Out of 14 groups of students — seven grade levels tested in math and seven grade levels tested in communication arts — six saw increases in the combined “proficient” and “advanced” categories over last year’s scores. The other two categories on the MAP test are “basic” and “below basic.”

Huff said the scores, even if some are below the state average, may be high enough to earn a Distinction in Performance award this year because of the improvement noted from 2006 to 2007. Those honors will be announced in the fall. This would mark the first year that the Eldon district would get the award under Huff’s leadership.

Eldon High school students also tested below the state average on the ACT. Eldon students scored an average composite of 20.5 in 2007, compared to 21.6 for the state that year. The percentage of students who took the test is also below the state average, 60.3 percent to 70 percent.

‘Progressive’

Some teachers and school personnel said the difference in Eldon because of Huff is like night and day. Before Huff’s arrival, the district was on the path of being downgraded to provisional accreditation, according to Huff and several teachers and board members interviewed by the Globe.

“He is one of the most progressive (superintendents) we have ever had, in terms of moving forward educationally,” said high school librarian Sandra Ingram, who has worked for the district for 34 years. “He is very in tune with the needs of students and teachers.”

In Huff’s first year, he expanded the district’s long-range plan and its commitment to the concept of professional learning communities.

According to the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory, professional learning communities are a model of education that involves collaboration between teachers to catch up on educational goals and exchange information about students. The model calls for meetings once a week, which many schools accommodate with late starts or early dismissals. The Joplin district uses a similar model.

Eldon’s middle school and South Elementary School have won national recognition as National Model PLC Schools from the PLC National Center.

This didn’t occur easily, said Debra Sash, a social studies teacher at the high school. But the process worked well, especially for her department.

“It hasn’t been an easy transition. Change is difficult,” Sash said. “But he has been outstanding and supportive of teachers.”

Rex McCargar, the high school’s band director, has taught in Eldon for 21 years. When news of Huff’s new job in Joplin was announced, he said he was “crushed.”

“He’s been one of the best superintendents we’ve had,” McCargar said. “He brought us fresh air and new ideas, and encouraged us to move forward with passion.”

The community

Huff also got the school district involved with the community, said Diane Gollihugh, assistant director of the Eldon Chamber of Commerce. Huff is a member of many community groups and supports charitable events, she said.