Broadhead Elementary showcases new art program as principal cites multi-year gains in reading and math
Summary
Broadhead Elementary students and teacher presented newly established art classes; Principal reported multi-year gains — about a 22–23% rise in reading proficiency and nearly a 40% increase in math since 2021 — attributing progress to school culture, staffing and standards-based instruction.
Broadhead Elementary students and staff presented artwork and described the school’s new art program during the Rockcastle County Board of Education meeting.
Gina Bussell, the school’s art teacher, told the board she is ‘‘so excited about teaching art at Broadhead’’ and described classroom goals of encouraging creativity, problem-solving and perseverance. Several students showed paintings and drawings and explained techniques they learned, from negative space and perspective to oil pastel blending.
Principal Nick Williams reported academic gains the school has recorded since 2021, saying the district has seen ‘‘a 22, almost 23% increase in student proficiency in reading’’ and ‘‘over the last 4 years, almost a 40% increase in our math’’ proficiency. Williams attributed the progress to a sustained school culture, ‘‘high quality staff,’’ standards-focused instruction and using data to drive small-group interventions.
The board praised the program and thanked students and staff for the presentation. Superintendent Dr. Ballinger and other board members noted the art program’s potential to support broader student engagement as the district pursues academic growth.
Next steps mentioned: continued monitoring of assessment results and a public release of state test scores the board will receive under embargo on Nov. 17 and that will be made public on Nov. 19.
