The Turnaround Eligible Schools list is a list of schools that have a three year CCRPI average below 54. 

THOMASVILLE — Harper Elementary has been placed on a state list for possible intervention.

The city elementary school is one of 104 Georgia schools on the Turnaround Eligible Schools list, which identifies Georgia schools in the bottom 5 percent based on a three-year College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) average below 54, according to the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement (GOSA).

Harper’s CCRPI average from 2015-17 was 52.1.

Principal Melvin Hugans said the big challenge is getting past the 49.5 score from 2016. Hugans, who took Harper’s reins after 2016 CCRPI testing, said it could take the city elementary school two years to get past the 2016 score.

Harper had an increase of more than three points in 2017 CCRPI scoring.

“We had a significant amount of growth from ‘16 to ‘17,” Hugans said.

Despite improvements, Hugans pointed out, the 2017 score was not enough to overcome previous scores.

“At this point, we are not sure what this means for Harper,” Hugans said. “Being on the Turnaround list and ‘selected’ for state intervention are two different things.”

Harper’s testing strength was in math performance, with a weakness in reading and literacy, Hugans said.

After taking the principal’s seat, Hugans put an academic intervention plan in motion. The plan, which will run until 2019, will focus on literacy, including phonics instruction for kindergartners and novel-based instruction and daily reading for third through fifth graders. A math focus also is included in the academic plan.

“The ‘Harper School Wide Plan’ and five-year instructional improvement plan that we have in place has been a great guide for our development and growth,” Hugans said. “Our teachers have and continue to receive sound professional development. In turn, the level of instruction, student achievement, and teacher efficacy continues to improve.”

Dr. Laine Reichert, city schools superintendent, said the district goal is to provide Harper support and resources.

The city school district, Reichert added, also plans to outline Harper’s strides to the state’s chief turnaround officer. Hugans’ second year as principal, Harper’s addition of two instructional coaches, and a new superintendency also are planned to be outlined.

“If those kids continue to show growth, that’s to the school’s benefit,” Reichert said.

City school leaders referred to Harper’s 2016 score as an “anchor” at the Nov. 7 school improvement committee meeting.

According to GOSA, the chief turnaround officer will select schools from the list for intervention. 

Of the 66 Georgia Elementary schools on the Turnaround Eligible list, Harper’s three-year average was the highest.

“As long as we continue to increase our instructional performance, Harper will be on the right track,” Hugans said.