Achievements of JCHS have their ‘Reward’
* School in top 5% for academic growth
End-of-course and ACT test scores released by the state this week indicate that Jefferson County High School is a rising star when it comes to academic achievement.
JCHS students scored above the state average in every end-of course (EOC) subject, and they received the top scores in every category for learning growth for 2012-13. Those results earned JCHS recognition as a Reward School – joining 168 other elementary, middle and high schools in the state as the top five percent among Tennessee schools.
“I think it validates what we’ve been doing here academically,” said Dr. Scott Walker, Principal at Jefferson County High. “It’s a great honor for our students, our teachers, and the community.”
The Reward School designation can be earned either by scoring in the top five percent in overall academic achievement, or by making the top five percent in annual value added growth. Jefferson County High made the list due to its progress in value added growth.
“Congratulations to the students, faculty and administration for a job well done,” said Director of Schools Dr. Charles Edmonds. “We’re very proud of them and the progress they’re making.”
In addition to the Reward School honor, the high school showed significant progress in its scores on the ACT test, released yesterday. JCHS exceeded the state average in three of the four subject areas, and had a composite of 19.8 for all students taking the test. That’s three-tenths of a point better than the state average, and a significant improvement from last year’s 18.1 composite.
Being named to the Reward School list puts JCHS in the same conversation with long-time academic powerhouses like Maryville and Farragut, Dr. Walker noted.
“I told our teachers I’m really proud to be a part of this faculty because that is a significant achievement.”
Though Jefferson County High did well in every EOC test, it was second in the state for growth in English I – an achievement that shows freshmen are doing quite well in making the adjustment to high school work. Only Fayetteville Comprehensive High School had a better score.
Dr. Walker pointed to several reasons for the progress in learning growth and ACT scores. The commitment of JCHS teachers, students responding to the challenge, individual learning plans, and the impact of the freshman academy all have played a role.
Teachers have done a good job in helping freshmen build a strong academic foundation, and continuing to challenge them as upperclassmen. “They’ve been working hard in preparing lessons that address the standards,” Walker said.
Students have also stepped it up. They’ve responded well to the challenge of preparing either for college or a career following high school, the principal said.
“They not only have to compete here, but they’ve got to be able to compete nationally and globally. That message has been consistent at our school. Our students are starting to listen to us, and starting to hear that message.”
Individual learning plans created by students in every class that includes an end-of-course test have also played a part. Teachers sit down with each student and go over their test data, and students set academic goals. Assessments are done throughout each course to help students know how they are progressing. Each knows how many questions they need to answer successfully to post a “proficient” score.
The freshman academy (now known as Patriot Academy) is also playing a part in academic success, Dr. Walker says. Now in it’s third year, the program is helping freshmen set a solid academic foundation. As they move to their sophomore year, faculty members focus students on the goal of getting “college-ready”scores on the ACT test.
Those who hit that goal are treated to a luncheon as seniors, but Dr. Walker said starting this year juniors will be honored as well. That’s just part of a school-wide focus on ACT preparation that includes an ACT question of the day, ACT-style testing, ACT prep classes during and after school, and messages throughout on the test’s significance.
“It’s such an important test for our students – not only for those going to college, but for those going into careers,” Dr. Walker said. “The higher your score on the ACT, the more likely you are to have a good-paying job.”
The high school’s goal during this academic year is to post an ACT average of at least 20, though Walker would like to see it go higher. Scores from the Class of 2013 were very close – a 19.8 composite, with 20 in reading, 19.9 in science, 19.5 in English and 19.1 in math.
Dr. Walker and the faculty will continue to add rigor to the curriculum, and set the bar even higher academically.
“When you expect more, students achieve more,” he concluded.
Visit the County's New School website: http://jeffersoncountyschools.schoolinsites.com/
By Dale Gentry, Standard Banner Editor. Thursday, August 22, 2013