Hickman Mills School District Makes Progress Toward Full Accreditation Amid New Scoring Challenges

Hickman Mills School District Takes a Step Forward in Accreditation Battle

Kansas City, MO – Big news is coming out of the Hickman Mills School District! After years of struggling, the district is finally scoring high enough to be recognized for *full accreditation*. How exciting is that? But hold your horses; we’ve got some mixed news that might burst that bubbly enthusiasm a little.

From Partially Accredited to Full Accreditation?

For many years, Hickman Mills has been labeled as *partially accredited*, which was a bit of a drag for both staff and students. However, recent reports show that the district has scored above the threshold needed for that coveted full accreditation status. That’s no small feat! Superintendent Yaw Obeng expressed his team’s pride, saying, “We haven’t hit this number in, like, over a decade. So that’s an accomplishment. No one can take that away from us.”

Seems like a reason for celebration, right? Well, here’s where things get a little sticky. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has decided to mix things up a bit and combine this year’s scores with previous years’ performance. This means that many districts scoring high enough for full accreditation, like Hickman Mills, are left in a bit of limbo.

What’s the Deal with the New Scoring System?

In a recent press conference, DESE officials announced that they won’t recommend any changes to a district’s accreditation status until at least next year. This is part of a new strategy *that includes requiring more years of data* before making any recommendations. Think of it as taking a cautious approach to the whole situation. Districts like Center and Grandview, which scored low, will have some extra time to boost their standings, leaving those like Hickman Mills feeling stuck.

In simple terms, *this new scoring system* is aimed at preventing districts from bouncing in and out of different accreditation categories. Lisa Sireno, the assistant commissioner at DESE, explained that using composite scores helps stabilize the ratings, so they don’t fluctuate wildly every year.

The Bigger Picture: Stakes Incredibly High!

While students and families may not feel the direct impact of a district’s accreditation status, there’s a broader stigma that comes with being labeled “partially accredited.” Superintendent Obeng highlighted this concern, mentioning that the district had the *highest mobility rate* in Missouri just two years ago. Families may skip over the area; this makes life particularly challenging for students.

Keeping a consistent learning environment is key, and frequent changes in schools can hinder students’ educational journeys. “The education we provide is the same, if not better, in many cases,” Obeng emphasized.

Some Hope on the Horizon

The state board will vote on classifications in January, though it won’t be using the APR scores as prominently as many would like. For the Hickman Mills district, the next couple of years will be crucial. The district lost its full accreditation back in 2012 and has worked hard to regain it. They are pushing for a clear decision on their accreditation status, urging the state board to make a choice during their upcoming meeting. Fingers crossed!

Success Stories All Around

Amid the challenges, there are bright spots! Across Missouri, about 86% of districts and charter schools are meeting expectations, with *60% showing an increase in scores this year.* The Kansas City Public Schools also celebrated improved scores, marking significant progress since their previous struggles.

Raytown and Independence School District are among those celebrating this upward trend in scores, showing that many districts are on the up and up.

The Path Forward

As Hickman Mills continues to fight for recognition, it’s vital for the community to stay engaged and rally behind the district’s efforts. Every victory counts, no matter how small. Here’s hoping that clear communication and a fair review of their scores will pave the way for Hickman Mills to reclaim its full accreditation status soon!