Last year, Baker Elementary School Principal Armando Farias told his students that if their API (Academic Performance Index) score reached 800 in the next year, he would either dye his hair or shave his head. Students picked the latter. So, when API scores came out in early October, Farias knew what was coming. Read more on Baker Elementary School’s website.
Showing posts with label broad-test. Show all posts
Showing posts with label broad-test. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Test Scores Rise At Baker Elementary, Principal Farias Shaves Head
Last year, Baker Elementary School Principal Armando Farias told his students that if their API (Academic Performance Index) score reached 800 in the next year, he would either dye his hair or shave his head. Students picked the latter. So, when API scores came out in early October, Farias knew what was coming. Read more on Baker Elementary School’s website.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
District Surpasses the Academic Performance Index (API) Target for the State
California's Academic Performance Index (API) results for 2012 show San Diego Unified’s overall score at 808, up 11 points from 2011, and above the state target of 800. Among other large districts in California, only three exceed 800: Garden Grove is first at 815; San Diego is second at 808, and San Francisco is third at 807. The results were released Oct. 11, 2012.
“San Diego Unified has passed the 800 target set by the state for the first time, following six years of continuous growth,” said Deputy Superintendent of Academics Nellie Meyer. “This improvement is a testament to the focused, dedicated work of our teachers, principals, and support staff. We are also seeing the benefits of our analysis of student data and community involvement."
The district now has 113 schools scoring at 800 or above, and 33 scoring 900 or higher, up from 2011 in both categories. Schools making outstanding strides include: Baker Elementary School with a score of 820, up 77 points from 2011; Hamilton Elementary at 792, up 78 points; Foster Elementary at 844, up 59 points; Pacific Beach Middle School at 817, up 50 points; and Scripps Ranch High School at 900, the only high school in the district to be at 900 or above.
State Superintendent of Public Education Tom Torlakson noted that statewide, 59 percent of elementary schools met the state’s 800 target, 49 percent of middle schools met target, and 30 percent of high schools were 800 or above. In San Diego Unified, 62 percent of elementary schools met the state target, along with 61 percent of middle schools, and 31 percent of high schools.
The Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) measure is used by the federal Department of Education to determine if a school or district meets NCLB’s annual growth standards. Those that do not are placed on Program Improvement after two years. Despite the improved scores, 126 schools are now in Program Improvement under NCLB, up from 113 last year. School targets increased by about 10 percentage points over 2011. Standley Middle School in University City was the only district school to exit Program Improvement.
San Diego Unified did not make AYP under NCLB. The district continues in Year 3 of Program Improvement (districts are not incremented past Year 3), and must continue to implement the Local Educational Agency (LEA) Plan that was developed last year to align with the priorities contained in the district's Strategic Process.
Among student groups, some achievement gaps continued to slowly narrow. For example, while White students had a gain of 9 API points to 898 and Asian students' scores rose 3 points to 881; Black or African American students were up 15 points to 739, Hispanic or Latino students were up 14 points to 746, and English Learner students increased 12 points to 728.
“While we celebrate these successes, the results also continue to show that we have groups where we must accelerate achievement to close performance gaps,” Meyer said.
For scores of districts and individual schools, go to the state's website at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/ar
Read more in U-T San Diego>>
“San Diego Unified has passed the 800 target set by the state for the first time, following six years of continuous growth,” said Deputy Superintendent of Academics Nellie Meyer. “This improvement is a testament to the focused, dedicated work of our teachers, principals, and support staff. We are also seeing the benefits of our analysis of student data and community involvement."
The district now has 113 schools scoring at 800 or above, and 33 scoring 900 or higher, up from 2011 in both categories. Schools making outstanding strides include: Baker Elementary School with a score of 820, up 77 points from 2011; Hamilton Elementary at 792, up 78 points; Foster Elementary at 844, up 59 points; Pacific Beach Middle School at 817, up 50 points; and Scripps Ranch High School at 900, the only high school in the district to be at 900 or above.
State Superintendent of Public Education Tom Torlakson noted that statewide, 59 percent of elementary schools met the state’s 800 target, 49 percent of middle schools met target, and 30 percent of high schools were 800 or above. In San Diego Unified, 62 percent of elementary schools met the state target, along with 61 percent of middle schools, and 31 percent of high schools.
The Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) measure is used by the federal Department of Education to determine if a school or district meets NCLB’s annual growth standards. Those that do not are placed on Program Improvement after two years. Despite the improved scores, 126 schools are now in Program Improvement under NCLB, up from 113 last year. School targets increased by about 10 percentage points over 2011. Standley Middle School in University City was the only district school to exit Program Improvement.
San Diego Unified did not make AYP under NCLB. The district continues in Year 3 of Program Improvement (districts are not incremented past Year 3), and must continue to implement the Local Educational Agency (LEA) Plan that was developed last year to align with the priorities contained in the district's Strategic Process.
Among student groups, some achievement gaps continued to slowly narrow. For example, while White students had a gain of 9 API points to 898 and Asian students' scores rose 3 points to 881; Black or African American students were up 15 points to 739, Hispanic or Latino students were up 14 points to 746, and English Learner students increased 12 points to 728.
“While we celebrate these successes, the results also continue to show that we have groups where we must accelerate achievement to close performance gaps,” Meyer said.
