CCSC ranks high as school corporation

The Clay Community School Corporation(CCSC) ranks in the top 10 and above in the state according to school testing data information from the Indiana Department of Education(IDOE).

Recent information from the IDOE shows the following testing results for students in grades 3-8 are testing higher than the state average in both subjects for English/Language Arts, and Mathematics.

The IDOE information places CCSC in the following categories:

Third Grade ranks first with 48.5% proficient in English, while the state average is 38.6%

Fourth Grade ranks second with 48.2% proficiency in English, while the state average is 41.8%.

Fifth Grade ranks first with 57.5% proficient in English, while the state average is 40.53%

Sixth Grade ranks third with 47.9% proficient in English, while the state average is 41.1%.

Seventh Grade ranks first with 51% proficient in English, while the state average is 41.8%.

Eighth Grade ranks second with 47.9% proficient in English, while the state average is 42.6%.

“This is important because it demonstrates Clay Community Schools is providing a higher quality educational experience compared to other school corporations,” said Van Buren Principal Derik Tipton. “Outperforming the state average motivates staff members, fosters the need for continuous improvement, and provides a sense of pride and accomplishment.”

The accolades don’t stop there. Students are also scoring high in Mathematics.

Third Grade ranks fourth with 63.7% proficient in Math, while the state average is 52.4%

Fourth Grade ranks third with 64.4% proficiency in Math, while the state average is 48%.

Fifth Grade ranks first with 61.1% proficient in Math, while the state average is 40.8%

Sixth Grade ranks fourth with 47.9% proficient in Math, while the state average is 38.1%.

Seventh Grade ranks second with 40.9% proficient in Math, while the state average is 33.9%.

Eighth Grade ranks third with 32% proficient in Math, while the state average is 31.4%.

“Working to improve the quality of education each year is important to Clay Community Schools. Curriculum teams meet throughout the summer to evaluate and revise the curriculum maps according to the newest school/corporation data and state standards,” Tipton said. “CCS has also revised the school calendar in order to provide staff members with the opportunity to look at data and update the scope and sequence of both reading and math. Our focus is to develop the curriculum to be challenging, but also meet the needs of our students.”

Tipton explained the curriculum is constantly evolving, with adjustments made each year to improve student performance and move more efficiently and effectively toward academic goals.

During Thursday night’s Board of Trustees Meeting at Central Office, Assistant Superintendent Brady Scott highlighted the spring information from the IDOE’s Spring ILEARN and IREAD assessment data.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Two parents signed up to speak at Thursday’s meeting to talk about their concerns about the recent safety threats made at various schools in the region. During their emotional pleas to the school board about bullying and the recent threats, both parents discussed the emotional impact of these threats on the students.

Board President Tom Reberger thanked the parents for coming to speak to the board.

“Thank you very much for your comments, which we will take them seriously, and I’m sure that,” Reberger said. “Each and every one of us have the same concerns you do.”

Reberger went on to explain that the public does not always know or see everything that is being done to protect students and staff members.

“We don’t advertise everything that is going on behind the scenes to the general public. Things that if we did, you’d be very happy about what you’re seeing and hearing. But we don’t want the general public, the bad guys per say, to know some of these things, right? We have the same concerns you do, and we’re trying to do everything we can to take them seriously.”

IN OTHER BUSINESS

The board of trustees approved the school improvement plans.

The board approved the corporation-level goals developed by the district-level administrators for their departments.

Teacher Appreciation Grants, Title II, Part A–Supporting Effective Instruction Grant, Title IV, Part A–Student Support, Digital Learning Parent and Family Support Grant, and Academic Enrichment Grant, and the High Ability Grant were all approved by the board.

Changes reflecting new language about Indiana Code (IC) 20-33-2, “Compulsory School Attendance” were approved by the board.

A Land O’Lakes Foundation grant for $1,500 Clay City High was approved by the board for FFA student activities and FFA event registration and entry fees.

The October School Board meeting will be held at the Central Office on Thursday, October 10, at 7 p.m.