CAMDEN, TN — The Benton County School System is proud to announce that it has been recognized as a Level 5 Overall District by the Tennessee Department of Education, marking the highest possible rating for student academic growth in the state's accountability system.
This prestigious designation is based on the Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS), which measures student academic growth year over year across all tested subjects and grade levels. The Level 5 rating demonstrates that Benton County students made significantly more academic progress than expected when compared to their peers statewide.
"We are incredibly proud of this achievement, which reflects the outstanding dedication of our teachers, students, staff, parents, and community," said Mark Florence, Director of Schools for Benton County. "This Level 5 designation is evidence that our collaborative efforts to provide excellence in education are making a real difference in our students' academic growth and success."
The TVAAS system assesses the academic growth of students over a single year, regardless of their initial proficiency level. Unlike traditional achievement measures that focus solely on whether students meet grade-level expectations, TVAAS specifically examines the progress each student makes compared to similar students across Tennessee. A Level 5 rating indicates there is "significant evidence" that students made more than a year's worth of expected growth.
Key highlights of this achievement include:
· Recognition as one of Tennessee's top-performing school districts for student academic growth
· Evidence that Benton County students are advancing at rates that exceed state expectations
· Validation of the district's commitment to preparing students for "lives of learning, integrity, and service"
This accomplishment places Benton County Schools among an elite group of Tennessee districts earning the state's highest growth rating. The achievement reflects the district's mission to provide rigorous and relevant curriculum while maintaining safe and respectful learning environments that foster student success.
"This recognition belongs to our entire school community," Florence continued. "Our teachers' commitment to high-quality instruction, our students' hard work and dedication, and our families' support have all contributed to this remarkable achievement. Together, we are proving that when stakeholders unite around our children's success, extraordinary things happen."
The Benton County School System serves approximately 2,030 students across seven schools in the district, including Camden Central High School, Camden Jr. High School, Camden Elementary School, Briarwood School, Big Sandy School, Holladay School, and the Senator Frank P. Lashlee Career & Technical Center. The district employs over 200 professional staff members and 156 support staff dedicated to student success.
The Level 5 TVAAS designation reinforces Benton County Schools' position as a leader in Tennessee education and demonstrates the district's unwavering commitment to academic excellence and student growth. This achievement provides momentum as the district continues to work toward its vision of ensuring that all stakeholders cooperate in relevant work and study that addresses each student's unique needs, while supporting academic achievement, career readiness, and global citizenship.
The Tennessee Department of Education releases TVAAS results annually as part of the state's comprehensive accountability system designed to measure and support student academic progress across all public schools and districts.
About Benton County Schools
The Benton County School System is located in Camden, Tennessee, and is committed to preparing students for lives of learning, integrity, and service. The district serves seven schools and operates under the leadership of a 12-member elected school board representing six districts throughout Benton County. For more information about Benton County Schools, visit www.bentoncountyschools.org or call (731) 584-6111.