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Ratings are based primarily on the Mississippi Curriculum Tests for grade 2-8 in reading, language arts and mathematics and four high school Subject Area Tests, in Algebra I, Biology I, English 2 and U.S. History. Other factors, such as scoring growth in tested areas, are also included in the complex formula used to determine how schools fared.
The most improvement in accreditation levels was shown by the Brookhaven School District, where Mamie Martin Elementary and Brookhaven Elementary rose from successful to exemplary.
Brookhaven Elementary only slightly missed achieving the superior rating, said James Tillman, assistant superintendent of the Brookhaven Public School District.
"I think this is the first time we've had three level 4 schools in the district, so they're moving up," he said.
Lipsey Middle School retained its exemplary ranking while Alexander Junior High and Brookhaven High kept their designations as successful.
"We are proud of the progress we are making in student achievement," Tillman said. "Our immediate goal is to get all of our schools up to a level 4."
Lincoln County School District Superintendent Terry Brister said he was proud to see Enterprise Attendance Center reclaim its exemplary status.
The school's fell just short of projected growth last year and dipped to a successful ranking. State test scores and growth improved at the school across the board on 2005-2006 tests to provide the needed boost to get it back to its former ranking, he said.
"The difference was so minute last year that we appealed, but it did not pass," Brister said. "This year they achieved it on their own."
Enterprise's climb in the rankings means all Lincoln County schools have at least an exemplary designation. West Lincoln Attendance Center retained its superior rating for the third consecutive year.
Lawrence County School District Superintendent Russell Caudill said the district enjoyed great progress in increasing test scores, but the accreditation levels remain virtually unchanged from last year.
"I'm happy that we held our own this year, and I know we're getting close to level 5 at some of our schools," Caudill said. "I believe we're heading in that direction."
Topeka-Tilton Attendance Center retained its superior rating for the second consecutive year while Monticello Elementary, Rod Paige Middle School and New Hebron Attendance Center kept their exemplary status. Lawrence County High School's designation as successful also remains unchanged.
Caudill said he was a little disappointed the high school did not achieve exemplary status.
"We had hoped that the high school would move up, but we didn't quite make it this year," he said. "Hopefully, we'll be there next year."
Wesson Attendance Center Principal Billy O. Britt said this was the year for his school. Wesson improved from exemplary to superior.
"We're excited," he said. "We've always known we had a good school, and I think that this shows that to the community."
Brit credits an active tutoring program with contributing to students' success. Tutors are available Wednesday afternoon, when the school lets off early, and some teachers volunteer their Saturday mornings.
"I think that says a lot of our teachers and students to come in on Saturday," Britt said.
Franklin County School District Superintendent Lona Thomas said she was happy that all the district's schools were designated as successful, but the district has set loftier goals for the 2006-2007 year.
"We're looking at our weaknesses and we're looking at level 4 for all our schools next year," Thomas said. "It's certainly attainable."
Brister, in comments mirrored by other superintendents about their districts, praised the district's faculty and staff and its partnership with students, parents and the community. He said the accreditation levels were a reflection of their dedication.
"Our positive results are a reflection of the hard work and dedication of an outstanding faculty, as well as the commitment on the parts of students, parents and the community," Brister said. "Our faculty is focused and committed to attaining the goals necessary to maintain the levels of accreditation representative of successful schools."
