CCJHS identified in ‘Need of Improvement’

The Tennessee Department of Education identified Chester County Junior High as a Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) school among district designations for the 2023-2024 year, in which they named Reward Schools, Exemplary Districts and In Need of Improvement districts. Identified annually, TSI schools score in the bottom 5% statewide for the performance of a given student group. In 2024, 186 schools, were identified for TSI as the final designation. Schools can be identified as TSI schools for any of the following given student groups when meeting the identification criteria: Black/Hispanic/Native American, Economically Disadvantaged, English Learners, Students with Disabilities, Hispanic/Latino, Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Asian and White. “The 2024 state testing results have provided valuable insights into areas of growth for students at CCJHS,” said Chester County Superintendent Troy Kilzer II. “While certain subgroups of our students were identified in the bottom 5% of performance compared to other middle-grade schools across Tennessee, this designation marks an opportunity to enhance our academic programs and ensure every student thrives at CCJHS.” Kilzer continued to explain that under Tennessee’s Focus School designation for Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI), CCJHS will receive comprehensive resources and specialized support from the Tennessee Department of Education. This targeted assistance is designed to address specific areas of need, boost performance outcomes, and empower student success across all subgroups of CCJHS students.
“We see this as a chance to refine our approach, collaborate with state experts, and implement evidence-based strategies to better meet the needs of every learner,” Kilzer said. “Our commitment to ensure high levels of learning for all students is unwavering and we are confident these efforts will lead to measurable growth and achievement.” CCJHS will remain in the TSI designation until the identified performance thresholds are surpassed, signaling significant and sustained improvements. The school district and CCJHS are united in their mission to close achievement gaps, celebrate student progress, and build a brighter future for the entire school community.