Hopson: 2012-13 test scores improve for city, county students

Results from standardized tests taken during the past school year by students in both the legacy Shelby County Schools and Memphis City Schools will reflect continued improvement when they are released in the near future, Interim Shelby County Schools Supt. Dorsey Hopson said Tuesday.

Figures released last July showed that Memphis and Shel- by County students were making greater progress than their peers in many subjects, including science and Algebra I. SCS students outpaced state gains in all four subjects tested in grades 3-8, while MCS students advanced in every subject except math.

It was the second year Memphis and Shelby County students had made gains on the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program testing regimen.

News that improved scores are on the way enhanced what has been a successful transition to a unified school system for the two districts, Hopson said in a news conference outside the new main entrance to the consolidated district, one day after the transition became official.

The progress reflected one of four primary goals Hopson said he had outlined to cabinet members during a staff meeting on Monday: to continue to make gains in academic achievement; to make sure operational aspects of merger are handled as efficiently as possible, with the goal of eliminating any bugs by Labor Day; to continue improvements that have been made in school safety and security, and to repair and in other instances build relationships with parents, the community, the media and other stakeholders.

“I think the most important thing in that regard is to be as transparent as we possibly can,” Hopson said, “even when we don’t want to, even when it’s tough. We still want to be open and honest with his community, with this media, so people can have confidence in this school district.”

People outside the district may still be referring to Shelby County Schools and Memphis City Schools, and “there is some historic value to delineate between the two systems,” Hopson said, “but we’re past that.

“I cringe when I hear people say ‘ the old MCS’ or ‘ the old SCS,’” he added. “While they were both very significant institutions, as of July 1, 2013, we are one school district. That’s my mindset. That’s the administration’s mindset. And we’re not looking back.”