Natchitoches Parish School District Superintendent Dale Skinner spoke to Chamber members at the Chamber’s monthly luncheon Sept. 6. Natchitoches Parish increased its district score from a C to a B in the 2016-17 school year. Skinner said that the district has accomplished many things, but he attributed this to his staff, particularly the curriculum team.

“We’re getting somewhere we need to be,” he said. “Budget cuts were necessary this school year, but we’re very happy with the principals we have at the schools now. Teaching today is the hardest it’s ever been.

2017 EOC Results:

68% of students scored Excellent or Good on the Algebra I EOC compared to the  state average of 62%

The district tied the state in US History EOC performance with a score of 65% Excellent or Good

29 districts experienced either a decline or no growth on the EOC over the last 5 years (2013-17), but Natchitoches is among the other 43 districts that experienced growth
Students are preparing in grades 9-12 for the new Algebra I, Geometry, English II and English I assessments for the 2017-18 school year with preparations systems like LEAP 360, Louisiana’s new diagnostic and interim assessment tool.

Natchitoches has also experienced a 28 percent growth in its cohort graduation rate since the 2006 graduating class. This places Natchitoches as third in the state. Natchitoches has experienced consistent growth for 3 years. The state average is 77 and Natchitoches is currently 81.

“We are proud that both our high schools have exceeded the 80% graduation rate,” said Skinner.

Many of the graduating seniors in 2014 and 2015 received one or more of Dual enrollment, AP enrollment or Industry based certification (customer service, welding, carpentry, certified nursing assistant and more).

About 70%, 249 out of 357 diplomas awarded in 2014 and about 67%, 239 out of the 356 diplomas awarded in 2015, had an industry based certification. Though Natchitoches didn’t make its district goal of 70% with the class of 2016, Lakeview High School graduated 91% of its students with an industry based certification. The school district has added more options for students including CLEP (test for college credit) and hopes to increase dual enrollment.

78% of the 2017 graduating class received a NCRC (National Career Readiness Certificate), which is a career readiness factor for students to begin receiving entry level positions. Of those receiving certificates, 64% received a silver level, 20% received a gold level and three students received a platinum level.

For grades 3-8, performance remains steady. The 2016-17 school year was the first year for students to take their assessments via computer. Many districts that opted to take the assessment via computer in the 2015-16 school year experienced a decline. Natchitoches is hoping to remain strong.

By working with the Chamber, the Outpatient Medical Center and other community partners, Natchitoches can continue to improve its educational system, which is already moving in the right direction.