Suburban Shelby County districts show mixed results
Suburban Shelby County school districts maintained some high scores and showed some losses in TNReady results released Aug. 16.
Bartlett City Schools achieved the highest level of growth in literacy, math, science and social studies — a distinction shared by only 10 other districts in the data. The district also ranked 5, the highest level, overall last year.
“This achievement is due to the hard work of our teachers and students with support from our parents,” the district said in a statement. “We are grateful for these efforts and will continue to strive for excellence.”
Meanwhile, Collierville slipped to a score of 2 out of 5. The score includes a ranking of 1 in literacy, 4 in math, 1 in science and 5 in social studies. The district’s overall score was 5 last year.
At Collierville High School, 42.4 percent of students scored proficient in English and 39 percent in math. At Tara Oaks Elementary, math and science scores were high, with 83.6 percent of students proficient in math and 94.4 percent proficient in science.
Katie Fretland and Abigail Warren
Superintendent John Aitken said the district was concerned following difficulties with the rollout of TNReady testing in spring. The state General Assembly passed a law banning the use of the tests if they hurt a student’s grade or a teacher’s evaluation.
In a separate batch of data released in July from TNReady, Collierville ranked high, making the top 10 in several categories. Third- through fifth-graders in Collierville ranked second in the state for English.
In Aug. 16’s results, on a growth scale from Level 1 to Level 5, Arlington, Bartlett and Germantown scored the best, with a rank of 5.
On the scale, a Level 3 represents an average rate of learning in one year.
Germantown
Germantown maintained consistent growth according to the state’s scale and was designated a Level 5 overall.
“Parents, teachers and students should be proud of this success in the face of some testing difficulties last spring,” a statement from the district said.
In literacy, the district did not perform as well as the previous year though it remained above average — students scored 4 this year and 5 previously. In math, the district saw consistent growth and was designated a Level 5, the same as the previous year.
“We look forward to a year of valid data and successful testing that will contribute to a better growth measurement,” said Superintendent Jason Manuel.
Lakeland
Lakeland fell behind in each category, according to the state growth standard. The district was designated a Level 1, a drop from a year earlier when the district saw the highest amount of growth overall. The district received a Level 1 in literacy, although it earned a Level 4 the year before. Students also received a 1 in math, despite being a Level 5 the previous year.
Lakeland Middle Preparatory was new last year, and the school’s scores were low. Superintendent Ted Horrell said in a statement sent to parents and community members that while he was dissatisfied with the scores, it was somewhat expected.
“Results for 2017-18 at LMPS are considered to be baseline scores for the school and, as such, will not be considered in district accountability designations,” he said. “This is due to being a new school and receiving nearly half of our students at that school from outside of our district in our first year.”
Millington
Millington fell slightly behind and was given a Level 2 overall. Previously, students received a Level 3. In literacy, the district lost ground at a Level 2 from was a Level 3 the year before.
“The ability to read is a factor you have to have the rest of your life,” Superintendent Bo Griffin said. “(English) scores fell across the state.”
Students grew significantly in math. Millington earned a Level 4 after scoring a 2 one year earlier.
Arlington
Arlington Community Schools maintained its high overall score of Level 5, which included growth in math from 2 to 5. But results also showed a drop in literacy from 5 to 1. The district ranked 4 in science and 5 in social studies.
“Literacy statewide scores were lower than the previous year,” the district said in a statement. “Like the state average, ACS also fell. However in terms of literacy achievement, ACS remained higher than the state average.”
Arlington said the overall ranking places the district among 59 districts across the state to achieve the overall level of 5.
“As we begin our fifth year as a school district, it’s encouraging to see that our students continue to grow and compete on a statewide level,” Superintendent Tammy Mason said. “ACS has accomplished the highest level of growth possible, but the work doesn’t stop here. We will continue to push and motivate our students and teachers to ensure we’re providing the best learning environment possible.”
The Commercial Appeal reporter Jennifer Pignolet contributed to this report.