Warren County reports ELPA gains, 60 students exited ESL program and summer 'Acceleration Academy' enrollment

Allison Martin, the district's ESL director and summer school lead, told the board the district tested 360 students on the new English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA) and exited 60 students from the ESL program; 49 percent of tested students achieved adequate growth. Martin said the district was concerned about the switch from WIDA to ELPA and the move from paper tests to online formats for younger students, but credited ESL and content teachers for the results.

Martin said the district will hold an exit ceremony for students who leave the program on Sept. 22 at the Moore County High School auditorium; community partners including TCAC will provide information for parents at the event. She said about 44 incoming kindergartners were identified by screening to enter the program. Martin also noted Title III funding typically ranges from $40,000 to $50,000; the district used a progress‑monitoring product called Summit K–12 and staff said teachers identified it as a contributing factor to strong test performance.

The board also received a review of the district's Acceleration Academy (summer school). The district ran camps at eight elementary sites and one middle school, reporting staff totals of 98 teachers, 19 educational assistants, one translator and three full‑time nurses across sites. Projected elementary enrollment numbers presented included 452 students with 328 identified as economically disadvantaged; for the rising 4–9 (bridal camp in transcript) projection was 470 students with 314 economically disadvantaged (66.8%). The program included academic and enrichment activities such as robotics, flight and local agricultural demonstrations, and staff reported generally consistent attendance and use of makeup days for state reporting.