(STONE MOUNTAIN, GA) – In 2023, the entrance and exit criteria for federally identified schools was modified to include a 3-year identification and exit cycle. The only exceptions are those schools identified as CSI Graduation Rate and Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI). Today, two schools were released from the CSI Graduation Rate list.
To exit the CSI Graduation Rate list, schools must earn a four-year Graduation Rate of less than or equal to or more than 67%. McNair High School and Clarkston High School have met the requirement to exit the CSI Graduation list:
- McNair High School’s 2024 four-year graduation rate increased by 21.7 points, from 55.2 to 76.9.
- Clarkston High School’s 2024 four-year graduation rate increased by 8.1 points, from 64.9 to 73.0.
This milestone signifies significant strides in improving student outcomes and providing high-quality instruction. The school’s hard work, dedication, and community collaboration have addressed academic challenges and enhanced student performance. Rigorous academic improvement, targeted interventions,
enhanced professional development, and data-driven instructional strategies led to measurable growth in student achievement.
We celebrate the work and academic accomplishments of our middle school staff and students. Currently, ALL DeKalb County School District middle schools are meeting or exceeding state and federal standards.
Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) schools are identified by having one or more underperforming student groups based on the following CCRPI components: Content Mastery, Progress, Closing Gaps, Readiness, and Graduation Rate (high school only). These schools are required by the federal government to be identified annually. The DeKalb County School District has nine schools on the TSI list for the Students with Disability subgroup:
• Chapel Hill Elementary School
• Indian Creek Elementary School
• Oak View Elementary School
• Ronald McNair Discovery Learning Academy
• Rowland Elementary School
• Stone Mill Elementary School
• Toney Elementary School
• Towers High School
• Woodridge Elementary School
Despite the challenges of staffing shortages, lack of consistent leadership and proper analysis of programs and data, we focused and will continue to focus on ensuring all DeKalb County School District (DCSD) scholars- exceptional education, ELL, and general education- have access to resources and receive the needed support to excel academically. DCSD remains committed to the growth and development of our
staff, strengthening communication between the school and families, and improving our progress monitoring efforts to realize improvement in student growth and performance data among our SWD student population.
We are continuing to support the twelve (12) previously identified CSI and ATSI schools that were identified in 2023.These schools become eligible for removal from the lists in 2026. The removal will be based on CCPRI results: These schools are listed below:
CSI Tier IV Support
- Flat Shoals Elementary School
- Stone Mountain Elementary School
CSI Lowest Performing
- DeKalb Alternative
- Elizabeth Andrews High School
Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (ATSI) for Students with Disability
- Browns Mill Elementary School
- Hightower Elementary School
- Lithonia High School
- Martin Luther King, Jr. High School
- Murphey Candler Elementary School
- Rock Chapel Elementary School
- Snapfinger Elementary School
- Stoneview Elementary School
We are confident that the investments approved by our Board of Education will yield the desired academic outcomes. We are already seeing the improvements during our district-led Reality Checks.
More detailed information about federal designations can be found on the GaDOE website.