Jones Avenue schools see slow but sure progress

Administrators at the elementary, middle and high schools on Jones Avenue in Alexandria are encouraged by their trifecta of significantly-improved school performance scores.

W.O. Hall Elementary, Arthur F. Smith Middle Magnet and Peabody Magnet High raised scores this year by 9.9, 10.7 and 8.4 points, respectively.

As chronically low-performing schools, it's theoretically easier for them to post much higher scores. But W.O. Hall and Arthur F. Smith both declined slightly the previous year, making the school's highest scores in years all the more heartening.

W.O. Hall and Arthur F. Smith have fluctuated between D's and F's in 2011-12 and 2012-13, but inched closer to a C grade this year. To move up a letter grade, W.O. Hall needs to improve by 12.4 points, and Arthur F. Smith by 6.4 points. Their 2015-16 scores were D's, 57.6 and 63.6.

Since Louisiana began assigning school letter grades, Peabody has received D's every year up until this one. The high school received a 72.3 C and is no longer labeled a "failing" school.

Read more: Better enrollment, performance scores a good sign for two schools

If Peabody's academic success also depends on student achievement in the elementary and middle school, then Principal Jamie Henagan said the school is in a better place.

"Our whole street is growing and as the elementary school and junior high does better, it’s going to lead to us doing better as well," Henagan said the day scores were released.

The three schools are clustered in one of the city's low-income neighborhoods, and between 88 to 95 percent of the roughly 1,300 students who attend them are classified as economically-disadvantaged by the state.

Read more: Area high schools serving more 'at risk' students

W.O. Hall Principal Emmett Jefferson Jr. said students often start at the elementary school behind, and teachers are continually tasked with catching them up. But he believes that obstacle can be overcome so every student can succeed as schools introduce more rigor.

"We're trying to change the atmosphere and the mindset," Jefferson said. "We believe all students can learn here."

Growing and maintaining

The elementary school's strategy for academic growth this past year and going forward is "focusing on reading and working with the deficits," Jefferson said. To identify areas of deficiencies, teachers at every school in the parish meet regularly to discuss data including, pre- and post-test scores, and develop strategies for growth.

Jefferson said the meetings help developed a culture of collaboration among everyone, including pre-K and Kindergarten teachers, who lay the foundation for all of a student's future academic success.

"Even though they're not in a testing grade, each grade is a part of the success because they have to build up those kids," Jefferson said.

Data-driven strategies were key in Arthur F. Smith's improved score, said assistant principal Renisha Beaudion, and administrators already are identifying areas with growth potential this year.

Beaudion said the school earned its 6.7 progress points for increased student proficiency rates through RTI (response to intervention), which the district implemented as a form of support for struggling students. Those efforts will continue this year with a renewed focus on reading at the middle school level as well.

Participation in the school's Accelerated Reader Program has grown from about 15 to 100 percent, according to Beaudion. Administrators believe the literacy program will improve students' reading levels, helping them to improve on standardized tests.

"That's our new push this year to get us to that C school status," Beaudion said. " ... We know we're gonna get it next year."

Beaudion, who started teaching at the school in 2010, said performance scores are widely discussed by faculty with students. When the school experiences growth, it's a major confidence boost.

"It is building morale," she said. "I tell them (students) all the time, we're right behind those top schools."

Peabody administrators expect to maintain and grow ACT scores, a factor in the improved performance of several Rapides high schools.

Read more: Majority of Rapides Schools see performance score gains

Jones Avenue schools performance scores 

(2015-16, 2014-15, 2013-14)

W.O. Hall Elementary 

D 57.6, D 47.7, D 54.8 

Arthur F. Smith Middle Magnet

D 63.6, 52.9 D, 54.4 D

Peabody Magnet High School

C 72.3, D 63.9, D 47.6