The final score of the big game is typically what grabs headlines the next day. The roar of the crowd, the celebration in the endzone, or the Gatorade bath when the clock hits '0' may feel like the biggest thing in the world at that moment. But, 20 years from now that score will become a forgotten line in the dusty annals of a long since archived sports page. Yet, the scores on term papers, tests, and projects are the ones that will serve as the foundation of a future filled with possibility. College applications. Scholarship opportunities. The skills needed for a fulfilling career. This is by no means to be dismissive of the incredibly important role activity programs play in the development of young people and the essential life skills they impart. Lessons such as dedication, resilience, time management, and the ability to handle both success and disappointment with grace. Indeed all are important in the development of the whole child!
But it is important to ensure we are keen to understanding perspective. While one provides a fleeting moment of glory, the other opens doors to long-term success, illustrating the ephemeral thrill of an athletic victory pales in comparison to the enduring, life-shaping value of academic achievement. It is incumbent then, that when making decisions about our children's education, we do so through careful analysis and an evaluation of the metrics that are certain to provide dividends and a return on investment that is decades into the future. It is with that context that I am proud to release our Annual Report on Student Progress for the 2024-2025 school year. If it is competition you seek, then by all means compare these outcomes to those of our competitor.
Over the course of the last several years, school choice has become much more ubiquitous in Iowa. When these laws were put into place, it was to foster competition. While this premise is flawed in countless ways that have been covered ad nauseum in this column, I do hope when these choices are being made families are doing their homework. I am uncertain that is always the case.
Unfortunately, sometimes it appears these choices are made as a way to avoid conflict. Difficulty with attendance issues and labeled chronically absent? Well, the online school allows me to stay home and go to school. Problem solved. The teacher made my child stay after school to complete their homework assignment. Well, the school down the road doesn't have an After School Program. Problem solved. I am in conflict with some of my peers. Well, if we homeschool I don't have to worry about peers. Again, problem solved.
Oftentimes it's not too long afterward the realization hits that the grass isn't always greener. When that happens, we are willing, able, and fully prepared to facilitate a seamless transition back into the school district.
But it would be our preference that folks do their homework in advance of making those decisions. Today, I want to help by announcing the release of our Annual Report on Student Progress for the 2024-2025 school year. Over the course of the last couple of months, our achievement data has slowly been trickling in for the 2024-2025 school year. Numerous independent data points have allowed us to triangulate those data ensuring fidelity and accuracy. You see, sometimes we hear parents say one school is better than another and that the students in 'School X' are so much further ahead [academically] than 'School Y'. When you hear these claims, I would urge you to carefully examine the hard data. Those facts simply can't be disputed. Here are few salient points:
The US News and World Report recently released their rankings, evaluating schools on a number of metrics. Hudson High School was a top performer not only in the Cedar Valley, but in the top 10% of high schools in the state, coming in with an overall ranking of 20 out of 352 total high schools in Iowa. To read more about these rankings, please check out this recent article from the Courier. The high school also received a 'Commendable' ranking on the Iowa Report Card, improving our position from 2024 by 37.64 points.
Hudson Elementary School, on the other hand was ranked as a 'High Performing' school, improving their position from last year by 34.94 points. The elementary surpassed the statewide benchmark in every metric, with some of the starkest gains being growth metrics for both math and language arts.
Granted, an old report card found in a trunk in the attic may seem insignificant 20 years hence. But, I can promise you that when you interview for a teaching position in our school your high school free throw percentage is going to be of little value. I'm going to be much more interested in whether or not you can teach math. All those report cards, tests, and projects are what will ultimately build the foundation of your life's work, providing certified knowledge and measurable competencies that open the doors to opportunities that truly shape your future, long after the cheers of the last game have faded.
Congratulations to the students and staff who have worked so hard to ensure continued academic excellence!
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