The back-to-school season came with an annual reminder of areas to celebrate and focus on for students in Surry County. According to the 2023-24 North Carolina Public Schools testing results presented to the State Board of Education members on September 4, Surry County Schools ranked 21st of 115 school systems in the state in overall performance.
These achievements are especially impressive given the challenges of the past year, which included staffing shortages and budget constraints. Despite these obstacles, the district maintained a high level of academic growth and performance, demonstrating the resilience of students, teachers, and staff in ensuring continued success across the district.
Students in grades 3-12 continued to achieve higher than the state and region. Surry County had an overall 58.1% grade-level proficiency score, while the state of North Carolina had an overall score of 54.2% grade-level proficiency. 16 out of 20 schools in the district met or exceeded growth, versus 15 out of 20 during the 2022-2023 school year. Surry County Schools exceeded the state average in 17 of 21 areas that measure student performance. Additionally, the cohort graduation rate for the school year stands at 89.4%, placing Surry County Schools 2.5% above the state average.
Particularly noteworthy was 8th grade math growth, which saw a 6.9% increase in proficiency from the prior year, positioning Surry County 20.5% above the state average and 3rd out of 115 districts in North Carolina. Other highlights include strong performance in 5th, 6th, and 7th grade math, 7th grade reading, 8th grade science, Math I, and Math III, all ranking within the top 25% of districts statewide.
Cohorts of students saw gains in 12 of 16 tested areas from the previous school year.
Students in grades kindergarten through third grade are assessed in Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (Dibels) three times each year. Kindergarten through third grade students increased in proficiency from 66% at the end of the 2022-2023 school year to 69% at the end of the 2023-2024 school year.
Dr. Travis L. Reeves, Superintendent, was enthusiastic about the data, stating, “Analyzing the 2023-2024 Surry County Schools test data fills us with immense pride and renewed determination. Our students' performance showcases the knowledge and skills gained in classrooms while also reflecting the dedication of our educators and the support of our community. As we continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of education, these results serve as a testament to our commitment to providing a high-quality learning experience that empowers every student to succeed academically and in life. We celebrate these achievements and remain committed to helping students discover their best.”
Looking forward to the 2024-2025 school year, Surry County Schools has chosen the theme “Discover Your Best” and outlined key areas designed to help students and staff discover their best through academic programs, professional growth, and much more. Surry County Schools has expanded Middle School Agriculture program offerings and added state-of-the-art Paxton Patterson Labs, enhancing Career and Technical Education offerings that equip students with skills in engineering, health sciences, and technology.
With literacy as a cornerstone of student success, the district will continue to emphasize assessments and resources like Dibels, LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling), Letterland for grades K-3, and the 95 Phonics Core Program for grades 4-5. This year marks the first full year of implementing the Letterland phonics program in Surry County Schools, aiming to improve literacy outcomes for younger learners.
Additionally, the district is committed to fostering a culture of collaborative teaching and learning among our educators. This includes the district’s Leadership Framework, as well as teachers working closely with their colleagues to craft engaging lessons and hands-on learning experiences for students. Surry County Schools will continue to utilize its Leadership Framework, designed to foster leadership skills in both students and staff and grow teacher leaders through Professional Learning Communities, where educators can develop their leadership skills and contribute to the growth of their peers and students.