Local schools receive mixed state grades

WESTSIDE -- Schools in the Eagle Observer coverage area not only give out grades; they are graded on their performance by the Arkansas State Board of Education as a tool for parents in considering education decisions for their children. The grades measure school improvement but not necessarily the overall quality of the education provided by the schools. More information will be provided in an upcoming issue. The local school grades for the 2013-2014 school year are shown below.

Decatur

Decatur High School and Decatur's Northside Elementary School received grades of "D" on their report cards.

Gentry

In Gentry, the primary school, intermediate school and middle school received "C" grades. The high school received a grade of "B."

Gravette

In Gravette, Glenn Duffy Elementary and the Upper Elementary received an "A," the middle school a "C," and the high school a "B."

And what do those school report card grades mean? According to the Department of Education website, the grades are based upon the following:

• How well students are performing in math and literacy on statewide tests such as the Benchmark and End of Course exams.

• Whether schools are meeting yearly student performance goals and showing improvement or expected growth for all students.

• Whether schools are meeting graduation goals for all students and at-risk groups.

• Whether the school has an achievement gap and if that gap is sizable.

According to the website, the grades do "not measure how well an individual student or teacher is doing" or "take into consideration other things the school may be doing well, such as meeting students' nutrition and health needs, or how well students are performing in other subject areas."

The school report cards are required by Act 696 of 2013 and the 2013-2014 report cards are available at www.arkansased.gov.