TIDINGS S E P T E M B E R
"The
State
of
Lexington
Christian
2 0 1 8
Academy"
LETTER FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL
Dear LCA Family and Friends, Welcome to the second issue of Tidings! Our goal is to keep you informed about Lexington Christian Academy – we believe that the more you know, the more your love will deepen for this marvelous school. Last June, we used this forum to celebrate the exceptional accomplishments of LCA and our students across the spectrum of scholastic and extra-curricular endeavors. This issue serves as an academic report card and provides greater insight into how we are performing as a school. Some areas will be a source of great pride while other items might indicate where we are still pursuing improvement. We will try to give meaningful comparison data, whether comparisons over time or within geographic areas. One important aspect of an LCA education that is particularly difficult to measure is our ability to teach from a distinctly Christian worldview. The spiritual identity surveys we did last spring noted that we do this fairly well but also suggested there is a need for progress in our intentionality. Be sure to check out the accompanying article on a new professional development initiative LCA has begun that will set our course to deliver Christ-centered instruction that is second to none! As always, we would love to hear your thoughts and observations. Send them to Tidings@lexingtonchristian.org to help us ensure we are meeting your information needs. Grace & Peace!
Mark Mr. Mark D. Sisk Head of School
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Every great institution must undergo continuous improvement. By definition, that means changing, which is hard and often uncomfortable. As we strive to equip our students to achieve their best in this fast-moving culture, it is imperative that we also constantly train our educators with excellence.
ROMANS 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Last month, the entire faculty & staff started a multi-year professional development program for the school. Based on Romans 12:2, the vision is to influence the thinking of educators in order to consider and apply educational practice and theory through the lens of a biblical worldview, rather than according to the patterns popularized in the world today. Research-based, practical training provided by Dr. Annie Gallagher of Transformed PD is a critical aspect of this major commitment for LCA. She is a former teacher and administrative leader of a large Christian school, and is renowned for her ‘transformational’ work with educational institutions around the globe. Her unique approach will create multiple coaches within our faculty who in turn will help ultimately develop every teacher in our system. Lexington Christian Academy is blessed to have so many excellent teachers that bring out the best in our students, building relationship with them and their families that foster the very best learning environment. We are committed to supplying these Christ-filled educators with the highest-level tools and training to keep them prepared for maintaining their excellence in the classroom.
2017-18
ELEMENTARY REPORT
MEASURES OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS (MAP) (GRADES K-2) For 2017-18, LCA administered the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) for grades kindergarten through second. These assessments provide essential information about a student’s learning and growth trajectory. For the scores listed below, note the kindergarten math score of 99%. This means that 99% of LCA's kindergarten students scored at or above the national average in math.
Kindergarten
1st Grade
2nd Grade
Math - 99%
Math - 98%
Math - 88%
Reading - 98%
Reading - 99%
Reading - 97%
LEANNA HENSLEY ELEMENTARY GUIDANCE COUNSELOR
"By dynamically adjusting to each student’s responses, MAP creates a personalized assessment that accurately measures performance. Timely, easy-to-use reports help teachers teach, students learn, and administrators lead. "As a guidance counselor, I am pleased to see how MAP reveals a student’s growth between testing events and, when combined with our norms, shows projected proficiency. This data helps our teachers and administration track growth through the school year and over multiple years.”
JENNIFER HURST ELEMENTARY ASST. PRINCIPAL
"As we approached the 2018-19 school year, our leadership team was intentional in how we laid out the school day so that we could maximize our educational resources at the start of the school day. For example, our elementary specials do not start until 10:25 a.m. or later. This allows us to plug our specials teachers in the classroom so that they can work alongside our homeroom teachers. The special teachers assist with the fluency checks in math and the "Great Leaps" program for reading. We believe this additional focus will assist our students as they acquire and master their math and reading skills."
