The Daviess County Public Schools district has been named a District of Distinction by the editors of District Administration magazine for its “Great Expectations” initiative.
Districts of Distinction is a new national recognition program created by District Administration magazine to honor school districts that are leading the way with new ideas that work. Honorees were selected based on its quantifiable results and ability to be replicated at other districts. Out of hundreds of nominations, DCPS is one of only 49 selected for this inaugural round of Districts of Distinction and is the only district from Kentucky earning this recognition.
“We are pleased to honor Daviess County Public Schools as a District of Distinction,” said JD Solomon, editorial director at District Administration magazine. “DCPS serves as a model for school leaders across the country.”
“Great Expectations” earned the national recognition in the category of College and Career Readiness.
A summary of the program earning national recognition follows:
- Implemented in 2012-13, the mission of the district’s Great Expectations initiative is for all Daviess County Public Schools’ graduates to leave with the credentials, tools and skills to enroll and successfully complete a college degree or obtain and hold a family-sustainable career.
- The number of graduating students meeting college and career readiness benchmarks as defined by Kentucky Department of Education standards has risen from 37 percent (2011-12) to more than 70 percent (2013-14). The district’s composite score on EXPLORE rose from 15 to 17 in 2013, making it the highest performing among Kentucky districts with more than 10,000 students. In 2014, 520 students took 805 AP exams, compared to the 128 who took 152 exams in 2010.
- Great Expectations provides the framework around which elementary teachers and guidance counselors engage students in college conversations. Over 1,200 elementary students visit college campuses each year. Fifth graders sign college commitment cards as part of a bigger conversation about what it takes to reach that goal. Students are encouraged to keep their goals in sight as they schedule courses and complete classwork and assessments.
- In middle school, students are encouraged to take rigorous coursework to prepare them for dual-credit courses in high school. College/career coaches at both high schools meet with each student and help students meet ACT and college/career readiness benchmarks.
- “‘Great Expectations’ is all about igniting a spark within each student that says ‘I can do it.’ We are transforming our community by introducing students to all the opportunities that are available to them,” said DCPS Superintendent Owens Saylor.
DCPS is highlighted in the November edition of District Administration and “Great Expectations” is spotlighted on the magazine’s website:
http://www.districtadministration.com/dod/awards/daviess-county-public-schools-great-expectations
