During Western Line School District’s board meeting on Monday, Superintendent Lawrence Hudson highlighted the success of the district’s students at its two elementary schools, O’Bannon and Riverside.
The results for the Fall 2018 and Spring 2019 statewide assessment of Pre-K and kindergarten students was presented at the meeting, which showed most of the state’s youngest students continued to make significant growth during the school year.
According to the data from the Mississippi Department of Education’s website, Western Line was ranked No. 2 in the state of Mississippi with the Pre-K assessment score of 683. They were also ranked No. 3 in the state with the kindergarten assessment score of 785.
MDE’s website also showed every district in the state showed progress among their kindergarten classes, though student achievement varied.
Average scores among schools ranged from 603 to 808. The target end-of-year score for kindergarten is 681. This score categorizes students as transitional readers. Students scoring at this level are beginning to read unfamiliar words and easy reader material but are not yet independent readers.
Pre-K scores
O’Bannon Elementary Pre-K scores in the fall was 434 and in the spring 766. The gains were 332 points and for the state was 559. The end of the year ranking was 1 out of 109, which is No. 1 in the state.
Riverside Elementary Pre-K scores in the fall was 439 and in the spring was 613. The gains were 174 and for the state was 559. The end of the year ranking was 22 out of 109, which is No. 22 in the state.
Kindergarten scores
O’Bannon Elementary kindergarten scores in the fall was 557 and raised to 784 in the spring. The gains were 227 points and for the state was 711. The end-of-year ranking was 120 out of 401, which is No. 10 overall in the state.
Riverside Elementary’s kindergarten score in the fall was 562 and in the spring was 787. The gain was 225 and for the state was 711. The end-of-year ranking was 120 out of 401, which is No. 8 in the state.
Hudson said the success of the students doesn’t just belong to the district but, the community as well.
“The district continues to build its partnerships with the feeder institutions such as private day care facilities, the Washington County Opportunities Incorporated, local churches and the homes of the students we serve,” Hudson said. “It takes a collaborated effort in ensuring that our students are receiving a high quality early childhood education. We rely on the feeder systems to educate students with the basic skills needed to be successful in our Pre-K and kindergarten programs.”
Glenda Jackson, principal of Riverside Elementary, said she is very proud of her students and their success.
“Riverside Elementary stands for excellence when it comes to student success and with the help of our excellent staff, cooperating parents and the community, our students will continue to grow,” she said.
