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BRYAN COUNTY SCHOOLS USING DATA TO BETTER PREPARE FOR STATE TESTS

Press Releases

Thursday, 20 March 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Chip Carter

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jones Public Relations

405-516-9686

BRYAN COUNTY SCHOOLS USING DATA

TO BETTER PREPARE FOR STATE TESTS

DURANT, OKLA. (March 20, 2014) – The end of Spring Break means one thing to teachers, administrators and students alike: The state tests are just around the corner. Schools select testing dates from April 10 through May 7 statewide.

Stakes are at an all-time high for schools because all state-mandated test scores factor into the A-F Report Card grades issued to each school as part of Oklahoma’s state and federal accountability system. These tests, taken in grades 3-12 can determine if students get their driver’s license, high school diploma and, starting this year, promotion into the 4th grade.

Progress is being made in Bryan County where both Achille and Bennington improved test scores sufficiently in terms of federal accountability to be recognized as “Reward Schools” by the Oklahoma State Department of Education in in February 2014.

[PDF link: http://www.ok.gov/sde/sites/ok.gov.sde/files/documents/files/Reward_Designation%20List%20From%20Accountability%2002%2006%202014_0.pdf ]

“We are proud of what Achille students have achieved primarily because our teachers focus instruction on the needs of each child,” explained Superintendent Rick Beene. “We are better able to meet high goals in our schools because we involve our parents and have Alpha Plus to help us utilize assessment data.”

Bennington Superintendent Donna Anderson said, “Our test scores improved because of higher expectations at Bennington, and by supporting our teachers and involving our parents. With Alpha Plus, we are able to utilize test score data throughout the school year to better prepare students for annual state tests.”

Jan Barrick, CEO of Alpha Plus Educational Systems, Inc., reiterated how important it is to support teachers and students year-round. More than one-third of all schools served by Alpha Plus were recognized as “Reward Schools” in 2013; the average A-F Report Card score of schools working with Alpha Plus is an 80 Index, or B-.

“Moreover, I’d point out what an important role parents play in working with teachers to make sure children are ready for state tests that begin April 10 statewide. To parents, I say, make sure your children get a good night’s rest and a healthy breakfast, and that they are always encouraged to do their best work!”

About Alpha Plus

Alpha Plus Educational Systems, Inc. is Oklahoma's leading educational professional development firm. Founded in 1986 by Jan Barrick to address the unique needs of Oklahoma’s urban, suburban and rural school students, Alpha Plus uses scientifically based research methods to train teachers and administrators to make data-driven decisions that improve instruction.

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BRYAN COUNTY SCHOOLS USING DATA TO BETTER PREPARE FOR STATE TESTS