For scores of districts and individual schools, go to the state's website at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/ar
Read more in U-T San Diego>>
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
San Diego Schools Improve Standard Test Scores Again
San Diego Unified School District students improved their performance on
the California Standards Test for the seventh consecutive year,
although mathematics remained an area in need of extra support,
according to a presentation to the Board of Education Tuesday night. Read more from San Diego 6»
Friday, August 31, 2012
State Test Scores Continue to Rise; SDUSD Ties for Top Spots in English, Science Among Large Districts
Test
scores in English language arts, math, science and history/social
science continue their five-year rise, while the test score gap between
ethnic groups continues to narrow in the San Diego Unified School
District, according to 2012 state test results released today.Overall, English scores were up two points, math up one point, science up five points and history/social sciences were up four points. Among the large urban districts in California, San Diego Unified is tied for the top spot in English Language Arts with San Francisco Unified, and Science (NCLB) with Garden Grove Unified. This is the second year that San Diego Unified has been at the top of the English Language Arts list of the state’s large districts, according to the California Standards Tests, under the state's Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program.
"Our test scores have steadily gone up since 2008," said Dr. John Lee Evans, President of the Board of Education. "This shows we were on the right track this year when we worked out an agreement to recall 1,500 teachers back to the classroom. We need every one of these teachers to continue producing these great results."
The achievement gap -- the difference in test scores among ethnic groups -- continues to be an issue, according to Dr. Nellie Meyer, Deputy Superintendent for Academics.
"While we are pleased with the continued progress, our challenge continues as we work to make sure that all student groups continue to improve. Our goal is to narrow the gap between groups, particularly African Americans and Latinos, at a faster pace," she said. Meyer noted that the district's concentrated effort to reduce the gap ranges from identifying at-risk youth in elementary schools to district-wide programs to reduce the dropout rate.
"We have fostered a spirit of innovation here that has allowed our teachers, staff and, in many cases, community volunteers the ability to work one-on-one with a child and make sure they are prepared to become great contributors to the next generation of San Diegans," she said.Superintendent Bill Kowba saluted the hard work by teachers and staff members.
"Despite these trying budget times, our district is continuing its statewide and national leadership," he said. "I salute all of those adults working every day to help our kids."
Download charts showing the 2012 district-wide test results at http://www.sandi.net/cms/lib/CA01001235/Centricity/shared/misc_photos/2012star.pdf
| News Coverage |
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
'Nation's Report Card' Test Scores Again Show Growth
San Diego Unified School District students in grades 4 and 8
continued to show learning growth in improved national test scores in
English and mathematics, placing the district ahead of California
schools as a whole and in the top ranks of comparable large urban
districts.
District administrators will use the results to focus efforts in key areas, such as the achievement gap between ethnic and economic groups. Although narrowed with some ethnic groups, the achievement gap persists.
The test also shows what has been working with students. Proficiency growth is 35 percent or higher in many areas since 2003. Fourth-grade students ranked better in mathematics than 16 of the other 20 districts.
The National Assessment of Education Progress, known as "The Nation's Report Card," began the Trial Urban District Assessment in 2002 with six districts; San Diego Unified joined in 2003. There are now 21 districts involved in the testing, which is designed to gauge student achievement on a national scale. The tests have been taken every-other-year since 2003.
"We're gratified by the serious learning by our students and hard work by our teachers over the last eight years," said Superintendent Bill Kowba. "These years have been extremely challenging for our district and students, with budget cutbacks and leadership turnover. It shows we have a dedicated workforce that stays focused on what's really important: student achievement."
The achievement gap continues to be a focus of teachers and administrators. African-American students lost ground in several areas.
"There were gains in the number of students identified as proficient on these tough tests almost across the board for all ethnic and economic groups," said Dr. Nellie Meyer, Deputy Superintendent for Academics. "However, these tests show us that our concentration on African-American students with the achievement task force is the right place to focus our limited resources."
A full report will be made to the board of Education at an upcoming meeting. More information is online at http://www.nationsreportcard.gov; the San Diego Unified report is online at http://www.sandi.net/page/1596.
District administrators will use the results to focus efforts in key areas, such as the achievement gap between ethnic and economic groups. Although narrowed with some ethnic groups, the achievement gap persists.
The test also shows what has been working with students. Proficiency growth is 35 percent or higher in many areas since 2003. Fourth-grade students ranked better in mathematics than 16 of the other 20 districts.
The National Assessment of Education Progress, known as "The Nation's Report Card," began the Trial Urban District Assessment in 2002 with six districts; San Diego Unified joined in 2003. There are now 21 districts involved in the testing, which is designed to gauge student achievement on a national scale. The tests have been taken every-other-year since 2003.
"We're gratified by the serious learning by our students and hard work by our teachers over the last eight years," said Superintendent Bill Kowba. "These years have been extremely challenging for our district and students, with budget cutbacks and leadership turnover. It shows we have a dedicated workforce that stays focused on what's really important: student achievement."
The achievement gap continues to be a focus of teachers and administrators. African-American students lost ground in several areas.
"There were gains in the number of students identified as proficient on these tough tests almost across the board for all ethnic and economic groups," said Dr. Nellie Meyer, Deputy Superintendent for Academics. "However, these tests show us that our concentration on African-American students with the achievement task force is the right place to focus our limited resources."
A full report will be made to the board of Education at an upcoming meeting. More information is online at http://www.nationsreportcard.gov; the San Diego Unified report is online at http://www.sandi.net/page/1596.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
San Diego Unified's Accountability Score at Highest Level
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Elementary School Scores
Elementary Top Growth
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"I want to congratulate the students, teachers and staffs at all of our schools for their excellent showing," said Supt. Bill Kowba. "What is particularly impressive is the growth that has come despite several years of historic budget cuts."
The Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) measure is used by the federal Department of Education to determine if a school or district meets the act's annual growth standards; those that do not are placed on Program Improvement after two years. Four San Diego Unified schools exited Program Improvement as a result of these test results: Garfield High School, Kimbrough and Rosa Parks elementary schools, Garfield High School, and the King/Chavez Arts charter school.
