The most recent ISTEP test scores put the Oregon Davis School Corporation in a class by itself.

Not only did the district test scores increase—the increase was the largest posted by any district in the State of Indiana.

“We jumped up and down and said ‘wow,’” said Oregon Davis Superintendent Dr. Steven Disney. “Only four school corporations out of the 292 in the State of Indiana increased by double digits, we were one, and we lead the state.”

In 2011, 72.4 percent of all Oregon Davis students passed both sections of the ISTEP test.

In 2011, the figure was only 57.8 percent.

The jump was 14.6 percentage points.

The success largely stems from an increased commitment to place the latest technology in the hands of students.

Today, that pledge put IPADS in the hands of second grade summer school students who were touching up their math skills by playing Bingo.

This fall, the district plans to take things one step further.

“We’re going to have IAPDS in the preschool program, the kindergarten program, the first grade, with these applications that we think are going to improve their verbal skills and reading skills and math skills more than we're just getting out using the typical paper and pencil,” said Dr. Disney.

At the Junior/Senior High School, Oregon Davis has already implemented a New Tech curriculum that puts Mac lap tops in the hands of every student in grades 7 through 12.

“Instant feedback versus if a kid might work on a worksheet well, they aren't getting that, right there it’s a hands on application program where the kid is getting constant feedback and reinforcement,” said Dr. Disney.

Of course, the increase was not the result of technology alone. Dr. Disney also credits “a lot of little things,” including curriculum changes and community partnerships.

For instance, a summer school program serving some 40-students at the elementary school today was actually being run in partnership with the Starke County Youth Club.

The Oregon Davis School Corporation serves about 750-students, although more than half of those students typically qualify for free or reduced lunch