SAT: Congratulations, CHS

In the Coeur d’Alene Press on June 25, the headline read “Cd’A Charter Academy leads Idaho on SAT.” Congratulations to them! They are a quality school and deserve the recognition for all of their hard work and dedication to academics. Buried deeper in the list of local high schools and their SAT scores was the SAT score for Coeur d’Alene High School.

At 1049, CHS had the highest total SAT score of any of the other high schools in the region. And, I might add, all of the other high schools mentioned in the article had total SAT scores above the state average! Congratulations to all of them! However, knowing educators as I do, I know they are not satisfied with the scores they received this year and will continue to focus on methods and curriculum that will increase student performance and learning.

To me, what is impressive about the SAT score at CHS is that they accomplished so much academically while undergoing so many distractions. Next year will be the third principal in three years for the staff and students. It is difficult to establish continuity when leadership is not consistent in content and focus.

We know that one game, one match, one test does not define success. But it is an indicator of our potential. And further examination by our educational leaders, locally and statewide, will provide the necessary leadership to determine what assessments and measures will assist our schools in becoming more effective and our students in becoming more prepared for life after high school.

STEVE CASEY

Hayden