By Rupert Howell

South Panola School superintendent Dr. Keith Shaffer said last week, “We’re not where we want to be,” following last month’s release of state test scores but  noted that there were “bright spots” within the test results.

South Panola scored 196 out of 445 schools that include third grade.

“We scored in most every area within one or two percent of state average,” Shaffer said.

Bright spots included South Panola High School where students’ scores showed  an increased percentage of passing in all four subject areas tested. Students at Batesville Junior High and Pope School also did well in algebra subject area testing.

Three schools, Batesville Middle School, Batesville Junior High and Pope, did not make the required average yearly improvement (AYP).

Shaffer explained that test scores from students with Individual Education Plans (IEP students or those not on the traditional course of study with learning challenges) making a  group of 40 or more who have not met average yearly progress, will cause the entire school to face consequences.

“The entire school is punished because of poor performance by one sub-group,” Shaffer noted.

The bright spot to the punishment is funding made available for supplemental education services such as after school and summer vacation tutoring and assistance fed by federal dollars. Also, students in schools that fail to meet AYP are allowed to choose to attend elsewhere.

A complete test score listing is available for individual grades in individual schools on the Mississippi Department of Education’s Web site under test scores.