Meeker

Teachers: MES has good highs and bad lows

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the third of three stories looking at the results released by TELL Colorado, which surveys teachers in Colorado every two years on specific teaching/preparation conditions at their schools. This week we will look at Meeker Elementary School. In the past two weeks, we have examined teacher opinions regarding working conditions at Meeker High School and Barone Meddle School. All results are taken from the surveys turned in by certified teachers only.
Complete results for all three schools are available online at www.tellcolorado.org/results. There are hundreds of questions in the surveys; what follows is only a sample.

MEEKER I Teachers at Meeker Elementary School are very happy with some aspects of working at the school, yet equally upset with other conditions, stating notable dissatisfaction with leadership and chances for professional development.
The Teaching, Empowering, Leading and Learning (TELL) Colorado survey is an anonymous statewide survey of licensed, school-based educators regarding teaching, preparation and discipline conditions at their school.
Results are intended to support school and district improvement planning and to assist with policy decisions. The 2013 TELL Colorado survey was administered Feb. 6 to March 11.
More than half the results from MES instructors rated conditions at the school about the same or better than average compared to all elementary schools in Colorado. The 2013 figures are also split between rising above and falling below the teacher’s survey figures from 2011 results, which are also available as part of the survey.
There are three survey results for each school: site summary comparison (five printed pages); district summary results (six printed pages); and district detailed results (49 printed pages). For full results, visit www.tellcolorado.org/results.
The MES results are based on 22 teachers surveyed and 21 of those surveys returned, for an 95.45 percent participation rate, one of the highest rates of return any any school in Colorado. The percentage of surveys returned from Meeker High School was 82.35 percent while 81.82 percent of the teachers at Meeker Elementary School returned the surveys.
The most telling result regarding MES may come with the last question on the survey. It asks the teachers how strongly they agree with the statement: “Overall, my school is a good place to work and learn:” 83.8 percent of state middle school teachers agreed in the 2013 survey; it was 85.7 percent agreement at Meeker Elementary School, both well above the agreement percentage at Meeker High School
There were positive and negative results evident throughout the survey, but a look at some of the key questions posed in the district summary identify MES ranking higher than the state average in time management, facilities and resources, community support and involvement, and managing student conduct while coming in far below the average at Colorado elementary schools for teacher leadership, school leadership, professional development and instructional practices and support.
A sampling of the answers follows:
At MES, 66.7 percent of teachers said they had reasonable class sizes; only 55 percent of responding state elementary teachers agreed. Roughly 61.9 percent of MES teachers said they had sufficient instructional time to work with their students while 48.3 percent of state elementary teachers agree.
Eighty-one percent of the MES teachers agreed they had sufficient access to instructional technology, including computers, printers, software and Internet access to the tune of 81 percent, compared to 67.2 percent statewide. MES teachers agreed 100 percent to 90.6 percent statewide that they have sufficient access to reliable communication technology, including phones, faxes and email.
On the other side of the equation, 74.5 percent of the state’s elementary school teachers agreed that they had sufficient access to a broad range of professional personnel while only 19 percent agreed at MES. This was the only “Facilities and Resources” question where MES agreed less often than the other state elementary schools. Unanimously, MES teachers agree that they had sufficient access to school library resources compared to 90.2 percent statewide.
Responses were mixed on teachers’ perception of local support.
MES teachers agreed that the community we serve is supportive of this school: 90.5 percent at MES, 85.4 percent statewide. The school works directly with parents/guardians to improve the education climate in students’ homes: 78.5 percent statewide agree; 60 percent at MES.
This school maintains a clear, two -way communication with the community: 89.1 percent agree statewide, 76.2 percent at MES agreed. However, MES teachers agreed 100 percent with the statements that “teachers provide parents/guardians with useful information about student learning” and “parents/guardians support teachers, contributing to their success with students,” compared with 95.6 and 74.8 percent, respectively, statewide.
In five of the seven questions, MES teachers agree more consistently than their state counterparts did. At MES, 100 percent of the teachers said the students understand expectations for their conduct; it was 90.5 agreement statewide. More than 95 percent agree with the statement that students at this school follow rules of conduct, compared to 79.7 statewide.
MES teachers consistently enforce rules for student conduct: 95.2 percent at MES agreed compared to 86 percent statewide. Yet the question of the administration consistently enforcing rules for student conduct, statewide elementary school teachers agree 74.5 percent of the time; only 57.1 percent at Meeker Elementary School.
