We are pleased to share our results from the 2023-2024 ATLAS assessment, Arkansas's new state testing system based on state standards. This past spring marked the inaugural administration of the ATLAS exam, which our students in grades 3-10 completed in English Language Arts (ELA), grades 3-8 in Math and Science, and end-of-course assessments in Algebra I, Geometry, and Biology.
The state reports ATLAS results using four performance levels:
Proficiency (Levels 3 and 4): Students at these levels demonstrate a solid to advanced understanding of grade-level standards.
Level 2: Students at this level show proficiency in some areas but have not yet mastered all grade-level standards.
Level 1: Students at this level require additional support to strengthen their understanding of the grade-level standards.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette recently released an article comparing percentages of ATLAS test results across five school districts in Arkansas: Little Rock, Pulaski County, Springdale, Jonesboro, and El Dorado. The article highlights the percentage of students in each of those districts who scored proficient or above in each subject. (See chart below for the reported percentages.)
ELA | Math | Science | Algebra I | Geometry | Biology | |
El Dorado | 32.5 | 29.65 | 32.99 | 31.91 | 16.29 | 28.61 |
Jonesboro | 26.91 | 30.66 | 25.3 | 20.31 | 10.91 | 27.66 |
Little Rock | 26.22 | 23.18 | 24.77 | 12.86 | 8.24 | 23.67 |
Pulaski County | 28.71 | 28.76 | 28.52 | 17.31 | 11.48 | 25.21 |
Springdale | 29.56 | 34.18 | 31.31 | 24.58 | 21.83 | 39.23 |
In addition to our participation in the ATLAS exam, 340 students at El Dorado High School participated in Advanced Placement (AP) exams, taking a total of 581 tests. Of these students, 110 earned a score of 3 or higher, which is strongly predictive of future college success and graduation. Furthermore, 51 of our students were recognized as AP Scholars, an honor awarded to students who score 3 or higher on at least three AP exams.
The AP Program offers rigorous, college-level courses to high school students, culminating in exams that are administered annually. These accomplishments reflect the hard work and dedication of both our students and staff, and we are proud to celebrate their success.
ESD remains focused on continuous improvement and high levels of learning for all students through professional learning communities. We carefully analyze this and other data to improve our use of instructional materials, provide professional development for our teachers, and offer targeted, specific interventions to our students to increase their understanding of grade-level standards.