A high school in far Eastern Kentucky tops the list of high schools making gains in student test scores. Phelps High School scored 17 points higher than other schools in a just-released statewide testing report.
Phelps Principal Mike Hamilton says it’s not a “magic potion” but “buckling down” that led to higher test scores. He says setting aside a half hour daily for targeted instruction has been helpful.
“We’ve got an intervention period that’s built into our schedule of 30 minutes. It was reading and math focused only. That’s all we did for those 30 minutes is try to improve those students reading and math skills,” said Hamilton.
Hamilton says a separate academy has helped the Pike County school raise its graduation rate to 98 percent. He says a professional development session next week will help staff members work to ensure there’s no slippage in scores next year.?