Under teacher leadership, MES teachers don’t rate each other very high in most cases.
Asked if they agreed with the statement that teachers in this school trust each other, the statewide agreement rate was 75.4 percent; only 50 percent at MES. The faculty has an effective process of making group decisions to solve problems: statewide agreement was 70.9 percent agreed; it was 25 percent at MES.
In this school, we teachers take steps to solve problems: 84.9 percent agreed statewide, but it was only 60 percent at MES. Yet 90 percent of the MES teachers believe that the teachers there are trusted to make sound professional decisions about instruction while only 79.2 percent believe that statewide.
Also under the topic of teacher leadership, the teachers were asked if their fellow teachers are effective leaders in this school. Statewide, 84.3 percent of the teachers agreed while only 70 percent of the MES teachers agreed.
MES teachers also don’t hold school leadership very high in their opinions. In only one question out of 23 asked do MES teachers top statewide teachers in their agreement. MES teachers agree that school leadership works to minimize disruptions for teachers, allowing teachers to focus on educating students. MES teachers agree at a level of 89.5 percent compared to 80.6 percent statewide.
The teachers’ opinions of school leadership all goes downhill from there.
The worst rate of agreement comes with the question “faculty members are recognized for their accomplishments.” An even 75 percent of elementary school teachers statewide agree while only 26.3 percent agree at MES.
Teachers evaluations are fair at my school: 82.5 percent agree statewide; 70.6 percent agree at MES. There is an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect in this school: 70.5 percent agree statewide; 45.0 agree at MES.
School leadership consistently supports teachers: 79 percent agree statewide; 60 percent at MES. Teachers feel comfortable raising issues and concerns that are important to them: statewide agreement is 66.5 percent; MES agreement is 47.4 percent.
School leadership makes a sustained effort to address teacher concerns about leadership issues: 73.9 percent agree statewide; 30 percent at MES. Leadership addresses concerns about new teacher support: 75.2 statewide; 25 percent at MES; and leadership addresses concerns about managing student conduct: 77.9 percent statewide; 60 percent agreement at MES.
Overall, the school leadership in my school is effective: 75.4 percent of elementary school teachers statewide agreed; it was 52.4 percent at MES.
Teachers at Meeker Elementary School also scored the school lower in many aspects of professional development than their counterparts across the state.
Professional development is differentiated to meet the needs of individual teachers. Agreement was 64.7 percent statewide, 0.0 (zero) at MES. Professional learning opportunities are aligned with the school’s improvement plan: 86.3 percent agree statewide; 21.4 percent agree at MES.
Sufficient resources are available for professional development in my school: 70.1 percent agree statewide; 36.8 percent at MES. Follow-up is provided from professional development in this school: statewide agreement is 60.9 percent; 16.7 percent at MES.
And in the last category, instructional practices and support, there are mixed results, but most are down, with MES teachers scoring above state average approval on only three of the 12 questions.
The curriculum taught in this school is aligned with Common Core Standards: 90 percent agree at MES while only 85.7 agree statewide.
Toward the negative is the statement, “Teachers are assigned classes that maximize their likelihood of success with students:” 62.8 percent agree statewide; 23.5 percent agree at MES. Teachers share their students’ accomplishments with the school community: 83.7 percent agree statewide; 63.2 percent agree at MES, much lower than at Meeker High School and Barone Middle School.
Teachers have autonomy to make decisions about instructional delivery (pacing, materials and pedagogy): 71.3 percent of the elementary school teachers agree statewide while 60 percent of the teachers at MES agree, also considerably lower than at Meeker’s high school or middle school.

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  • It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
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  • It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
  • Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
  • Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
  • Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
  • The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week.
Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
We appreciate all your continued support!
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week. Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! We appreciate all your continued support!
6 hours ago
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It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
2 days ago
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Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
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Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
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Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
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Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
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Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
6 days ago
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