Despite the improved scores, 113 schools are now on Program Improvement, up from 95 last year. School targets increased by about ten percentage points over 2010. However, because of differences between the state and federal standards, 20 schools met the California API target of 800, yet are on Program Improvement according to the federal government.
"California has some of the most rigorous standards in the nation and these schools excel," said Kowba. "Yet parents at these schools will receive a letter saying that their school is failing. That just is not true."
San Diego Unified's Board of Education has supported changes in the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), including those advocated by state Supt. of Public Instruction, Tom Torlakson, who has called these schools "mislabled."
Torlakson noted that statewide, 55 percent of elementary schools, 43 percent of middle schools and 28 percent of high schools were 800 or above. In San Diego Unified, 59 percent of elementary schools met target, along with 48 percent of middle schools and 26 percent of high schools.
Despite the increase, for the third year, San Diego Unified did not make its AYP under NCLB. In its third year of Program Improvement, the district will be required to take corrective actions that are yet to be identified. San Diego Unified entered Program Improvement in 2009.
Among student groups, some achievement gaps continued to slowly narrow. For example, while White students had a gain of 12 API points to 890 and Asian students' scores rose 10 points to 878, Hispanic or Latino students were up 14 points to 735 and Socioeconomically Disadvantaged students increased 14 points to 746.
"We're pleased to see these achievement gaps continuing to narrow," said Kowba. "Eliminating these gaps is one of the key missions of our district."
For scores of districts and individual schools, go to the state's website at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/ar/index.asp
Friday, August 26, 2011
Top Statewide English Scores as Testing Gains Continue at San Diego Unified
State test scores gained for the fifth straight year for students in the San Diego Unified School District, according to results released today by the state Department of Education, with San Diego Unified now having the highest English Language Arts scores of any large urban district in California.
Across-the-board increases were seen in the four subjects tested: English language arts, mathematics, science, and history/social sciences, as more students now have knowledge rated "proficient" or "advanced," the top two rankings in the California Standards Test. Overall, students testing proficient or advanced on the test increased by: English, 3 points over 2010 and 14 points since 2007; mathematics up 2 points from last year and 12 since 2007. California's standard for students is that they have a proficient or advanced knowledge of the subject (the other levels are basic, below basic and far below basic).
"All of us in San Diego and in California owe an enormous debt of gratitude to our school communities," said Richard Barrera, president of the San Diego Unified Board of Education. "Facing the worst financial crisis to ever hit public education, our teachers, principals, support staff, parents and students continue to keep their focus and make clear, steady progress in educating California's next generation.
"Now it's up to the rest of us to pull together and do our part to support public education and the heroes in our local school communities." Superintendent Bill Kowba also lauded the effort.
"I congratulate all of our students, teachers and staff for this outstanding result," said Kowba. "This continued progress comes despite some of the most trying times in the long history of our district, as the budget has had significant cuts each of these years." San Diego Unified overtook San Francisco Unified for the top spot in English Language Arts proficiency, with 59 percent of students showing
proficient or advanced knowledge of the subject. Last year, San Diego and San Francisco tied at 56.
Other large-district scores include: Los Angeles, 44 percent; Fresno, 39 percent, and Sacramento, 49 percent.
These test scores are closely watched as a barometer of the achievement gap -- the difference in test scores between ethnic groups. There was a narrowing of the gap in English language arts, as Hispanic students showed a 16 percent gain and African Americans rose 13 percent since 2007, outpacing the 12 point rise shown by White students. Still, students testing proficient or advanced numbered 44 percent for Hispanics and 46 percent for African Americans, well behind the White score of 81 percent.
"Our efforts continue to bring student achievement up for all ethnic groups, especially Hispanics and African-Americans," said Dr. Nellie Meyer, Deputy Superintendent for Academics. "We continue to work not only with our teachers and staff, but the San Diego community to find local solutions to this national problem."
Individual schools showed significant increases in English language arts over 2010. Among elementary schools, Marvin Elementary had the largest jump, with 80.6 percent of the students now proficient or advanced, up from 65.6 in 2010. Roosevelt Middle increased to 55.9 from 47.6; and San Diego High School of the Arts to 34.7 from 23.5.
Statewide, San Diego Unified was also near the top of the list of largest districts in other tested areas. In mathematics, San Diego's 51 percent proficient or advanced was topped only by Garden Grove with 60 and San Francisco with 56. Other districts' scores include: Sacramento, 49; Los Angeles, 43; Oakland, 45; and San Bernardino, 38.
Overall science scores (combined grades 5, 8 and 10 science tests required by the No Child Left Behind Act) put San Diego Unified at 61 percent proficient or advanced, tied with San Francisco. Garden Grove topped the list with 64 percent. A sampling of other districts' scores: Los Angeles, 46 percent, Fresno and San Bernardino, 40 percent; and Sacramento, 48 percent.
For more details on the scores and tests, go the California Department of Education website at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sr/.
Across-the-board increases were seen in the four subjects tested: English language arts, mathematics, science, and history/social sciences, as more students now have knowledge rated "proficient" or "advanced," the top two rankings in the California Standards Test. Overall, students testing proficient or advanced on the test increased by: English, 3 points over 2010 and 14 points since 2007; mathematics up 2 points from last year and 12 since 2007. California's standard for students is that they have a proficient or advanced knowledge of the subject (the other levels are basic, below basic and far below basic).
"All of us in San Diego and in California owe an enormous debt of gratitude to our school communities," said Richard Barrera, president of the San Diego Unified Board of Education. "Facing the worst financial crisis to ever hit public education, our teachers, principals, support staff, parents and students continue to keep their focus and make clear, steady progress in educating California's next generation.
"Now it's up to the rest of us to pull together and do our part to support public education and the heroes in our local school communities." Superintendent Bill Kowba also lauded the effort.
