Officials from two South Pike schools recently presented plans to improve scores on standardized tests and raise their “low performing” state accountability rating.
South Pike High School and Magnolia Elementary School each received the “low performing” designation from the Mississippi Department of Education based on scores on last year’s standardized tests.
As a result, officials are required to submit plans on how they intend to improve scores this year.
According to state testing data, less than half of Magnolia Elementary School students scored last year at levels considered adequate for success at the next grade level.
While high school students improved on algebra, history and English tests, the school experienced a deep slide in biology, with just 48 percent passing the test last year, compared to 84 percent passing in 2009-10.
South Pike High School Principal Warren Banks and Magnolia Elementary School Principal Blake Brewer told school trustees last month that they plan to use quarterly practice tests to chart how well students will likely perform on upcoming standardized tests.
The practice tests also are designed to pinpoint students’ strengths and weaknesses and allow teachers to fine-tune their lessons.
Schools introduced “bell ringers” — pop quizes based on questions on state tests that students must answer at the beginning bell of each class.
The school district recently hired JBHM Education group, a consulting firm that partners with Mississippi schools to help them improve their education plans.
“We are developing leadership in the administrators of the schools,” JBHM official Debra Ellmore said. “We ask ourselves, ‘How do you give feedback to the teachers to improve student performance?’ ”
School officials said the consultants are able to develop lesson plans for teachers that are designed to target students’ weak areas.
The school board also heard from representatives of the Mississippi Department of Education who presented a list of strengths and weaknesses at both schools.
“We sent in a team of retired educators, and they made a needs assessment,” state education official Kathy Stinnett said.
As part of the evaluation process, the team looked at four aspects of the schools — leadership, curriculum and assessment, instruction, and school climate and safety.
State officials said Magnolia Elementary’s strengths are effective discipline, a good environment for learning and high morale among students, teachers and the administrative staff.
Challenges include a lack of “differentiated instruction,” meaning that teachers aren’t using a variety of methods to prepare for the Mississippi Curriculum Test.
South Pike High School’s major strengths included a climate conducive to learning, well-maintained facilities and small classes.
Major challenges include a lack of classroom discipline and insufficient classroom instruction.
The consultants also said the schools under-use technology.
“All teachers have an iPad that they now know how to use,” Ellmore said.
Stinett said that despite the serious nature of her visit, “it’s going to be a pleasure to work with these schools. The staff and the teachers are energetic and they have created an action plan.”
“Any school seen to be at risk, by Mississippi law, will receive services from the state Department of Education,” she said.
