Harrison celebrates test-score turnaround
Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Friday, September 30, 2011
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Harrison Elementary celebrated its rise from 77 to 99 on the KCCT transition index, which is similar to the old CATS score.
Chilly temperatures and cloudy skies could not dampen the enthusiasm bursting out Friday at Harrison Elementary’s block party.
The whole school gathered outside to celebrate its steady rise in state test scores – a shining culmination of the Turnaround Project, which provided such extras as violin lessons for grades K-2, piano keyboarding for grades 3-5, honors choir and chess club.
“The kids in arts and humanities just do so much better. It’s made a difference, and we can show it with our data,” Principal Tammie Franks said.
Three years ago, the Kentucky Core Content Test transition index at Harrison languished at 77. With support from the Fayette County Board of Education, the school added instructional time, intervention staff and classes in arts and world languages. Test results released this week put Harrison a shade over 99, a jump deemed “incredible growth” by Superintendent Tom Shelton.
“Our scores showed we can do anything if we try hard and have what we need to be successful,” said fourth-grader Zahria Crowder.
Shelton also commended the Title I school for meeting 12 of 12 targets under No Child Left Behind requirements.
“The teachers expect you to do well and want you to have those same high expectations of yourself,” he told the kids.
Shelton was among a handful of guest speakers, all of whom extended congratulations and lauded the children’s efforts.
Assistant Lexington Police Chief Mike Bosse, noting how he had to attend the police academy to earn his badge 29 years ago, encouraged the youngsters to continue to set and strive for worthy goals.
“If you can remember that hard work is not a bad thing, it will give you good turnarounds in the end,” he said.
Urban County Council member Chris Ford cited Harrison’s initiative, too.
“You guys are a great example for our neighborhood and our city,” he said. “If Lexington is going to be a great place, it’ll start right here with our youth.”
Harrison’s honors choir offered up three songs during the half-hour program, which also included a couple of schoolwide shout-outs.
“We’ve left our print on history in 2011, but we won’t stop here. We are on to the next level,” resource teacher Nakesha Cozart said to cheers.
Franks said her school doesn’t make excuses or allow socioeconomic issues to hinder its mission.
“Our vision is to become a model school when all students are proficient and we have closed the (achievement) gaps,” she said. “The barriers are still great, but we overcome those with excellent teaching and teamwork from the kids.”
“Our school has turned around,” Franks noted. “All the kids believe in themselves again.”
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