Mount Ayr MS/HS ‘high performing’ in state ratings
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By Darrell Dodge
The Iowa Department of Education (DOE) last week released it latest Iowa School Performance Profiles (ISPP), and for the second year, Mount Ayr Middle/High School maintained its “High Performing” rating, the second highest possible.
Each year the 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.
On its way to the “High Performing” rating, Mount Ayr Middle/High School students scored above the state average in all but one of the 11 most important performance indicators (see chart).
“Our staff and students have put a lot of focus on ways we can continually improve our school,” middle/high school principal Josh Vanderflught said. “We utilize data to set goals with each student individually and the students frequently track their progress toward these goals. We have frequent rewards for students that are making growth and meeting their goals. Teachers constantly examine data and reflect on their practice to try to improve their lessons and assessments. We have zeroed in on creating rigorous assignments and assessments to prepare students for any challenge they face. In addition, Mrs. Rinehart and parent advisory groups have worked hard to help boost our college and career readiness opportunities. Along with a focus on Work Based Learning opportunities, this has had a big impact on our students and boosted our performance profile rating. It is great to work in a district that excels but never stops trying to get better!”
Behind Bedford, Mount Ayr is the second highest rated high school in the area. Orient-Macksburg (now dissolved) and Nodaway Valley are the only other high schools to gain the “High Performing” rating. Ironically, as of the 2025-26 school year, most of the Orient-Macksburg district has now been absorbed into the Nodaway Valley district.
More detailed information can be found at iaschoolperformance.gov.
