This designated Trigg County an "Exemplary Growth" district. Out of the state's 176 districts, Trigg County is one of only 45 in Kentucky to be considered as having exemplary growth. Superintendent, Tim McGinnis, said, "I'm very excited about the progress this biennium. Our school community of staff, students and parents worked together to show that we are improving. I'm proud to be the Superintendent of a school that is showing so much growth."
In 2003 under the No Child Left Behind act, Trigg County scored below annual yearly progress in the area of reading. This year the district scored under in the areas of math for Africa American students and students with disabilities.
For assessment purposes, Trigg County's elementary and middle schools are considered a K-8 school. Both the schools had to achieve new goals that were set by the state as well as catching up on old goals that had not been met in past years.
Trigg County Elementary showed gains in test scores in the areas of arts and humanities, science, reading, math, and practical living and vocational studies. The elementary school showed no gain in social studies and writing. Although the school lost ground in writing, it is still almost 10 points above the state's recommended level, according to Lander.
Trigg County Middle School showed gains in social studies, science, math, practical living and writing. The area that the middle school lost some ground in was reading.
Trigg County High School received a reward status in the 2002 biennium. High school students showed improved scores in social studies, arts and humanities, science, vocational studies and practical living and math. The only area that the high school did not show growth in was reading.
The schools were tested for the assessment in April of 2004. District coordinators went to Frankfort in July and late September to review their district's data. "This was the first year they've had all 176 districts go twice to Frankfort. This is so we could preview the test scored and see if there were any glaring errors," said Lander.
To continue to achieve exemplary growth status, the district will be looking at what needs to be changed, as well as what needs to stay the same. McGinnis said, "We plan to analyze students data and look at what was implemented to advance student achievement. That way we can sustain what is already being done." The district will also look at the sub-populations and what can be done to improve the scores in these areas. "We plan to be in the top 25 percent in the next biennium," said McGinnis.
