The Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) utilizes a framework compiled of multiple indicators to identify districts as Exemplary, Advancing, Satisfactory or In Need of Improvement. According to the calculation compiled by the TDOE, ECS obtained a score of Advancing for the 2018-2019 school year. Travis Thompson, Secondary Supervisor and Director of Data Services said, “The school system is pleased to be identified by the TDOE as Advancing.

“Our teachers, principals, and students have worked extremely hard and continue to do so as we transition into the 2019-2020 school year. We know that with our strong leadership in our schools and our successful teachers and staff; we will continue to improve by developing successful students.”

Two of the five Elizabethton City Schools were identified as Reward Schools. The two identified are East Side and West Side Elementary. The TDOE defines Reward Schools as a “top distinction a school can earn in Tennessee. Reward Schools are those that are improving overall student academic achievement and student growth for all students and for student groups, and they are identified annually.” Both East Side and West Side Elementary Schools showed tremendous student growth, a rise in student achievement, and an increase in overall student attendance which all aide in receiving the Reward School status.

Elizabethton’s Director of Schools, Dr. Corey Gardenhour said, “The hard work of our principals, teachers and students doesn’t go unnoticed. We are so proud of them and what they have been able to accomplish.

“Student success is our ultimate goal and we can’t wait to see their successes this upcoming school year.”

T.A. Dugger, Elizabethton City School’s only middle school, did not receive Reward School status but did however receive a Level 5 in school-wide growth; which is the highest level a school can receive. This growth measure includes sixth through eighth grade Math, English Language Arts, and Social Studies. The school also had an overall 2.3 percent increase in student achievement.

Other notable successes include: ACT Composite which represents the average score for all students in the graduating class, increased from 20.7 to 21.9 percent; Ready Graduate rate which represents the percentage of students who demonstrate readiness for postsecondary and career increased from 45.8 to 55.6 percent, capturing an increase of 9.8 percent; Growth – 4th through 8th grade System-wide Numeracy – Level 5; Growth – 4th through 8th grade/EOC System-wide Social Studies – Level 5; Growth – 3rd grade System-wide Literacy and Numeracy – Level 4.

Gardenhour concluded, “We as a district are blessed to live in a community that offers such an overwhelming amount of support. Elizabethton is a special place and we owe it to our students and community to continue offering opportunities that promote student growth and achievement.”