Exciting Grade Improvements in Birmingham Schools Signal a Bright Future for Education

Exciting Improvements in Birmingham Schools: A Step Towards Excellence!

Birmingham, Alabama – This week has been a time of celebration for the Birmingham City Schools district as they proudly announced their latest grade increase on the annual Alabama State Department of Education report card. With a commendable leap from a C to a B at Oxmoor Valley Elementary School, it seems the hard work and determination at this school is really paying off!

Teachers Driven by Vision and Goals

Darwanette Levingston, a dedicated third-grade teacher at Oxmoor Valley Elementary, couldn’t hide her enthusiasm during a press conference held on Tuesday. “It was hard work, but the first thing we had, we had a vision, then we set goals,” she said. “We tried to set obtainable goals, and we bought into those goals.”

It’s clear that mixing “old school” methods with “new school” strategies did the trick. Levingston shared that more than 80% of third graders are now reading at proficiency levels, thanks to the teamwork of teachers, administrators, students, and even the community!

BCS Celebrates Overall Improvement

Dr. Mark Sullivan, the Superintendent of Birmingham City Schools, chimed in with more fantastic news. “We’ve seen an increase in our test scores. We are not satisfied with a 74, but it’s the highest grade that BCS has ever made since we had an academic report card in the state of Alabama,” he revealed proudly. The district improved its score this year from a 72 to a 74, maintaining an overall C grade.

School Grades Taking a Turn for the Better!

Even more exciting is that a number of other schools have also jumped in grade rankings. Arrington Elementary, Wylam Elementary, and Inglenook K-8 moved up from an F to a C, while both Oxmoor Valley Elementary and South Hampton K-8 secured B grades after previously sitting at a C.

“We’ve had a lot of schools that have made A’s and B’s this year,” emphasized Sullivan. “What that says is that no matter where your students come from, your students can achieve high levels.” And what a crucial message that is, proving that dedication indeed pays off!

Work Lies Ahead: Reducing F Grades

However, there’s still work to be done. Last year, 15 schools were marked with an F. But this year, that number has shrunk by half to seven. “Seven schools are far too many; our goal for next year is to have zero schools receiving a letter grade of F,” Sullivan passionately stated.

Sullivan’s commitment doesn’t stop there. He is also focusing on making sure that all high school students are truly “college and career ready” by the time they graduate in May. “We’ve invested a lot in our post-secondary success, particularly targeting our ninth graders,” he said.

Preparing Future Scholars

To further bolster student performance, various programs are already in motion. Middle schoolers will soon be introduced to algebra, and elementary schools are pushing to eliminate the need for remediation by ensuring all children learn essential reading skills by the third grade.

The district is actively using data from assessments, including i-Ready, for grades K-8, which will be conducted right before the holiday break. Moreover, programs aimed at student recovery from learning loss and enrichment opportunities will continue throughout the school year, including tutoring initiatives that promise to provide even greater support to students.

A Bright Future Ahead

In conclusion, the Birmingham City Schools are on a winning streak, and the momentum appears to be growing. Cheers to the teachers, students, and the community for their hard work and dedication in making Birmingham’s schools a place of excellence!