in all grades, compared to their MSA results from the previous year. From fiscal 2005 to fiscal 2006 reading proficiency went from 88 percent to 95 percent and math jumped 13 percentage points from 79 proficiency last year to 92 this year.

Tulip Grove had the highest percentage of pupils proficient in math and reading in Bowie.

‘‘It very exciting to have a school reach a measure of perfection,” Communication Officer of School System John White said.

Principal David Scuccimarra said that the environment at Tulip Grove is one where all can learn, including the teachers. He said this was especially true during the Book Club meetings where teachers shared teaching strategies and techniques with each other.

The hour-long meeting is conducted by teachers (from every grade-level) said Scuccimarra. They review data and discuss what areas they need to focus more attention on and suggest ideas to improve those areas.

‘‘Everyone is exposed to the same curriculum,” Scuccimarra said, ‘‘The teachers work extremely hard. It’s just a lot of rigor.”

To continue their high expectations and build upon them for this upcoming school year Scuccimarra said he is planning Book Club workshops for the parents so they understand what techniques the teachers are using to teach their children. He also plans to continue the county grant funded after-school program.

White said the Annual Measurable Objective [AMO] for the school increases every year so there is still more work to be done.

‘‘The new after-school program got us to the top,” fourth-grade reading teacher Tonya Lipford said.

The open relationship teachers have with their pupils has been a key component to the success of the school, Lipford said.

‘‘Teachers and pupils have a wonderful relationship,” Lipford said. ‘‘They are confident and comfortable to know if they don’t know something they can always ask for help.”

Scuccimarra said the pupils have input on how lessons are taught and teachers listen to them so they know which techniques are most effective.

‘‘Research has shown the teacher⁄student relationship is very important in success of school and test results,” Scuccimarra said.

Scuccimarra said the staff at Tulip Grove follows the framework of the county curriculum and the school is an example of the county, school and community working together.

‘‘Teachers really see how useful data is, but more importantly being consumers of learning and sharing that with others has really helped,” Scuccimarra said.

Lipford said parents are a major component to having a strong learning environment at the school.

‘‘Parents are very visible, dependable and supportive,” Lipford said.

Tulip Grove Elementary is located at 2909 Trainor Lane. For more information call 301-805-2680.

E-mail Marcus Ngbea at mngbea@gazette.net.