- Duplin County Schools
- Overview
Achievement Gaps Closing Across School System
'A Unified Approach to Academic Excellence' is Key to Success
The Duplin County Board of Education believes that all students – regardless of race, color, gender, religion, etc.- deserve a high-quality education. Closing achievement gaps is a priority for educators as we work to improve achievement for all students. At the Board’s request, assessment data was analyzed to pinpoint any achievement gaps among subgroups within Duplin County Schools. Detailed results of the analysis were presented to the Board of Education and also reported in last week’s Duplin Times.
A summary of the study revealed that performance disparities among subgroups have existed in the past; however, those gaps have closed significantly over the past several years for our traditionally underperforming students. We celebrate our achievements and will continue to provide equitable educational opportunities to all students. Our efforts to deliver individualized instruction based on the abilities and interests of each learner are paying off, and we remain committed to providing learning environments that will maximize the potential for all students to succeed. Our focus on District-Wide Early College and hands-on STEM education along with Project-Based Learning throughout the curriculum are motivating students to learn and are raising college awareness. Although these efforts are not quantified at the state level, our teachers take all student achievement very seriously and are committed to intensifying our efforts. While we are not satisfied with our test scores as a district, we believe the seeds have been planted and local measurements indicate they will not only germinate, but also pay dividends for years to come.
In addition to information about closing subgroup gaps, the analysis also revealed a particular concern. There is an increased number of students entering kindergarten with a lack of basic foundational skills or “at-risk” of not graduating. While the data shows our teachers have done an amazing job bringing our kindergarteners to grade level, it reveals the need to expand and enhance comprehensive early childhood care and education. This is especially true for our most disadvantaged and vulnerable children. Imagine our students’ success if we could incorporate a comprehensive pre-k program designed to prepare children for kindergarten. This is a critical need not only for our county, but also for counties across the state as well. In keeping with our motto, “A United Approach to Academic Excellence,” it will take all of us. Solid home-to-school relationships and partnerships with local businesses and community stakeholders will be the key to bridge any gaps that exist. Our unified and individualized approach is one which values and respects all of our children.
I am very proud that the Duplin County School’s family takes student achievement personally and we are doing all we can to help every student realize his or her dreams. We have the talent and potential to perform among the top districts. We realize all students may not go to college, but we are expanding their dreams, exposing them to opportunities, and connecting them to real-world challenges, which will enable them to be a part of improved economic growth and stability. We will continue to treat all God’s children with respect and provide them support and nurturing throughout their educational experience in Duplin County Schools.