Performance Comparisons for Alabama’s Largest School Systems Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama January 17, 2008

The 12 Largest School Systems in Alabama. 10,000 students or more Urban and suburban in character Located in 5 metropolitan areas  Birmingham (4)  Mobile (2)  Montgomery (2)  Huntsville (2)  Tuscaloosa (2)

Does the system focus spending to produce results? Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama

How we define spending. We include all “core” academic expenditures: Instruction-related:  Instruction – teachers, classroom supplies, etc.  Instructional Support – principal’s office, library, instructional technology, counselor, nurse, etc. Facilities and Administration:  Facility Operation & Maintenance – custodial & maintenance services, utilities, security, etc.  Administration – board, central office, etc. We exclude Food Service and Transportation

Does the system succeed with all kinds of students? Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama

How we measure success. Performance on the Alabama Reading and Math Test (ARMT) in Grades 3-8 Measured by % of students performing at Level IV  Level I – does not meet grade-level academic standards  Level II – partially meets grade-level academic standards  Level III – meets grade-level academic standards  Level IV – exceeds grade-level academic standards Compared with the statewide average For key socioeconomic subgroups in the student body  Poverty vs. Non-Poverty students (defined by free/reduced lunch percentage)  White vs. Black students

Does the system prepare students for higher education? Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama

How we measure preparation for higher education. Graduation rate Average score on the American College Test (ACT) college entrance exam If available, we would also use graduation rates and Advanced Placement participation and success as indicators