FERRIDAY &045; Measured improvement isn’t an overnight thing, but Ferriday school administrators say they know the work is being done.

While the three lower Ferriday schools showed less growth on state accountability measures than some other parish schools and are in level 1-school improvement, improvement plans are already in action.

The results of focused goals were showcased in the best possible way at Ferriday High School though.

Rankings released Monday based on test scores showed that the high school ranked No. 1 in the state among other high schools for number of points improved.

FHS’s accountability ranking went up 23.6 points this year, earning it the exemplary academic growth label and one star out of five in the performance category.

Principal Debra Harris said the school formally announced the news when they heard it and has been on cloud nine ever since.

&uot;I’m just so excited,&uot; Harris said. &uot;We are in the process of planning a big celebration.

&uot;It was the concentrated efforts of students, parents, faculty, staff, distinguished educators and administrators. They all pulled together.&uot;

Harris said the school used analysis of pre-test scores to identify areas of weakness for two weeks of intensive tutoring prior to spring 2004 tests.

During that two-week period each class focused on a subject area identified as needing work. The school also started an extended day program, offering tutoring three days a week after school.

&uot;We are thrilled that FHS made those giant increases,&uot; Superintendent Kerry Laster said. &uot;It was due to the hard work of everybody on that staff. They had a clear focus and it really did make a difference.&uot;

Harris said the school will continue the two weeks intensive tutoring again this year, but is not currently doing the extended day program.

Those high numbers are something the three other Ferriday schools want to see, but did not quite obtain this year.

Ferriday Junior High dropped 1.5 points, showed no growth, received an academic warning and will be in level 1-school improvement.

In level 1-school improvement the school has to receive district help and map out a plan for improvement.

Ferriday Lower Elementary and Ferriday Upper Elementary scores went up .3 of a point, were labeled minimal academic growth with an academic warning and will be in level 1-school improvement.

Ferriday Lower Principal Loretta Peterman said combined efforts from faculty, parents and students would help the school continue to grow.

&uot;All of the students, parents and faculty at Ferriday Lower work extremely hard to improve student achievement,&uot; she said. &uot;We are very proud of the success of our students, and are confident that the students will continue to show improvement in all areas of study.&uot;

Peterman said test scores show a need for improvement in reading and math scores and pointed to the Reading First program already in place in all parish schools.

Laster agreed Reading First would impact scores, but it would not be immediately visible because the students in the program won’t be tested for several years because of their age. &uot;All the teachers are working very hard in Ferriday schools with Reading First. It’s not a quick fix, but you don’t want a quick fix,&uot; Laster said. &uot;You want slow, steady progress.

Peterman also praised the work of her faculty. &uot;Our school improvement plan includes professional development, multiple learning strategies and study group activities to empower teachers and paraprofessionals,&uot; Peterman said.

Laster said the success of FHS also reflects on the three other schools. &uot;Somebody had to be doing something along the way that was outstanding,&uot; Laster said.

Junior high principal Dorothy Parker and Upper elementary principal Lillian Franklin could not be reached

for comment.