The Problem:

In 2013 only 20% of W.F. West graduates went on to complete a postsecondary credential.

According to Washington Roundtable, which is a non-profit organization of senior executives from major employers in the state, more and more, the jobs available in our state are being filled by workers who have completed a postsecondary credential. (see http://waroundtable.com/washington-kids-for-washington-jobs/)

In 2013, the Chehalis School District established a vision to improve student achievement, modernize instructional practices, and prepare students for careers and college.

Our Goal

The Student Achievement Initiative aims to prepare students for opportunities after high school graduation. Our primary goal is to increase the percentage of Chehalis students going on to earn college degrees and certifications from 20 percent to 60 percent beginning with the W.F. West High School graduating class of 2022.

In close partnership with the

How we’re going to do it!

We can reach this goal if we maintain a high graduation rate, increase postsecondary enrollment of high school graduates in colleges, military, or trade-schools, and if we re-engage students who leave the education system.

A Partnership with the BERC Group

The BERC Group is an educational evaluation, research, and consulting firm focused on putting research into practice. This partnership is designed to strengthen instructional practices in Chehalis classrooms, focus on college and career readiness, and instill a culture of data use throughout the district.

The BERC Group works with the district to create a culture of data use. A district data team convened and developed a data use framework. This team worked with The BERC Group to identify metrics for custom data dashboards at the district and school levels. Click the reports below to learn more about the BERC Group’s findings.

The SAI Showcase, held October 5, 2023 at W.F. West High School, was a celebration of the completion of the first decade of work in SAI for those who have been involved, as well as a chance to introduce some new faces to the work of Chehalis SAI. Almost 50 non-district guests attended the event.

“The foundation of our SAI is our teachers and their focus on instructional practices and building strong relationships with students,” explains Executive Director of Student Achievement Rick Goble. “I wanted to do something to honor the teachers and students because they have done so much work.”

To celebrate the incredible progress made, district leadership, community members, donors, staff, and students came together for the 2023 SAI Showcase, captured in this video and culminating in a Student EXPO. Read more in the October 13, 2023 Friday Connect