A few words of praise for the improved state scores earned by the schools in Montezuma-Cortez RE-1, as reported in the Sept. 18 issue of The Journal. The scores for two elementary schools are up, at 70% for Lewis-Arriola and at 58% for Mesa, “performance” level categories, and at 50% for Kemper, a state level lower.
Montezuma-Cortez Middle School is at 62%, “performance,” while the high school is at 47%, the lower “improvement” level.
The district, overall, is at “improvement” level with 52% and most importantly now off the state’s watch list.
Two factors produce good student performance, one being quality faculty, administrators and facilities, the other the home environment. The bar can tip one way or the other – effective school hours can offset the limited support students may be receiving at home, and vice versa – but the best learning is a result of the combination of the two. Homes where education begins at a young age, where it is praised, where there are books and stimulating conversations, will result in better outcomes than where they are missing. Yes, economics can make it difficult for parents to have the time and energy to apply that they ought to, but even minimal engagement in day-to-day activities with a supporting delivery will go a long way.
We look forward to Montezuma-Cortez schools continuing their upward climb in state percentage points. Well into “performance” ought to become a baseline. Parents will help make that happen.