"I congratulate all of our students, teachers and staff for this outstanding result," said Kowba. "This continued progress comes despite some of the most trying times in the long history of our district, as the budget has had significant cuts each of these years." San Diego Unified overtook San Francisco Unified for the top spot in English Language Arts proficiency, with 59 percent of students showing
proficient or advanced knowledge of the subject. Last year, San Diego and San Francisco tied at 56.
Other large-district scores include: Los Angeles, 44 percent; Fresno, 39 percent, and Sacramento, 49 percent.
These test scores are closely watched as a barometer of the achievement gap -- the difference in test scores between ethnic groups. There was a narrowing of the gap in English language arts, as Hispanic students showed a 16 percent gain and African Americans rose 13 percent since 2007, outpacing the 12 point rise shown by White students. Still, students testing proficient or advanced numbered 44 percent for Hispanics and 46 percent for African Americans, well behind the White score of 81 percent.
"Our efforts continue to bring student achievement up for all ethnic groups, especially Hispanics and African-Americans," said Dr. Nellie Meyer, Deputy Superintendent for Academics. "We continue to work not only with our teachers and staff, but the San Diego community to find local solutions to this national problem."
Individual schools showed significant increases in English language arts over 2010. Among elementary schools, Marvin Elementary had the largest jump, with 80.6 percent of the students now proficient or advanced, up from 65.6 in 2010. Roosevelt Middle increased to 55.9 from 47.6; and San Diego High School of the Arts to 34.7 from 23.5.
Statewide, San Diego Unified was also near the top of the list of largest districts in other tested areas. In mathematics, San Diego's 51 percent proficient or advanced was topped only by Garden Grove with 60 and San Francisco with 56. Other districts' scores include: Sacramento, 49; Los Angeles, 43; Oakland, 45; and San Bernardino, 38.
Overall science scores (combined grades 5, 8 and 10 science tests required by the No Child Left Behind Act) put San Diego Unified at 61 percent proficient or advanced, tied with San Francisco. Garden Grove topped the list with 64 percent. A sampling of other districts' scores: Los Angeles, 46 percent, Fresno and San Bernardino, 40 percent; and Sacramento, 48 percent.
For more details on the scores and tests, go the California Department of Education website at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sr/.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Top Statewide English Scores as Testing Gains Continue at San Diego Unified
State test scores gained for the fifth straight year for students in the San Diego Unified School District, according to results released today by the state Department of Education, with San Diego Unified now having the highest English Language Arts scores of any large urban district in California.
Across-the-board increases were seen in the four subjects tested: English language arts, mathematics, science, and history/social sciences, as more students now have knowledge rated "proficient" or "advanced," the top two rankings in the California Standards Test. Overall, students testing proficient or advanced on the test increased by: English, 3 points over 2010 and 14 points since 2007; mathematics up 2 points from last year and 12 since 2007. California's standard for students is that they have a proficient or advanced knowledge of the subject (the other levels are basic, below basic and far below basic).
"All of us in San Diego and in California owe an enormous debt of gratitude to our school communities," said Richard Barrera, president of the San Diego Unified Board of Education. "Facing the worst financial crisis to ever hit public education, our teachers, principals, support staff, parents and students continue to keep their focus and make clear, steady progress in educating California's next generation.
"Now it's up to the rest of us to pull together and do our part to support public education and the heroes in our local school communities."
Superintendent Bill Kowba also lauded the effort.
"I congratulate all of our students, teachers and staff for this outstanding result," said Kowba. "This continued progress comes despite some of the most trying times in the long history of our district, as the budget has had significant cuts each of these years."
San Diego Unified overtook San Francisco Unified for the top spot in English Language Arts proficiency, with 59 percent of students showing proficient or advanced knowledge of the subject. Last year, San Diego and San Francisco tied at 56.
Other large-district scores include: Los Angeles, 44 percent; Fresno, 39 percent, and Sacramento, 49 percent.
These test scores are closely watched as a barometer of the achievement gap -- the difference in test scores between ethnic groups. There was a narrowing of the gap in English language arts, as Hispanic students showed a 16 percent gain and African Americans rose 13 percent since 2007, outpacing the 12 point rise shown by White students. Still, students testing proficient or advanced numbered 44 percent for Hispanics and 46 percent for African Americans, well behind the White score of 81 percent.
"Our efforts continue to bring student achievement up for all ethnic groups, especially Hispanics and African-Americans," said Dr. Nellie Meyer, Deputy Superintendent for Academics. "We continue to work not only with our teachers and staff, but the San Diego community to find local solutions to this national problem."
Individual schools showed significant increases in English language arts over 2010. Among elementary schools, Marvin Elementary had the largest jump, with 80.6 percent of the students now proficient or advanced, up from 65.6 in 2010. Roosevelt Middle increased to 55.9 from 47.6; and San Diego High School of the Arts to 34.7 from 23.5.
Statewide, San Diego Unified was also near the top of the list of largest districts in other tested areas. In mathematics, San Diego's 51 percent proficient or advanced was topped only by Garden Grove with 60 and San Francisco with 56. Other districts' scores include: Sacramento, 49; Los Angeles, 43; Oakland, 45; and San Bernardino, 38.
Overall science scores (combined grades 5, 8 and 10 science tests required by the No Child Left Behind Act) put San Diego Unified at 61 percent proficient or advanced, tied with San Francisco. Garden Grove topped the list with 64 percent. A sampling of other districts' scores: Los Angeles, 46 percent, Fresno and San Bernardino, 40 percent; and Sacramento, 48 percent.
For more details on the scores and tests, go the California Department of Education website at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sr/.
