By Mark Tallman

“I think it comes back to our staff. Staff caring is probably the number one factor in why our kids are successful in the areas identified. That drives them to professional development, to looking at standards, to always reviewing their curriculum, and to their genuine care in how each student is doing. It all comes back to care about what's best for the kid.” – Dexter Superintendent and K-12 Principal K.B. Criss.

Located in Cowley County in southeastern Kansas, Dexter USD 471 is showing academic performance and graduation rates significantly higher than expected for its size and student characteristics. District educators say the reason is a student-centered focus backed up by a committed, veteran staff.

With about 250 students, Dexter’s enrollment of students from low-income families plus students with disabilities has averaged 78.1 percent, about 10 percent higher than similarly sized districts.On the 2022 state reading and math tests. Dexter students scored between 10 and 13 percent higher than expected based on demographics. Between 2017 and 2022, the district exceeded expected scores by as much as 13.5 percent. In 2022, Dexter’s graduation was 100 percent, or nearly 10 percent higher than predicted. The rate had increased by 10 percent from 2017.

Dexter has seen a growth in enrollment, largely due to students from other districts. “I think it’s a drawing factor that when kids come here, they feel like they are going to be taken care of here,” said Kindergarten Teacher Trina Kuntz.“As far as basic academic success, I think we have high standards, higher than many districts,” said Special Education Teacher George Reimer. “We are consistent in making sure students meet those standards. I think that helps set them up for later. After they leave here, especially if they go to post-secondary, they're not overwhelmed.”

One example of expectations is the ZAP (Zeroes Aren’t Permitted) policy. “If the teacher assigns homework, it should have meaning,” said Criss. Then the expectation is that the student completes it. If a student doesn’t complete the work and takes a zero for it, they get a “ZAP referral.” Students must then stay after school to complete the work.

Dexter has adopted all the goals and strategies of the State Board of Education’s Kansans Can vision, starting with expanding early childhood support. They have a free preschool program for three and four-year-olds. “If we can start them early, it just boosts everything, socially, academically, all down the line,” said Reimer

The district has adopted the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) model. Using assessments and screening they identify students not meeting academic standards then set aside time for targeted help.

The educators expressed concern over rising mental health and behavioral issues among students and families. The district has expanded student mental health services by working with the county agency, through Greenbush Educational Service Center programs, and by starting a local support group. 

Dexter’s Individual Plan of Study effort involves working with students so that by the end of their sophomore year they have an idea on whether they want to seek a vocational path or a college path. While stressing that the path may change, the high school helps them map out the courses and experiences required to be successful. The district pays for students to take the ACT exam in the fall in addition to the state sponsored spring test. This gives students a baseline and highlights areas to work on. For students who are not planning to go to a four-year college Dexter provides the ACT WorkKeys assessment to focus on vocational or workplace skills.

Dexter offers a number of college courses for concurrent enrollment. Most are now offered online because of the challenge in finding high school teachers qualified to teach for college credit. Students pay the tuition for these courses up front but are reimbursed 100 percent of the cost if they get an A in the course, 75 percent for a B, and 50 percent for a C. Students also can take career and technical education community college courses at no charge.

“We don’t have a formal (senior) project,” said English Language Arts Teacher Gina Anderson. “But usually at the junior year, I'm gearing up an end of the year project with a presentation in front of a panel of entrepreneurs and other business people.”

An incentive for behavior and academic achievement is an all-school trip for students grades 9-12. “If you have good grades, few absences, and very few tardies, you're awarded a trip,” said Industrial Arts Teacher Brian Kuntz. “It’s big deal.”

 “We want them to become productive members of society,” said Anderson. “That's what education is for. We have to get you ready. As a principals’ leadership team, we're always moving our kids toward that.”