Tag: Accountability

The WCPSS four-year cohort graduation rate increased slightly from 80.6% in 2011-12 to 81.0% in 2012-13. Over the past five years, the overall rate has increased 2.6 percentage points and is now at its highest point since 2005-06. In contrast to the 2011-12 cohort, graduation rates declined slightly for economically disadvantaged students (64.9%), and students with disabilities (59.6%). Four-year cohort graduation rates at the 25 WCPSS high schools with graduating classes ranged from 68.3% to more than 95% in 2012-13. Rates increased at nine schools and declined at 15 schools. Follow-up analysis of the 2012-13 cohort also shed light on the characteristics of non-graduates and the relationship between early literacy and graduation rates.

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Wilburn was in its fourth year of implementing Teacher Advancement Program (TAP) in 2011-12, which is designed to attract, retain, and motivate quality teachers and increase student achievement. It was in the second year of TIF funding to provide performance pay for improved student performance. Analysis of EOG reading and math test scores for 2011-12 showed increases in student performance (where different cohorts of students are compared over time) and growth (when a student is compared to him- or herself over time). All staff earned some performance pay based on the TAP model formulas (unlike the previous year). Recommendations are to provide more ways for teachers to share their perceptions of TAP, to start observations earlier in the year, and to improve training by focusing on the application of the rubric and differentiating training (for teachers new to TAP and those with experience).

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Exit rates from Limited English Proficiency (LEP) for students who enter the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) as LEP students vary by when students enter WCPSS (based on students entering in kindergarten, grade 6 or 7, or grade 9). Based on our 2008-09 cohorts, students entering in grades 6 or 7 were most likely to exit LEP status after four years (54%), followed by those entering in kindergarten (39%), and finally those entering in grade 9 (27%). Exit rates vary based on performance on the LEP placement test. Students scoring higher on the test initially have a much better chance of exiting LEP within four years, indicating better English proficiency upon entry to WCPSS leads to a better chance of exiting LEP faster. Students with low initial placement test scores take longer to exit the program if they enter WCPSS at the higher grade levels. Further research will examine the effects of a variety of support services on the exit rates of LEP students in the cohort.

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The WCPSS four-year cohort graduation rate declined slightly to 80.6% in 2011-12 from 80.9% in the previous year. At the same time, the five-year rate rose substantially from 81.6% to 84.4%.

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Seven District Improvement initiatives were implemented in 2011-12 in WCPSS. All were well designed and coordinated, with common goal setting processes and use of common monitoring tools. All initiatives either met or partially met 2011-12 goals. Some were more successful in showing student outcomes, with the most positive initiatives being elementary mathematics and adolescent literacy. These results should be used to influence future decisions about continuation or strengthening of these efforts. New components that were well received and implemented by those trained (but which did not have achievement results as yet) should also be considered for future funding.

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The vast majority of WCPSS' students are promoted to the next grade level at the end of each school year. Only 3.4% of students were retained within grade in 2011-12; however, this rate varies considerably by grade, school level, school, and student subgroup. High school students represent over three fourths of retained students with the highest retention at grades 9 and 10. For a high school student, retention may mean repeating as few as one course (rather than a full grade). Limited English proficient (LEP) students were three to four times as likely to be retained as non-LEP students in elementary, middle, and high school. This tripling of retention was most notable at the high school level, where nearly a third of LEP high school students were retained overall, including nearly 40% of LEP students in grade 9. Furthermore, approximately 20% of economically disadvantaged (ED) students and students with disabilities (SWD) were retained in high school. Given the elevated retention rates within some grades and student subgroups, further investigation into retention is merited and planned.

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In 2010-11, Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) was in district-wide improvement as a result of failing to meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in mathematics at the district level for the second consecutive year. This report examines overall student outcomes in 2010-11 as well as overall teacher outcomes and longitudinal results for schools targeted for three consecutive years of SIOP® training and support compared to matched schools who were not involved. SIOP® schools had a greater increase in students reaching growth targets than in the district overall. Increases in reading and mathematics proficiency at SIOP® elementary schools and reading at SIOP® middle schools were similar or slightly higher than for WCPSS. Overall mathematics results were not positive for SIOP® middle schools; however, matched school analysis by subject and school level found targeted student subgroups (i.e., Hispanic/Latino and Black/African American, Limited English Proficient, and economically disadvantaged) did benefit from attending SIOP® targeted schools. 2010-11 represented the first year of implementation of the Secondary Literacy and Secondary Mathematics Initiatives. The demographic similarity of schools implementing Secondary Mathematics with WCPSS coupled with the weak results indicates, as with Secondary Literacy, the results of this initiative could be strengthened by more selective process of targeting schools to receive training.

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Instructional strategies aimed at improving achievement of low performing student subgroups in need of support were selected by the District Improvement Advisory Committee, so that WCPSS could exit District Improvement status. Impact of each initiative, which often included teacher training and coaching is examined in this implementation report. Recommendations are made including setting strategic goals and systematically monitoring implementation; targeting schools or teachers with high numbers of AYP groups of students in need of support; being intentional in coaching efforts and structuring coaching models based on the SIOP® experience; building ownership and commitment at the school level; and coordinating new and existing efforts to optimize effectiveness.

