The Kentucky Department of Education has released the 2018-19 Assessment and Accountability results, with a new look and emphasis on proficiency, growth and transition readiness.
The three-year journey to the revamped accountability system reflects changes in state and federal laws under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The process has culminated in a five-star rating system for schools, designed to increase familiarity and transparency. All Grayson County schools received a three-star rating, reflecting both many positives across the district, as well as opportunities for growth.
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 year over year individual student academic progress in reading and math.
High schools received scores in proficiency, based on reading and math sections of the ACT, separate academic indicator subjects of science and writing, 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 transition readiness, or how schools are preparing students for life after high school, He added that the district’s work-based learning program and its Profile of a Graduate initiative will be powerful tools in meeting that goal.
“We continue 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,” said Robinson. “The addition of Transition Coordinator Brandi Lee has increased our momentum in providing workplace opportunities, and we’ve been excited with the degree of enthusiasm local businesses have shown in hosting our students.”
“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,” he continued. ‘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.”
Student achievement 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.
At the elementary level, proficient and distinguished writing percentages were a particular bright spot compared to state averages. Collectively, the schools handily bested state averages in all subjects except social studies. Individually, each school had at least one subject area that surpassed state averages, and most were higher in all areas except social studies.
GCMS widely outperformed statewide proficiency and separate academic indicator scores in all subjects except science, falling short by only a very slim margin.
High school proficiency, determined through ACT math and reading benchmarks was well ahead of state averages in math, but slightly short in reading. The district was recently named one of 12 bright spot districts statewide due to high school Math ACT scores.
The school’s graduation rate stood at 92.1 percent, compared to the state’s 91.1.
While the school’s Transition Rate, or student preparedness to successfully transition to postsecondary education and/or the workforce stood at 62.3 compared to the state’s 66.8, nearly half of 2018 graduates were considered to be academic ready, and nearly one third earned career ready designation. Of those, 15 percent of graduates earned industry certification in their chosen field.
“We continue to make progress”, said Robinson. “There are also real opportunities for improvement and growth, as we work to prepare every student to successfully 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.”
“Thanks to the dedication and tireless efforts of our teachers and staff, we’re heading in the right direction. Thanks to open communication, feedback and tremendous support 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.”
The new five-star rating system for schools went into effect Oct. 1 The ratings will be displayed on each school's report card on the Kentucky Department of Education's website or direct at kyschoolreportcard.com.
Proficiency/Achievement – All Levels
Level | Subject | GCS % Proficient/Distinguished | State % Proficient/Distinguished |
Elementary | Reading | 57.9 | 54.6 |
| Math | 49.8 | 48.6 |
| Science | 37.3 | 31.7 |
| Social Studies | 44.8 | 53.0 |
| Writing | 56.6 | 46.6 |
Middle School | Reading | 60.9 | 59.6 |
| Math | 55.0 | 46.4 |
| Science | 25.0 | 26.0 |
| Social Studies | 70.4 | 58.8 |
| Writing | 43.6 | 31.9 |
High School | Reading | 42.8 | 44.5 |
| Math | 39.4 | 35.3 |
| Science | 26.9 | 29.9 |
| Writing | 64.6 | 50.3 |
-- Social Studies not calculated at high school level for 2018-19.