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Federal Programs & Instruction
Accountability
Every spring, students take statewide tests that measure how well they’re learning grade-level material. The results of these tests are used to give schools their own “grades,” which reflect how well students are performing, how much they’re improving, and how successfully the school is helping all students learn. These school grades help parents and communities understand how schools are doing and where they may need more support.
Alabama Literacy and Numeracy Acts
In Pike County Schools, the Alabama Literacy and Numeracy Acts are being implemented to improve foundational reading and math skills among students through the following key strategies designed to build strong foundational skills in literacy and numeracy to set students up for long-term academic success:
1. Early Intervention – using diagnostic assessments to identify and support struggling readers and mathematicians from an early age in order to tailor instruction to individual needs.
2. Professional Development – training teachers in targeted instructional practices in the Science of Reading, literacy, and numeracy to ensure they are equipped with effective strategies and tools.
3. Parental Involvement - encouraging parental engagement by providing resources and guidance to help families support their children's literacy and numeracy development at home.
4. Progress Monitoring – assessing and tracking student progress, allowing for timely interventions and adjustments to instruction as needed.
5. Extended learning opportunities – providing additional intervention opportunities through after-school tutoring and summer school
STEM Lesson Planning Process
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In crafting a STEM lesson plan, teachers start by selecting a central theme that integrates core STEM concepts with real-world relevance. The theme is filtered through Marzano's NASOT instructional strategies to ensure it promotes effective learning through clear objectives, formative assessments, and feedback. The 4Cs—critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication—are interwoven in lessons by designing activities that challenge students to apply these skills in problem-solving scenarios. The instructional tasks employ the engineering design process to structure hands-on projects where students identify problems, brainstorm solutions, create prototypes, test their designs, and revise based on feedback. This approach not only engages students in meaningful STEM content but also fosters essential skills and processes that align with both academic standards and real-world applications.
In 2024, Pike County Schools received both Cognia Accreditation and the Schools and Systems of Distinction award, a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence in STEM education. This recognition, from a globally respected accreditation body operating in over 90 countries, validates our dedication to rigorous self-assessment and independent evaluation, ultimately enhancing the value of our students' transcripts and diplomas. Being identified as a 'School of Distinction' signifies that we are among the institutions that truly excel in serving our learners, a distinction we hold with great honor.
Standards Based Grading
Pike County Schools uses Standards-Based Grading for MATH in grades 3rd – 8th.
Standards-Based Grading measures how well a student understands specific learning standards rather than averaging points from homework, quizzes, and tests. Instead of a single letter grade (A–F), students receive scores that show their level of mastery for each math skill (1, 2, or 3).
How It Works
- Focus on Skills, Not Points: Each math standard (e.g., fractions, geometry, algebra concepts) is assessed separately.
- Proficiency Levels: Teachers use a scale such as:
- 1 – Beginning: Needs significant support
- 2 – Developing: Making progress but not yet at grade level
- 3 – Proficient: Meets grade-level expectations
- Multiple Opportunities: Students can show improvement over time. Early mistakes don’t permanently lower their grade.
Why This Is Better for Your Child
- Clear Feedback: You’ll know exactly which math skills your child has mastered and which need work.
- Encourages Growth: Students focus on learning, not chasing points.
- Separates Behavior from Academics: Effort and conduct are reported separately, so grades reflect true understanding.
What You’ll See on Reports
- Instead of “Math: B,” you’ll see progress on specific standards like:
- Multiplication & Division: Proficient
- Fractions: Developing
- Geometry: Advanced
Quick Example
Traditional grading might average homework and tests, so a child who understands math but forgets homework could get a low grade.
Standards-Based Grading shows mastery: if the child demonstrates understanding on assessments, they’ll be marked “Proficient,” even if homework was incomplete.
Tips for Parents
- Check Progress Reports: Look for which standards are marked “Proficient” or “Developing.”
- Ask About Growth: If your child is “Developing,” ask the teacher what support is available.
- Celebrate Progress: Moving from “Beginning” to “Developing” is success!
Parent and Family Engagement
Our Commitment to Families
At Pike County Schools, we believe that parents and families are essential partners in every child’s learning journey. Our goal is to build strong, collaborative relationships between home and school, recognizing that family involvement is key to student success.
We actively invite, encourage, and support parents to participate as advocates, advisors, and decision-makers in their child’s education. By working together, schools and families can create a positive learning environment that fosters achievement and confidence.
When families and schools unite as partners, students thrive—academically and personally. Together, we can help every child reach their full potential.
Homeless Services
The McKinney-Vento program is designed to address the problems that homeless children and youth have faced in enrolling, attending, and succeeding in school. Under this program, Pike County Schools ensures that each homeless child and youth has equal access to the same free, appropriate public education, including a public preschool education, as other children and youth. Homeless children and youth should have access to the educational and other services that they need to enable them to meet the same challenging State student academic achievement standards to which all students are held. In addition, homeless students are not separated from the mainstream school environment.
If you believe a child or youth may be eligible, contact:
PCS Homeless Liaison - Dr. Carter
Your local School Counselor or the AL State Dept of Education Homeless Education Coordinator at 334-694-4534
English Learner (EL) Program
English Learners (EL) are provided with high-quality and appropriate teaching and learning experiences to ensure they have adequate opportunities to meet the same challenging state content and student performance standards that are expected of all children.
Pike County Schools uses a sheltered instructional model where English is used as the medium to provide instruction in the content area. The instruction is adapted to the proficiency level of the student.
21st Century Grant
The 21st Century Grant is a federal program that funds after-school and summer learning opportunities for students, especially those in high-poverty or low-performing schools. It helps schools provide safe, engaging places for children outside regular school hours.
What Does It Provide?
- Academic Support: Tutoring, homework help, and activities to strengthen reading, math, and other core subjects.
- Enrichment Activities: Art, music, STEM projects, physical fitness, and technology programs.
- Family Engagement: Workshops and resources for parents to support learning at home.
- Safe Environment: A supervised space for students before and after school and during summer.
Why Is It Important?
- Keeps students learning and growing beyond the school day.
- Offers fun and educational activities that build confidence and skills.
- Helps families stay connected to their child’s education.
Key Points for Parents
- No cost for families—funded by federal grants.
- Designed to support academic success and personal growth.
- Encourages family involvement in education.
Pike County Schools Consolidated Plan
The purpose of the LEA Consolidated Plan is to ensure that all children receive a high-quality education, and to close the achievement gap between children meeting the challenging State academic standards and those children who are not meeting such standards.