This month the Decatur County School System received their AdvancEd Takeaways after observation, and proudly exceeded in 22 out of 31 standards.

AdvancEd recognized the school system for well-managed learning environments, supportive learning by all stakeholders, effective leadership components, supportive governing board, well-documented plan for continuous improvement and effective allocation of human, material and fiscal resources to address all needs.

AdvancEd was especially impressed with the work the school was doing on instructional rounds, 45-60 action plan review, data notebooks, administrative retreats and collaborative planning.

They noted that 39 out of 48 teachers indicated their professional learning is linked to these overall goals they establish and they felt that the district leadership surrounding them has supported them in achieving that goal.

The teachers feel that Superintendent Tim Cochran is one of their biggest cheerleaders. They feel he is accessible, sets high expectations and questions the status quo- he wants to know why the school is participating in certain practices, because if they can’t justify it, then they should abandon it.

Lastly he ask probing questions that focus upon excellence.

The teachers are not the only one who see the difference Cochran is making in the school system; 36 out of 59 students indicated that school experiences have been very positive and every day is a good day for learning.

The school was left with areas to focus on upon moving forward, but the nine remaining standards received a score of met or emerging; no standards are at the needs improvement level.