Strategies advanced for improving scores

By Murray Bishoff Special to the Cassville Democrat

The Purdy school board reviewed its last Annual Performance Review (APR) at its October meeting to highlight current efforts to improve the district in the state’s assessment. 

Superintendent Travis Graham reported the APR for the 2025-2026 school year will likely be released around Dec. 1. He walked the board through the 2024-2025 report, making observations on where the district stands and plans to gain on the 74.3% score last received, earning 145.5 out of 196 possible points. 

Graham noted that in English language arts, Purdy students scored about 3.3% below the state average overall, while more students in Purdy scored higher in proficient and advanced than on the state level. “All students” scored at “approaching,” while the student groups category for English language learners and special education students scored better as “on track.” 

“We’re moving in the right direction,” Graham said. 

In math, Purdy scored at 12.3 points for an “approaching” category, earning half the potential points, while the state average was 23.3. On both basic and proficient/advanced, Purdy students scored above the state average. The middle group needed the most movement, Graham said. Again, the student groups category scored “on track.” 

In science, Purdy had a higher percentage than the state scoring in basic, and proficient/advanced scored below the state average, reflecting areas that need pointed improvement, Graham noted. Like English language arts, Purdy earned half the available number of points. 

On social studies, measured only from performance on the government class taken in the junior year, the district earned a higher percentage of points than in the previous categories. 

Overall, Graham said, English language arts appeared to be “on target” to grow scores. On math, classified only as “approaching,” he said the areas that need to improve have been identified. In science and social studies, all students earned the overall “on-track” designation, while student groups with greater needs were deemed only “approaching” in science and not enough to measure in social studies. 

In measuring success-ready students, the district earned only half the available points for having students taking college entrance exams or other measures like WorkKeys or the military test that shows career interests. The number of students taking advanced credit classes scored higher, but again only fell into the “on track” classification. 

The only classifications earning all the available points were graduation and graduate follow-up. Graham noted Purdy recorded 97.2% graduation, while the state average was 92.7%.

In the 2025-2026 report, Graham expects Purdy to have a higher score. For specific improvements, he noted a stronger emphasis on literacy, specifically in getting students to read more. STAR tests of student performance showed a reading skill drop between sixth grade and the next level, suggesting upper grades may need a continuation of reading assistance. 

Graham noted 30% of students remain at-risk in literacy and 37% in math. As corrective measures, STAR testing for reading has been extended to all grades this year. A Response to Intervention program in math has been started, placing students in groups to address deficiencies. 

The district does not screen for dyslexia, but does identify symptoms, suggesting more could be done there. Success Ready measures have now been extended to ninth grade. With interventionists now involved, Graham expected to see increased scores by mid-year. 

“We’re not that far off the state marker,” Graham said. “We have a lot of work to do. We have the right people in the right places. It’s just a matter of getting everything aligned. We’re looking at the long run, how to get scores rising consistently. We’re thinking vertical learning and keeping expectations high.” 

The year ahead issues

As for what goes on outside the district, Graham reported not much is known yet about the direction the Missouri General Assembly will take next session. The Missouri Association of Superintendents and its advocates have identified four key areas to watch. Appointing a state commissioner of education who has “little to no public school experience” could impact many areas. 

The Monett district’s discussion about switching to a 150-day school year would impact Purdy students attending the Scott Regional Technology Center. Purdy currently operates on a 162-day school year. Graham envisioned the district participating in talks to extend the Scott Tech year by five days to better accommodate sending schools. As an alternative, Purdy could also explore sending fewer students to Monett and offering internships through local businesses. 

With Purdy generally starting conversations in November over the coming year’s school calendar, proposed dates may wait on a decision from Monett about its calendar or see alternates suggested by the schedule discussion that leads to a February proposal before the board. 

Reports

High school Principal Stephanie Heman reported the A+ program needed adjustment. Historically, Purdy students worked on qualifications in the junior and senior years. Heman was working with counselor Lindsay Hernandez to start efforts at the freshman level. She also found a math piece of the A+ packet came out during the pandemic and never went back in. Of the 19 scholarships given in 2026, only 10 met the math requirement, so that piece was being restored. Heman also wanted to revisit the good citizenship requirement. 

Elementary Principal Julie Dalton talked about boosting reading skills by digging into literature and tailoring intervention strategies for greater effectiveness. Training in the Aspire literacy strategy is coming later this year, an approach Dalton believes the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will make mandatory in the future. 

Dalton reported the Parent-Teacher-Student Organization raised more than $5,000 on a fundraiser selling wrapping paper, a record for the group. The fire department came to campus presenting fire safety sessions. The annual PTSO carnival was slated for Nov. 13. 

Graham walked the board through potential budget revisions for the year, depending on state funding. Dropping the budget from $8.2 million to $7.9 million under worst-case scenarios would leave a $366,000 deficit. Graham worked off a state funding formula of $6,750 per students and has heard that may rise to $6,900, further easing the financial pressure. With updated information on federal revenue still not available, Graham thought the deficit would decrease. 

Board members approved the budget and the early notice retirement incentive for those planning to close their careers during the present school year. Three paraprofessionals resigned and three were hired in their place. 

The board will next meet on Nov. 19.