Shirley School District

The Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education recently informed the Shirley School District that due to the significant rise of literacy scores, the district is no longer required to participate in quarterly 1082 meetings. In order to be placed on the list, 50% or more of the district's students have to score in the lowest performance level. The district has been participating in such meetings since August 2022. "This is a huge milestone for not only the district, but more importantly for the teachers and students. It is validation of the efforts and structures put into place for student success", said Aaron Wiggins, Superintendent of Shirley SD. Rick Ward, principal at Shirley Elementary school added, "Being removed from the state intervention list is huge for our school district. However, I am not surprised, because I have witnessed, first hand, all of the hard work that our students, teachers, and staff have put in. This is validation for all of the good things that are going on in our district". Wiggins stated that the district would continue to progress monitor regularly to ensure that the district continues heading in the right direction, while measuring progress towards their district's academic goals.