Asian-American Student Data Discussion and MCA-II Preparation Hmong Parents Advisory Council Meeting - April 7, 2008 Tom Watkins Director of Research, Evaluation and Assessment

Overview of Demographics

Of Asian-American students with a non-English home language, approximately: 94% speak Hmong at home 3% speak Cambodian, and 3% speak Vietnamese

Overview of Achievement

In 2007, the absent 11 or more days rate for all students, Asian American, Caucasian and ELL students was lower than the district target for grades American Indian, Latino, African American, Low Income and Special Education students were above target. The absent 11 or more days rate for all student groups improved from 2006 to 2007.

In grades 4-8, Asian American and Caucasian students exceeded district target for the MCA-II READING growth rate. Growth rates for all other student groups were below the target.

In grades 4-8, All Students, Asian American, Caucasian, and ELL students exceeded the district target for the MCA-II MATH growth rate. Growth rates for American Indian, Latino, African American, Caucasian, Low-income and Special Education students were below the target.

In 2007, the Advanced Placement participation rate for all students met the district target. Asian American and Caucasian students exceeded the target. American Indian, Latino and African American students were 10 or more percentage points below the target. However, participation rates for Latino and African American students improved from 2006 to 2007.

In 2007, Caucasian students exceeded the district target for Advanced Placement test performance. The percentage of students passing 1 or more exams was below the target for all other groups, with the passing rate for Asian American and Latino students decreasing from 2006 to 2007.

2006 baseline data are reported for the higher education enrollment rate data will become available in fall In 2006, Caucasian students had a higher education enrollment rate of 66.6%, the highest of all student groups. Latino and ELL students had the lowest higher education enrollment rates, with 29.5% and 44.5% of students enrolling in higher education.

Helping Students Prepare for the MCA-II

Helping Your Student Get Ready for Tests Study regularly: Taking good notes and studying every day helps students succeed. Ensure a good night’s sleep: Adolescents need a minimum of eight hours of sleep per night — nine hours of sleep is even better. Believe in your student’s success: Talk about assignments and the school day. Provide encouragement and support. Encourage your student to listen to all test-taking directions given by the teacher and to ask questions about any directions that are unclear. Share these tips for reducing stress: use positive self- talk (“I know I can do this”), avoid being rushed and take deep breaths.

Learn More! Use SPPS Websites! Test calendars MCA-II practice datacenter.spps.org School data District data Student data for parents