Summary:
The city of McLaughlin, South Dakota is home to three public schools serving grades K-12: McLaughlin Elementary - 02, McLaughlin High School - 01, and McLaughlin Middle School - 03. Unfortunately, the data paints a concerning picture of the academic performance and overall quality of these schools, which are all ranked in the bottom 10% statewide.
Across the district, test scores are alarmingly low, with proficiency rates well below state averages. For example, the elementary school's 3rd grade ELA proficiency is just 17.39% compared to the state average of 46.17%. Chronic absenteeism is also a major issue, reaching nearly 47% at the middle school. The high school's 4-year graduation rate of 60.4% and 12.7% dropout rate are also deeply concerning. Despite relatively low student-teacher ratios and high per-student spending, the schools are clearly struggling to support their students and improve academic outcomes.
The data suggests the McLaughlin School District 15-2 faces significant challenges, from recruiting and retaining quality teachers to addressing the needs of a student population facing high levels of poverty. Turning around these low-performing schools will likely require a comprehensive review of the district's operations, teaching practices, and student support systems, as well as additional resources and community partnerships. Addressing the educational disparities in McLaughlin will be crucial for improving opportunities and outcomes for the city's students.
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