The Kentucky School Report Card has been released with several new features for 2022-23.
Results are based on a combination of academic and school-quality indicators and measures including student assessment, English learner progress, and quality of school climate and safety. Graduation and postsecondary readiness are added in at the high school level.
The system reports “Status” for the current year. “Change” has been added to 2023 reporting to reflect a school’s current year performance in a specific area compared with the previous year.
Combined, these provide a performance rating for each indicator. With the introduction of “Change” into the system, overall comparisons cannot be made to previous years for the current year but will be possible in the years following.
Districts and schools are ranked on a color system with red (very low); orange (low); yellow (medium); green (high); and blue (very high) representing status. The rankings for “Change” indicate red (declined significantly); orange (declined); yellow (maintained); green (increased); and blue (increased significantly).
Grayson County Schools averaged green (high) districtwide as well as at the elementary and middle school levels, and yellow (medium) at the high school level.
Achievement percentages showed several bright spots, particularly at the elementary and middle school levels. The percentage of students attaining Proficient and Distinguished status exceeded state averages in all subjects (reading, math, science, social studies and writing).
Grayson County High School was near state averages in most areas, besting the state by 17 points in writing.
Graduation rates, measured as 4-year and 5-year cohorts, also bested the state average – GCHS’s graduation rate for 2022 was 92.9 percent compared to the state’s 92 percent.
Postsecondary readiness is on a real upward trend at the high school. This is reflected in the high percentage of graduates who demonstrate academic or career readiness through AP and/or dual credit coursework, industry certifications, work experience, and other criteria which showed a significant increase.
“We continue to say ‘yes’ to as many opportunities as possible for students to learn about careers in a hands-on way. These come through our work-based learning program, mentoring at the middle school, CTE training, and certifications,” Superintendent Doug Robinson said. “Our local business community has been exceptionally supportive in working with our students. Through their ideas, feedback, mentorship, on-the-job training in countless ways, they are always all-in for our kids and our workforce as together we’re growing an even better community.”
School culture and safety indicators added last year show healthy increases, meaning more students feel safe and supported at school. These are taken from student surveys at all levels.
Examples of survey questions include “I feel like I am part of my school” to “There is at least one adult from my school who listens to me when I have something to say,” or “When I want to give up, my teacher says I should keep trying.”
“We’re really proud of our students’ progress, especially given the challenges of the past few years,” Robinson noted. “We are so grateful for our teachers and staff who work tirelessly to keep us heading in the right direction, and for the continued support of our community. We always have opportunities for improvement and growth. We’ll continue to work together to provide a safe, engaging, and encouraging environment for all students and to prepare every student to successfully transition from high school to the real world.”
Parents will soon receive their child/children’s individual test results. In the meantime, complete district and school results can be viewed at https://www.kyschoolreportcard.com.
Performance indicators
By Grayson County Schools and Ken Howlett, News Director
