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South Elementary touts "house" system as district reports typical midyear growth near norms
Summary
Administrators described a South Elementary "house" system to boost engagement and reported midyear diagnostic results showing typical growth of about 54% in math and 62% in reading; the district will begin spring assessments in April after weather-related delays.
District administrators used the regular meeting to spotlight local school innovations and midyear academic data.
South Elementary staff described a house-based system modeled in part on the Ron Clark Academy that groups students and staff into cross-grade "houses" to earn points, collaborate across grades and support mental-health initiatives. "The energy in our building is... it is fantastic," Stephanie Bryant, a South Elementary staff member, told the board, describing activities that aim to raise engagement among students and staff and inviting board members to visit.
Administrators then reviewed midyear diagnostic data and focused on typical (median) growth as the metric of interest. In the presentation, the district reported about 54% of students meeting typical growth in math and roughly 62% in reading at midyear; presenters said these results place the district near state and national percentiles for this time of year. Staff identified priorities including additional differentiation for mid- to above-grade-level learners and targeted support for students one grade level below in middle school math.
The board was also told a district team will travel to a school in Forney, Texas, to study a combined career-technical "opportunity central" model and will present a 15-minute showcase about the district's "world of work" efforts. Administrators said they expect a KDE draft of the district facilities plan within one to two weeks, after which local planning council scheduling will follow.
