Greeley West High School’s test scores improved from last year and it wasn’t just luck that made the difference. Teachers really focused on getting students’ skills to improve last year and the date showed it worked when test results were released to the media last week.

Skills teachers focused on were critical thinking and inferring, thinking it would help on tests. The teachers have laser like focus on specific skills and it’s not just about teaching content anymore.

Greeley West also drifted away from computerized tests so students can’t just click through the whole thing. Testing in homerooms is another reason that assistant principal Dr. Suzette Luster gave for the higher test scores.

Teachers will continue to really focus on teaching skills this year and not just content. Academic structure is very important to taking these tests so that’s what teachers have been trained to work with during their first week back last week.

As West students get ready to prepare for another year of standardized tests, they should also take time to celebrate their accomplishments last year. Luster stated, “If you went in and did your very best that’s worth something to me!”

If students continue to take tests serious the scores will continue to show improvement.