Across-the-board increases were seen in the four subjects tested: English language arts, mathematics, science, and history/social sciences, as more students now have knowledge rated "proficient" or "advanced," the top two rankings in the California Standards Test. Overall, students testing proficient or advanced on the test increased by: English, 3 points over 2010 and 14 points since 2007; mathematics up 2 points from last year and 12 since 2007. California's standard for students is that they have a proficient or advanced knowledge of the subject (the other levels are basic, below basic and far below basic).
"All of us in San Diego and in California owe an enormous debt of gratitude to our school communities," said Richard Barrera, president of the San Diego Unified Board of Education. "Facing the worst financial crisis to ever hit public education, our teachers, principals, support staff, parents and students continue to keep their focus and make clear, steady progress in educating California's next generation.
"Now it's up to the rest of us to pull together and do our part to support public education and the heroes in our local school communities."
Superintendent Bill Kowba also lauded the effort.
"I congratulate all of our students, teachers and staff for this outstanding result," said Kowba. "This continued progress comes despite some of the most trying times in the long history of our district, as the budget has had significant cuts each of these years."
San Diego Unified overtook San Francisco Unified for the top spot in English Language Arts proficiency, with 59 percent of students showing proficient or advanced knowledge of the subject. Last year, San Diego and San Francisco tied at 56.
Other large-district scores include: Los Angeles, 44 percent; Fresno, 39 percent, and Sacramento, 49 percent.
These test scores are closely watched as a barometer of the achievement gap -- the difference in test scores between ethnic groups. There was a narrowing of the gap in English language arts, as Hispanic students showed a 16 percent gain and African Americans rose 13 percent since 2007, outpacing the 12 point rise shown by White students. Still, students testing proficient or advanced numbered 44 percent for Hispanics and 46 percent for African Americans, well behind the White score of 81 percent.
"Our efforts continue to bring student achievement up for all ethnic groups, especially Hispanics and African-Americans," said Dr. Nellie Meyer, Deputy Superintendent for Academics. "We continue to work not only with our teachers and staff, but the San Diego community to find local solutions to this national problem."
Individual schools showed significant increases in English language arts over 2010. Among elementary schools, Marvin Elementary had the largest jump, with 80.6 percent of the students now proficient or advanced, up from 65.6 in 2010. Roosevelt Middle increased to 55.9 from 47.6; and San Diego High School of the Arts to 34.7 from 23.5.
Statewide, San Diego Unified was also near the top of the list of largest districts in other tested areas. In mathematics, San Diego's 51 percent proficient or advanced was topped only by Garden Grove with 60 and San Francisco with 56. Other districts' scores include: Sacramento, 49; Los Angeles, 43; Oakland, 45; and San Bernardino, 38.
Overall science scores (combined grades 5, 8 and 10 science tests required by the No Child Left Behind Act) put San Diego Unified at 61 percent proficient or advanced, tied with San Francisco. Garden Grove topped the list with 64 percent. A sampling of other districts' scores: Los Angeles, 46 percent, Fresno and San Bernardino, 40 percent; and Sacramento, 48 percent.
For more details on the scores and tests, go the California Department of Education website at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sr/.
Friday, February 25, 2011
National Science Test Shows San Diego Unified in Top Four of Large Districts
Science test scores for San Diego Unified students in grades 4 and 8 ranked fourth nationally, but there still is a significant achievement gap among ethnic groups, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) report released Feb. 24.
Of the 17 districts polled, San Diego Unified fourth graders were topped only by students in: Austin, Tex.; Jefferson County, Ky. (Louisville); and Charlotte, N.C. Eighth-grade average scores in San Diego Unified tied with Houston and were bested by: Charlotte, N.C.; Jefferson County, Ky. (Louisville); and Austin, Tex.
San Diego Unified's scores also topped the average of California schools. The results were for the 2009 test and covered only science in grades 4 and 8. The tests are conducted by the the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics, the primary federal entity for collecting and analyzing data related to education.
San Diego Unified did show achievement gaps wider than some other large school districts, with these science scores mirroring issues shown in the California Standards Test results released last fall. The district has made reducing the achievement gap one of its top priorities.
News coverage
Thursday, February 24, 2011
IN THE NEWS: Better-than-Average Scores, Big Achievement Gaps in Science
San Diego Unified did better than the average for large urban school districts on a national science test, ranking fourth out of 17 big city districts in the percentage of students scoring proficient or above. Read more from the Voice of San Diego»
Thursday, November 18, 2010
IN THE NEWS: Superintendent Discusses Test Scores
Although San Diego Unified is among the top large districts in California, "we can always do better," says Kowba. Watch video»
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
IN THE NEWS: A Middle School Takes a Quantum Leap
Mann Middle School in El Cerrito has long been one of the schools that everyone wrings their hands over in San Diego... when test scores made a quantum leap this year, putting Mann ahead of schools it once lagged behind, it was a surprise to almost everyone. Read more from Voice of San Diego»
Monday, August 16, 2010
SD Unified Test Scores Gain for Fourth Straight Year
Achievement Gap Narrows in Some Areas; Work Still Needed
San Diego Unified’s results on 2010 state tests show across the board gains for the fourth straight year, with more students than ever ranking “advanced” in their subject knowledge.The results of the annual California Standards Test released today show the district has five straight years of overall gains in English language arts and science scores, while math continues a four-year climb.
This good news is tempered by recognition that scores still show an “achievement gap” among ethnic groups. Data relating to the achievement gap — test scores among ethnic groups — is still being analyzed, but early results show the gap is narrowing in some areas, albeit slowly.
“We need to salute our students first, who have been working very hard to learn the skills they’ll need for the future,” said Superintendent Bill Kowba. “Our teachers and staff also deserve recognition for a job well done.”
