By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

RESERVE – State testing will top the agenda Thursday when the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board holds its next regular meeting at 6 p.m. in the Godchaux Grammar cafeteria in Reserve.

For the first time, the state is spreading testing over two separate periods.

Later this month, students in fourth and eighth grades will take the extended writing portion of the exam. Students in other grades will answer constructed response questions during this time.

To address this issue, the central office created a booklet that borrows its title from a Saints motto. Called “Finish Strong,” the booklet details strategies for successful test taking.

Additionally, schools across the parish will practice for the writing portion of the test today, according to St. John Superintendent Courtney Millet.

Millet said while the testing is a primary focus in schools right now and principals have specific growth targets, this does not mean regular education has flown out the window.

“It’s important to know that as school leaders we continue to focus on best teaching practices,” she said.

The second part of the tests will be given in April.

Also at the meeting, board attorney Lloyd LeBlanc will give the board an update on the questionable contract with A.M.E. Disaster Recovery Services of Norco. In January, the board awarded the company a contract to do renovations at Garyville/Mt. Airy Math and Science Magnet School, but since that time the board has learned of some problems surrounding the company including license issues.

LeBlanc said a due process hearing was held in the board meeting room on March 10. Representative from both the school board and A.M.E. were present.

“We will make a recommendation to the board on Thursday night,” said LeBlanc.

Also on the agenda is the possible approval of the 2010-11 school calendar. Board members were given a review copy at the last meeting.