Students are taking advantage of the numerous expanded opportunities Bossier Schools offers and it shows on the district’s 2023-24 state report card released today by the Louisiana Department of Education. Bossier Schools earned an A letter grade in the Interests and Opportunities index, an A in K8-high school progress and A’s in the cohort graduation rate and strength of diploma, among a multitude of other highlights.
“These are significant increases that are very difficult to attain and we are elated to see this level of progress,” said Bossier Schools Superintendent Jason Rowland. “One of our main objectives is to provide a fantastic educational opportunity for our students and staff. This goes hand in hand with the incredible recognition that we have received for our interests and opportunities. The outcomes are a result of our educators being intentional about what are our goals and objectives for Bossier Schools.”
Bossier Schools is particularly proud of the increased number of students attaining advanced credentials and college credits before graduating from high school. The percentage has grown steadily from 13.9 percent in 2019 to 26.9 percent in 2023, a component factored into the strength of diploma and an indicator of college and career readiness. The district also performed exceptionally well in the military subgroup, earning an A overall.
The Interests and Opportunities Index serves as a benchmark to measure whether schools are providing students with access to a well-rounded education that exposes them to diverse areas of learning in which they can develop their skills and talents. Examples include music and the arts, language, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and numerous other electives.
The district report card, which is a comprehensive snapshot based on student achievement data, highlighted numerous other bright spots as well. Eight schools earned an ‘A’ letter grade. They include Airline High, Benton Elementary, Benton High, Benton Middle, Haughton High, Kingston Elementary, Legacy Elementary and Stockwell Place Elementary. Overall, Bossier Schools maintained its District Performance Score of a ‘B’ and no school received a failing grade.
Five schools increased a letter grade. They are Apollo Elementary; Central Park Elementary; Elm Grove Elementary; Greenacres Middle; and Sun City Elementary.
Fifteen schools were named Top Gains Honorees for demonstrating exceptional student progress, earning an ‘A’ in student progress and ensuring that students meet or exceed their learning goals each year. They are: Airline High, Apollo Elementary, Benton Elementary, Benton High, Benton Middle, Bossier Elementary, Haughton Elementary, Haughton High, Kingston Elementary, Legacy Elementary, Meadowview Elementary, Parkway High, Plain Dealing High, Stockwell Place Elementary and W.T. Lewis Elementary.
Six schools were cited as Opportunity Honorees, which are those that demonstrate excellence and are in the top 10-percent for performance among students with disabilities, English learners or economically disadvantaged students. Among the Opportunity Honorees are: Airline High, Benton High, Platt Elementary, Stockwell Place Elementary, Legacy Elementary and Kingston Elementary.
Other notable gains were made by 17 schools that showed the most growth in their School Performance Score (SPS). Those that grew at least four points or more include Apollo Elementary, Central Park Elementary, Elm Grove Elementary, Greenacres Middle School and Rusheon Middle School. Rounding out those cited for the most growth are Airline High, Benton Elementary, Benton High, Benton Intermediate, Benton Middle, Elm Grove Middle, Haughton Middle, Platt Elementary, R.V. Kerr Elementary, Sun City Elementary, T.L. Rodes Elementary and Waller Elementary.
Since 1999, the state has issued school performance scores for public schools, which are based on student achievement data. To clearly communicate the quality of school performance to families and the public, Louisiana adopted letter grades (A-F). All schools with sufficient data receive school performance scores.