Growth continued in the three subject areas. In English Language Arts, overall scores show 29 percent of the students proficient and 27 percent are advanced — up from 23 percent in 2009 — while 26 percent had a basic skill level, down 1 percent from 2009. Below basic and far below basic levels also declined. Students with an advanced level of mathematics grew 2 percent to 23 percent and those considered proficient remained at 25 percent; basic went up one point to 23, while below basic and far below basic declined to 20 and 8 respectively.
Science scores rose as well, up 8 points to 30 percent advanced, while proficient remained at 27 percent; students with a basic level dropped two points to 24 percent, while below basic dropped 2 points to 11 percent and far below basic was down 2 points to 9 percent.
“These gains in student achievement have come during a period when our district has sustained unprecedented budget cuts,” said Kowba. “But even in the face of draconian budget cuts, schools throughout the district have been making gains in student achievement with a community-based reform process that encourages teacher collaboration, data-driven teaching strategies, a broad curriculum and strong behavioral standards and support for students.”
More Information
- State Department of Education STAR 2010»
News Coverage
- SD Unified Student Test Scores Improve Despite Budget Cuts, KPBS-FM»
- Test scores show continued gains in county schools, San Diego Union-Tribune»
Thursday, May 13, 2010
IN THE NEWS: Test Scores Continue to Shine
Test scores in San Diego Unified continue to rise, with 19 schools joining the "elite 800" score level, according to state API test scores released May 13.
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- State Department of Education website»
Friday, March 19, 2010
IN THE NEWS: Small Changes Made Big Difference at Euclid
Euclid racks up some of the highest test scores in the state for schools with high numbers of English learners and poor students, rivaling schools in middle class areas. Teachers rarely leave and suspensions are rare. Children giddily rattle off vocabulary words to Principal Vickie Jacobson on the playground. Read more from the Voice of San Diego »
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
SDUSD Math Scores Show Big Gain In National Survey
'Nation's Report Card' Gives Top Scores to Fourth, Eighth Grade Skills
SAN DIEGO -- San Diego Unified's eighth grade students showed dramatic gains in mastering math skills in 2008-09 and fourth graders also raised their scores, according to results of "The Nation's Report Card" for urban school districts, released today.
Both grades 4 and 8 continued the upward trend in nearly every student group, with eighth graders rising 8 points over the last test in 2007 and 16 points higher than when the first test was administered in 2003. These eighth-grade students continued the improvements they made as fourth graders, when a similar increase was registered.
"This goes to show what sustained progress and determination by our hard-working teachers and students means over the long run," said Bill Kowba, Interim Superintendent. "Not only is the increase this year very impressive, but the fact that these students were able to repeat their fourth grade success as eighth graders is even more noteworthy."
The "Report Card" is a product of the National Assessment of Educational Progress and began in 1969. The current results from the Trial Urban District Assessment compare 18 big-city school districts, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, the District of Columbia, Los Angeles and New York City.
The test looks at a level of proficiency above State of California standards and is designed to challenge the students in a number of areas. Among eighth graders, only Austin and Charlotte beat the national average of 282 points, while San Diego Unified was about equal at 280. A "basic" knowledge score was set at 262 points, while the large-city median was 271.
For fourth graders, proficient was set at 249 points, the average national score was 239, and the large city average was 231 points. San Diego joined Boston, Houston and Miami-Dade County at 236 points, surpassed by only the Charlotte and Austin districts. The basic knowledge score was 214 points.
The achievement gaps between student groups persisted in the 2009 scores. Nearly all student groups in the district saw improved performance compared to 2003. However, compared to 2007, fourth-grade performance declined for several student groups, including students who are eligible for free- or reduced-price lunch, an indicator of their family's income.
Read More
Results from the reading portion of the test are expected to be released in the Spring.
SAN DIEGO -- San Diego Unified's eighth grade students showed dramatic gains in mastering math skills in 2008-09 and fourth graders also raised their scores, according to results of "The Nation's Report Card" for urban school districts, released today.
Both grades 4 and 8 continued the upward trend in nearly every student group, with eighth graders rising 8 points over the last test in 2007 and 16 points higher than when the first test was administered in 2003. These eighth-grade students continued the improvements they made as fourth graders, when a similar increase was registered.
"This goes to show what sustained progress and determination by our hard-working teachers and students means over the long run," said Bill Kowba, Interim Superintendent. "Not only is the increase this year very impressive, but the fact that these students were able to repeat their fourth grade success as eighth graders is even more noteworthy."
The "Report Card" is a product of the National Assessment of Educational Progress and began in 1969. The current results from the Trial Urban District Assessment compare 18 big-city school districts, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, the District of Columbia, Los Angeles and New York City.
The test looks at a level of proficiency above State of California standards and is designed to challenge the students in a number of areas. Among eighth graders, only Austin and Charlotte beat the national average of 282 points, while San Diego Unified was about equal at 280. A "basic" knowledge score was set at 262 points, while the large-city median was 271.
For fourth graders, proficient was set at 249 points, the average national score was 239, and the large city average was 231 points. San Diego joined Boston, Houston and Miami-Dade County at 236 points, surpassed by only the Charlotte and Austin districts. The basic knowledge score was 214 points.
The achievement gaps between student groups persisted in the 2009 scores. Nearly all student groups in the district saw improved performance compared to 2003. However, compared to 2007, fourth-grade performance declined for several student groups, including students who are eligible for free- or reduced-price lunch, an indicator of their family's income.
Read More
Results from the reading portion of the test are expected to be released in the Spring.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
IN THE NEWS: Lincoln's Test Scores Highlighted
Lincoln High's test scores were highlighted in a report on KNSD-TV. Watch video.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
More Than Half of Elementary Schools Now 'High Performing'
For the first time, more than half of San Diego Unified's elementary schools are identified as high performing by California Department of Education standards, according to test results released today as part of the state's Accountability Progress Report.
