Conway Public Schools is proud to announce the results from the Arkansas Teaching Learning and Assessment System (ATLAS) exams, recently released by the Arkansas Department of Education. These scores reflect the dedication of our students, teachers, and staff, providing a new baseline for academic performance aligned with the Arkansas Academic Standards. While we celebrate the successes seen in key areas, we also recognize the importance of continuing to address challenges as we strive for improvement across the district.
The Arkansas Department of Education developed the ATLAS assessments in collaboration with over 3,700 Arkansas educators, who provided feedback on standards and test items. The assessments measure performance in grades K-10, with end-of-course exams in Algebra 1, Geometry, and Biology. This year’s scores introduce a new system of performance levels, which are not directly comparable to those of previous years due to changes in the assessment structure. The four performance levels are defined as:
Level 4: Advanced understanding
Level 3: Proficient understanding
Level 2: Basic understanding
Level 1: Limited understanding
The district is pleased to share that many students demonstrated strong academic performance, particularly in Algebra 1, 6th Grade Language Arts, 8th Grade Language Arts, 10th Grade Language Arts, and 6th Grade Science. However, the results also indicate areas where additional support is needed to close learning gaps. Below are the performance levels for Conway Public Schools students organized by performance levels:
English Language Arts (Grades 3-10):
Level 4 (Advanced): 17%
Level 3 (Proficient): 28%
Level 2 (Basic): 36%
Level 1 (Limited): 19%
Math (Grades 3-8, Algebra 1, Geometry):
Level 4 (Advanced): 15%
Level 3 (Proficient): 24%
Level 2 (Basic): 32%
Level 1 (Limited): 29%
Science (Grades 3-8, Biology):
Level 4 (Advanced): 17%
Level 3 (Proficient): 26%
Level 2 (Basic): 35%
Level 1 (Limited): 22%
“We are incredibly proud of the hard work and achievements of our students and educators as we navigate this new assessment system,” said Dr. Jeff Collum. “These results highlight areas of success, which deserve celebration and areas to focus our efforts moving forward. We are committed to using these insights to adapt our approach, targeting support where it's needed most. Our goal is to ensure every student in Conway has the opportunity to excel, and we will continue working toward that vision.”
With the data in hand, Conway Public Schools is committed to continuous improvement. The district will focus on personalized instruction to address learning needs, while reinforcing areas of strength. Working closely with teachers, families, and the broader community, Conway Public Schools will ensure that all students receive the resources and support necessary to succeed.