School District Sees Increase In APR Score

The Crawford County R-1 School District saw its annual performance report (APR) score jump five percentage points.

Bourbon scored 93.3 percent, an increase from 88 percent in 2017.

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) released results statewide in February. Scores reflect the 2017-2018 school year.

APR is determined by the Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP5) and districts are graded on academic achievement, subgroup achievement, college and career readiness, attendance and graduation rate.

Bourbon scored 112 out of 120 possible points and received all 30 in graduation rate. 

Bourbon narrowly missed out on a perfect score in subgroup achievement — receiving 9.5 out of 10 points. The district received 28 out of 30 points in college and career readiness and 37 out of 40 points in academic achievement.

Attendance was at 7.5 out of 10.

Bourbon Superintendent Patricia Thompson said it was a concerted effort on the part of administrators and teachers that the curriculum was reflective of the Missouri Learning Standards and instruction aligned with it.

“Our APR shows solid performance in overall academic achievement and also subgroup achievement, which includes our free and reduced and IEP (individual education plan) students,” Thompson said. “The scores in the area of college and career readiness and graduation rate are solid as well.”

Thompson said the perfect graduation score reflects the dedication of administration and staff to keeping students engaged in the learning process and consequently, “a steady decrease in the number of students dropping out of school.”

The SOAR alternative school has been a benefit to students who have not had success in the traditional high school environment, Thompson said.

Post-Secondary Opportunities

Bourbon has made college and career readiness a focal point in recent years and Thompson noted that high school faculty and staff have been “diligent” in ensuring that students are researching post-secondary opportunities.

“In addition, we have more students than ever taking dual credit classes, offering over 83 credit hours worth of dual credit opportunities,” she said. “Students are being highly encouraged to explore career education courses at a higher level as well.”

Students are taking the ASVAB as sophomores and Thompson said they are encouraged to take the ACT as juniors and seniors.

“We have many students who also take industry recognized credential assessments as part of their vocational program,” she said. “All of this plays a huge part in making sure the district receives as many points as possible in the area of college and career readiness.”

Improvement

Going forward, Thompson said Bourbon must improve its attendance.

In order to receive maximum points, 90 percent of our students must be in attendance 90 percent of the time. The district uses incentives and recognition to encourage good attendance, Thompson said.

“This is an area we rely on support from parents and guardians to impress upon students the importance of being at school,” she said. “Missed days of instruction have a detrimental effect on a student’s level of academic success, so a strong connection between home and school is essential to assure school attendance is consistent and meaningful.”

Thompson sees the district making even more improvement.

“We are so fortunate to have a great staff and supportive community, so I anticipate our APR score to continue to improve in the future,” she said.

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