The Numbers are in on A-Rated Excellence

Posted September 27, 2024

HWS Perfect Score students — Students at Henderson Ward Stewart Elementary who earned a perfect score on one or more state assessment during the 2023-2024 school year. Scroll down to see more high performing students.

Following the announcement of the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District's A-rating on the Mississippi Department of Education 2023-2024 school accountability model, SOCSD is proud to showcase student academic performance on the Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP).

During state MAAP assessments of 3rd through 12th grade students in April, more than 1800 Yellow Jacket students scored proficient or advanced on reading, math, and science assessments as well as subject area tests required for graduation. The number of proficient and advanced scores contributed to the district earning an A-rating, as well as all schools earning individual B-ratings and above.

In addition to students who scored proficient and advanced on state assessments, the district saw 266 students earn a perfect score on one or more test. Of that number, 67 students earned a perfect score on two assessments. In addition, the following seven students earned a perfect score on three assessments: Ian Jung, Matthew Leigh, Kai Saikia, Joseph Thompson, Moak Vinson, and Jessica Widodo. We are also honored to congratulate two students who earned a perfect score on all four of their assessments: Lucinda Stelioes-Wills and Shengjia Xiang.

Visit a PHOTO GALLERY of SOCSD students who earned Proficient, Advanced and Perfect Scores

"We are extremely proud of these students who earned proficient or advanced on the state assessments," said SOCSD Superintendent Tony McGee. "The number of students who earned perfect scores is particularly impressive, and we commend each of these boys and girls for their hard work and commitment to academic excellence. Their performance also speaks to the quality of instruction that our teachers and staff are delivering each day."

SOCSD Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Vernita Wilson echoed Dr. McGee's comments.

"We are incredibly proud that a great number of our students earned proficient, advanced and perfect scores on not just one, but two, three and even four state assessments," Dr. Wilson said. "Our classroom teachers, lead teachers and administrative staff worked tirelessly last year to ensure that we are providing high-quality Tier I instruction every day in every classroom –– that means student-centered and meaningful learning experiences to meet students right where they are on their growth path. We're excited to see the results of our commitment to make positive gains for our SOCSD students."

Overall, the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District grew in 9 out of 12 areas in which Mississippi districts are measured. The district's 2023-2024 MDE accountability score increased by 23 accountability points as compared with the 2022-2023 school year.

Schools showing outstanding performance on the 2023-2024 accountability ratings include Overstreet Elementary, which grew 45 accountability points to secure an individual school A-rating. In addition, Armstrong Junior High School grew by 127 accountability points from Spring 2023 to Spring 2024 to earn a B-rating for the first time in its history.

With individual schools earning one A-rating and six B-ratings this past year, one of the deciding factors for the district's overall A-rating was the performance of EL students, or those children who do not speak English as their native language. SOCSD's EL population comprises a subset in the accountability model which earned 49.4 points out of a possible 50 on the state's accountability formula.

"We are extremely proud of our EL students for how they performed on assessments this year," said Anna Guntharp, SOCSD Assistant Superintendent for Federal Programs. "Our EL population shows the diversity of the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District and the Starkville community as a whole. We serve students who speak up to 30 languages besides English in their homes, and these scores let us know that we are providing many of the services they need to succeed and grow academically."

Other factors impacting the school district's rating include an 87.5% graduation rate, the highest since 2018, high participation in accelerated opportunities like Advanced Placement and dual credit courses as well as CTE or Career and Technical Education.

"All these factors contribute to the accountability points earned this year, but what the numbers don't show is just how involved our students are in opportunities outside their core classwork," said McGee. "At all ages, we strive to give students opportunities to experience the arts, extracurricular activities and team sports, not to mention career exploration that helps them think about life after high school. It's hard to measure those things, but they are vital to a student's experience of school."

McGee says the district is already looking at what's next in providing student opportunities.

"The district and our community have much to be proud of and thankful for in these accountability numbers," said Dr. McGee. "But, we always have work to do. We are excited to celebrate this milestone, and just as eager to roll up our sleeves for the next steps. Our goal is for every student to achieve one-year's growth academically in one school year. This A-rating is only the beginning."