The Kentucky Department of Education has released the 2017-18 Assessment and Accountability results, with a new system that reflects changes in state and federal laws under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
This is the second year of a three-year transition to a new accountability system, and assessment results feature new scoring methods. Schools are no longer ranked or categorized as proficient or distinguished, while those categories remain for achievement.
At the elementary and middle school levels, schools received scores in three areas: proficiency, based on reading and math tests; separate academic indicator, based on science, social studies and writing tests; and growth, based on a two-year prediction of individual student growth in reading and math.
High schools received scores in proficiency, based on reading and math sections of the ACT, graduation rate, and transition readiness, or the percentage of graduates who demonstrate academic or career readiness through AP and/or dual credit coursework, industry certifications, work experience and other criteria.
According to Supt. Doug Robinson, both state and local focus is increasingly concentrated on how schools are preparing students for life after high school, adding that the district’s Profile of a Graduate initiative will be a powerful tool in meeting that goal.
“We’ve taken several major steps this year to increase the opportunities available to students to learn about careers in a hands-on way through our work-based learning program, mentoring at the middle school, CTE training and certifications,” Robinson said. “In addition to AP and dual credit coursework, students also have the ability to graduate high school with both their diploma and an associate degree. They have more opportunities than ever before to learn and apply the life- and future-ready skills they’ll need after they leave Grayson County Schools.”
Transition readiness will be added at the elementary and middle school levels beginning in 2018-19 and based on performance on combined test scores in reading, mathematics, science (grades 4 and 7) social studies (grades 5 and 8) and writing (grades 5 and 8).
Achievement percentages showed several bright spots across the board, as the percentage of elementary students attaining Proficient and Distinguished status exceeded state averages in all areas except social studies.
Individually, Caneyville and Clarkson topped state averages in 4th and 5th grade math, along with Clarkson in 3rd and 4th grade reading. Lawler’s 4th grade math and reading scores were higher than those of peers statewide, and Wilkey bested state averages in 3rd through 5th grade in reading, and 4th and 5th grade math.
GCMS outperformed statewide proficiency and separate academic indicators scores in all subjects except science, falling short by only a very slim margin.
High school proficiency, previously determined through end of course exams in algebra, biology and on-demand writing, has been replaced with ACT math and reading benchmarks. The test is administered each spring to all juniors statewide. The percentage of Proficient and Distinguished students in math was seven percentage points higher than the state average.
GCHS was identified for Targeted Support (TSI) for students in the Disability with IEP category. The identification applies to any school with a specific student group performing below the state threshold. About half of Kentucky high schools have been classified as TSI schools.
High school ACT scores showed that while English was slightly lower than the state at 50.5 percent compared to 51.2, math scores soared at 46.9 percent for GCHS and 38.9 statewide.
The school’s 4-year graduation rate stood at 93.1 percent, compared to the state’s 90.8, with transition readiness of 56.1, somewhat lower than the state’s 60.2
“We continue to make progress,” Robinson said. “There are also real opportunities for improvement, as we work to prepare every student to transition from high school to the real world. It’s not just about being ready for college or career anymore. It’s about being ready for life and equipped with tangible and intangible skills for success in whatever path they choose.”
Robinson continued, saying, “Thanks to the dedication and tireless efforts of our teachers and staff, we’re heading in the right direction. Thanks to open communication and feedback from our community we’re able to provide more opportunities and create the kind of win-wins that will benefit our students, our workforce and all of Grayson County.”
Parents will soon receive their child/children’s individual test results.
By Grayson County Schools
