Weakley County Schools is bucking national trends by significantly improving math scores, earning recognition for its success in a challenging environment. In a newly published article by The Hechinger Report, the district is spotlighted as one of only 12 in the country that saw steady growth in math scores both before and after the pandemic.
The article, titled "These districts are bucking the national math slump," highlights Weakley’s success as part of a major national study from Stanford University’s Educational Opportunity Project. The study looked at test score trends in over 12,000 school districts and in the dismal trend of falling test scores, Weakley County students’ test scores were a bright spot.
The key to our district’s success is simple: people make the difference, and when students are supported, encouraged, and valued, they show up differently.
That focus is visible in classrooms across Weakley County, and it’s exactly what caught the attention of The Hechinger Report. The article highlights not only the district’s academic growth but also the people making it happen. Martin Middle School teachers Jamie Gallimore and Becky Mullins, along with District Secondary Math Coach Ed Baker were both featured for their work in supporting student learning. Students from their classrooms were also featured, giving the nation a closer look at the heart of Weakley County’s success.
“We invest in positions that support our teachers and students such as instructional coaches, support professionals, and educational assistants,” said Jeff Cupples, Director of Schools. “That’s what has made the difference, and our students’ scores tell that story.”
At Martin Middle School, Principal John Lifsey points to his team’s adaptability and targeted support as key drivers of success.
“Our staff is incredibly adaptable,” said Martin Middle School Principal John Lifsey. “They know how to read the room and recognize when a student needs extra time or a different approach to really grasp the material. That flexibility, paired with structures like our Core and Encore math classes, allows us to meet students where they are and give them the support they need to succeed.”
Assistant Director of Schools Betsi Foster emphasized that support for teachers and staff has been a top priority across the district.
“We’ve created strong support systems around our people as well as our students,” Foster explained. “Our students’ success is built on daily interactions with educators who know them, challenge them, and encourage them. That kind of support builds confidence, creates consistency, and makes a real difference both in and out of the classroom.”
This is not the first time Weakley County Schools has been nationally recognized. In 2024, the district appeared twice in The New York Times for its work in early learning and recovery from pandemic-related learning loss. From kindergarten to middle school and beyond, the message is clear: when the district invests in the right people, our students are the ones who benefit.
To read the full article from The Hechinger Report, visit:
https://hechingerreport.org/these-districts-are-bucking-the-national-math-slump