Before Thanksgiving, the state released this year’s Kentucky Summative Assessment (KSA) accountability scores, and Paul Laurence Dunbar High School has made measurable progress. The school’s overall rating rose from yellow to green, jumping from 68.5 to 76.2. This marks one of Dunbar’s greatest improvements in recent years.
Across nearly every category, Dunbar showed progress. Math scores increased by 8.4 points, reading by 4.9, and science by 7.3. Postsecondary readiness improved by 14.4 points, and industry certifications saw an 83% jump, rising from 78 students to 143.
Behind this growth are the students and teachers who work hard every day to move the school forward.
Science teacher Mr. Kevin Bailey says the gains reflect progress across multiple student groups, including historically underserved populations.
“I feel like Dunbar progressed across a lot of different levels,” he said. “It hit a lot of populations that didn’t perform well in the past and showed improvements this year. That’s really reassuring.”
Mr. Bailey credits the improvement to a mix of student motivation and more intentional teaching.
“Students are taking more ownership, and teachers have a better idea of what their students need,” he said. “Each year you try new things, see what works, and adjust. With experience, you get better at appealing to students’ needs, and I felt like I was able to do that this year.”
English teacher Mrs. Pamela Carter also emphasized the collective effort behind the improvements.
“I think we showed improvements in many areas, and I’m really proud of our departments and our students,” she said.
Mrs. Carter noted that while teaching techniques may not have drastically changed, the focus in certain areas has. Efforts in special education, reading supports, and skill-building have played a role.
“We keep emphasizing skills, test-taking skills especially,” Carter added. “That’s been essential. And we’ve talked more as a staff in our PLCs, planning around freshman testing and really working to improve those skills.”
Although Dunbar has demonstrated significant growth, administrators say the work doesn’t stop here. Dunbar still has areas for progress, and teachers continue refining approaches to instruction, intervention, and student engagement.
Additionally, staff members stress that KSA scores are only one measure of success.
“Our students are individuals with a multitude of gifts and talents,” Principal Mr. Scott Loscheider wrote in an announcement to families. “Test scores cannot fully capture the amazing work and progress happening in our building each day.”
Regardless, for teachers and students who have spent months preparing lessons, practicing skills, and navigating tough content, teachers say that this year’s jump to green is a milestone worth celebrating and a sign of momentum as we head deeper into the school year.
