In a recent government meeting, Jack Chang, the newly appointed principal of Dysart High School, presented an overview of the school's current performance and future goals. Chang expressed pride in the school's legacy and commitment to uplifting every student, highlighting that Dysart High School (DHS) has retained its \"A\" label this year, a testament to the hard work of the previous administration.

However, Chang noted a decline in English Language Arts (ELA) and math scores compared to the previous year, while science scores showed improvement. He emphasized the importance of growth data, revealing that students demonstrated over a year of growth in math from Aspire to ACT assessments, despite ELA scores falling just short of a full year’s growth.

A significant focus of Chang's address was on the school's English Language Learner (ELL) program. Drawing from his personal experience as a former monolingual student, he underscored the dedication of teachers in supporting ELL students, who have outperformed state averages in proficiency growth.

Chang also highlighted the school's commitment to college and career readiness, noting that over 78% of students earn college credits while still in high school. He pointed to the increase in students obtaining industry credentials and internships as evidence of the school's success in preparing students for life after graduation.

Looking ahead, Chang outlined goals to maintain the school's academic excellence, enhance safety, and foster an inclusive environment. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, including increasing the number of students earning college credits and improving ELA scores, but expressed confidence in the staff's ability to turn these challenges into opportunities. Notably, he reported a significant reduction in disciplinary incidents, with referrals dropping from 944 to 244 in the first quarter compared to the previous year.

Overall, Chang's presentation painted a picture of a school striving for excellence while navigating the complexities of educational challenges, with a strong emphasis on community, growth, and student success.