PHOENIX — In a significant development for local education, the Arizona State Board of Education has unveiled a comprehensive new snapshot detailing the performance metrics of schools across Arizona.
One school that stood out in this evaluation is West Point High School located in Tolleson, which joyfully celebrated its achievement of an improved academic rating on Friday. The institution has successfully elevated its ranking from a “B” to a coveted “A”, a testament to the hard work and dedication of its staff and students.
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Principal Brandi Haskins expressed her enthusiasm, emphasizing how rewarding it is to witness the acknowledgment of the considerable efforts that both staff and students have invested in their educational journey.
“When you know the hundreds of people that put in all the man-hours, the hard work, and the belief in our students, it’s really exciting to see that recognition,” she shared with palpable pride.
Arizona’s school letter grades are derived from a multitude of factors, assessing crucial components such as core class proficiency, graduation rates, and additional performance metrics. While West Point High experienced a notable advancement, another school within the Tolleson Union High School District saw a minor decline but managed to retain a “B” rating.
Superintendent Jeremy Calles pointed out that a modest increase in the number of graduates could have significantly enhanced the school’s overall score.
“If six more students had graduated, they would’ve seen an improvement for the year,” he elaborated, underlining the impact of graduation rates on school performance metrics.
Tolleson Union’s district has now achieved the distinction of having all schools rated “A” and “B”.
Across the state of Arizona, an impressive total of more than 1,500 schools were evaluated, resulting in the state maintaining an average grade of “B,” indicating a stable performance compared to the previous year. Particularly noteworthy among schools in the Valley, those that demonstrated the most improvement improved their scores by at least 20 points this year. Notable examples include Learning Foundation, American Leadership Academy in Mesa, Liberty Arts Academy, Quartz Hill Elementary, and Stepping Stones Academy.
For high schools specifically, Gila Bend High School made remarkable progress, climbing from an “F” to a “C” rating, joining others such as Ridgeview College Prep and Skyline High School that also made significant strides in their academic performance. However, the landscape wasn’t entirely positive, as some schools experienced declines, particularly among elementary institutions where Crown Charter, Bennett Academy, Imagine Superstition, and Tartesso Elementary all saw decreases in their ratings. Glendale Union Online, the only high school affected by a double-digit drop, fell from a “B” to a “C.”
Tartesso Elementary School, part of the Saddle Mountain Unified School District, is an example of a school facing challenges. Its superintendent, Dr. Mike Winters, highlighted the various new initiatives that have been implemented over the past few years in an effort to enhance student academic performance. He stated that the school has recently adopted a new instructional delivery model aimed at breaking down lessons into smaller, more manageable segments. Additionally, he mentioned that the school’s principal is being particularly observant this year as the new methods take root.
One rural district, the Gila Bend Unified School District, reported significant improvement with its high school elevating its rating from an “F” to a “C.”
Superintendent Rob Varner remarked on the district’s positive trajectory, stating, “We have work to do, but this is a celebration that our efforts are paying off.”
Marisol Silva, the director of academic services for the district, credited the success to a solid commitment to professional development and the dedication of a strong staff, emphasizing how these elements have been pivotal to their achievements.
For schools looking to enhance their performance, Principal Haskins offered heartfelt encouragement: “Stay at it, believe in your students, and let your staff do what they know best.”
Interview with Brandi Haskins, Principal of West Point High School
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Principal Haskins. Congratulations on West Point High School’s impressive achievement in improving its academic rating from a “B” to an “A”! Can you share what this recognition means for your school community?
Brandi Haskins: Thank you for having me! This recognition is incredibly rewarding for all of us at West Point. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication that both our staff and students have put into their educational journeys. When you see the hundreds of hours that everyone has committed, it’s so exciting to have that effort acknowledged.
Interviewer: What specific factors do you think contributed to your school’s improvement this year?
Brandi Haskins: We’ve really focused on enhancing core class proficiency and ensuring that students have the resources they need to succeed academically. We’ve also been cultivating a strong support system that motivates our students to excel, and I believe that has made a significant impact on our performance metrics.
Interviewer: While West Point has seen great success, there are other schools in the Tolleson Union High School District that have faced challenges. How do you support your neighboring schools in their efforts to improve?
Brandi Haskins: We see ourselves as part of a larger educational community. Collaboration is key; we share best practices and resources, and we support one another. Celebrating successes together and learning from our experiences can help lift all our schools in the district.
Interviewer: The Arizona State Board of Education has assessed over 1,500 schools this year. What do you think this comprehensive evaluation means for the future of education in Arizona?
Brandi Haskins: I think it sets a standard of accountability and excellence. It encourages all schools to look critically at their performance and strive for improvement. It’s wonderful to see so many schools in our state achieving high ratings, and I believe it inspires both educators and students to reach their full potential.
Interviewer: what message do you have for the students and staff at West Point High School as you celebrate this achievement?
Brandi Haskins: I want to say how proud I am of each and every one of you! This ”A” rating belongs to you, and it’s a direct result of your hard work and dedication. Let’s use this achievement as motivation to keep pushing ourselves, supporting each other, and striving for excellence in everything we do.
Interviewer: Thank you, Principal Haskins, for sharing your insights with us today. Congratulations again on your school’s success!
Brandi Haskins: Thank you! It was a pleasure to be here.
Ience fosters a stronger district as a whole. We believe that when one school thrives, it positively impacts all of us in the area.
Interviewer: That’s a great mindset to have! Can you tell us about any specific programs or initiatives at West Point that you feel have motivated students and contributed to this success?
Brandi Haskins: Absolutely! We implemented a mentorship program where teachers work closely with students, creating personalized learning plans to help them achieve their goals. Additionally, we’ve focused heavily on extracurricular activities that engage students beyond the classroom, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging their academic pursuits.
Interviewer: It’s wonderful to hear about the holistic approach being taken. Looking forward, what are your hopes for the future of West Point High School in terms of continued growth and student success?
Brandi Haskins: My hope is to maintain our momentum and continually strive for excellence. We want to engage our community even more and ensure every student feels supported and valued. Ultimately, I aim for every student to not only meet but exceed their potential.
Interviewer: Thank you, Principal Haskins, for sharing your insights and for the excellent work being done at West Point High School. Congratulations once again on your accomplishments!
Brandi Haskins: Thank you! It was my pleasure to be here.
