HOPE – Beryl Henry Elementary School has been named as a school that is “Beating the Odds” in academic growth as measured from the ACT Aspire standardized test.
Students and faculty at Beryl Henry Elementary School were recognized by the Office for Education Policy of the University of Arkansas with the award.
The campus was recognized for “High English Language Arts Growth (Southwest Region)” among middle schools in the state.
“We think growth is the best indicator of the positive impact that your school is having on students,” OEP Executive Director Dr. Sarah McKenzie wrote in letters announcing the awards. “Awards are based on the 2021 content growth score calculated by the Arkansas Department of Education. These growth scores reflect how much students at the school improved from 2019 compared to how much they were expected to grow considering prior achievement.”
HPS Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Crossley sees the recognition as a sign of rising excellence districtwide.
“Across the district, staff and students are working diligently to see academic growth,” Dr. Crossley said. “The excellence and consistency at BHE, HAPS and Yerger demonstrates the best of all of us. I am proud of the staff efforts and building leadership on those campuses. Teachers, staff, and students at Beryl Henry, HAPS and Yerger should be commended for their focus on student growth; great job.”
BHE Principal Dr. Roy Turner said the award reflects the team effort among the faculty on his campus.
“Together as a TEAM we were able to make the list in one area this year,” Dr. Turner said. “Whoever as a student comes through the doors at BHE, let us continue to give them the best education possible. Each of you are certainly making a difference in the lives of every student at Beryl Henry Elementary School.”
Critera for the award includes demonstrated high growth in ACT Aspire scores on campuses serving a high percentage of students participating in the federal free and reduced lunch program, according to Dr. McKenzie.