Carroll County Schools has made changes to improve student success with a well-planned academic system, as explained to the District Ambassadors at a recent meeting.
One key step in this effort is choosing the best teaching materials. A dedicated committee of educators and community members meets regularly to evaluate curriculum options, using research-based criteria. “It takes about a year to determine what high quality instructional resources we’re going to select and use throughout the district,” explained Supervisor of Instruction Jeannie Rohrer.
Over the past four years, the district has worked to streamline its curriculum across all grades. It started with English Language Arts (ELA), launching a pilot program through the Kentucky Department of Education with coaching support to ensure consistency.
“Now we have an aligned K-12 ELA curriculum. We’ve never had an aligned curriculum like that in my 28 years here,” said Assistant Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer Jonica Ray.
The district has since expanded this approach to math and science, creating a smooth transition from one grade to the next and making sure all students receive the same high quality education.
“They’ve done a phenomenal job of streamlining this process to make sure every child has access to a high level of curriculum,” Superintendent Casey Jaynes said of Rohrer and Ray’s efforts.
Testing and data analysis also play a big role in this system. While students take required standardized tests, teachers also use daily assessments to track progress and adjust lessons as needed. Educators meet weekly in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to review student data and refine teaching strategies, creating a culture of ongoing improvement.
District Ambassador Scott Nab noted that daily assessment is essential to student success. “The teacher needs to assess on a daily basis if the student met the mark or not. The more assessments you have, you can fine tune your lesson,” he said.
Both Ray and Rohrer agreed with Nab. They explained that daily assessment allows a teacher to determine what piece a student does or does not understand and the teacher can pivot to address that issue.
Beyond academics, the district prioritizes teacher and student support. Administrators and instructional coaches conduct regular classroom walkthroughs to provide constructive feedback. New teachers receive mentorship from retired educators and participate in monthly professional development sessions, ensuring they have the guidance they need to succeed.
With a focus on aligned curricula, data-driven teaching, and strong support systems, Carroll County Schools is building a high quality learning environment. By continuously refining its academic approach and engaging the community, the district is setting students up for long-term success.