The state recently released the listing of the top 25 most improved schools as part of the Legislative School Performance Recognition Program. Three Phenix City schools earned most improved titles, which translates into a $5,000 award for each school!
Most Improved
The local public schools that were designated as most improved are Westview, Ridgecrest and Meadowlane elementary schools. This recognition is based on the state report card’s grading system. Schools with the highest performance or with the largest increase in points throughout a two-year period are given the award.
Making it to the top 25 is no easy task. Competition is tough considering there are 1,474 public school systems within the state.
Because of the unusual circumstances of the 2019-2020 school year, the state used figures based on data from 2017-2018 and 2018-2019. According to an article in the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, the data revealed the following based on a 100-point scale:
- Westview jumped 16 points to a score of 85.
- Ridgecrest went up 14 points for a score of 84.
- Meadowlane increased 13 points for an 83.
What does “most improved” mean?
The three Phenix City schools earned most improved titles based on a number of factors. A few noteworthy ones include things like rigorous professional development for teachers, goal setting for students and collaboration with other educational organizations and grade levels.
Other Awards
When these three Phenix City schools earned most improved titles, they joined a short list of additional state recognition of the school system. In 2019, PCS was named the most improved system overall. As reported by the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer at the time, the school system’s grade went from a C to an A on the state’s report card. All 11 schools within the system also showed improvement in each major category.
Finally, Phenix City Schools superintendent Randy Wilkes was presented with the Alabama Superintendent of the Year award in 2018.
Summary
When school systems thrive, so do the cities and residents! If you have been thinking about making a move to Phenix City, Central Highlands has floor plans and affordable living options to fit a variety of lifestyles. See for yourself! Click here to view photos and floor plans.
Discover more exciting news and good reasons to call Phenix City home by reading our blogs!