For school systems like Crenshaw County Schools (CCS), the Alabama Department of Education issues an annual report, grading every school in each district on multiple factors with the aim of helping administrators work toward needed improvements. 

For the 2023-2024 school year, Crenshaw County Schools earned the overall score of 82 (B), with Brantley High School and Highland Home School graded at 83 (B) and Luverne High School achieving a score of 85 (B). 

“The Alabama Department of Education Report Card is a yearly report that shows how well schools and school districts in Alabama are performing,” said Ashley Catrett, superintendent of Crenshaw County Schools. “The goal is to help parents, educators and the community understand how schools are doing and where improvements may be needed.” 

For the 23-24 school year, chronic absenteeism — when students miss 18 or more days of school –— was one of the criteria local schools scored lowest on the report. The lowest among the schools was Luverne High School with 29.94 (F), and highest, with the greatest attendance record was Brantley High School, still an F 32.09. 

Additionally, Crenshaw County Schools also scored low in English language acquisition (ELA), Math and Science proficiency. On average in the county, ELA scored around 50.38%, math was at 27.75% and science at 34.39%. 

Catrett said chronic absenteeism and lack of student involvement can lower overall school performance. She also explained that shortages in certified teacher applicants in the county’s rural or high-need areas can negatively impact student learning. 

However, multiple programs within CCS have been utilized to gain improvement, with new programs formed in the last and current terms to combat these low scores.  

“CCS was selected as a 2021 pilot district for implementing Multi-Tiered System of Support [MTSS], a comprehensive framework addressing students’ academic, behavioral and social-emotional needs,” Catrett said. “This initiative is now implemented state-wide and involves collaboration among teachers, special educators, counselors, administrators, interventionists and parents to create a constructive learning environment.” 

A parent liaison was also added in 2023 to support the involvement of parents. The addition has introduced resources to support the students’ education, including Cook Center Parent Resources. 

In August of 2024, the Early Warning Court Program was introduced by District Judge Jon Folmar who partnered with Crenshaw County Board of Education. The program works to improve attendance rates and aims to identify and develop plans to address the root causes of absenteeism in students with truancy issues. 

“We introduced the truancy program through interdiction,” Folmar told Kiwanis Club members at the group’s March 4 meeting. “It’s a four-step process in which the schools work with [students] during their first two steps. We get involved in the second step and by the third, they have to report to us. We try to get them to do right.

“We’ve had three students in the program so far. They’re in the fourth step and they are all doing good. They’re resolving their issues and we’re making sure that they stay in school, because that’s the ultimate goal of the process, to get the parents, administration and the teachers one more tool in thor toolbox.”

The district also works with teachers to help continually improve ELA, math and science proficiency. 

“Teachers receive training to enhance their instructional practices, ensuring they are equipped to deliver high-quality education in ELA, Math, and Science,” Catrett said. “Educators regularly assess, analyze, and diagnose student performance to identify areas needing improvement.
“This ongoing analysis informs instructional adjustments to better meet student needs. Students are encouraged to engage in the learning process by applying critical thinking skills and exploring new problem-solving approaches.” 

For more information on how CCS scored for the 23-24 school year, visit https://reportcard.alsde.edu/SelectSchool.aspx , and utilize the drop down menus to select Crenshaw County under “system,” and select the school you would like to view.