Summary:
The Lakeland R-III school district in Missouri operates two schools: Lakeland Elementary and Lakeland High. Both schools have consistently underperformed compared to state averages, with low proficiency rates on state assessments and rankings in the bottom half of Missouri schools.
Lakeland Elementary has ranked in the bottom 20% of Missouri elementary schools, with math proficiency ranging from just 11.2% to 30.1% across different grade levels. Lakeland High has also struggled, ranking in the bottom 10% of Missouri high schools and having an Algebra I proficiency rate of only 15.7%. Both schools have high chronic absenteeism rates of over 22%, significantly above the state average.
The Lakeland R-III district appears to face significant challenges, with high levels of economic disadvantage among its student population. Over 66% of Lakeland Elementary students and 53.4% of Lakeland High students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. Despite relatively low student-teacher ratios, the district has been unable to translate its resources into improved academic outcomes for its students. Addressing the root causes of the district's poor performance, such as chronic absenteeism and economic challenges, will be crucial for improving educational opportunities for the Lakeland community.
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