Editor’s Note: This is the third of a four-part series on Spanish Fort schools’ test scores. Check out the Sept. 17 Spanish Fort Sun for a feature on Spanish Fort High School's test scores.

SPANISH FORT, Ala. — Participation in a state-funded math and technology program and strict adherence to the Alabama Course of Study is keeping Spanish Fort Elementary School’s test scores among the highest in the state.

“There are always areas that need improvement, but our test scores are very good, and we’ve seen a lot of growth in math especially,” said SFES Principal Rebecca Comer.

Indeed, 100 percent of SFES fourth-graders taking the Alabama Reading and Math Test in the spring scored proficient in reading with 83 percent exceeding expectations. In math, 95 percent of fourth-graders scored proficient with 78 percent exceeding expectations.

“They did exceptionally well,” Comer said, noting she and her staff have spent the past few weeks poring over the scores to assess individual skill levels as they compare to state standards in order to determine each student’s level of mastery over the subject material compared to scores in 2008.

“It’s a very detailed way of looking at the data to help us get a handle on what we’re dealing with, and I expect it to take a few more weeks to complete,” she said.

Meanwhile, 98 percent of third-graders scored proficient in reading and0 91 percent did so in math.

Among fifth-graders, 92 percent scored proficient in reading–compared with 88 percent in math—and 73 percent exceeded standards, she said.

Comer attributes improvements in math scores to participation in the Alabama Math Science and Technology Initiative, an Alabama Department of Education program created to improve math and science instruction in kindergarten through 12th grade.

SFES is one of 72 schools statewide—representing 1,800 teachers and administrators—that as AMSTI schools reach 42,000 students with hands-on math and science instruction.

Comer said the program stresses “high-quality professional development” that focuses not only on appropriate classroom methods but on providing adequate background and hands-on materials to implement the lesson plans.

For instance, if a teacher is lecturing fourth-graders on electrical circuitry, teachers are properly versed on the material, but they are also provided a self-contained kit complete with batteries and wiring to help bring the lesson to life, Comer said.

In addition, she said AMSTI instructors attend an intensive two-week training course for two summers and are aided by initiative specialists once classes begin.

“The specialists actually come onto campus for about three weeks and go into our classrooms to help implement these research-based instructional practices,” Comer said.

The subject-specific initiative is only one component of the equation, however.

“We already provide a lot of intervention structures for the students who are struggling with mastery of these skills and that will most certainly continue,” said Comer, noting that Baldwin County Schools’ current financial shortfall will undoubtedly prevent the addition of any new programs but should not directly affect any programs already in place.

“Our PTA has very generously provided us with a reading tutor four days a week to work with struggling readers, and that program has been a tremendous help,” she said. “And it really is a matter of catching these children who are struggling before they get too much further down the road.”

Comer, who has been an educator for 37 years, said she has worked through both good and bad financial times, and she said the current situation is about as dire as she can remember.

“It’s just very difficult right now for everyone, and we’re doing what we can to keep things moving forward, but I really don’t remember it ever being quite as bad as this,” she said.

She applauds her teachers and staff for remaining positive and committed to providing the best environment possible.

“I have the best staff anywhere. They’re troopers. They’re hard workers, and it’s very important to each and every one of them that our children do the best they can do,” Comer said.