WEBSTER COUNTY, KY (11/7/12) - The first results for Kentucky’s new Unbridled Learning accountability model were released to the public on Friday. Webster County schools scored a combined score of 54.8, meaning they are in need of improvement.

“We were a little disappointed overall, but we have to realize that this is a totally new test experience for our students and teachers,” said Webster County Assistant Superintendant Alan Lossner. “We have our work cut out for us, but we are already beginning the process of analyzing the data, seeing where our weaknesses are, and developing strategies to improve student performance.”

Webster County is not alone. 69 percent of the school districts in Kentucky are listed as needing improvement.

“Because this year’s data is the first from the Unbridled Learning model, I encourage educators, parents, communities, elected officials and others with a stake in public education to think of these classifications as a starting point for improvement,” said Kentucky Education Commissioner Terry Holliday. “Although more than two-thirds of schools and districts are in the Needs Improvement category, this is not an indicator of failure. The Unbridled Learning model is one of continuous improvement, and schools and districts now have a wealth of data to use as they plan for improvement in student learning and achievement.”

In the past Kentucky tested students on their proficiency in math and reading, but the Unbridaled Learning scores are based on readiness for college and careers. The scores from this testing are all new data, and can’t directly be compared to scores from previous years.

Statewide the overall results showed that 47 percent of students are college and career ready, that’s a nine percent increase from the 2010-11 school year, for which the average college and career readiness rate was 38 percent.

“This increase, which translates to more than 4,500 students, is a direct result of Kentucky’s schools’ and districts’ focus on college and career readiness,” said Holliday. “The overriding goal of the state’s public education system is to prepare students for the paths they want to take after high school, and these data show that we are making progress toward that goal.”

Webster County’s 54.8 is not that far away from a lot of the schools in Kentucky. The statewide school overall score was 55.2, just 0.4 higher than the district.

Webster’s Elementary schools averaged a 55.9 against the state’s average of 57.3, while the middle school level slightly exceeded the state average of 53.5 by scoring a 53.8. WCHS also was slightly above average with a 54.9 versus an average of 54.8 across the state.

“We want our students to be college and career ready,” said Alan Lossner. “Webster County educators are a talented bunch of people and will get the job done.”

The district scores break down like this:

District Average: 54.8
 
Elementary
Statewide Average is 57.3
•Clay: 59
•Slaughters 56.
•Dixon: 56.5
•Sebree 56
•Providence: 50.7
 
Middle School
Statewide Average is 53.5
•Clay 62.5
•Slaughters 62.4
•Dixon 49.6
•Providence 49.6
•Sebree 48.3
 
High School
Statewide Average is 54.8
•WCHS 54.9
 
Other Area Averages:
Caldwell County: 58.6
Henderson County: 55.4
Union County: 50.9

Matt Hughes
J-E News Editor

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