FCS Writing Scores Soar

The preliminary state writing scores are in and 12 of the 13 schools that make up the Franklin County Schools system experienced substantial growth.

The annual writing test is administered to all students in grades 4, 7 and 10.

On the high school level, the average number of students at level III or higher climbed dramatically for an overall increase of 27.4 percent.

The maximum level a student can achieve is a level IV, while the minimum is level I. A score at level III is the minimum target for proficiency set by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

 “Our teachers and students have risen to the challenge and they are competing favorably and successfully with their peers statewide,” FCS Superintendent Dr. Bert L’Homme said. “This is a testament to all of the hard work and dedication our students and staff put forth to improve. Our community has something to be proud of. We will continue work to improve even more.”

Franklinton High School soared from 40.1 percent in 2007 to 79.7 percent. Bunn High surged 17 percent to a level of 71 percent proficient as Louisburg High finished at 72.3 percent, up 16.7 percent from 2007.

Middle school scores increased by an average of 16.5 percent, and the elementary performance spiked an average of 6.5 percent.

Cedar Creek Middle set the pace for grade seven with 60 percent proficiency. The Jaguars increased by 19.2 percent, while Bunn Middle (up 13.4) finished with 52.8 percent and Terrell Lane was at 50 percent (up 16.8).

Royal Elementary jumped the highest percentage level among elementary schools with a 14 percent increase and finished with the highest proficiency level of all seven elementary schools at 69.4 percent. Edward Best had a cumulative increase of 6.7 percent and finished at 67.5 percent. Youngsville Elementary experienced a 6.2 percent decrease in proficiency level, but at 65.1 percent, remains among the top three performing elementary schools.