Final results from state assessment tests have given area school districts cause to celebrate.
The tests are administered annually to mark progress toward meeting Adequate Yearly Progress goals that are part of the No Child Left Behind Act.
A slate of classrooms and buildings were awarded Kansas State Department of Education Standard of Excellence designations for the past school year.
To qualify for Standard of Excellence designation in reading for Grades 3 through 6, at least 25 percent of students must score in the “exemplary” range, the highest ranking level, with not more than 5 percent of students in “academic warning.”
For Grades 7 and 8, 20 percent of students must score exemplary, with no more than 10 percent of students in academic warning.
High schools must have at least 15 percent of their students scoring at the exemplary level, with no more than 10 percent of students in academic warning.
Standard of Excellence designations in math in Grades 3 through 6 are at least 25 percent of students scoring at exemplary level, and no more than 5 percent in academic warning. Grades 7 and 8 require 25 percent at exemplary level and no more than 10 percent in academic warning.
High schools must have at least 15 percent of students classified as exemplary, with no more than 15 percent in academic warning, according to information from GregMarkowitz, superintendent of Chase County schools.
“A designation of Standard of Excellence is only for the ‘best of the best’ for those grades and schools that have already made the required AYP,” said Greg Markowitz.
According to an announcement from Markowitz, Chase County Elementary School met standards of excellence in both reading and mathematics.
Chase County Middle School and Chase County High School both received that designation in reading.
In addition to building-wide achievements, Grades 3 and 4 each scored standard of excellence results in reading and math.
Grades 5, 7 and 8 met standard of excellence in reading, and Grade 5 also received the award in the category of writing.
Mike Nulton, superintendent for North Lyon County schools, said the district earned Standards of Excellence throughout. In Admire, there were six Standards of Excellence with three grade levels in math, one in science, one in writing and the school received building-wide Standard of Excellence in reading, math and science.
In Americus, there were five Standard of Excellence ratings in reading, five in math, one in science, one in writing and building-wide in reading and math. Reading received two Standard of Excellences in reading and two in math and a building-wide reading. Northern Heights High School received building-wide Standard of Excellence in reading and math. AYP was met in all buildings in the district, Nulton said. Admire, Americus and Reading schools have students through eighth grade.
“We are very happy with the performances of our kids,” he said. “And very happy about the efforts of our teachers. We hope we can continue that.”
Theresa Lein, principal of Sacred Heart Catholic School, said the private school also made AYP. The fifth and sixth graders earned Standards of Excellence in reading and math. Building wide, Standards of Excellence was achieved in writing and science.
“It’s awesome news for us,” Lein said. “It shows that we continue to provide an excellent education. It just shows that we are doing what we should be doing. Our children are learning and excelling.”
Mike Argabright, superintendant of Southern Lyon County school district, said the district did well. All of the buildings made Standards of Excellence in both reading and math.
“We’re just very pleased with our students, staff and parents with the efforts that they make there,” Argabright said. “My compliments all go out to those groups of people that do take pride in it. I think it’s evident that they do, and I’m tickled to death for them. I’m very proud of them.”
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