MAC Elementary rates ‘exceptional’
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[Last week the Iowa Department of Education released the latest results of its online school accountability reporting system called the Iowa School Performance Profiles. The website shows updated scores and ratings for all public schools based on how its students performed on a set of accountability measures in the 2024-25 school year.
This week’s article will focus on the elementary rating, with explanation of the middle/high school rating appearing next week.]
By Darrell Dodge
Based on student performance from the 2024-25 school year, Mount Ayr Elementary has been placed in the “Exceptional” category for the first time since the inception of the Iowa School Performance Profiles in 2018.
In fact, Mount Ayr Elementary ranks first among all other area elementary schools and is one of only two, along with Bedford, to receive the “Exceptional” designation.
Each year, the Iowa Department of Education (DOE) analyzes data submitted by public school districts as required by the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Private schools are exempt from submitting student performance data. The DOE then presents the results of that analysis in the Iowa School Performance Profiles (ISPP).
The ISPP assigns a point total based on a core set of performance indicators, including student proficiency in math, English/language arts and science; growth in both math and English; and chronic absenteeism. Those point totals then translate into categories (from high to low) – Exceptional, High Performing, Commendable, Acceptable, Needs Improvement and Priority/Comprehensive.
“We are very proud that our designation places us among a group of only 24 out of 1276 school buildings in the state of Iowa to receive the exceptional rating,” elementary principal Chris Elwood said. “Our elementary staff does an outstanding job of meeting students where they are and developing plans that help them grow throughout the year. With strong systems in place for academic growth, behavior and social-emotional learning, our staff consistently goes above and beyond to make each student’s educational experience meaningful and as successful as possible. This honor is a true testament to their dedication and commitment to our students.”
More detailed information can be found at iaschoolperformance.gov
