Lithia Springs Targets Academic Improvement

Roughly two dozen administrators, teachers and parents gathered at Monday night to discuss the school’s annual improvement plan, which, among other things, hopes to improve standardized test scores in math and English/language arts.

Intertwined in presentations from administrators were mentions of the School Improvement Grant, which will provide close to $2 million for special assistance each school year for the next three years, declining from $1.9 million to $1.7 to $1.6.

Lithia Springs was targeted by the state for the grant because of low scores in certain fields and graduation rates.

“We obviously know that these things are challenges, these are things that we have to work on, things that we have to address, things that we are concerned with,” Principal Fred Ervin said.

Data was presented that showed what subject areas need the most improvement at the school. One set of graphs compared Lithia Springs’ graduation test scores to the county’s other high schools and state averages:

English/language arts

• Lithia Springs—80%
• Douglas County—86%
• State—90%

Math

• Lithia Springs—58%
• Douglas County—87%
• State—92%

Social studies

• Lithia Springs—65%
• Douglas County—72%
• State—81%

Science

• Lithia Springs—76%
• Douglas County—83%
• State—90%

“We are really not where we are supposed to be in math … we are just not where we’re supposed to be in math,” Ervin said.

The obvious percentage gap in math is the reason for that subject being targeted for improvement, the principal said. For English/language arts, it’s to catch the area up with the state’s Annual Measurable Objectives (AMO).

Ervin also mentioned things that are going well for the school, including the annual writing test given to juniors. In 2009-10, 85 percent of students met or exceeded the standard; last fall, that percentage grew to 93.

Disciplinary and dress code issues were connected to the discussion on academics.

One mother said her daughter had a “story to tell everyday” about verbal or physical disagreements, and another said she put her child in all honors and AP classes to get away from misbehaving students.

“We acknowledge the impact that student behavior has on student achievement,” said Lee Collins, the school’s 12th grade administrator and discipline coordinator. “And in order to create a safe, supportive environment at Lithia Springs, we’ve done several things.”

He mentioned the creation of a student management team comprised of staff members to evaluate and try to improve the school’s policies and processes. He also discussed crackdowns on inappropriate clothing and electronics.

“You know where the pants go because the stuff you’re wearing underneath those pants, you’ve got them up to the right place,” he said, referring to sagging pants. In reference to earphones, he added: “There’s no reason to walk around this school with things hanging out of your ear. I think it’s a safety issue, especially if I’m trying to address you as you’re walking down the hall and we can’t even get your attention because you’re listening to something.”

Collins said there have been 218 referrals handed out to students so far this year, many of which are dress code violations. He said the school is trying to better instruct teachers on how to handle confrontations and has seen some “major differences” in that area.

Math teacher Tim Higginbotham said he has seen progressive improvements in disciplinary problems every semester.

Caroline Whitt, ninth grade assistant principal, discussed working on improving the dress of female students, like eliminating holes in pants, and having skirts that are appropriate lengths and aren’t too tight.

“We’re very positive with the kids; we’re not here trying to take away their style,” she said. “But we have a focus, which is improving (test) scores.”

PTSA President Martin Brown spoke on the importance of parent involvement in seeing good test results.

“At one point,” he said, “Lithia was the model for high schools, and while we may not reach that glory again, we still can go a long way in that direction.”

He continued: “We all have a vested interest in how well our students perform. It doesn’t just stop here at the school; one day they’re going to be citizens walking the streets, and we want to make sure we have the best community we possibly can.”

A big question that came up was parent attendance: Outside of school and district employees, there were perhaps about 10 parents in attendance.

“We’d like to see more of these chairs filled up, but the fact that you are here says that each and every one of you are concerned with the academic success of your children, the rest of the children at the school and Lithia Springs,” said Board of Education member Janet Kelley.

Some other facts of interest delivered Monday:

• 1975—year Lithia Springs High was founded (at the time, the largest in the state for square footage)
• 96—current certified staff members
• 44—classified staff members
• 2—county deputies on campus
• 52—percent of school’s black population (from 2009-10 school year)
• 30—white percentage
• 13—Hispanic percentage
• 4—multiracial percentage
• 1—Asian percentage
• 55—percent receiving free and reduced lunches
• 11—percent classified with disabilities
• 3—percent with limited English language proficiency
• $41,000—median household income in Lithia Springs
• $139,000—median home value
• 47—percentage of homes that have children
• 32—average age of resident

The school is scheduled to have its fall open house on Sept. 8 from 4 to 6 p.m.