Last week DPS scores (District Performance Scores) in education were released, and Allen Parish schools did well.
Allen Parish Superintendent Kent Reed said the parish is satisfied with the district’s 2018-19 district performance score. “We had a 1.5 point growth over last year and rank 13th in the state. The overall district performance score is an 86.6/B. Once again we have no D or F schools in our district. There are three “A” schools, six “B” schools and two “C” schools.”
He also pointed out several schools had the distinction of being named Top Gains Honoree (Kinder Elementary and Oberlin High schools) and Equity Honoree (Kinder High School). Some were named to both categories (Oakdale High and Oberlin Elementary schools).
Reed said the state is also tracking Birth to 5 data. “Our Early Childhood Network received several distinctions as well.” Oberlin Elementary was named to the Excellence Honor Roll, and Kids R Us Christian Center was named to the Birth to 3 Honor Roll.
“We have a rating of High Proficient and are ranked 10th in the state.”
(Top gains means the school received an overall “A” in progress components. An equity honoree means the school was in the 90 percentile in the three subgroups: EL; Students w/ Disabilities; and Economically Disadvantaged with no UIR label.)
Fairview High School, Kinder High School and Oakdale High School received an A. All three schools grew with Oakdale High showing the most growth. In 2018, the school’s score was 99.6 (A), and this year its score was 106.1 (A). Kinder High scored 99.7 (A) in 2018 and had a 102.3 (A) this year. Fairview had an 89.2 (B) in 2018, but improved to 92.5 (A) this year.
Scoring a B in 2019 were Elizabeth High (82), Kinder Elementary (84), Kinder Middle (81.9), Oberlin Elementary (76.7), Oberlin High (87.7) and Reeves High (77.8).
The letter grade of C was given to Oakdale Elementary (73.4) and Oakdale Middle (73.4).
Kinder High’s principal Melody LaFleur was excited the school was named an “equity honoree.” She said, “We are so very proud of our students, staff and parents, who all work extremely hard together to push for growth and academic success for all! The work is difficult, but the rewards of student success is worth all efforts. We will continue to push for growth each year by keeping our expectations high and working as a team to ensure all students are successful.”
Another principal excited with their growth was Oakdale High’s Brad Soileau said, “I am very proud of the growth at our school over the last several years. Each year is different, with test scores and the different parts that makeup a school’s score. When we received this year’s score, we were all extremely proud of a growth of 6.5 points. Having a score of 106.1 A is a great accomplishment, and it comes from hard work. We have great teachers, students, and a dedicated administrative team. This score is shared by everyone at OHS because we all play a part in this success in some way or another. I’m very proud to be a part of this great school!”
Since 1999, the state has issued School Performance Scores (SPS) based on student achievement data in an attempt to communicate the quality of education students are receiving to their family members and the public. In 2017, early childhood programs, such as Head Start and pre-K were given performance ratings.
According to a release by the Department of Education, “These scores mark an important milestone in the implementation of the state’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan, which requires states to identify and improve struggling public schools. The results indicate promising initial outcomes in many long-struggling schools identified as needing improvement.”
Data also indicates that more schools are receiving A and B grades. “The result is 16 percent of schools statewide received an “A” grade; 32 percent of schools statewide received a “B” grade; 29 percent of schools statewide received a “C” grade; 14 percent of schools statewide received a “D” grade; and 9 percent of schools statewide received an “F” grade.”
“Of the 70 total school systems statewide, 12 school systems improved their performance score by three or more points; 57 remained steady, and one dropped by three or more points.”
State Superintendent John White said, “The release provides early indications that school systems taking seriously their responsibility to provide a quality education for all children can make significant improvements, even in persistently struggling schools. The release also underscores the urgency of taking action. More than 45,000 students still attend a school rated ‘F.’ This can and must change.”
The release also stated, “Today’s release also equips parents and communities with information on early childhood centers across the state, which have showed continued progress in the years since the state Legislature passed the landmark Early Childhood Education Act, known as Act 3. Compared to last year, 126 more sites, or seven percent, achieved Proficient or above in 2018-2019, indicating more children are receiving quality care and education.”
