The Nebraska Department of Education annually evaluates all Nebraska school districts and schools, assigning classifications of Excellent, Great, Good, or Needs Improvement through AQuESTT (Accountability for a Quality Education System, Today and Tomorrow). This classification reflects a comprehensive review of key performance areas, with data gathered from:
● Grades 3-8: Proficiency in English Language Arts and Math, emphasizing student growth, school improvement, and reduction in non-proficient students.
● Grades 5 and 8: Science proficiency and score improvement on state assessments.
● Grades 9-12: Junior year ACT scores, specifically the percentage of students on track for college readiness benchmarks.
● District-wide Requirements: 95% participation rate in state assessments, as well as four-year and extended graduation rates.
● Chronic Absenteeism: Efforts to reduce absenteeism (defined as being absent 10% or more of membership days).
● English Language Proficiency: Advancement toward proficiency for English Language Learners.
Falls City Public Schools received a Great designation in this year’s AQuESTT evaluation, as part of the Nebraska Department of Education's accountability report released on November 27, 2024. Here is a link to view the profile directly: FCPS NEP Profile
A few accountability highlights:
● Chronic Absenteeism: FCPS reduced its chronic absenteeism rate from 17.6% to 15.0%, outperforming the statewide average of 21.19%.
● College Enrollment: Falls City High School increased the percentage of students pursuing post-secondary education from 63.79% in 2022-2023 to 67.92% in 2023-2024.
● Graduation Rate: FCPS achieved a remarkable 96.49% graduation rate, surpassing the state average by 8 percentage points.
● Academic Proficiency: Grades 3-8 students demonstrated 53% proficiency in English Language Arts, 57% in Math, and 75% in Science—a 6-point improvement in Science from the previous year.
Other information released included:
● FCPS has received a Great designation as a district. In addition to receiving a district classification each building also receives their own individual designation. High school received a designation of Great while middle school, south school, and north school have received designations as Good.
● Schools may also receive federal designations—Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) or Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (ATSI)—for underperforming subgroups. Notably, FCPS received no federal designations for 2024, reflecting positive strides in equitable student performance across all subgroups.
While celebrating these achievements, FCPS remains dedicated to addressing ongoing challenges through a sustained focus on instructional improvement. Our commitment to equitable outcomes drives our work to enhance accountability scores and ensure every graduate of our district is college and career ready.
Nebraska State Accountability: FCPS District NSCAS & ACT Proficiency
SUBJECT | 2021-2022 | 2022-2023 | 2023-2024 |
ELA Grades 3-8 | 44% | 54% | 53% |
Math Grades 3-8 | 40% | 57% | 57% |
Science Grades 5, 8 | 69% | 69% | 75% |
ACT ELA, Math, Science Grade 11 | 34%, 27%, 34% | 58%, 46%, 41% | 47%, 51%, 58% |
FCPS’s success reflects a district-wide commitment to supporting all learners:
● Data-Driven Instruction: Staff leverage formative and NSCAS assessments, as well as regular team meetings, to track student progress, make timely adjustments to support structures, and set data-informed goals.
● On To College Program: The continued integration of John Baylor’s On To College program during the school day has enhanced students’ access to college preparatory resources, fostering real-time collaboration and support from teachers.
● Strengthening Core Subjects: The district prioritizes rigor in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science. Staff engage in both horizontal and vertical curriculum alignment conversations to refine instructional approaches and develop grade-level support plans.
● Through-Year Progress Monitoring: FCPS monitors student progress across the year using DIBELS, MAP, NSCAS, and Pre-ACT assessments, ensuring instruction is responsive to student needs.
Falls City Public Schools, backed by the District 56 Board of Education, administration, faculty, and strong parental and community support, remains steadfast in its mission to graduate students equipped with critical skills for future success. Through continuous collaboration, targeted initiatives, and a focus on developing resourceful, resilient, and responsible individuals, FCPS is committed to empowering students for a bright future.