The success of the Lauderdale County School System is perhaps best illustrated by an examination of its student performance. In tests conducted in grades 3-8 as part of the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) - which measures proficiency in mathematics, reading language, science, and social studies - Lauderdale County Elementary and middle school students' learning gains have consistently paralleled those of top schools nationwide.

In statewide comparisons of student performance, Lauderdale County students performed even better, demonstrating higher gains than other school systems across Tennessee in all components.

STAR Reading tests are given to students to determine their reading level at the beginning of each school year. The test is given again at the end of first and/or last semester to determine growth in reading proficiency.

Accelerated Reader (AR) is a computerized reading program, used in grades 1-12 and has been successful in increasing reading performance in all academic areas.

Accelerated Math (AM), a computerized math program, is used in grades 7 &endash; 8. This program allows students to work at their individual math level and pace to achieve success on the state math standards.

Project L.E.A.D. is a before school and summer school program at Halls Junior High and an after school program at Ripley Elementary School. It is a three-year project funded through the 21st Century Community Center Learning Grant. The project provides homework tutorial, Accelerated Math, recreational opportunities and parental involvement, academic remediation and enrichment for at-risk students.

All schools in Lauderdale County are approved by the State Board of Education and are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The Lauderdale County School District now employs 350 teachers. All are licensed by the Tennessee State Department of Education. Thirty-two percent have a master's or Ph.D. degree. sixty-eight have met the requirements for Career Level II or III, Tennessee's Master Teacher Career Ladder program.

To ensure that its faculty is as diverse as its student population, Lauderdale County Administrators have launched an aggressive minority recruitment program. The goal of the program is to identify and hire the best and brightest minority educators, not only from West Tennessee but from across the state.

The administrators of the Lauderdale County School System are also strong supporters of ongoing teacher training. As a result, most teachers have completed more than the required number of inservice hours.

The Lauderdale County School System's facilities are among the best in Tennessee. Most schools are less than 10 years old and are in new and in like-new condition. All schools have central heat and air. Every school has a gymnasium or playroom and all classrooms are spacious and well-lit.

The Lauderdale County community's dedication to meeting the educational needs of its children is strongly represented by its commitment to build new schools. The system has now completed an extensive building and renovation program.

The counseling program in the Lauderdale County Schools seeks to guide the students toward the most productive emotional social growth possible. The guidance counselors are a group of professionals who utilize their ability to enable students to function effectively in our complex society.

Our school system realizes that learning does not end with the regular school day, so we consider after-school programs to be very important.

Tutoring, both remedial and enrichment, is provided for students so that our failure rate will be reduced, and students can experience activities that time does not permit to be provided in the regular classroom. The tutoring is done by teachers as well as honor students.

Computer camps are provided at the elementary schools where students progress from learning basic computer skills to becoming involved in very sophisticated activities.

Reading is an essential tool that is needed throughout one's life time. Our Lifetime Volunteer Reader's Day Program consists of volunteer readers visiting the school for 20 minutes per week to share children's books with students. The program strives to instill in students the joy of reading and to encourage students to make reading a life adventure.

Since it is very important that the school and community become involved in our student's learning experiences, activities are planned which involve the school and the community.

YOUNG AUTHOR'S DAY, held at the elementary level, is an activity where community people come and share their expertise with the students. The students in turn share books they have written and illustrated with the community.

FABULOUS FRIDAYS, is a junior high activity, done each Friday during the month of May, where persons in the community share their knowledge with the students, and the students also take field trips to become aware of historical events in our area.

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL, a day which is observed annually at the elementary level, is a time shared by all students, as they learn of diverse cultures in a festive manner.

SPELLING BEE, is an activity held in each elementary school, with the winners advancing to the Lauderdale County Spelling Bee. The county winner represents us at the Mid-South Spelling Bee in Memphis.

CELEBRATE TENNESSEE, held at Lauderdale Middle School, has the total school involved in a full week (and much more) of thematic study of the great state of Tennessee. The community is invited to participate in a one day showcase about their organization and it's relation to Tennessee. As well, a Tennessee program is the highlight of the week.

JOB SHADOWING DAY allows all high school students to be given the opportunity to "shadow" an employer. Many students see first hand what a day is like in the real world of work. This is a community effort, working through our local chamber of commerce, business, and industry.

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