Kalispell schools focused on 'student achievement'

I am writing in response to a March 17 guest column entitled, “Have schools been co-opted by liberal agenda?”  

In this column, the claim was made that our schools have reduced their emphasis on reading, writing, mathematics and critical thinking and replaced them with the politically correct agenda. Rest assured that the Kalispell Public Schools’ primary focus is upon student achievement in the areas of reading, writing, mathematics and critical thinking, not upon the liberal agenda outlined in this piece.  

Our schools provide a myriad of instructional opportunities to all of their students and devote significant resources toward helping our students become effective readers, writers, mathematicians and critical thinkers.  

Student achievement results support the approach being taken. For example, the average Reading proficiency percentage for the students in the Kalispell Public Schools has risen 10 percent since 2006 while the average math proficiency percentage has risen 7 percent.  Additionally, Kalispell’s high school students’ Writing proficiency percentage has risen 18 percent since 2007.   

Montana’s students are among the highest scoring students in our nation and the world and the students in the Kalispell Public Schools consistently score above the Montana averages in all academic areas measured. This data discredits the claims made in the prior guest column.  

The Kalispell Public Schools are focused upon providing a rigorous and effective educational experience for our students. In this experience, students are challenged to think critically about the issues of our time in an environment that welcomes and celebrates divergent views. Students are encouraged to engage in debate while respecting that each individual brings a unique perspective to the table.  

Finally, students are provided many choices throughout their educational careers which are designed to meet the unique needs and interests of a diverse student body. These choices include: instructional support, alternative schools, credit retrieval, summer school, remediation, dual credit, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, vocational, agriculture, music, drama, speech and debate, athletics and many other programs and offerings designed to assure that all students have multiple options and pathways for academic and personal success.  

Legislators who support our public education system should be applauded for their commitment to providing an excellent educational experience for all of the children of Montana. Their support assures that all students are given the opportunity to access the American dream. They recognize the importance of providing resources to assure that this access is available regardless of each student’s economic status, life experience, beliefs, values or abilities. Continuing to provide this opportunity is the foundation of the continued success of our great state and nation.  

The column on March 17 asked, “Have schools been co-opted by the liberal agenda?”  The answer to this question is, “No, the Kalispell Public Schools have been co-opted by a student achievement agenda!”

Zorn is assistant superintendent of Kalispell Public Schools.