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The Teacher Advancement Program (TAP) is a model for training, teacher advancement, and instructional strategies. Based on interviews and observations, the four TAP principles were implemented with fidelity during the 2010-11 school year, with one exception--teacher evaluations. Feedback was slow, and teachers had concerns about the reliability of the ratings. The impact on teachers was negative. Compared to 2009-10, reading and math proficiency improved in grades 3 and 5 in 2010-11 but not grade 4. However, compared to proficiency before TAP began, only Grade 5 had improved reading proficiency and none of the grades (3, 4, and 5) had higher proficiency in math. Grade 4 had positive trends for Academic Change (growth) in both reading and math.

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This report, the third of three reports examining Supplemental Education Services (SES) within the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS), focused on the long-term goal of improved student achievement by the end of the school year. In 2009-10, 508 students participated in SES at the five schools offering SES: Brentwood, Fox Road, Poe, Wendell, and York. The vast majority of students (83%) participating in SES received tutoring services in both reading and mathematics. Overall, this study did not support the value of SES in promoting higher achievement (beyond what matched students achieved).

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This report, the second of three reports examining Supplemental Education Services (SES) within WCPSS, focused on the implementation of SES, and the degree to which short-term and intermediate goals were met. In 2009-10, the SES program was largely implemented with fidelity, with some areas needing refinement related to communication and monitoring. Monitoring reports noted appropriate instruction based on learning plans was occurring. SES has 13 implementation requirements for the Local Educational Agency (7), providers (2), and parents (4). Nine were fully met, with four partially met. The two short-term goals--student enrollment in SES and providers pre-assess all participants--were met. Three of the six intermediate goals were met (progress reports given to parents, minimum of 30 hours offered to each student, monitoring showed implementation occurring) and two additional goals were partially met (attendance at SES and post-assessments given to completers).

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This report describes SES within Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) in terms of the schools, providers, and student participants in 2008-09 and 2009-10. It is the first in a series of three reports related to SES. NCLB requires schools receiving Title I funding in their second year of school improvement to offer eligible students Supplemental Educational Services (SES) in addition to existing Title I services. The SES programs for WCPSS in 2008-09 and 2009-10 were in compliance with federal guidelines to make available an SES program, enroll only FRL students, and to use state-approved vendors to deliver the program. SES is designed to improve the achievement of FRL students who score below, at, or above grade level. Therefore, service to some students may help schools reach AYP standards while service to others may help individual students and schools reach ABCs and other standards of academic success.

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This report examined the implementation of Foundations of Algebra, a course designed to provide high school students with low mathematics performance an extra opportunity to review and study foundational mathematics concepts prior to enrolling in Introductory Mathematics and subsequently Algebra I. In the fall of 2009, 877 high school students participated in Foundations of Algebra while another 774 students were enrolled directly into Introductory Mathematics in the spring of 2010. 1,600 students enrolled in Introductory Mathematics in 2008-09 were used as a comparison group. Eighty-two percent of Foundations of Algebra students were Level I or II; however, less than two-thirds of students (63%) scored Level I or low Level II--the program's criteria. Twenty-seven percent of students enrolled directly into Introductory Mathematics met the recommended criteria of high Level II scores. A higher percentage of students who participated in Foundations of Algebra enrolled in Algebra I and Algebra I Part I than did comparison students.

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In 2008-09, four alternate assessments were available for use in grades/courses where the state typically tests students. As in earlier years, results for WCPSS students were mixed. Student performance on the NCCLAS, an assessment designed mainly for limited English proficient (LEP) students, improved in mathematics but remained low in reading for the 141 students in grades 3 to 8 who took them. Fewer students took NCCLAS EOC exams but proficiency rates in English I and Algebra I, the two tests taken by the most students, were 81% and >95%, respectively. On the NCEXTEND1 assessments, which are taken by students with significant cognitive disabilities, proficiency rates ranged from 49-57% in reading and 46-73% in math for 461 Grade 3-8 students. The NCEXTEND2 assessments, administered to students with moderate intellectual or learning disabilities, were taken by the largest number of WCPSS students (1572). Results on these modified EOG exams were slightly higher than those of the two previous years but proficiency rates across grade levels remained low in both reading (18- 41%) and mathematics (30-52%). At the high school level, 277 students took NCEXTEND2 OCS assessments, which are based on the Occupational Course of Study and serve as alternates for required assessments in reading, mathematics, and science. The percentage of students achieving proficiency on the exams ranged from 44% in English, to 50% in mathematics, and 53% in Science.

