ABCs show positive results, especially in DPS middle and high schools
ABCs show positive results, especially in DPS middle and high schools
DURHAM—For the first time since a new ABCs of Accountability model has been devised, two Durham Public Schools high schools reported High Growth in student achievement.
In addition, according to results released today by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, all Durham Public Schools middle schools improved overall composite scores (both reading and math) during the 2006-07 school year. And two schools – Southern High and Chewning Middle – have moved out of Low-Performing status.
ABCs of Accountability results for the 2006-07 school year indicate that 22 of 36 elementary and middle schools showed improvement when combining math, reading and writing scores (and including computer skills for grades 6-8).
The ABCs ratings are based on end-of-grade and end-of-course test scores. Those scores are applied to a formula that ultimately indicates relative achievement levels over the course of the year, taking a number of student performance factors into account. A school that makes expected growth has shown growth that would be reasonably expected over one year’s time, based on previous performance. A high growth school must have at least 60 percent of their students achieving the expected growth standard.
Highlights among the 2006-07 ABCs results include:
Jordan and Riverside High Schools both made High Growth, the first time that high schools have reached this goal in the new accountability model.
All eight middle schools improved composite scores.
- Seven high schools made Expected Growth or higher, more than doubling the number (three) from the previous year.
- Four middle schools made Expected Growth or higher, up from two the previous year. Elementary schools making the high growth standard were Mangum and R.N. Harris. Rogers-Herr Middle School made high growth, as well.
- Eastway Elementary School made Expected Growth and Adequate Yearly Progress for the first time in the same year.
- Chewning and Southern move out of Low-Performing status.
- In 2006-07 five schools reported high growth as compared to no schools in 2005-06. High Growth Schools are Jordan, Riverside, Rogers-Herr, RN Harris and Mangum.
- Among secondary schools, 68.8 percent (11 of 16) made expected growth this year as compared to 31.3 percent (five of 16) in 2005-06.
Additional elementary schools making expected growth in 2006-07 were Bethesda, Creekside, Fayetteville Street, Forest View, Lakewood, Little River, Morehead and Pearsontown. Brogden, Durham School of the Arts, Githens and Lowe’s Grove Middle Schools made expected growth.
Durham Public Schools officials say that middle and high schools are beginning to reap the dividends of reform work. Teams have been meeting and planning for two years, with implementation begun this past year. Also, the increase in access to Advanced Academics courses for more students is providing a higher level of academic rigor, thus higher performance among this age group.
“We are very pleased with the progress DPS students are showing, especially in the middle and high schools. We fully realize, however, that we must nonetheless redouble our efforts to ensure that more and more of our students are reaching proficiency,” said Superintendent Carl Harris. “Our teachers, principals, Central Services professionals, parents and partners continue to discover and implement proven strategies that show great promise for our students.”
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Attachments: ABCs Performance Outcomes, 2005-06 through 2006-07
