| By Dianne Weaver
West Virginia schools do not bode well in evaluations of nationwide academic performance, nor does the nation rate well with most other developed countries.
Calhoun Schools, not unlike other WV school systems, are facing poor academic performance, but it is encouraging that Calhoun Schools, under the state's new improvement model, has optimistic signs.
The state's new evaluation system is based on student progress, not necessarily reflecting a student's skill, knowledge or proficiency.
According to SchoolDigger.com, Calhoun's two elementary schools combined, Arnoldsburg and Pleasant Hill, are ranked 9th with improvement in math and reading/language, among the state's 55 counties.
Still, according to Kids County, WV is one of only four states to see a decline in fourth grade reading proficiency between 2003 and 2013.
Unfortunately, the statistical hubris issued by the WV Department of Education, has likely overshadowed progress being made..
Arnoldsburg Elementary, out of he state's 404 elementary schools, has been ranked 81st (math and reading/language) with improvement, despite the fact the school is listed as a Transitional School.
That ranking indicates Arnoldsburg School ranked better with improvement than 80% of the state's elementary schools.
Pleasant Hill Elementary School, out of the state's 404 elementary, has been ranked at 211 (math and reading/language) with improvement, and has been listed as a Success School.
Arnoldsburg School was likely given the lower Transitional rating because of problems that surfaced at the school, reportedly with a single teacher, creating a problem while administering WesTest.
Calhoun Middle-High School, according to schooldigger.com a school that was ranked at the bottom among West Virginia counties with academic outcomes under the former system, is now ranked 81st under the improvement model among the state's 113 high schools. The school is listed as a Transitional School.
See also ED-WATCH: WV ONE OF FOUR STATES DECLINING IN 4TH GRADE READING
CALHOUN SCHOOLS REPORT CARD: Mixed Bag Of WESTEST Proficiency Outcomes /2013)
WHERE CALHOUN SCHOOLS STAND IN EDUCATION PERFORMANCE RATINGS
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