Friday, September 29, 2000
Covington schools' scores among lowest
By Lori Hayes
The Cincinnati Enquirer
It was of little surprise that the Covington Independent Schools district was among the worst in the state on this year's assessment scores.
Of the six schools in Northern Kentucky that ranked in the lowest performance category, five are in the Covington district, an even worse showing than expected. And three of the district's eight schools ranked in the lowest 10 scores in the state.
But that's old news, say Covington faculty and administrators.
Scores on the 2000 Commonwealth Accountability Testing System were released Thursday, but the bulk of the scores comes from tests taken last spring, months before the district launched a massive improvement plan.
If anything, the poor scores further validate the need for the districtwide overhaul, interim Superintendent Jack Moreland said Thursday.
“We knew the scores probably weren't going to be very good,” he said. “We're not happy with these scores, but we are pleased that the board had the foresight to intervene.”
Seeking advice to improve the ailing district, the Covington school board requested a state audit last spring. As expected, the results were scathing and spurred a whirlwind of activity and change in the district.
“They're getting help, and they'll be getting more help,” said Lisa Gross, a spokeswoman for the Kentucky Department of Education. “That's what this is about. It's not a punitive-driven system. It's a help-driven system.”
Teachers have written new districtwide curriculum. Administrators are keeping a much closer eye on what's happening in the classroom. Principals are keeping files in their offices to record what they're doing to improve student achievement.
“We're working our tails off,” said Susan McDonald, principal of Glenn O. Swing Elementary. “We're sticking to that action plan. We're on the right track. I don't think scores made any difference in what we would have done.”
On the state tests, Covington students showed little or no improvement over last year. Two schools even slipped further down than in 1998.
Latonia Elementary had the highest score in the district with a 62.7, but most schools scored in the 40s. One school, First District Elementary, scored 36.3, the third lowest in the state.
While Mr. Moreland said he was disappointed by the low performance, he is encouraging his staff to stay focused on the improvement plan already in the works.
“They can't let the morale get in the way of the accomplishments we're trying to make,” he said. “These test scores are certainly not an indictment of the faculty and their work ethic.”
With the improvements growing, Mr. Moreland promises dramatic change. It's unlikely that will come in one year, but he said the scores will show a difference in three to four years.
“It's awfully easy to throw up your hands and say, "There's no hope,' but there is hope. We've got to continue to press on.”
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