Setting High Standards at Riviera Beach Maritime Academy

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Setting High Standards at Riviera Beach Maritime Academy

Article Submitted by: Vince Franco, Executive Director

Through a selfless commitment to success from its teachers and staff, the Riviera Beach Maritime Academy is able to experience phenomenal student achievement and enrollment growth. Comprehensive test results mirror the school’s strong performance.

"We set our standards very high,” says Tonya Hicks, Acting Principal of the Riviera Beach Maritime Academy in Riviera Beach, Florida, “and our teachers spend a great deal of time meeting and exceeding those standards.” With hard work and determination, and based on the scores from the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT), the school recently received a grade of “B” from the School District of Palm Beach County. "The big thing for us is really developing a joy and passion for learning in our teenage students," says Hicks, “and the results are evidence that the tremendous efforts of our teachers have a direct and positive impact on the future of our students. It is a validation that we are moving in the right direction.”

The FCAT was given to students in grades 9-11 at RBMA. The test is based on the Florida State Standards, which define what students should be learning each year. The goal is for all students to score at or above grade level on the test. Based on the FCAT scores, schools receive grades ranging from “A” to “F”. With nearly 200 public and charter schools in Palm Beach County - the 5th largest school district in Florida and the 11th largest in the United States - “it is fair to say that the competition is stiff,” states Hicks, “and our accomplishment is significant.”

“Although test results are only one measure of student achievement, they have become increasingly important in assessing student learning,” according to John LaCorte, RBMA Guidance Coordinator and History Teacher. He states that within the 2007-2008 year, “Florida used the FCAT to track how well students performed in core academic areas.” RBMA students in grade 10 are tested in reading, math and writing. Students in grade 11 are tested in science. All students must pass the grade 10 FCAT in order to graduate. “The FCAT is standards-based,” says LaCorte, “which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the State of Florida.”

FCAT scores are important for schools because they help determine whether a school will receive financial rewards or penalties from the state. A school’s FCAT grade makes it very clear to the school, the parents and the general public, where the school stands. Scores are sent home to parents, published on “report cards” on the school district’s website, and publicized through the media.
“Although FCAT test results can be an indicator of what is happening in the classroom,” Hicks warns, “the scores do not tell you everything about the quality of a school. I tell everyone to always look at more than one measure when judging school performance and visit in person before making a final determination.” That is good advice for anyone interested in education and training.

Simply put, RBMA offers a whole lot more. Just take a look at RBMA’s website at www.rbmaritime.org to get a better understanding of the holistic approach to maritime education and training. Academics and testing aside, the school supports a varied blend of activities, including several student-driven clubs, numerous unique field trips, and one-of-a-kind special events. The clubs include Creative Writing, Eco-Recycling, Fishing, Marine Engine, Remote Operational Vehicle, SCUBA, and US Coast Guard Auxiliary. Field trips at the upper end include a 12-day intense marine science learning adventure aboard the S/V Denis Sullivan - Discovery World’s 147’ Tall Ship, as well as day visits to NOAA’s Hurricane Center in Miami and Sea World in Orlando. The school’s special events include a fishing competition Dolphin Challenge KBW, an evening for students and the community with representatives from NOAA, and a soon-to-be silent auction of irresistible items.
A perfect example of RBMA’s approach to excellence and student involvement occurred on September 20, 2008, when a group of students and teachers embarked on an adventure to Munyon Island in the Lake Worth Lagoon to participate in the International Beach Cleanup. Science teachers Nicole Blackson and Dave Sellepack, along with English teacher Shala Sheidler, went to work in waist deep water cleaning the areas around the mangroves on the northeast corner of the island. “All in all,” according to Blackson, “the cleanup was successful and the students are already asking about the next cleanup.” This is a testimonial to hard work and youthful energy that is not uncommon at RBMA.

Article Submitted by: Vince Franco, Executive Director

Through a selfless commitment to success from its teachers and staff, the Riviera Beach Maritime Academy is able to experience phenomenal student achievement and enrollment growth. Comprehensive test results mirror the school’s strong performance.

"We set our standards very high,” says Tonya Hicks, Acting Principal of the Riviera Beach Maritime Academy in Riviera Beach, Florida, “and our teachers spend a great deal of time meeting and exceeding those standards.” With hard work and determination, and based on the scores from the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT), the school recently received a grade of “B” from the School District of Palm Beach County. "The big thing for us is really developing a joy and passion for learning in our teenage students," says Hicks, “and the results are evidence that the tremendous efforts of our teachers have a direct and positive impact on the future of our students. It is a validation that we are moving in the right direction.”

RBMA The FCAT was given to students in grades 9-11 at RBMA. The test is based on the Florida State Standards, which define what students should be learning each year. The goal is for all students to score at or above grade level on the test. Based on the FCAT scores, schools receive grades ranging from “A” to “F”. With nearly 200 public and charter schools in Palm Beach County - the 5th largest school district in Florida and the 11th largest in the United States - “it is fair to say that the competition is stiff,” states Hicks, “and our accomplishment is significant.”

“Although test results are only one measure of student achievement, they have become increasingly important in assessing student learning,” according to John LaCorte, RBMA Guidance Coordinator and History Teacher. He states that within the 2007-2008 year, “Florida used the FCAT to track how well students performed in core academic areas.” RBMA students in grade 10 are tested in reading, math and writing. Students in grade 11 are tested in science. All students must pass the grade 10 FCAT in order to graduate. “The FCAT is standards-based,” says LaCorte, “which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the State of Florida.”

FCAT scores are important for schools because they help determine whether a school will receive financial rewards or penalties from the state. A school’s FCAT grade makes it very clear to the school, the parents and the general public, where the school stands. Scores are sent home to parents, published on “report cards” on the school district’s website, and publicized through the media.
“Although FCAT test results can be an indicator of what is happening in the classroom,” Hicks warns, “the scores do not tell you everything about the quality of a school. I tell everyone to always look at more than one measure when judging school performance and visit in person before making a final determination.” That is good advice for anyone interested in education and training.

Simply put, RBMA offers a whole lot more. Just take a look at RBMA’s website at www.rbmaritime.org to get a better understanding of the holistic approach to maritime education and training. Academics and testing aside, the school supports a varied blend of activities, including several student-driven clubs, numerous unique field trips, and one-of-a-kind special events. The clubs include Creative Writing, Eco-Recycling, Fishing, Marine Engine, Remote Operational Vehicle, SCUBA, and US Coast Guard Auxiliary. Field trips at the upper end include a 12-day intense marine science learning adventure aboard the S/V Denis Sullivan - Discovery World’s 147’ Tall Ship, as well as day visits to NOAA’s Hurricane Center in Miami and Sea World in Orlando. The school’s special events include a fishing competition Dolphin Challenge KBW, an evening for students and the community with representatives from NOAA, and a soon-to-be silent auction of irresistible items.

A perfect example of RBMA’s approach to excellence and student involvement occurred on September 20, 2008, when a group of students and teachers embarked on an adventure to Munyon Island in the Lake Worth Lagoon to participate in the International Beach Cleanup. Science teachers Nicole Blackson and Dave Sellepack, along with English teacher Shala Sheidler, went to work in waist deep water cleaning the areas around the mangroves on the northeast corner of the island. “All in all,” according to Blackson, “the cleanup was successful and the students are already asking about the next cleanup.” This is a testimonial to hard work and youthful energy that is not uncommon at RBMA.