The state's Academic Performance Index showed 61 of San Diego Unified's 120 elementary schools now exceeded an 800 score on the index, which measures their students' test results in English language arts and math. An 800 score indicates that students are proficient or advanced in their knowledge of the subjects ("proficient" can be considered a "B" grade, "advanced" an "A," while educators identify a "C" level student as being "basic").
"This is wonderful news for the hard working students, teachers and staff at these elementary schools," said Superintendent Terry Grier. "We've put a particular emphasis on smaller classes, which we know leads to better learning."
Schools with a score above 900 -- with students scoring overall at an advanced level -- total 20 elementary schools.
Including middle and high schools, San Diego Unified has 80 schools at 800 or above, up from 67 in 2007-08, 64 in 2006-07 and 61 in 2005-06. Among middle schools, 10 of 23 were at 800 (43 percent), and five of 34 high schools (15 percent).
Statewide, making the 800 grade were 48 percent of elementary schools, 36 percent of middle/junior high schools and 21 percent of high schools.
"These scores certainly show the growing excellence of our elementary and middle schools, but they also show we have a great deal of work to do," said Grier. "Our high schools, for example, range from some of the very best in the state to others that face great challenges."
Despite the gains, San Diego Unified becomes the last large urban school district in California to be placed on Program Improvement under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Overall, it failed to meet growth targets for English Language Arts for students identified as Hispanic, Economically Disadvantaged and Students with Disabilities.
In addition the district failed to meet growth targets in math for students identified as Hispanic, English Learners and Students with Disabilities.
As a result, the district will be required to submit a plan for improving performance in these areas.
The California Department of Education has posted the results online at: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/ar/index.asp
The state's Academic Performance Index showed 61 of San Diego Unified's 120 elementary schools now exceeded an 800 score on the index, which measures their students' test results in English language arts and math. An 800 score indicates that students are proficient or advanced in their knowledge of the subjects ("proficient" can be considered a "B" grade, "advanced" an "A," while educators identify a "C" level student as being "basic").
"This is wonderful news for the hard working students, teachers and staff at these elementary schools," said Superintendent Terry Grier. "We've put a particular emphasis on smaller classes, which we know leads to better learning."
Schools with a score above 900 -- with students scoring overall at an advanced level -- total 20 elementary schools.
Including middle and high schools, San Diego Unified has 80 schools at 800 or above, up from 67 in 2007-08, 64 in 2006-07 and 61 in 2005-06. Among middle schools, 10 of 23 were at 800 (43 percent), and five of 34 high schools (15 percent).
Statewide, making the 800 grade were 48 percent of elementary schools, 36 percent of middle/junior high schools and 21 percent of high schools.
"These scores certainly show the growing excellence of our elementary and middle schools, but they also show we have a great deal of work to do," said Grier. "Our high schools, for example, range from some of the very best in the state to others that face great challenges."
Despite the gains, San Diego Unified becomes the last large urban school district in California to be placed on Program Improvement under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Overall, it failed to meet growth targets for English Language Arts for students identified as Hispanic, Economically Disadvantaged and Students with Disabilities.
In addition the district failed to meet growth targets in math for students identified as Hispanic, English Learners and Students with Disabilities.
As a result, the district will be required to submit a plan for improving performance in these areas.
The California Department of Education has posted the results online at: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/ar/index.asp
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Tests Results Rate a Star
Overall San Diego Unified results from the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) program in math, English language arts and science for students in grades 2-11 showed significant increases in 2009, according to results released August 18 by the California Department of Education.
In English language arts and mathematics, district scores improved at a rate higher than the last three years progress combined. Students meeting state standards in English language arts now total 52 percent, with math 46 percent and science 49 percent. Among California's nine largest school districts, San Diego's science scores are tops; only San Francisco and Garden Grove exceed San Diego's math and English language arts scores.
"Despite record budget cuts, our students and staff have continued to excel and continued to improve," said Superintendent Terry Grier. "This is a great example of the kind of hard work going on in our district and our shared focus on student achievement."
Grier pointed to several bright spots in the test score results for the district. Achievement gains for students in grades 2-5 were significant ranging from 6 to 8 percent. Grade 4 showed the most significant progress and the highest achievement levels with 64 percent proficient in English language arts and 68 percent proficient in math. Math scores continue to show significant gains in all elementary grades but achievement levels drop off at the middle and high school level. And, the persistent “achievement gap” between African-American and Latino students compared to white and other groups showed a slight one-percent improvement district-wide in English language arts.
"San Diego Unified is on the right path to improve student achievement levels and we should celebrate these results," said Grier. "Our teachers' focus on teaching California standards, the implementation of SMART Goals for our schools, the efforts of our principals to support our teachers and expanded use of student data have all combined to help us realize these test score increases."
Several schools had individual successes, with Correia Middle School in Pt. Loma narrowing its achievement gap, Edison Elementary School in City Heights increasing the number of English language arts and math-proficient students by 20 percent, and Kearny High School of International Business raising the percent proficient in English language arts and math by more than 14 percent.
"As we celebrate these results, we also need to recommit this district to maintaining our focus on student achievement," said Grier. "Our low achievement levels in our high schools and the wide achievement gap between students of color and our white student population remain unacceptable and will be our focus as we move forward."
San Diego's full results are posted on the district's website. Statewide results are available on the California Department of Education's website.
In English language arts and mathematics, district scores improved at a rate higher than the last three years progress combined. Students meeting state standards in English language arts now total 52 percent, with math 46 percent and science 49 percent. Among California's nine largest school districts, San Diego's science scores are tops; only San Francisco and Garden Grove exceed San Diego's math and English language arts scores.
