Reports are in on South-Western

(by Andrea Cordle, Southwest Editor - September 03, 2009)

Despite making some strides, the Ohio Department of Education gave the South-Western City Schools District a designation of “continuous improvement” on the annual state report card.

When determining the state report cards, the department of education calculates the number of state indicators, the performance index score, adequate yearly progress and the value-added measure.

The district met 16 out of 30 state indicators and scored a performance index of 90 out of 120. The graduation rate is 87 percent, which is higher than the state average at 84.6 percent, but lower than the state requirement at 90 percent.

According to the report card, the district falls behind in fifth grade and eighth grade achievement. They also scored below average in seventh grade reading and math.

Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Lois Rapp said the district plans to use federal stimulus funds to improve student achievement. They will expand literacy and math coaches to fifth and sixth grade levels. The coaches work with the teachers to address student needs.

Schools that scored below average include Franklin Woods Intermediate School and Finland Middle School. Rapp said both schools have a larger population of English as Second Language (ESL) students.

ESL students are considered a subgroup, as are students with disabilities and economically disadvantaged students. All subgroups have to meet the standard for the district to reach its adequate yearly progress requirement.

Rapp explained the district’s inability to meet the adequate yearly progress goals, has the district stuck in the “continuous improvement” category.

However the district said there is good news. More than 60 percent of the school buildings rated “excellent” or “effective.” The “excellent” ranked schools include Buckeye Woods, Darbydale, Highland Park, Monterey, Richard Avenue, Hayes Intermediate, Holt Crossing, Park Street and Grove City High School.

The district also scored well in the value-added measure. The score showed the district achieved more than a year’s progress in expected growth.

Value-added measures the rate of a student’s progress from year to year, similar to a growth chart.

“We are growing our kids,” said Rapp.

For a complete look at the district’s report card or to compare to other districts, log onto reportcard.ohio.gov. 
 

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