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Graduation rate increases, middle schools show gains
September 28, 2017—Today, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) released the 2017 Unbridled Learning Accountability Model Results for school districts across the commonwealth. The results for the Jefferson County Public School (JCPS) District show a combined 44.5 percent of JCPS students scoring Proficient and Distinguished in reading and math. This is a slight decrease from 2016 and essentially the same percentage as 2015. JCPS increased its graduation rate and showed increases in four out of five tested areas in middle school.
“The results across our district show an increase in middle school overall and a decline in elementary and high, which mirrors results reported statewide,” said JCPS Acting Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio. “We have significant work to do in math at the high school level and are continuing to build capacity in our elementary school students. I am pleased that our board has invested more than $1 million in a universal screener for elementary and middle school students, which will help provide targeted interventions for students throughout the year. I have no doubt this will help improve outcomes for all schools and students.”
The data released today by KDE reflects testing conducted last April. The 2016-17 school year marked the transition by the state from the Unbridled Learning Accountability Model to a new accountability model for the 2018-19 school year. This year, districts did not receive an overall score, component scores, or labels (i.e., Priority, Proficient, or Distinguished).
“As the state transitions to a new accountability model, I believe JCPS is poised to take advantage of opportunities in the new system that reward deeper learning opportunities, such as project-based assessments and rewarding the growth of individual students,” Dr. Pollio said. “I’m proud of our students and teachers who work hard every day to provide welcoming environments and personalized learning strategies to keep moving students forward.”
Other notes from the 2016-17 scores:
- The five-year graduation rate for JCPS students increased from 81.5 to 82.7. The four-year graduation rate increased from 80.1 to 80.6.
- 57 percent of JCPS students are considered college- and career-ready (CCR), an increase since 2010 but a decrease since last year. Many school districts saw a decrease in CCR since ACT Compass testing was discontinued.
- Ten elementary schools and ten middle schools improved in all measured areas.
- 40 schools increased achievement scores, 63 increased gap scores, 49 increased growth scores, 4 increased CCR scores, and 17 increased five-year graduation rate.
“As we dig in and review this data with our schools, we are realistic about the work we need to do to ensure every student in JCPS is Proficient,” Dr. Pollio said. “I believe our Academies of Louisville initiative will help increase college and career readiness. Additionally, our focus on the fundamentals of literacy, a universal screener for personalized interventions, an effort to ensure all students feel a sense of belonging, a commitment to deeper learning, and a district of teachers ready to lead the charge will move our district and our students forward.”
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