Grading schools

The Oklahoma State Department of Education’s report cards are out for area public schools and the 2018-19 school year.

While Washington and Newcastle Public Schools received B’s across the board, other districts didn’t fare as well.

Overall grades for Purcell Middle School and High School were C’s. That was unchanged from a year earlier at the middle school while the high school dropped from a B.

The grade for the junior high school was a disappointing D, down from a B a year ago.

Purcell Elementary School received a B. The school didn’t receive an overall grade the previous year.

At Wayne, the elementary school received a C while the middle and high schools both received D’s.

Lexington Public Schools received D’s across the board. A year ago the high school and junior high school were given overall grades of C. 

For elementary and middle schools, the metrics are academic achievement, English language proficiency progress for English learners, academic growth and chronic absenteeism. High schools are measured by academic achievement, English language proficiency progress for English learners, chronic absenteeism, graduation and postsecondary opportunities.

Statewide, the school report card shows an increase in academic growth for elementary and middle school students.

 Overall, academic growth was up for students in third through eighth grades. The rate of math growth was an improvement over 2018, while growth in English language arts was down slightly from last year.

“We still have challenges and are not yet where we want to be,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister. “The good news is we are on the right track. Individual students are making progress, although too many are not yet college or career ready. In any system built on continuous improvement, however, individual student growth is the first sign of success moving forward. These gains indicate we are laying the foundation for future gains at the school, district and state level.”