Buddy Taylor Middle School reports increased student performance in reading and math

The Flagler County School Board held an information workshop on January 21, 2025, focusing on student performance metrics and intervention strategies. Key highlights from the meeting included significant improvements in student reading and math scores, particularly among students with disabilities.

During the workshop, it was reported that seventh-grade reading scores increased from PM 1 to PM 2, while eighth-grade math scores for students with disabilities rose by 11%. Civics and science scores also saw gains of 6% and 5%, respectively, compared to the previous year. These improvements are largely attributed to the Mustang Success class, an intervention program designed to provide targeted support to students based on their specific needs.

At Buddy Taylor Middle School, the focus on students with disabilities yielded promising results. The federal index showed a notable increase, with 21% of students in this group demonstrating growth in math and 20% in English Language Arts (ELA). The eighth-grade math cohort's proficiency jumped from 13.5% to 30%, while ELA proficiency improved from 13% to 36%. Additionally, among intensive reading students, 9% scored at level 3 or higher, and 20% achieved at least a level 2.

The discussion also touched on the methodology used to assess student growth, with a distinction made between median and mean growth metrics. The school board emphasized the importance of comparing local performance against state averages to gauge progress effectively.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to enhancing educational outcomes through strategic interventions and continuous monitoring of student performance. The board expressed optimism about maintaining this upward trend and addressing areas needing improvement, particularly in seventh-grade ELA.