MAP vs. ASPIRE The MAP testing is not timed, and questions are adjusted to each student's response. MAP is a good indicator of student progress because it measures a student’s academic growth from year to year. It also provides information on what a student is ready to learn next. This gives teachers the tools and insight they need to provide differentiation for their students. MAP uses norms from more than 10.2 million students which allows us to compare our students to national norms. Aspire is a timed test with standardized questions for each grade level. During the 2015-16 school year, we transitioned from the Stanford Achievement Test to ACT Aspire for our annual achievement test tool. As a reminder, ACT Aspire is an aligned, longitudinal college and career readiness assessment system for students in grades 3 through 10 that provides insights into student performance in English, reading, mathematics, science, and writing in the context of college and career readiness.
2017-18
ELEMENTARY REPORT
ASPIRE (GRADES 3-6) For the information below, the 50th percentile represents the national average for all students who took the test. In order to help you understand this section, note the 3rd grade math score of 75%. This means that 75% of LCA's 3rd grade students scored at or above the national average in math.
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade
English - 80%
English - 83%
English - 73%
Reading - 76%
Reading - 78%
Reading - 76%
Math - 75%
Math - 77%
Math - 63%
Science - 84%
Science - 83%
Science - 73%
Writing - *
Writing - *
Writing - *
6th Grade English - 74% Reading - 73% Math - 70% Science - 73% Writing - *
DENNY MCCARDLE ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL
"Our students consistently score above the 50% percentile in all subject areas. The ASPIRE test categorizes each student and school into four areas: Exceeding, Ready, Close, and In Need of Support. As a school, all grade levels were ranked in the "Exceeding" category for English. In addition, all grade levels scored within the "Ready" category for math, science, and reading. We are pleased that our scores show our students are on track in these areas for success at future grade levels."
*Writing was not assessed as a separate score for 2017-18. LEANNA HENSLEY ELEMENTARY GUIDANCE COUNSELOR
"For the 2018-19 school year, students in kindergarten through 5th grade will take the MAP test which will focus only on math and reading. The MAP test will be administered three times this year - in the fall, winter, and spring. This will allow immediate feedback to educators so that any potential area of weakness can be addressed immediately."
2017-18
JUNIOR HIGH REPORT
ASPIRE (GRADES 7-8) In order to help you understand the information below, note the 8th grade math score of 82%. This means that 82% of LCA's 8th grade students scored at or above the national average in math.Â
7th Grade
8th Grade
English - 72%
English - 80%
Reading - 59%
Reading - 76%
Math - 69%
Math - 82%
Science - 74%
Science - 80%
Writing - *
Writing - * *N/A. Added to English.
COLEMAN MARSHALL JUNIOR HIGH INTERIM PRINCIPAL
"As our leadership team reviewed the 2017-18 ASPIRE results, we adopted some different reading strategies for the junior high. For example, I have asked each of our teachers, across all subject areas, to incorporate a daily reading assignment. Research shows that reading 30 minutes a day increases a student's reading comprehension and test performance. In addition, we are working with Beth Groves, our Media Center Specialist, to develop a reading incentive program to encourage our junior high students to read even more."
NANCY JAEGER JUNIOR HIGH GUIDANCE COUNSELOR
"The junior high team is also working with Dr. Channon Horn, our Director of Intervention Services, to develop specific reading strategies to help students who may need additional assistance. Extending these accommodations to all grade levels in 2018-19 will help ensure every LCA student gets the opportunity to reach their potential."
7th Grade
THE DUKE UNIVERSITY TALENT IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM (TIP) English that - 72% The Duke University Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP) is a nonprofit organization has served over 2.8 million academically talented students in grades four through twelve since 1980. Each year, Duke TIP enrolls nearly one hundred thousand new students - their 59%abilities with above-level testing, in its talent searches. TIP's talent searches help these gifted students assessReading the extent of recognize them for their achievements, and provide them with a variety of enrichment benefits.
