Education Report: CCHS and CCMS behind state average

By James Grob, jgrob@charlescitypress.com

According to the latest school report cards, Charles City High School and Charles City Middle School are behind the state average, particularly in math and reading.

The Iowa Department of Education released new online reports last week showing how public schools performed in a new accountability system that meets the “Every Student Succeeds Act,” a federal education law that replaced the No Child Left Behind Act.

The new reports, called Iowa School Performance Profiles, include each school’s scores on a set of accountability measures. The reports display scores based on a school’s overall performance, as well as the performance of subgroups of students.

CCHS and CCMS were listed is “targeted” in the evaluation.

“While I applaud the efforts of the state to do this, there are still several flaws with the metrics,” said Charles City Superintendent Mike Fisher. “It is still heavily weighted on standardized test scores which, while important, research indicates to be a better measure of parent income and education level than of student learning which creates gaps and bias for our students with income challenges.”

More than 300 other schools across Iowa were identified as targeted under this new system. Schools are identified for targeted if one or more subgroup score is as low as the lowest five percent of schools in the state. Student subgroups are students who are eligible for free and reduced-price meals, English learners, students with disabilities, and students by racial/ethnic minority group.

More than 30 schools statewide were identified as comprehensive support and improvement. Schools receive this designation either because their overall scores fall within the lowest five percent of Iowa schools receiving federal Title I funding, or because they are high schools with a graduation rate below 67.1 percent.

There are several measures that comprise the overall Iowa School Performance Profile, including student participation in state assessments, academic achievement in proficiency and average scores in reading and mathematics, student academic growth, graduation rates, progress in English language proficiency and conditions for learning.

Charles City High School’s overall performance was rated at 47.41 percent, below the state average of 54.91 percent. The school’s performance rated just slightly below the state average in every category except graduation rate, where it rated slightly above the state average. The middle school was rated at 48.52 percent overall, while Lincoln Elementary and Washington Elementary schools each rated at 59.49 percent overall, well above the state average.

The Iowa School Performance Profiles are different from the Iowa School Report Card, developed in 2015 to meet a state legislative requirement. In 2019, the Iowa Department of Education will work to update data in the Iowa School Report Card and then merge the site with the Iowa School Performance Profiles. The goal is to ensure the state has one report card that meets both state and federal requirements. According to Fisher, the aim of this new system is to be less punitive and more supportive.

“While not satisfied that our test scores have us placed on this list, I am pleased to let our community know that our school district has made amazing strides in student achievement,” Fisher said.

He said this includes implementing non-fiction writing and inquiry math practices that research indicates improves performance, especially for students from poverty or diversity. He also mentioned strategies the district has implemented across all grade levels, including project-based learning, trauma-informed instruction, and standards-based learning.

“These are examples of some of the cutting edge practices we utilize in our schools each day.” Fisher said. “We are confident that the instructional focus and improvements we have made over the past few years will continue to improve our scores in these measures.”

According to the Iowa Department of Education, the accountability measures include a unique indicator of school climate based on student surveys of engagement, safety and overall learning environment called “conditions for learning.” The other measures are: Student participation on state assessments, academic achievement, student academic growth, graduation rate, and progress in achieving English language proficiency. A postsecondary readiness measure will be added in 2019.

The new accountability system emphasizes student growth as measured by results on state assessments from year to year. This approach was based on feedback from Iowans who wanted a change from a previous federal accountability system that emphasized proficiency.

“I’m thankful that the Every Student Succeeds Act puts ownership of school accountability back where it belongs: with states and local school districts,” Iowa Department of Education Director Ryan Wise said. “We’ve gone from a federal accountability system that was prescriptive and punitive under No Child Left Behind to a homegrown system that focuses on helping schools find solutions that work for them.”

Identified schools receive support from the state and area education agencies and will develop improvement plans with input from local stakeholders. Schools also will have an opportunity to put resources toward a cohesive improvement effort.

“While proficiency matters, schools also deserve credit for making significant progress with students,” Wise said.

Fisher said the new performance scores and metrics are not necessarily effective indicators of the true quality of a school system.

“When you look at the immeasurable qualities of our district, you’ll see the Charles City advantage,” he said. “From the focus on innovation, employability soft skills, citizenship, ethics, and problem solving, our schools continue to be a model for rural education in Iowa. When you look at our diversity and global citizens that drives our community, we continue to be a leader in Iowa.”

The Every Student Succeeds Act requires all states to publish report cards reflecting the performance of the state, schools, and school districts on a set of accountability measures, such as state assessments.

“We will continue to use the Iowa School Performance Profile to inform and assist us in innovating our practices,” Fisher said. “However, we are confident that our vision and core values are driving us in the right direction for our children and community.”

To access the Iowa School Performance Profiles, visit www.iaschoolperformance.gov.