ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT

For the 2008-09 school year

(The full report can be seen at this link)

A letter from the Superintendent

Dear Community Members:

Davis County student achievement scores continue to be a cause for celebration.  Our student’s performances on the ITBS/ITED tests have come a long ways in the last five years.  In this report you will see Davis County student data compared to the averages of Iowa students.  As you will see, while we certainly have areas that we want to continue to improve in, our students, staff and community take pride in the significant improvements that have been made.  The teaching staff and administrators have never worked harder.  Our District has become more effective and efficient in our teaching practices through quality professional development and the implementation of research based teaching strategies.  

Positive tests scores are not the only data the district is celebrating.  The percentage of students graduating continues to exceed 95%.  The Flex Ed center that was established five years ago to provide education for high school students in an alternative setting has proven to a very positive addition to our school system. The Davis County Elementary Staff was recognized by the Iowa Department of Education for their successful implementation of Reading First Strategies.  Davis County Elementary School was one of only 14 schools in Iowa to earn “Highly Successful Reading First School” recognition.  The Iowa Department of Education recognizes the high level of professional development implementation that takes place at Davis County.

Davis County Middle School continues to be a leader in student achievement in the state of Iowa.  DCMS was the first building in the district to embrace Promethean Board technology.  Interactive whiteboard engages students with vivid images, video and audio. Promethean Boards enable anything that can be seen or done on a computer screen to be projected onto an interactive whiteboard – bringing every classroom to life and a key component to a 21st century classroom.

During the 2008-09 school year, Davis County High School celebrated the highest student achievement scores on the Iowa Test of Educational Development in school history! DCHS has continued to be a leader in learning about the Iowa Core Curriculum that was developed by the Iowa Department of Education.  The intent of the Iowa Core Curriculum is twofold:  First, is to ensure that all Iowa students have access to a rigorous and relevant curriculum to prepare them for success in post-secondary education and the emerging global economy.  Secondly, to provide a tool for Iowa educators to use to assure that essential subject matter is being taught and essential knowledge and skills are being learned.

I want to thank the entire Davis County staff for their commitment to making our schools a safe and nurturing environment for kids.  Additionally, I want to commend our teachers for their hard work and all the extra hours they have put in to ensure our students receive a quality education.  I also want to recognize the building principals for their vision and leadership that has resulted in Davis County being a top performing school district in Iowa. Finally, I want to thank our parents and community members who support our schools and make the Davis County Community School District a quality school district.

Sincerely,

Sam Miller, Superintendent                                    

Equal Educational Opportunity

Students, parents, employees and others doing business with or performing services for the Davis County Community School District are hereby notified that this school district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability in admission or access to, or treatment in, its programs and activities.

Photos by Kylie Roberts