Simulated state ratings show gains for Forrest City schools; junior high jumps from D to B
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Summary
Superintendent presented simulated school performance ratings showing several schools moving up letter-grade bands; district emphasized these are 'simulated' (not publicly released) and described next steps and support plans for high school.
FORREST CITY, Ark. — The Forrest City School District presented simulated state accountability results at the board meeting, with multiple schools improving by at least one letter band, the superintendent said.
Dr. Harvey told the board that Central Elementary moved from a D to a C and Stuart (Stewart) Elementary moved from an F to a C in the state’s simulated ratings. “Central Elementary went from a d to a c, and Stewart Elementary School went from an f to a c based on, performance,” she said. Lincoln’s simulated grade rose from a D to a C based on growth measures, and Forest City Junior High rose from a D to a B.
The superintendent stressed the results are "simulated" under the state’s new assessment and accountability measures — meaning the state ran the new calculations internally but did not publish them publicly. “When you say simulated, does that mean it's not official? Not not official?” a board member asked. Dr. Harvey replied that the grades reflect how schools would be graded under the new system if the state published them and that the district will provide two-page reports for each school to the board.
The superintendent said the high school showed growth but remained in the same grade band; staff said they plan a targeted support plan for the high school to move it across the cutoff. Dr. Harvey credited teachers, leaders and community partners for the improvement at the junior high and other schools.
The board did not change district policy at the meeting; Dr. Harvey said staff will continue data-driven interventions and will return with more detail and two-page school reports for board review.