• Category 1

    Selected in 2022

  • Grades: k - 6
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 875
    Student Enrollment: 327
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 0.7%
    White/Caucasian: 97%
    Hispanic: 2%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 0%
    Native American: 0.3%
    Other: 0%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:19
    % Reduced Lunch: 37.5%
    % ELL Learners: 0%
    Founded: 1912
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Kelli McLelland
  • CONTACT:
    506 East Pine
    Taylor, AR 71861
    870-626-3304
    Kelli.mclelland@etbsd.org
Taylor Elementary School
Taylor, AR
"Students are able to learn when they are supported in multiple ways."
1. Tell us about your school’s success.
Taylor Elementary School is a small rural school. At TES, 77% of students scored at or above the proficient level for math, and 72% scored at or above that level for reading. Taylor Elementary School did better in math and better in reading in this metric compared with students across the state. In Arkansas, 43% of students tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 49% tested at or above that level for math. While Taylor Elementary has always shown positive scores. Taylor has continued to score at or above the state average for over four years even after the pandemic.
2. Talk about the greatest contributing factor(s) that promoted positive change in your school.
Small classes with experienced teachers have helped to promote positive behavior and academic success in the classroom. Teachers, staff, administrators, and parents are fully invested in our students and have high expectations for the students. Everyone works together to help students reach their greatest potential.

3. How has ESEA funding supported the school's success?
ESEA funding has helped support the school's success in having aids that work with students one on one or in small groups. This support helps to decrease the learning gap for students that are struggling. The students are able to get additional support to increase their learning to ensure that students are moving forward in their learning and not falling behind. When students are successful they become positive thinkers and increase their self-confidence. Students are able to learn when they are supported in multiple ways.
4. What professional development activities were used to improve teaching and learning?
Great teachers are both passionate and purposeful. They are passionate about their students and what they teach and purposeful in how they teach. Our teachers recognize that one of the most important factors for students’ success is the quality of instruction. Great teachers pursue continuous improvement. Professional development Taylor teachers have attended recently includes RISE (Reading Initiative for Student Excellence), Science of Reading, Grasping Phenomenal Science, in-depth studies and unit development that correspond with Arkansas State standards, and attending monthly PLC meetings just to name a few.

5. Talk about the cultural shift leading up to your school's success.
Our school’s culture arises from messages that promote traits like collaboration, honesty, and hard work. Everyone at our school believes students have the potential to succeed. Each person that works at our school – custodians, para-pros, bus drivers, secretaries, nurses, teachers, principals, and our superintendent – is involved in giving our students every opportunity to succeed. We are all invested in our kids. We all have personal connections to our students' lives both academically and emotionally. We expect them to do their best and the majority of the time they exceed our expectations.
6. How has community involvement strengthened your success?
Parents have always been great supporters of the school here in Taylor. We have found that when there is a support system at home the learning becomes monumental. The high expectations that teachers and parents have for the students show how much the students are motivated to learn. Learning becomes fun and powerful when they are ready and willing to learn.
Stats
  • Category 1

    Selected in 2022

  • Grades: k - 6
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 875
    Student Enrollment: 327
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 0.7%
    White/Caucasian: 97%
    Hispanic: 2%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 0%
    Native American: 0.3%
    Other: 0%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:19
    % Reduced Lunch: 37.5%
    % ELL Learners: 0%
    Founded: 1912
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Kelli McLelland
  • CONTACT:
    506 East Pine
    Taylor, AR 71861
    870-626-3304
    Kelli.mclelland@etbsd.org