By MACKENZEE SIMMS | Staff Writer  

PELHAM – The Alabama Department of Education has released the state report card, giving Pelham City Schools a B ranking with a score of 89. This represents a one point increase from last year’s score of 88.

Superintendent of Pelham City Schools Dr. Chuck Ledbetter commented on the overall score increase.

“The year-over-year gains are a clear indication of the dedication, engagement and support of our educators, students and families,” Ledbetter said. “Each year’s improvement reflects the hard work being done in all of our schools to build a strong educational foundation for our students.”

To calculate overall scores, the state judged schools in several categories.

Academic achievement is determined based on the number of students that score within each of the achievement levels in English language arts and math. Academic growth is determined by the number of students that demonstrate improvement in growth categories. Progress in English language proficiency is determined by the percentage of students that met their growth target as measured against progress targets.

In addition, high schools are judged in two additional categories: College and career readiness and graduation rate. College and career readiness refers to the number of students in a four-year cohort who met at least one of the career readiness indicators. Graduation rate refers to the percentage of students enrolled in the cohort who graduated within four years of first entering high school.

In the category of academic indicator scores, PCS earned a 70.32 for academic achievement, 99.40 for academic growth, 91.98 for graduation rate and 50 for progress in English language proficiency. In state accountability indicators, PCS earned a 7.60 in chronic absenteeism and an 84.39 in college and career readiness.

Pelham Oaks Elementary led Pelham City Schools with a score of 93 and a letter grade of A. POES earned an 84.97 in academic achievement, 100 in academic growth, a 61.40 in progress in English language proficiency and a 5.16 in chronic absenteeism.

Next, Pelham Ridge Elementary earned an overall grade of B with a score of 87. PRES earned a 77.64 in academic achievement, a 92.30 in academic growth, a 63.49 in progress in English language proficiency and a 4.54 in chronic absenteeism.

Pelham Park Middle School scored an 84 with a letter grade of B. Pelham Park earned a 67.93 in academic achievement, a 99.53 in academic growth, a 36.05 in progress in English language proficiency and a 9.82 in chronic absenteeism.

Next, Pelham High School earned an overall grade of B with a score of 82. PHS earned a 51.19 in academic achievement, a 96.85 in academic growth a 91.98 in graduation rate, a 33.33 in progress in English language proficiency, a 9.81 in chronic absenteeism and an 84.39 in college and career readiness.

Pelham City School’s Chief Academic Officer Robin Hollingsworth shared that PCS intends to work to continue to improve school scores across all categories.

“We are committed to meeting the diverse needs of our students,” Hollingsworth said. “By analyzing multiple data points, we set strategic goals and implement evidence-based instruction to support all students and help each school reach its full potential.”

According to Ledbetter, PCS plans to build on the growth experienced in the last year, while also continuing to support students in every way possible.

“While the state report card is one way to measure success, it’s important to celebrate the many achievements that contribute to developing well-rounded and prepared students,” Ledbetter said. “From excellence in academics, arts and athletics to character building and community engagement, our teachers and students are dedicated to many aspects of learning and growth. We are encouraged by the positive trends we see and look forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.”

Those interested in learning more about the ADE’s state report card can visit Statereportcard.alsde.edu.