"Despite record budget cuts, our students and staff have continued to excel and continued to improve," said Superintendent Terry Grier. "This is a great example of the kind of hard work going on in our district and our shared focus on student achievement."
Grier pointed to several bright spots in the test score results for the district. Achievement gains for students in grades 2-5 were significant ranging from 6 to 8 percent. Grade 4 showed the most significant progress and the highest achievement levels with 64 percent proficient in English language arts and 68 percent proficient in math. Math scores continue to show significant gains in all elementary grades but achievement levels drop off at the middle and high school level. And, the persistent “achievement gap” between African-American and Latino students compared to white and other groups showed a slight one-percent improvement district-wide in English language arts.
"San Diego Unified is on the right path to improve student achievement levels and we should celebrate these results," said Grier. "Our teachers' focus on teaching California standards, the implementation of SMART Goals for our schools, the efforts of our principals to support our teachers and expanded use of student data have all combined to help us realize these test score increases."
Several schools had individual successes, with Correia Middle School in Pt. Loma narrowing its achievement gap, Edison Elementary School in City Heights increasing the number of English language arts and math-proficient students by 20 percent, and Kearny High School of International Business raising the percent proficient in English language arts and math by more than 14 percent.
"As we celebrate these results, we also need to recommit this district to maintaining our focus on student achievement," said Grier. "Our low achievement levels in our high schools and the wide achievement gap between students of color and our white student population remain unacceptable and will be our focus as we move forward."
San Diego's full results are posted on the district's website. Statewide results are available on the California Department of Education's website.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
San Diego Unified STAR Test Results Reach All Time High
Test Scores Improve at Every Grade Level
Overall San Diego Unified results from the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) program in math, English language arts and science for students in grades 2-11 showed significant increases in 2009, according to results released August 18 by the California Department of Education.
In English language arts and mathematics, district scores improved at a rate higher than the last three years progress combined. Students meeting state standards in English language arts now total 52 percent, with math 46 percent and science 49 percent. Among California’s nine largest school districts, San Diego’s science scores are tops; only San Francisco and Garden Grove exceed San Diego’s math and English language arts scores.
"Despite record budget cuts, our students and staff have continued to excel and continued to improve," said Superintendent Terry Grier. "This is a great example of the kind of hard work going on in our district and our shared focus on student achievement."
Grier pointed to several bright spots in the test score results for the district. Achievement gains for students in grades 2-5 were significant ranging from 6 to 8 percent. Grade 4 showed the most significant progress and the highest achievement levels with 64 percent proficient in English language arts and 68 percent proficient in math. Math scores continue to show significant gains in all elementary grades but achievement levels drop off at the middle and high school level. And, the persistent “achievement gap” between African-American and Latino students compared to white and other groups showed a slight one-percent improvement district-wide in English language arts.
"San Diego Unified is on the right path to improve student achievement levels and we should celebrate these results," said Grier. "Our teachers' focus on teaching California standards, the implementation of SMART Goals for our schools, the efforts of our principals to support our teachers and expanded use of student data have all combined to help us realize these test score increases."
Several schools had individual successes, with Correia Middle School in Pt. Loma narrowing its achievement gap, Edison Elementary School in City Heights increasing the number of English language arts and math-proficient students by 20 percent, and Kearny High School of International Business raising the percent proficient in English language arts and math by more than 14 percent.
"As we celebrate these results, we also need to recommit this district to maintaining our focus on student achievement," said Grier. "Our low achievement levels in our high schools and the wide achievement gap between students of color and our white student population remain unacceptable and will be our focus as we move forward."
Statewide results are available on the California Department of Education’s website.
Overall San Diego Unified results from the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) program in math, English language arts and science for students in grades 2-11 showed significant increases in 2009, according to results released August 18 by the California Department of Education.
In English language arts and mathematics, district scores improved at a rate higher than the last three years progress combined. Students meeting state standards in English language arts now total 52 percent, with math 46 percent and science 49 percent. Among California’s nine largest school districts, San Diego’s science scores are tops; only San Francisco and Garden Grove exceed San Diego’s math and English language arts scores.
"Despite record budget cuts, our students and staff have continued to excel and continued to improve," said Superintendent Terry Grier. "This is a great example of the kind of hard work going on in our district and our shared focus on student achievement."
Grier pointed to several bright spots in the test score results for the district. Achievement gains for students in grades 2-5 were significant ranging from 6 to 8 percent. Grade 4 showed the most significant progress and the highest achievement levels with 64 percent proficient in English language arts and 68 percent proficient in math. Math scores continue to show significant gains in all elementary grades but achievement levels drop off at the middle and high school level. And, the persistent “achievement gap” between African-American and Latino students compared to white and other groups showed a slight one-percent improvement district-wide in English language arts.
"San Diego Unified is on the right path to improve student achievement levels and we should celebrate these results," said Grier. "Our teachers' focus on teaching California standards, the implementation of SMART Goals for our schools, the efforts of our principals to support our teachers and expanded use of student data have all combined to help us realize these test score increases."
Several schools had individual successes, with Correia Middle School in Pt. Loma narrowing its achievement gap, Edison Elementary School in City Heights increasing the number of English language arts and math-proficient students by 20 percent, and Kearny High School of International Business raising the percent proficient in English language arts and math by more than 14 percent.
"As we celebrate these results, we also need to recommit this district to maintaining our focus on student achievement," said Grier. "Our low achievement levels in our high schools and the wide achievement gap between students of color and our white student population remain unacceptable and will be our focus as we move forward."
Statewide results are available on the California Department of Education’s website.
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