HOPE – The Hope Academy of Public Service of the Hope Public Schools 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 Hope Academy of Public Service 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.”
HAPS Principal Dr. Carol Ann Duke credited a “love of teaching” in HAPS faculty for the success.
“We are beyond proud of our students, staff and families with this ‘Beating the Odds’ recognition,” Dr. Duke said. “It is evidence of our commitment to our students’ goals and aspirations for college, career and citizenship as we prepare them for life beyond middle school. This award clearly shows our love of teaching and learning and the impact that passion has on student skill attainment.”
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.