Understanding the North Carolina School Report Card

School Report Cards Local School District State Website:

Presentation Objectives Create awareness of information available on the NC School Report Card Generate interest in using data found on the Report Card to promote school improvement Familiarize audience with NC School Report Card website

What Well Cover Using the NC School Report Card website –Student and school performance –Teacher qualifications –School climate and resources District and state Report Card overview Using Report Cards in your community

Using the NC School Report Cards Website

Lets look at a School- Level Report Card Contact and general information provided in header Use header to link to district or state Report Cards Use tabs to find data

Is Your School Making the Grade? The Report Cards contain two types of student performance data: –Student academic performance by grade and demographic group, and –School performance by ABCs standards.

Reading Data for Students in Grades 3-5 Reading scores are above the district and state averages for similar schools Performance of Students in Each Grade on the ABCs End-of-Grade Tests

Performance Data by Student Groups Achievement gaps are differences that can be seen when student performance is viewed by demographic subgroup

Performance Trends for End-of-Grade Tests Performance trends are important Look for upward progress

Is Your School Meeting Performance Standards? Student and school achievement measured with end-of-grade and end-of- course tests Schools evaluation based on – Percentage of students scoring at or above grade level, and –Growth, or increase, in percentage of students performing at or above grade level from one year to the next

ABCs Designation and Growth Levels Yellow highlighted bar shows ABCs performance level Check mark shows growth level School Designation: School of Distinction, Expected Growth

What Are Your Schools Resources? Access to information through books and technology can influence students learning opportunities.

How is Your School Climate? School climate contributes to students educational experiences. –Track safety incidents. –Keep attendance rates as high as possible.

Reading Teacher Qualification Data Objective measures on the Report Cards –Fully licensed –Advanced degrees –National Board Certification –Years of experience –Highly Qualified under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (also known as No Child Left Behind)

Reading Teacher Qualification Data Full licensure - teacher meets professional standards set by the State Board of Education The percentage of classes taught by teachers who meet the requirements of Highly Qualified as defined by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (also known as No Child Left Behind)

Reading Teacher Qualification Data Other areas to consider: –Teachers with advanced degrees Advanced degrees can indicate content expertise beyond regular requirements. –National Board Certification Voluntary certification that recognizes teachers advanced teaching skills. –Years of teaching experience Look at the distribution of teaching experience to see if the experience levels are balanced.

Looking at the District Report Card District Report Cards contain information similar to the school Report Cards, plus additional information about student and teacher demographics districtwide, district financial information and principal qualifications and credentials.

Looking at the District Report Card Data elements are similar to school-level Report Card Data can be displayed at elementary, middle, high school levels, or combinations of grade levels

Looking at the District Report Card District Report Card looks at the source of funds. And how those funds are used.

Looking at the District Report Card District Report Cards look at principal data in addition to teacher data. –Principals by demographic groups –Principals with advanced degrees –Year of experience –Principal turnover

Whats on the State Report Card? The state Report Card examines statewide data for student performance, AMO (Annual Measurable Objectives)results and teacher qualifications. ESEA School Status lists are available for schools in each district and charter schools

Whats on the State Report Card The state Report Card compares changes from current year data to previous years data

Data Is Only Part of the Picture Use data to inform discussions. Draw conclusions carefully. Some success factors cant be measured by data. Outside factors can influence data.

Using Data for Comparisons Report Cards are useful, but for making general comparisons only. The School Report Cards are not designed to serve as an absolute ranking of schools. Carefully read the Report Cards guide for details about how data comparisons are structured.

Using Report Card Data for School Improvement School Report Cards data can start community conversations about schools and school improvement. Data can act as a road map & tool for school improvement. View less favorable Report Cards data as a reason to get involved in schools.

Ideas for Parents and Communities Start conversations and use data to target areas of interest and concern. Ask teachers, principals, district office administrators questions. Align priorities and compare current data with school and district goals.

Discussion Who needs to know about the Report Cards in your community? How can you raise awareness about the Report Cards? How can you collect community feedback? How might you use the Report Cards to improve your school?

Report Card Resources Visit Links under Resources for Understanding Your Report Card on the homepage -