By Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Coordinator
All five Athens ISD campuses and the district as a whole have once again “met standard,” according to the Texas Education Agency. In addition, Athens High School and South Athens Elementary each received an impressive five academic distinctions.
“Under the modern system of school evaluations — which is more rigorous than any system that came before it — this is the most distinctions our district has ever received as a whole,” said AISD Superintendent Blake Stiles. “While we know test scores don’t tell the whole story behind a campus or a child, we’re always pleased when there’s an opportunity like this to celebrate.”
At the high school, distinctions were designated in academic achievement in mathematics, academic achievement in science, academic achievement in social studies, top 25 percent student progress, and postsecondary (after-high school) readiness. At South Athens, distinctions were designated in academic achievement in ELA/reading, academic achievement in mathematics, top 25 percent student progress, top 25 percent closing performance gaps, and postsecondary readiness.
“We have an amazing staff that is committed to student success. There is a common vision and belief in what we’re doing and where we’re going,” said South Athens Elementary Principal Claudia Stiles. “Our students have an outstanding work ethic and the best attitudes. … And we are especially thankful to our parents and the community, because we know it takes a village to raise a child.”
AISD Director of Secondary Education Jami Ivey, who served the last five school years as principal at Athens High School, also credited students and teachers.
“Athens High School has received distinctions each year since 2014, and this is the most distinctions in a single year the school has ever received,” said Ivey. “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our teachers. I am very proud of them and for them. It also speaks well of the quality of students we have, both at the high school and at all the campuses they come from. I expect we’ll see continued success under the leadership of Mrs. Morrison (the current AHS principal).”
“This is a win,” said Superintendent Stiles. “I’m a competitive person, and I want to see even more distinctions in our future. But even as we celebrate, we have to keep these scores in perspective. Yes, they’re useful tools for identifying areas of achievement and concern, but we know they don’t accurately measure many of the factors that influence how our students learn. There’s no state system in place that does that. So our focus at the district level is always to know our own students, meet them where they are, and continue to find ways to help them reach their potential.”