Fayette test scores show gains, but should not be the only way we judge our schools | Opinion

I have a complicated relationship with high-stakes testing.

As a superintendent, I am a staunch advocate for accountability. In Fayette County, our community places a high premium on education, and as the leader of FCPS, I bear the responsibility of delivering on that commitment.

Yet, as an educator, I am acutely aware of the constraints of assessments confined to a few hours or days within an entire academic year. Our students are complex individuals with unique talents and skills whose potential cannot be fully measured on a multiple-choice exam. Equally significant are the efforts of our dedicated teachers and staff, whose extensive contributions in supporting students often go beyond what a single test can capture.

As an advocate for the success of every child, I value the opportunity to gauge how students perform against state benchmarks in order to identify disparities and address gaps in achievement outcomes. I also understand that in many instances, performance on these tests can be a predictor of future success.

Having grown up in poverty, I know from experience how doing well on standardized tests altered the course of my life. In my small Texas hometown, admission to Hudson Pep, which was based on kindergarten entrance exams, set a trajectory for academic success. At five, I attended Hudson Pep, while my siblings went to Pinewood Park.

I don’t think I was any more gifted or intelligent than my brother and sisters. We all grew up in the same home with the same influences, experiences, and expectations. But everyone in town knew that Hudson Pep had the best teachers, while Pinewood Park was known for having the best little league football team.

Those foundational experiences shaped me into the individual who would become the first in my family to attend college. It is also the bedrock of my core belief and dedication to helping students discover and reach their highest potential.

I am profoundly aware that the learning environment in the schools our children attend makes a difference because I have lived it. And despite all the limitations of standardized tests, that is why the annual release of state accountability ratings matters.

As a district, FCPS received the accountability rating color of Green (High Achievement) at the elementary level, and Yellow (Medium Achievement) at the middle and high school levels. Fayette County Schools also continue to outperform the state average and the elementary and middle school levels.

Since the state changed the way scores are calculated and colors are assigned, you cannot directly compare last year’s colors to this year’s. However, a deeper dive into actual student performance on state assessments shows significant improvement in both reading and math at the elementary school level.

We’re delighted to report that the proportion of students meeting or surpassing state benchmarks has risen not only across the board but also among historically marginalized groups, including Black and Hispanic students, English language learners, and those receiving special education services. These gains for our younger students are building their foundation for continued success.

While the progress in our secondary schools may be less dramatic, there is still cause for celebration. Reading scores at the middle and high school levels have improved. In fact, a greater number of students are now achieving proficient or higher scores, while fewer students are scoring at the lower or novice level. These collective results affirm that FCPS is making notable strides in the right direction.

We attribute these gains to our steadfast commitment to enhancing the quality of instruction received by all students. This involves increasing the rigor of the content we are providing as well as aligning classroom lessons with state-mandated content and standards. Furthermore, we’ve implemented systems that allow teachers and principals to analyze student performance year-round and provide individualized support for students who need additional help and acceleration for students who have already demonstrated success.

The data released by the Kentucky Department of Education this week underscores the impact of the changes we’ve instituted while showing there is still much work to do. We still have students who are struggling, and this academic year is focused on meeting their needs while continuing positive upward trends and accelerating the elimination of achievement disparities.

With your assistance, we can achieve even more.

I am reminded of an African Proverb that states “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Regardless of your stance on test scores, I extend an invitation to join us in this endeavor to furnish a world-class education for every child. Consider becoming a volunteer through our recently launched platform – FCPS Community. Schools list specific needs, and volunteers can find opportunities aligned with their interests and skills. There is no cost to apply to be a volunteer, and once approved, you can volunteer for up to four years. Whether you can dedicate several hours a week or just one hour a month, your involvement is welcomed and needed.

For more information, visit www.fcps.net/volunteer.

Together, we can ensure our children go far.

Dr. Demetrus Liggins is the superintendent of the Fayette County Public Schools.