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Independence High credits targeted SAT prep and attendance push for rising scores
Summary
Independence High School told the Raleigh County Board of Education it has raised average SAT scores above district and state averages after multi‑year work on targeted SAT prep, PBIS and individualized LYNX scheduling; presenters also described a recent drop in graduation rate tied to stricter attendance enforcement and current efforts to raise daily attendance.
Independence High School leaders told the Raleigh County Board of Education that average SAT scores have improved and now exceed both county and state averages after several years of targeted interventions.
The presenter said Independence moved students from lower score ranges into higher ones, noting ‘‘in 2023 Independence High School was well below district and state average’’ and by 2025 ‘‘we have exceeded the district and the state SAT average.’’ The presenter highlighted growth in the 800–990 score range (from 38 to 65 students) and increased counts in higher score brackets compared with prior years.
The school attributed the gains to a combination of efforts: a structured LYNX schedule that hand‑places nearly 600 students into targeted, 30‑minute daily sessions with specific teachers for SAT prep; Monday/Wednesday MTSS checks and individualized follow‑ups; Tuesday/Thursday SAT prep using Khan Academy and mastery platforms; and Friday catch‑up and club time. ‘‘We literally hand pick where they go. Every day for 30 minutes,’’ the presenter said, describing the process.
Administrators also discussed discipline and attendance data. They said the number of office referrals (DRFs) has dropped substantially over several years as the school pushed to reduce Level‑1 classroom referrals and focus staff attention on higher‑level incidents. The presenter said daily attendance has rebounded to about 93.4% after falling to roughly 88% last year, and noted last year's graduation rate fell to 85.8% after administrators enforced attendance and participation requirements more strictly: ‘‘We thought we'd take maybe a hit last year and we did. But we're aware that our strategic plan is based around this attendance.’’
School leaders said the attendance focus is central to restoring graduation rates and that the intervention team and individualized LYNX scheduling have been key tactics. The board asked clarifying questions about the time commitment required to assign students one‑by‑one; one board member called the one‑by‑one work ‘‘admirable’’ but asked about the staff time involved. The presenter said daily lunch‑duty scheduling and weekly team meetings help sustain the process.
The school did not propose new district funding during the presentation; it credited existing supports and staffing strategies for progress. The presenter closed by asking the board to note the school’s improved ranking on SchoolDigger and emphasizing the combined effect of improved attendance, targeted instruction and PBIS on outcomes.
The LSIC presentation concluded without a board vote; presenters asked for continued support on staffing and implementation of current strategies as next steps.
