Beyond the Numbers

  • Pre-K students doing science project

Three-Year Progression of Accountability Scores

Tuscaloosa City Schools Three-year Progression

  • The Tuscaloosa City Schools saw improvement in the 2019 edition of the State Report Card. TCS noted a three-point increase over the previous year, marking its highest score to date since the report card's inception. The uptick is the result of the system's charge to meet the mission of TCS. Additionally, nine TCS sites saw improvement as well. Superintendent Dr. Mike Daria said the latest report highlights the shift in culture happening in the system as part of implementing the strategic plan.

    "We have changed our culture by rasing our expectations to change outcomes," said Daria. "There is a system standard for consistency. Consistency is key."

2019 TCS Report Card

  • B
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  • Strengths

    • Reading Before 3rd Grade: Kindergarten data exceeded our expectations by an increase of 28 percent from 51 percent to 79 percent benchmark status
    • Professional Learning Community (PLC): Our work in literacy leadership in all schools seeks to address High Expectations for All.
    • ALSDE Report Card: Five of our schools have an overall score of an A.

  • Opportunities

    • There is a needed focus on first grade in early literacy to align with Kindergarten in order to meet our Rb3 goal.
    • A strategic and systemic plan is needed for three of our schools to move from a reported grade of "D" to a higher grade.
    • Access and opportunity for all TCS students to participate in rigorous academic courses.

  • The work is paying off too, with Eastwood Middle, Oakdale Elementary, Paul W. Bryant High and Skyland Elementary notching double-digit improvement over the past three years. The aim is to have more schools see this kind of improvement following the 2019-2020 school year. This work will be supported by system and school leaders working collaboratively to identify challenges to student growth and achievement while providing additional support and resources for the three schools which scores fall in the D-range.

    Daria is quick to point out that TCS has been innovative in its approach to solve the challenge: there are no shortcuts to the hardwork that lie ahead.

    "We do things with a whole lot of intentionality and we don’t dilute our work," he said. "Clarity is kindness and we have to specific about what we are doing and so it will have sustainability.