East Feliciana notes test score progress

• By MARILYN GOFF
• Special to The Advocate
• Published: Jun 3, 2009 - Page: 4B

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CLINTON — The East Feliciana School Board on Tuesday heard reports that students made progress in spring test scores, did well in the state literary rally at LSU and that its 17 Teach for America teachers are gaining national attention.

Ruth Dart, district test coordinator, said the district’s performance on iLeap, Leap and GEE tests are improving for all grades.

Dart said sixth-grade test scores in social studies came in at 84 percent, about 20 percentage points above the state level.

Although the scores, in general, for language arts, math and science are still below the state average, most students are making progress and moving above basic levels, she said.

Literary rally coordinator Sharon Jones presented the names of students who did well in the state rally held at LSU in Baton Rouge on April 25.

First-place winners from Clinton High School are Leona Brown, agriculture science I; Melva Matthews, consumer homemaking; Mia Taylor, algebra I; and Fredrick Sanford, agriculture science III.

Two Teach for America teachers were named district teachers of the year: Morgan Alexandra Hales, Jackson Elementary School; and Laura Shoemaker, Jackson Middle School.

A third district teacher of the year also was named — Susan Louque of Jackson High School.

Superintendent Douglas Beauchamp told the board that the ABC “Good Morning America Weekend” show’s coverage of the Teach for America program in Jackson provided excellent national publicity on the success of the program in East Feliciana Parish.

In other business, the board approved a 13th check to be given employees from surplus sales tax receipts and made four administrative assignment changes as follows:

• Carolyn Davis from principal at Jackson Elementary to instructional support specialist at the central office.
• Megan Phillips from assistant principal to principal at Jackson Elementary.
• Melissa Gradnigo from teacher at Slaughter Elementary to assistant principal at Jackson Elementary.
• Knight Roddy from Title I coordinator to 12-month supervisor.