During a recent government meeting, officials celebrated notable achievements in education, particularly highlighting the accomplishments of students and teachers in the Blount County School system. The meeting commenced with expressions of pride for the dedication shown by K-3 educators and their students, emphasizing the positive impact of their efforts.

One of the key highlights was the performance of high school students in the End-of-Course (EOC) assessments, where 59.7% met or exceeded expectations. This achievement places the district 16th out of 128 school systems in the state, showcasing a commendable effort as they approach the 60% mark. Officials acknowledged that while this is a significant milestone, there is still more work to be done, with further discussions planned for September.

Additionally, the meeting featured a recognition segment for teachers who completed the Wilson Level One certification program, which is designed to provide intensive reading support for students at risk of dyslexia. This program, accredited by the International Dyslexia Association, requires teachers to complete a rigorous training process, including 65 one-on-one lessons with selected students, multiple observations by accredited trainers, and over 80 hours of online coursework.

Rachel Gowins, a certified Wilson trainer and special education instructional coach, introduced six teachers who successfully completed the program. She expressed gratitude for their commitment to enhancing the reading skills of struggling students and shared positive feedback from the teachers regarding the progress made by their students throughout the year.

The meeting underscored the ongoing commitment to educational excellence and the importance of supporting both teachers and students in their learning journeys.