South Effingham Middle School outlines improvement plan after mixed GMAS/MAP results

Christie Brown, principal of South Effingham Middle School, reviewed the school’s 2023–24 performance and the improvement plan for 2024–25, citing both successes and areas needing attention.

Brown reported that sixth- and seventh-grade ELA proficiency fell short of targets (sixth to 54% and seventh to 52%), while eighth-grade ELA rose to 65% proficient/distinguished. On math, the school reported stronger gains: eighth grade rose to 72% proficient/distinguished and the school was ranked first in the county across grade levels. Brown credited interdisciplinary work, expanded independent reading time, vertical planning across grades, and district support for standards rollout.

“We did not meet that goal. We dropped 2 percentage points to 54% proficient and distinguished,” Brown said of sixth-grade ELA, and she noted the team will increase interdisciplinary ELA opportunities and dedicated independent reading time to address the decline.

Brown and instructional supervisor Lisa Grassi also described action steps for the year: implementing at least one interdisciplinary lesson per nine weeks, improving planning time across grade levels, extending MAP-based conferencing and progress monitoring, and targeting supports for students with disabilities and English-language learners. The presentation included recent STEAM, fine-arts and athletics highlights and stressed teacher leadership and community engagement as part of improvement work.

No formal vote or policy change followed this presentation; the item was presented for board review and to solicit questions from members.