News-Record.com

Bruce,
noticed that alot of our schools are CI (confidence interval) and that is some type of special notation. Can you fill us in? Can't find anything (yet) on the NC public schools site.

Here's an excerpt from the State DPI report:

"Assistance teams assigned

This year, four schools were identified as Low-Performing Schools. These schools have significantly less than 50 percent of their students' test scores at the proficient level or above and did not make Expected Growth or High Growth.

The State Board of Education approved the assignment of a State Assistance Team to the following schools: Northwest High School and Southeast Halifax High School, both in Halifax County; and T. Wingate Andrews High School and Middle College High School at NC A&T, both in Guilford County. Assistance teams of experienced educators have been assigned to some low-performing schools each year since the ABCs began to help these schools improve academic performance. "

So of the thousands of schools in North Carolina, only 4 schools from only 2 of 100 counties will receive special assistance from the state.

Guilford County is one of the 2 counties and we have 2 of the four schools in need of improvement so much that the State must step in.

It's about time!

Now, how will GCS spin this to show us that they have succeeded?

So why wasn't Middle college at Bennett (20.6) not added? Do you think since they met AYP that makes a difference? And here is the real question!!! How can you pass AYP and only 20.6 pass a profeciency test that our state uses?

That's a darn good question, Debora. I'm wondering the same thing myself.

The ABCs are based on eight End-of-Course tests, while AYP uses two End-of-Course tests (Algebra I and English I), plus the 10th grade competency test. So it's possible the Bennett kids did well on English I and Algebra I, yet completely bombed the other tests. And it is a small school, so just a few kids can sway the numbers one way or the other.

Still, it seems weird that a school could make AYP with such a low overall passing rate. I'll have to look at the numbers in a little more detail and try to figure this one out.

Bruce,
also check on the CI designation. There is a very jarbled explanation on the NC website, but I can't figure out what it means. It was used last year also, but I have no clear reason why.

Bruce,

Here's a theory: Don't the schools know in advance which course tests are going to be used to measure AYP?

I think I understood Alan Duncan to state that the course tests used to measure ABC's are NOT known in advance.

If these 2 thoughts are correct, wouldn't it make sense that the schools are teaching to the tests known to be measured, i.e., for AYP and not emphasizing the other courses?

No, Gamblin Man, the tests on the ABCs are known in advance. They are: algebra I, algebra II, biology, chemistry, English I, geometry, physical science and physics. Next year, U.S. history and civics will be added back into the formula.

It will be interesting to see if Andrews is put on the agenda for the next BOE meeting. Often, but not always, they seem detached from the current issues that is on the mind of everyone else.

Any thoughts on why the number of schools meeting ABC goals fell this year? And what can be done to improve academics?

falling scores might have something to do with the fact that we cut TA's, instructional supplies, raised number of students per class in some schools to lower in others (without apparent success) spent money on busing, new unproven programs, racial healing classes, more magnet schools, etc, etc, etc, but then again it could be the alignment of the stars! Instead of talking about how to improve scores we implement new programs, move students, worry about balance of FRL verses nonFRL instead of FOCASING of education!!!!!!! Adminstrators spend time in meetings, meetings, meetings and discipling rowdy students instead of keeping the teachers on track!
Of course I could have this on wrong (NOT)

The most powerful force in education is the ability to get students and staff to focus on what's important. As Debora has stated, there are too many distractions. But don't blame teachers and students for being unfocused when the BOE is all orver the place. It is impossible to have a highly focused organization when there is disaray at the top. It will not happen.

Let's not forget to mention the fact that the BOE ignores parents or even goes out of its way to anger parents.

Stronger communication with valued input from the parents would go a long way. Imagine if all the parents in this county were truly pleased with the behavior of the School Board. I'd bet many of the problems would go away and greater education would occur.

And don't forget that the BOE has already give Dr Grier his raise! I do remember someone saying contingent on the scores, but my bet is that will be forgotten. I think its time for some accountability from the top down! I agree Joe, too many directions!

thought everyone might want to read GCS spin on the numbers. No mention of the two schools getting the extra help-- no mention of how much worse it was this year, no mention of anything negative (like how many schools dropped in scores, but of course their spin doctors are excellent writers. Too bad our students aren't!

http://www.guilford.k12.nc.us/0506news/050804abcresults.htm

The GCS spin is ridiculous.
Plain dishonest!

Deb,

RE: Your post starting "falling scores might have something to do...."

I think you about covered it and covered it WELL.

DITTO, DITTO, DITTO

and Joe,

great point on "focusing". It seems nothing is ever measured when it is tried and then onto the next "innovative" idea. It never seems to be "how can we fix this problem" and get back to the basics of education; safety; discipline; building relationships, etc.