James Carmichael, TCS associate superintendent, presented board members with a state-of-the-system rundown that showed all four city schools made growth for the first time, with Thomasville High School making high growth. End of grade scores, for the most part, went up across the board with sixth grade showing vast improvements in both reading and math.
“We feel good about how we did this year,” Carmichael said. “I think we’re heading in the right direction.”
Overall performance improved in reading and math for grades four, six and eight from a year ago. Third and fifth grades improved in math but not reading, and seventh grade scores went up n reading but saw a slight drop-off in math. Grades 5-8 all made expected growth in both reading and math, while fourth grade didn’t in reading alone. The growth ratio for eighth grade came in at 3.82, meaning for every four students who made growth, one didn’t.
“That’s the type of thing we’re looking for,” said Carmichael.
Overall performance at THS improved in seven of eight subjects, with all but two improving by double-digits. Algebra II and Geometry saw the biggest gains with Physical Science reporting the lone decrease of 4.4 percent. Civics was the lone subject at THS that failed to meet expected growth.
“Those numbers are not where we want them to be,” TCS Superintendent Keith Tobin said. “We want all of our students to be at grade level and to work hard to get there. The growth we have made the last years has been pretty significant. Our folks have worked really hard. When you look at how our students are progressing from year to year, there’s some pretty significant growth and I’m very proud of that.”
After seeing two city schools — Liberty Drive Elementary and Thomasville Middle School — make AYP last year, TCS had none make for the 2009-10 calendar. The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction is expected to certify the results by the end of July.
In other business:
• Kevin Leake, a social studies teacher, was named the assistant principal at Thomasville Middle School.
“I’m excited about the opportunity,” Leake said.
• TCS voted to keep Jeff Kirkland as school board chairperson and Resa Raulston as school board vice chairperson.
• Board members approved a Title I application for the upcoming school year. Mike Ingram, TCS’ technology director, said this year’s allocation of funds could equal about $50 more per student over last year.
• Tobin unveiled TCS’ new logo, which features the outline of a face and three rays of sunshine, replacing the traditional school house.
Staff Writer Eliot Duke can be reached at 888-3578, or duke@tvilletimes.com.
Post a Comment
