Bladen County Schools (BCS) is celebrating notable academic growth in the 2023-2024 school year, with 83% of its schools meeting or exceeding expected growth—an increase from 75% the previous year. This positive trend highlights the tireless dedication of teachers, staff, and students across the district, all committed to fostering excellence in education.
Superintendent Dr. Jason Atkinson expressed pride in the achievements, stating, “Our students, teachers, and staff have worked incredibly hard to achieve these gains. This success is a direct result of the hard work happening every day in our classrooms. However, we also recognize that there is still work to be done, and we remain committed to improving student outcomes in every school.”
Several schools stood out with impressive growth metrics this year. Tar Heel School saw a significant increase of 25.9 points, while Clarkton School of Discovery experienced a remarkable 25.3-point growth. Additionally, Bladenboro Primary, Elizabethtown Middle, Tar Heel School, and West Bladen High School have all improved their achievement scores for the second consecutive year. Notably, Bladenboro Primary School raised its School Performance Grade (SPG) from a D to a C, and Bladen Early College High School achieved an SPG of A, marking the first A awarded in Bladen County.
Brendan McCarthy, the director of testing and accountability, emphasized that success should not be measured solely by standardized tests. “As we celebrate these gains, we know that the real measure of success is the daily efforts of our students, teachers, and staff who work tirelessly to help our students succeed,” he remarked.
Bladen County Schools is committed to continuous improvement, focusing on both student growth and achievement. The district advocates for a more balanced approach to accountability, noting that with standardized test scores and other achievement data currently comprising 80% of performance grades, the A-F system does not fully represent daily learning in schools. A proposed 50/50 formula could offer a more accurate reflection of student progress, improving overall performance grades for several schools. Under this formula, seven schools, including Elizabethtown Middle, could see their letter grades elevated.
In addition to academic improvements, BCS is enhancing family engagement efforts and providing targeted support to schools identified as low performing. District staff are collaborating closely with these schools to implement action plans to maximize growth potential.
As Bladen County Schools looks ahead, the district remains dedicated to building on this year’s successes, ensuring robust support for its students, teachers, and families.
Author: staff report
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