State of the District: Spring Hill School District's Academic Update

Striving for Excellence Each Day:

Spring Hill Schools Exceed AYP Goals

Results from the Kansas Statewide Assessments show continued growth in reading, mathematics, science and writing for Spring Hill School District students in grades 3 through 12. Not only did all district schools surpass the state’s definition of academic proficiency but the district as a whole also met Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) goals. This is the seventh consecutive year that all district schools have met AYP.

In addition, Spring Hill School District schools received 23 Standards of Excellence, which requires meeting stringent academic goals set by the state. Based on achievement, these awards are given by grade level and also building-wide. Read the State of the District flier* for more details.

Pictured above: Spring Hill High School held an assembly and then provided the students with an afternoon of fun activities to celebrate achieving AYP.

Making the Mark on MAP Tests

This fall’s NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests resulted in Spring Hill School District students consistently scoring above national averages in reading and math.

MAP tests present students in grades 3 through 10 with engaging, age-appropriate content. As a student responds to questions, the test responds to the student, adjusting up or down in difficulty. By creating a unique test for each student, educators receive highly accurate information about their students. Rather than indicating what a student might be able to do relative to grade-level standards, MAP tests indicate what a student is ready to learn relative to state standards – not bound by grade. In district schools, students are tested in the fall, so the growth is measured from fall to fall.

At fall parent-teacher conferences, parents and guardians were provided with MAP scores for their students. This test, which features nearly instantaneous results, allows teachers to hone in on each student’s needs.

New Measures Put Into Place to Ensure ACT Scores Meet Expectations

After years of consistent gains in ACT scores, the Spring Hill School District saw its first drop in the average composite test score in 2009. This information led a team of district teachers and administrators to delve into research, and put in place strategies that will ensure future ACT scores meet the mark.

Some strategies include reinstating the practice ACT for sophomores, implementing in-class work that reflects ACT questions, focusing students on the core curriculum, increasing time with teaching staff, and promoting more rigor in course structure.

Successful ACT preparation involves parent involvement in curriculum choices beginning in middle school, enhanced communication, appropriate academic course sequences and test preparation practice.