LUDLOW — This Ohio River town with a population of 4,500 posted some big-time scores on the CATS index.

        Results released by the state show marked improvements for the district. Ludlow was named an “exemplary growth district,” with all its schools meeting goals and in “rewards.”

Ginger Alteveis works with Ronnie Goins, one of her fourth-graders, at Ludlow Elementary School. (Patrick Reddy photo) | ZOOM |

        Leading the way this year is Mary A. Goetz Elementary School, which saw a 10-point-over-goal improvement on the latest administration of the Kentucky Core Content Test.

        “They had a lot of growth,” said Rhonda Sims, a manager for the state's assessment implementation program. “That's a pretty good jump for a school to make in a year.”

        Mary A. Goetz Principal Jay Brewer said the school was about seven points above the goal last year. He credits yearlong preparation as part of the reason for success but mainly tips his hat to the students and teachers.

Brewer

        On the two-year accountability cycle, Mary A. Goetz had a state CATS goal of 77.1 to meet. The school posted 86.2 as its 2000-2002 CATS index. That's 9.1 index points, or 11.8 percent, better than hoped.

        “We have an incredible staff of teachers and hard-working, intelligent children,” said Mr. Brewer. “The staff is really dedicated to the children.”

        Superintendent Elizabeth Grause said the district has changed its focus from teaching to learning. She said teachers focus on how students are learning and look at different ways to get the lesson across to the students.

        “I think it's been an awakening rather than an adjustment,” said Ms. Grause. “It's a different way of looking at things. We do believe all kids learn in different ways.”

        Mr. Brewer said students have come to appreciate what the scores mean. To reward them, a hall of fame with plaques is set up in the school.

        “I think they do focus on success and they work really hard on learning,” he said.

        Despite the success, Ms. Grause does not want to see the schools rest on their laurels. She said they will look at what needs to be changed. She calls the process “plan, design, review, reinvent.” Teachers meet each morning before school to plan together and make sure core content is covered.

        Mr. Brewer says this year's results are a good foundation for future progress.

        “We'll have some changes for next year and keep getting better,” he said. “I think you try to find out what makes you successful and continue on that.”

        Ms. Grause would be happy to see similar improvement in the future.

        “This was our priority, so it was a very major accomplishment for all the staff,” she said. “Since the early '90s we took the whole notion of (education) reform very seriously and we have improved each year. We want to continue that.”
       

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