Dallas County

The schools in Dallas County, Alabama include 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 3 high schools, serving a predominantly African American student population with high rates of economic disadvantage. While the overall performance of these schools is low, with most falling well below state averages, a few standout institutions, such as JE Terry Elementary School and Salem Elementary School, demonstrate that high-quality education is possible in the district.

The data reveals significant achievement gaps between the schools in Dallas County and the state averages, particularly in Mathematics. This suggests a need for targeted interventions and support to improve student outcomes. The schools with higher per-student spending tend to have better performance, indicating the importance of adequate funding for educational resources and programs. Additionally, the high percentage of African American students in most of the schools, coupled with the low performance, points to potential issues of equity and access that need to be addressed.

Despite the challenges faced by the district, the extremely high free/reduced lunch rates across the schools highlight the significant economic hardship experienced by students and families in the area. Understanding the factors that contribute to the success of schools like JE Terry Elementary and Salem Elementary could provide valuable insights for improving other schools in the Dallas County district and addressing the complex issues of student achievement, equity, and resource allocation.