Developing News: Foundation Grades Schools, Discovers Other Failing Factors

The foundation assigned letter grades to districts based on 9th grade scores on math and reading standardized test scores from 2007-2008. The foundation gave F's to nine school districts and A's to 17 school districts.

The districts that failed are in the east or southeast area of the state. Forrest City made this disappointing list.

Forrest City Senior Cara McCollum says the findings of a new study of Arkansas schools are not surprising.

"Everybody knows our scores are lacking because we have remediation classes," says McCollum.

Her district gets an "F" because of low ninth grade math and reading test scores. Others that failed: Dermott, Augusta, Earle, Helena, Turrell, Hughes, Dollarway, and Hermitage. Most are in the Delta.

"I don't think the Delta is an excuse," says McCollum.

UCA Associate Professor of Psychology and Counseling Michael Scoles conducted the study.

"It may not have to do with the quality of teachers. There are other factors that influence district performances," says Scoles.

The study also found the poorest-performing school districts have double the percentage of students on free or reduced lunch and lived in single parent homes.

Superintendent Dr. Jerry Woods says the grade motivates him to continue programs proven to work.

"If you have a student passed sixth or seventh grade that cannot read, "Ramp-up" takes students and gives basic skills they need," says Woods.

There is also the ombudsmen program that allows students to hold a job half the day and go to school. Lydia Holmes think test scores will go up, when students' attitudes change.

"I think a lot of students feel because they are in this school, their demographic, where they come from, they can't succeed," says McCollum.

McCollum says she has received an "ok" education, but she had to work at it.

"This year is the second year for AP art class that we are in, and we had to fight for that class," says McCollum.

The study also found higher average teacher salaries ($48,000) in districts assigned an "A." The lowest ($39,000) were seen in those districts assigned a "D+."

Here is a link to the study and list of schools and grades.