Math - 69%
To qualify, students must have a national percentile rank score of 95% or higher on a grade level, standardized achievement test. For Science - 74%in the program. the 2017-18 school year, 55% of LCA's seventh graders qualified for an opportunity to continue
Writing - *
2017-18
HIGH SCHOOL REPORT
ACADEMIC PROGRAM (GRADES 9-12) As students transition to high school, their academic programs and paths may vary considerably. Academic achievement at the high school is evaluated by means of various nationally standardized tests. This includes the American College Test (ACT) and the Advanced Placement (AP) exam. The ACT measures students' skills in English, reading, mathematics, and science reasoning. Students are scored on each subtest; scores range from one (1) to thirty-six (36). An average is then taken to arrive at a composite score. Although sophomores can take the ACT, it is typically taken by juniors and seniors.
CLASS OF 2019 GOVERNOR'S SCHOLAR PROGRAM Shelby Brantley Cate Crosbie* Aaron Haggard Grace Jacobs Ellie Smith Peyton Wortz *Accepted to program but did not attend
CLASS OF 2019 GOVERNOR'S SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS Laika Choi Emily Sparks Ellie Phillips (Alternate)
JOE MATTHEWS HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
"We are proud to offer a robust college preparatory curriculum that is grounded in the Word of God. The success of LCA’s academic program is seen both in student achievement on the ACT and by our representation in selective organizations such as the Governor’s Scholar Program."
2018 ACT COMPOSITE SCORES National - 21.0* Kentucky - 20.0* Fayette County - 20.7
LCA - 25 *2016-17 scores as reported by the KY Dept. of Ed. 2017-18 scores pending update from KY Dept. of Ed.
Average ACT for Incoming Freshmen Asbury University Auburn University Belmont University Centre College Columbia University Lee University Princeton University Northern Kentucky University University of Kentucky University of South Carolina Western Kentucky University
24.0 27.3 27.0 29.0 33-35 24.7 32-35 23.9 25.9 27.8 22.6
KEHLA VANCE COLLEGE COUNSELOR (SENIORS)
"Our office is here to assist LCA families throughout all aspects of the college application process. We begin junior year by preparing our students for their college search. This includes college visits, standardized test preparation, course selection, and more. As we move into senior year, students are met with on a one-on-one basis to counsel as they walk through applications, letters of recommendation, essays, interviews, scholarships, and more. We love being able to walk alongside families throughout this process."
2017-18
HIGH SCHOOL REPORT
ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES
LCA currently offers 17 AP courses. At the conclusion of each school year, students have the opportunity to sit for AP exams. Scored on a scale of 1 to 5, students who achieve a qualifying score (3 or higher) are eligible for college credit or advanced placement at more than 90% of American colleges and universities. 2018 ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAM RESULTS
104
181
STUDENTS TOOK AP EXAMS IN MAY 2018
EXAMS TAKEN IN 16 SUBJECTS
78%
INGRID ALLEN COLLEGE COUNSELOR (JUNIORS)
"Close to 80% of LCA students earned a passing score on AP exams. The 2018 results, as well as scores earned over the past five years, attribute to nearly 100% of students earning passing scores on the following AP exams: Biology, Calculus AB & BC, English Language, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Spanish Language, U.S. History and World History."
OF THE AP EXAMS RECEIVED SCORES OF A 3 OR HIGHER
CALLIE DONOVAN ACADEMIC ADVISING COUNSELOR (GRADES 9-10)
"At LCA, we meet individually with all students and their parents to identify each student’s academic goals and to develop a high school schedule that meets the student’s needs, while aligning with future plans. Encouraging students to explore their interests and helping them connect their course choices to their career and college goals are all an important part of the advising process."
115 TOTAL FACULTY
3
43
PhD
Bachelor's
15
69
Master's
Average Years of Experience
YEARS
Overall as well as at LCA
10 YEARS
Average Tenure at LCA
JULIA LEOPOLD DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
"All LCA educators are state-certified or “certifiable” as defined by our accrediting body, Advanced Ed. All preferred and long-term substitutes must hold a teaching certificate in order to be eligible for employment. We value our educators and continue to look for ways to encourage, empower and reward them. One area of emphasis is professional development. Teachers are lifelong learners. Professional development allows teachers to develop new skills while also honing and improving old skills. Positive outcomes of rich professional development programs are teacher retention, deeper subject knowledge, collaborative environment, and student achievement.”
