Polk County’s 2011 Report Card was the same as 2011 for academic achievement overall: a D in math and a C for Reading/Language Arts, Social Studies and Science for grades K-8. While there was some improvement last year, it was not enough to overcome low scores after the state raised standards in 2009; there were also some declines. The grades are based on a three-year average to avoid skewing results from an especially high or low class. Writing scores continue to be an A at all levels.

Benton Elementary (K-5) showed improvement overall in Math and Language Arts, earning a B compared to last year’s C. Social Studies and Science stayed at C. Attendance at Benton was 94.2%, the same as the county. On the Average Yearly Progress (AYP) analysis, 6% of students were below basic level in Math, 39.4% were proficient and 17.7% were advanced. For Reading/Language Arts plus writing, 4% were below basic, 42.4% were proficient and 12.2% were advanced.

At Chilhowee (6-8), Math moved from F to D while science went from B to D. Reading/Language Arts stayed at C.  Attendance at Chilhowee was 93.4%. In the AYP analysis, 43% were below basic in math, 13.6% were proficient, and 4.9% were advanced. In Reading/Language Arts, 11% were below basic, 38.4% were proficient, and 12.4% were advanced.

Copper Basin (K-6) Elementary improved from F to D in math and remained at C for Reading/Language Arts and Science and D in Social Studies. Attendance was 94.8%. In math, 19% were below basic, 27.6% were proficient, and 6.5% were advanced.

South Polk (K-5) students overall improved from C to B in Math and Reading/Language Arts. Social Studies remained at D and Science stayed at C. Fifth grade writing scores improved from B to A. In math, 8% were below basic, 42.9% were proficient and 16.2% were advanced. In Reading/Language Arts, 8% were below basic, 38.4% were proficient, and 14.5% were advanced.

Seventh and eighth graders at Copper Basin High School went from D to F in Math, from B to C in Reading/Language Arts, and remained at B for Social Studies and Science. In math, 47% were below basic, 10.7% were proficient, and 0.8% were advanced.

At Copper Basin High School, 14% of students were below basic in math, 29.4% were proficient and 13.7% were advanced. For Reading/Language Arts, 4% were below basic, 63.5% were proficient and 15.7% were advanced. On the ACT test, the three-year average score was 17.9, compared to 19.8 for the state. By subject area, ACT scores were 17.4 for English, 17.5 for and math, 18.4 for reading and 18.1 for science/reasoning. For the current year, the composite score was 18.3, compared to 19.5 for the state. English was 17.7, math was 18.1, Reading was 18.5 and Science/Reasoning was 18.6. The attendance rate at Basin was 95.1%. The 2010 graduation rate was 82.5%.

At Polk County High School, 29% of students were below basic in math, 27.1% were proficient and 6.2% were advanced. For Reading/Language Arts, 11% were below basic, 49.9% were proficient and 14% were advanced. On the ACT test, the three-year average score was 19.1, same as 19.8 for the state. By subject area, ACT scores were 18.7 for English, 18.2 for and math, 19.8 for reading and 19.3 for science/reasoning. For the current year, the composite score was 19, compared to 19.5 for the state. English was 18.4, math was 18.3, Reading was 19.4 and Science/Reasoning was 19.2. The attendance rate was 94.7%. The 2010 graduation rate was 89%.

Demographics

The school system served 2,619 students in six schools last year, with 189 teachers and 14 administrators. Countywide, 74.3% of students fall into the category of economically disadvantaged, 13.3% have disabilities, and 48% qualify for Title 1 (federally funded programs in high poverty schools that target children with low achievement). 97.2% of students are white. Last year, there were eight students with limited English proficiency. There were 45 suspensions and one expulsion reported.

Among the teachers and administrators, 146 were female and 56 were male. Three teachers were working on waivers in science, social studies, algebra I and II and librarian. Many have received advance degrees: 59 master’s degrees, 5 master’s degree plus 45 credits, 56 Education Doctorates, and five PhDs. Countywide, 90.3% of core courses are taught by teachers designated as highly qualified.

Per pupil spending in Polk County last year was $8,182, compared to an average of $9,084 statewide. The state provided 62.4% of education funding, with 17.3% in federal funds. In area counties, per pupil spending was: Bradley, $7,540; Meigs, $8,478; McMinn, $7,784; Monroe, $8,081. Local spending in Polk amounted to 20.4%, compared to 38.7% statewide, 30.8% in Bradley, 16.2% in Meigs, 27.6% in McMinn, and 25% in Monroe.

Attendance for grades K-8 last year was 94.4%, compared to 95.2% statewide. For grades 9-12, attendance was 94.8%, compared to 93.3% statewide. The graduation rate was 87%.

(Next week: School profiles, value added scores)