LYBROOK SCHOOL MAKES GIANT LEAP IN NEW MEXICO SCHOOL RATINGS

January, 2012
School gets an "A" for "fostering an environment that facilitates learning..."

   What a difference two years can make!

   Lybrook Elementary/Mid School was designated the lowest performing school in New Mexico just two years ago, prompting an Albuquerque newspaper to name it the state’s “worst school.”  A recent rating by the New Mexico Public Education Department says the school is now graded with a “C.”

   “A grade of “C” is wonderful, “ says Turn-Around Leader Jacque Mangham.  “Especially when you consider that significantly raises our standing from where we were two years ago! 

   “Lybrook showed its greatest gains in the academic growth of both its lowest and highest performing students, receiving a “B” in those two areas.”

   Lybrook’s “C” shows up particularly good when compared to the rest of the state’s public schools.  Almost 40 percent of them got a “D” or “F” rating.

   Two years  ago a follow-up article about the school, done after several people complained about the “worst” labeling, included information about the disadvantages Lybrook’s students face…low income, living in a very remote rural area, having to travel long distances on the bus to get to school…as reasons for their low proficiency rate at that time.

   “We don’t accept any suggestion that our students can’t succeed,” says Mrs. Mangham.  “Our staff works diligently to help each student; we have special programs designed to help our lower performing students and to challenge our higher performing children; we are constantly exploring other learning programs to add to our curriculum.  We expect our children to grow toward their futures.”

   The new school rating shows Lybrook received an “A” in “Other Academic Indicators,” referring to the school providing an atmosphere that promotes learning.  Attendance was the primary indicator for this, which Mrs. Mangham credits parent and community involvement.

   “We are extremely proud of the hard work put forth by our school community.  Without  their help we don’t think our kids would be as motivated as they are.”

   And while the “C” rating is something she wants students, staff and community to be proud of, she wants everyone to know how important improvement is to the students.

   “It’s a beautiful thing to tell a child their test scores went up from previous test scores and to see their faces light up and a huge smile cover their faces.  As tough as providing an education can be sometimes, that really makes it so worth while.”