Wednesday 15th, 2012
*UPDATE: FSSD Closing Achievement Gaps is Priority –
Exemplary Status does not mean everything is perfect and FSSD is ready for the challenge. Three schools were named as priorities by the State Board of Education, Franklin Elementary, Johnson Elementary and Liberty Elementary.
These schools will need to focus a little harder this year to close some specific gaps. “Based upon the previous achievement data released by the State, none of our schools are low-performing schools. In fact, all three on this list showed excellent achievement and growth last year,” said Dr. Snowden, Director of Schools. “These schools will just have to continue to place a focus on particular student subgroups to have them achieve at a more rapid pace than many of their cohorts.”
“As Focus schools, these three elementary schools will continue the excellent work they have done to this point in raising student achievement and closing gaps, as well as dig more deeply into the needs of individual students that make up the subgroup or subgroups with the largest gaps,” said Snowden. “Every year the schools analyze achievement data and we knew there were some challenges within particular subgroups,” he said. “Fortunately, the State understands the arduous process of closing subgroup gaps while raising achievement scores across the board, which is why they are giving Focus schools three years to meet the goals. It is an extensive process.”
Improvements are constantly being made within the district but just not at the pace they would prefer. The district is determined to make things better for the students and they will take every opportunity to foster better achievement. “It is our job to create innovative opportunities to meet specific needs and we plan to apply for the grants being made available to assist in developing these opportunities,” remarked Snowden.
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TCAP scores released recently showed the school district as third in the state for Math and fourth in Reading/Lauange Arts, Science and Social Studies. This is great news for our students and proves the district is moving in the right direction. At the beginning of the month the Tennessee Department of Education also recognized the Franklin Special Schools District (FSSD) as an Exemplary School district based on the states accountability system.
“I am so proud to tell others that the greatest strength of the district is the group of professional teachers who constantly strive to provide the very best education for all the children they teach,” said David Snowden, Director. He further stated that the success of the program is amplified by the partnership with parents and the community which support the schools. The goal now is to continue closing achievement gaps and foster further improvement.
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