District officials share strengths and areas of improvement from past end of course exams
By Jazmine Knight
St. Joseph School District officials are sharing some impressive scores from this past fall’s end of course exams.
“At the beginning of the year, we do assessments in our EOC tested areas for the high schools and also Algebra I in eighth grade,” said Dr. Ashly McGinnis, assistant superintendent of academics.
The district uses end of course exam data to predict how students will perform on end of the year state assessments. The data also helps them make daily instruction decisions inside the classroom.
“Our biggest strengths for Algebra II and then our biology scores, both of those have increased,” Dr. McGinnis said. “Our main opportunity for growth is Algebra I.”
McGinnis points out one positive outcome from the end of course exams is the increased projected proficiency., She attributes Benton High School’s projected proficiency for 2024 at 18.4% compared to 2023’s actual proficiency level of 15.6%.
Labeled as a “gatekeeper to future success”, Algebra I remains a huge concern for the school district.
“Students who do not complete Algebra I or fail Algebra I have a significantly lower chance of graduating from high school,” McGinnis said. This information can help students understand what level they are each performing at and then be able to set goals for future growth.
Dr. McGinnis and the academic service team met earlier this Nov. to discuss the end of course exam results. McGinnis outlined a strategy that the district has planned to combat the low scores.
Academic services anticipates observing classrooms in action and improving instructional practices through in-depth feedback and coaching. This includes looking into the lesson plan framework and ensuring teachers are teaching bell to bell while utilizing time on task.
If needed, the academic services team will evaluate and determine if the strongest teachers are in those end of course exam subjects.
District officials are aiming to continue supporting both teachers and students as they work toward a successful academic future.
For the students, McGinnis encourages them to continue coming to school everyday and applying themselves in their learning.
“You got to come to school everyday. You got to do your homework, you got to ask for help and be engaged in the instructional process,” Dr. McGinnis said.
