For the 2013-2014 school year, Hermitage Elementary School met performance standards established by the Arkansas Department of Education under authority from the ESEA Flexibility waiver for growth in literacy and for the percent of students tested, thus becoming an Achieving School in both categories. Hermitage High School met performance standards in literacy and in the percent of students tested, thus becoming an Achieving School in both categories. Hermitage Elementary did not meet the established performance standards or growth for mathematics and remains a Needs Improvement Focus School. Hermitage High School did not meet performance standards or growth for mathematics or for graduation rate and remains a Needs Improvement Focus School. Both Hermitage Elementary School and Hermitage High School are classified as Needs Improvement Focus Schools by the Arkansas Department of Education.
Hermitage High School experienced significant increases in both literacy and mathematics. On average in literacy, scores rose from 59.5% proficient or advanced last year to 70.16% this year. On average in mathematics, scores rose from 49.4% proficient or advanced last year to 70.59% this year. This increase was well above the established performance standards for literacy and just below the expectations in mathematics. The targeted percentage of students graduating was established at 89.28, and Hermitage High School recorded an 88%, just below the expected level.
In order to build on recent successes and to meet the established goals for the 2014-15 school year, Hermitage High School is continuing to research strategies to bolster student academic achievement. Current areas of specific include the use of online and/or paper-based interim assessments to track student performance, the use of data walls to track student performance, and the implementation of an after-school program for students. The interim assessments will provide teachers with timely performance data that can be used to guide instruction that addresses specific learning weaknesses of students. Hermitage High School has developed a data wall that will provide teachers with valuable information about specific academic challenges faced by individual students. The implementation of after-school tutoring for students who are seeking a greater level of academic success is also being considered. We believe that these measures will allow students to reach their academic potential and will, in turn, contribute to a higher graduation rate, which is an area that must be addressed. Current policies and practices are also being re-examined to look for innovative ways for students to achieve at higher levels.
Hermitage Elementary School is now listed as an Achieving School in Literacy (3.16% above the growth goal set by the state). To build upon these successes and to bolster achievement, Hermitage Elementary School is working to more effectively implement Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) so that our teachers have structured learning and planning time with the instructional facilitators to more efficiently monitor teaching and learning. Hermitage Elementary School uses a computer-based program for interim assessments and for skill enhancement or remediation, both under the direction of classroom teachers. Hermitage Elementary School continues to provide mentoring opportunities to teachers, as well as ample professional learning opportunities geared towards literacy and mathematics.
Hermitage Elementary School was awarded a grant to implement a 21st Century Community Learning Center afterschool program for students. This afterschool program offers learning assistance, as well as enrichment, to students, as well as an afternoon snack and evening meal. This grant also pays for transportation for students at the conclusion of the program each day.
Hermitage School District is focusing on the use of technology for learning this year, as we gear up for next-generation assessments that are delivered on computers to students in grades 3 – 11. Both the high school and elementary school will continue to implement PLCs, in which math and literacy facilitators meet with teachers to discuss the implementation of new learning strategies that will promote student achievement. Both schools, as well as the district, have created and implemented Leadership Teams to ensure focus on learning initiatives. Both schools meet the requirements from the state for services to students with disabilities, students who are learning the English language, and teaching exceptional student learners. The district continues to provide services to students and parents from a district-wide social worker, school nurse, and parent engagement facilitator.
This year, staff at both schools has received professional development on dyslexia, parental involvement, teaching English Language Learners, the Code of Ethics for Arkansas educators, using data for decision-making, and school safety/organization.
Both Hermitage High School and Hermitage Elementary School are accredited by the Arkansas Department of Education and AdvancEd.
More information about the Hermitage School District may be found on our website, www.hermitageschools.org, or by contacting the office of the Superintendent at (870) 463-2246.
