Sunnyslope Elementary Achieves Major Testing Gains, Officials Say
UPDATE: Major academic gains have been confirmed at Sunnyslope Elementary School, as results from the latest annual benchmark testing reveal significant improvements in math, science, and English language arts. Released on October 9, 2024, these results indicate that Sunnyslope has made remarkable strides between the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic years.
Principal Joe Rivas expressed his excitement over the results, stating, “I knew we did well, but I just didn’t know how well.” The school reported a stunning 12 percentage point increase in math scores, climbing from 29.14 to 41.08 percent. In science, scores surged nearly 11 percentage points, rising from 37.89 to 48.83 percent. English language arts scores also rose significantly, increasing from 40.07 to 50.72 percent.
These improvements come as part of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress, which assesses students in grades 3 through 8 and grade 11. The statewide averages for these subjects were 37.3 in math, 32.66 in science, and 48.82 in English language arts, illustrating the notable success at Sunnyslope compared to broader trends.
Rivas attributes these gains to a combination of focused academic instruction, collaborative planning among teachers, and a commitment to established educational methods. He highlighted the school’s adherence to the Orton-Gillingham approach for reading, which has laid a solid foundation for literacy improvements.
The positive news doesn’t stop at Sunnyslope; the entire Hollister School District also saw year-over-year increases across all subjects. Math scores rose from 23.77 to 25.16, science increased from 24.15 to 25.16, and English language arts improved from 33.7 to 38 percent.
Director of Educational Services Dr. Colleen Myers emphasized the effectiveness of the district’s investment in early literacy, stating, “Our investment in early literacy is really paying off.” She noted that the district’s focus on the Great Minds curriculum for math has also contributed to these impressive results.
Dr. Myers stressed that the district is embracing a Multi-Tiered System of Supports, which addresses the behavioral, social-emotional, and academic needs of students. This comprehensive approach fosters collaborative discussions among staff members, enhancing the overall educational environment.
“It seems like it’s all coming together,” Myers remarked, reflecting on the district’s strategic improvements. “We’re very excited for Sunnyslope. They’ve come a long way.”
As the state and community celebrate these achievements, educators and parents alike are eager to see how these ongoing efforts will affect future academic performance. With a strong foundation now in place, Sunnyslope Elementary is positioned to continue its upward trajectory, inspiring other schools in the region to follow suit.
Stay tuned for more updates on educational developments in Hollister and beyond!
