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KCS Sees Significant Increase In Reward Schools
KCS Sees Significant Increase In Reward Schools
February 22, 2024 — The State of Tennessee has released district and school designations based on data from the 2022-23 school year, and the results show that Knox County Schools made strong gains.
Twenty-four schools from KCS were honored with the “Reward” designation, which is the state’s highest designation and recognizes schools that are making gains in terms of achievement and growth for all students and student groups. This reflects a significant increase in the number of Reward schools in KCS, up from only nine schools that achieved this designation in 2021-22.
The district’s overall designation was “Satisfactory”, reflecting significant progress compared to the ranking of “In Need of Improvement” in 2021-22.
“Over the last two years, Knox County Schools has made Excellence in Foundational Skills a priority for every student and every teacher in every school,” said Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk. “These results show that their hard work is paying off.
“We are seeing gains in every subject area, and – as a district – our 3rd-grade reading proficiency is the highest it’s ever been. That change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes hard work and dedication, and our students, educators, and administrators have proven they’re up to the task.
We also have to thank the countless community partners like the Boys & Girls Club and the United Way who continue to support our mission and make a difference in the lives of our students.
I’m grateful for our amazing teachers and staff, and proud of the work that our students have put in over the last two years.”
The designations announced by the state reinforce the momentum seen in other assessments. For example, TCAP scores released in 2023 for KCS showed a gain of nearly 5% in 3rd-grade reading proficiency – reaching the highest level in the district’s history – and math proficiency for Grades 6-8 rose by 4.4%.
“While we are proud of the results announced by the state this week, our work is far from done,” said Dr. Keith Wilson, assistant superintendent of academics. “We are committed to pursuing additional gains in all subject areas, and we believe that our continued focus on four key priorities – Excellence in Foundational Skills, Great Educators in Every School, Career Empowerment and Preparation, and Success for Every Student – will be instrumental in building on this progress.”
A complete list of Reward Schools is available below. Reward Schools include schools in every KCS region.
- A.L. Lotts Elementary
- Amherst Elementary
- Ball Camp Elementary
- Bearden Elementary
- Blue Grass Elementary
- Bonny Kate Elementary
- Career Magnet Academy
- Copper Ridge Elementary
- Christenberry Elementary
- Farragut Intermediate
- Farragut High
- Gap Creek Elementary
- Gibbs Elementary
- Hardin Valley Elementary
- KCS Virtual Middle School
- L&N STEM Academy
- Mt. Olive Elementary
- New Hopewell Elementary
- Northshore Elementary
- Ritta Elementary
- Sequoyah Elementary
- Shannondale Elementary
- South Knox Elementary
- West View Elementary