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In 2004 with the graduation rate of the CMCSS schools at 76.2 percent and grew to 2011’s rate of 93.5 percent. According to Dr. Rosalyn Evans, although the above 90 percent rate is good, it is not what the system’s goal is.
CMCSS’s Senior Instruction Team outlined interventions and methodology of the system’s approach to increasing not only graduation
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rates but math and literacy competency. The underlying theme to the team’s presentation was to “start early” and use a diversity of tools to aid the diverse student population in the area.The system, explained Evans, approached obstacles students faced by employing 60 forms of interventions. CMCSS can provide everything from Academic coaches to Visualize and Verbalize a multisensory program assisting students who have difficulty connecting what they read to meaning.
“Some students have a broad range of needs,” said Evans.
The team explained to the School Board that CMCSS has a very unique and diverse student population. A clear warning was that not one size fits all children, or more clearly, there is not just one way to help students achieve their maximum potential.
Clarksville-Montgomery County faces unique challenges that go hand-and-hand with a unique student population. This school year alone there has been an approximately 35 percent increase in students with special needs. The increase in special needs students means more training for educators and a greater need to employ programs such as READ WELL (K-5) or Verbalize and Visualize.
Dr. Sallie Armstong told the School Board the major focus for CMCSS was to monitor intervention programs. Armstrong explained monitors for the programs ask if they are getting the impact needed from the programs. To achieve the process’s primary goal, the system uses the Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System to ensure every student has made at least one year of improvement.
Dr. Sean Impeartrice presented the school board with the intention of the instructional team to make sure the invested time and money are moving kids forward. The programs can cost up to $40,000 in just one school Impeartrice explained.
“But these students need it,” said Impeartrice.
Board member Jimmie Garland echoed the team’s presentation while closing out the session for the night.
Garland told the room,“That’s what we’re about; Making sure our kids get the best education possible.”
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