2018-19
CURRICULUM & TEST INFO
2018-2019 Curriculum Review Each year, LCA’s educational leadership team carefully reviews subjects to ensure their alignment and articulation of curriculum, instructional strategies, and assessments in support of the expectations for student learning. This year, the team is reviewing mathematics, physical education, and health. As the team completes its review, they will provide recommendations regarding changes (if necessary) to the education committee. The education committee will then submit any recommendations to the Board of Directors for their review and approval.
CURRICULUM REVIEW CALENDAR 2018-2019 Mathematics, Physical Education and Health 2019-2020 Science, Geography 2020-2021 Foreign Language, Bible 2021-2022 History/Social Studies, English, Language/Reading 2022-2023 Business/Technology, Fine Arts
ACHIEVEMENT TEST SCHEDULE September High School – Practice ACT September Elementary - MAP October High School – PSAT January Elementary – MAP February High School – ACT April 6th Grade Academy / Junior High – ASPIRE May Elementary - MAP
2018-19 Initiatives TAILORED CHAPEL PROGRAMMING
(ELEMENTARY)
For the 2018-2019 school year, LCA’s preschool and elementary adopted a more tailored approach to its chapel programming. Instead of having three chapel programs, we now have four – preschool, transitional kindergarten and kindergarten, 1st-3rd grade, and 4th-5th grade. This approach allows the curriculum and programming to be more agespecific.
ROBOTICS PROGRAM
(ELEMENTARY-JUNIOR HIGH)
This year, LCA has expanded its robotics programming. We now have 15 teams comprised of 85 students in grades 2-8.
EXPANDED STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
(ELEMENTARY-HIGH SCHOOL)
“Student Support Services” program is designed to assist students in need of intervention in area(s) of reading, mathematics, written expression, and/or attending difficulties. Last spring, LCA’s Board of Directors approved expanding the intervention program so that we can now serve children from elementary through high school.
PROJECT LEAD THE WAY (PLTW)
(ELEMENTARY-HIGH SCHOOL)
For the 2018-2019 school year, LCA expanded its PLTW programs (elementary-high school). PLTW gives students reallife, hands-on applications allowing them to problem solve, collaborate, communicate, and to think both critically and creatively.
MAKERSPACE
(6TH GRADE ACADEMY)
The Makerspace room is one of the highlights of the 6th Grade Academy. It provide hands-on, creative ways to encourage students to design, experiment, build and invent. It's the 21st century equivalent of a library, shop class, tech space and home economics, all rolled into one.
ELECTIVE WHEEL
(6TH GRADE ACADEMY)
One of the unique aspects of our 6th Grade Academy is the “elective wheel.” Each 6th grader will take all of the electives, which make up the “wheel.” The electives include art, financial literacy, music, robotics, shaped to serve, and world languages.
BOYS PE & GIRLS PE CLASSES
(JUNIOR HIGH)
Starting with the 2018-2019 school year, junior high will offer a boys PE course and a girls PE course. Hosting the class by gender allows the curriculum and programming to be tailored for our students.
FINANCIAL LITERACY
(JUNIOR HIGH)
The junior high now offers its students a financial literacy course. The curriculum includes such topics as (1) saving and budgeting, (2) credit and debt, (3) education, careers, and entrepreneurship, (4) investing, insurance, and identity theft, (5) global economics, and (6) marketing and consumerism.
PIANO CURRICULUM
(HIGH SCHOOL)
For the 2018-2019 school year, the high school implemented a new course designed to teach the concepts and fundamentals needed to perform on the piano. It will increase musical understanding and literacy as students learn to play melodies, chords in various keys, accompaniment patterns, and improvisational techniques.
STUDENT-LED INITIATIVES
(HIGH SCHOOL)
LCA high school students are encouraged and empowered to embrace new initiatives. Two such initiatives include the Eagle Help Desk and “The Talon.” The Eagle Help Desk internship provides students with a leadership role to provide technology support, troubleshooting, and other computer resources for their peers and teachers. “The Talon” is an enewsletter produced by our high school students.