Local CSAP highlights: 3 schools hit perfection

Cheyenne Mountain District 12: Cheyenne Mountain Elementary School

Cheyenne Mountain Elementary School has had a string of high scores. On the 2010 CSAPS, the sixth-graders scored 100 in reading.

Charter School Institute: The Vanguard School

The Vanguard School, which is chartered by the Colorado Charter School Institute, received a 100 percent in both ninth and 10th grade reading.

Colin Mullaney, executive director of The Vanguard School, is used to having 100s. Besides this year’s two top scores, the school had four perfect scores in 2009 and four in 2008. He attributes this year’s success to a rigorous English program that starts in elementary classes and meshes with other subjects.

"The key is to make reading accesible," Mullaney said. "Even adults shy away if they think it is hard. We don’t hand it to them and expect them to learn it on their own. We help them analyze it and expand it into other areas of their life.”

Colorado Springs School District 11: 
Steele Elementary

Steele Elementary’s fourth graders hit the jackpot with a 100 percent in math — for the second consecutive year.

“It’s a school wide effort,” said Principal Georganne Barnes.

Barnes credited ongoing CSAP success to fidelity to the math program, hard-working students, support from parents and rigor and relevance in the program.

She said stability in the school helps — student and staff turnover in minimal, and everyone is dedicated.

It’s a team effort, with teachers who know the program, and others who work with individual students.

“They work hard and they make it happen,” Barnes said.