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The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction revised the alternate assessment system for students with disabilities (SWD) and/or limited English proficiency (LEP) in 2009-10. On the three alternate assessments that were given in 2009-10, results for WCPSS students were mixed. On the NCEXTEND1 assessments, which are taken by students with significant cognitive disabilities, proficiency rates for 479 Grade 3-8 students ranged from 46-70% in reading and from 48-79% in math, both up from last year but still generally lower than statewide rates. The NCEXTEND2 EOG assessments, administered to students with moderate intellectual or learning disabilities, were taken by the largest number of WCPSS students (2,106). Results on these modified EOG exams were slightly higher than those of the two previous years but proficiency rates across grade levels remained low in both reading (25-42%) and mathematics (43-54%). At the high school level, 412 students took NCEXTEND2 OCS assessments, which are based on the Occupational Course of Study and serve as alternates for required assessments in reading, mathematics, and science. The percentage of students achieving proficiency on the exams ranged from 68% in English, to 70% in mathematics, and 61% in Science, all up significantly from last year and closer to statewide rates.

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The three MSAP schools; East Garner International Baccalaureate Magnet Middle School (EGMMS), Garner International Baccalaureate Magnet High School (GMHS), and Southeast Raleigh Leadership and Technology Magnet High School (SRMHS) showed progress on MSAP performance measures during the 3rd year of the grant. Data on 16 performance measures collected relate to "Desegregation and Choice" (6), "Building Capacity" (2), and "Academic Achievement of Students" (8). Overall, half the targets were met, with the most variability across schools for the Desegregation and Choice measures. Observations and survey results revealed increased efforts to implement innovative educational methods and programs at all three MSAP schools. Each school established strategic processes to address targets in each goal area. Although progress was made, much work remained to be done to achieve the original goals of the MSAP grant. The district requested and received a no-cost extension to run through the 2010-2011 school year.

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In 2009-10 Wake County Public Schools System (WCPSS) exited District Improvement in reading and remained in level one for mathematics. All District Improvement efforts gained momentum. The Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP®) continued as the primary focus to meet the needs of limited English proficient (LEP) students in elementary and middle schools. The high school component was modified and addressed both literacy and mathematics. The number of trained SIOP® teachers considerably increased (from 588 in 2008-09 to 956 in 2009-10), follow-up coaching to support application of training reached more teachers, training implementation and buy-in strengthened. All SIOP® training, coaching, and implementation objectives for in 2009-10 were met or partially met. The number and use of SIOP® modified focus lessons increased substantially, but awareness could still be improved.

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This paper reports the overall findings of research on effective teaching practices in Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS). It is a cross-case analysis of five earlier studies (Biology, Algebra I, U.S. History, middle school Algebra I, and English I). Despite subject implementation differences, four common themes were found: high academic expectations for all students, thoughtful management of time and materials, learning-centered classrooms, and proactive planning.

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The Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) board policy states that central services staff are to support school implementation of Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) and to participate in PLTs at the central level. Central staff support school efforts in a variety of ways, and over 85% of principals at each level reported this support was adequate. Participation in PLTs among central staff respondents was high for those in administrative (86%) and professional and technical roles (76%), but lower for support staff (37%). High percentages of central administrators, professionals, and technical staff had positive views about PLT implementation and impact. Responses for those in administrative roles were almost always more positive in spring 2010 than in previous surveys. High percentages of administrators and professional/technical staff believe PLTs help them perform their job more effectively, along with most support staff (91%, 86%, and 67% respectively).

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In 2006-07, seven Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) middle schools piloted Algebraic Thinking as an alternate approach to teaching middle school mathematics. Algebraic Thinking was developed to help students in grade 6 reach higher mathematics courses by combining the regular and advanced middle school mathematics courses into one heterogeneously grouped class and differentiating instruction. Of the 1,493 grade 6 students enrolled in one of the five pilot schools, 1,087 were still enrolled in Algebraic Thinking in 2008-09 and were therefore included in the study. A comparison cohort of 1,078 grade 6 students enrolled from 2006-07 to 2008-09 was selected from five matched schools. While both cohorts of students improved academically, overall findings suggest that participation in Algebraic Thinking did not have a greater positive impact on students' mathematics achievement as measured by EOG proficiency or growth. However, a significantly higher percentage of Algebra I students at the Algebraic Thinking schools met their Algebra I growth target.

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End-of-Course (EOC) tests are given statewide in 10 courses typically taken in high school. Results for 2008-09 (and prior years, where available) are reported in terms of both average scale scores and the percentage of students scoring proficient. After the recent introduction of new EOC tests with higher standards, scores in WCPSS have begun to move back upward after an initial decline. Significant gaps in achievement are still evident, and proficiency rates have not fully recovered to the levels seen prior to these new tests. However, historically-underperforming subgroups have made significant gains, and have begun to close those gaps. Further acceleration of those gains will be important for ensuring that all students are prepared for their post-secondary futures.

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In 2007-08, the WCPSS teacher absence rate was 10.3 days, slightly higher than a national rate of 9.5 days in 2004-05 but lower than the 11.3 to 14.6 days reported in large school districts more recently. In comparison with other studies, WCPSS teachers averaged smaller proportions of personal and sick leave days, slightly more annual leave days, and a higher proportion of administrative leave days. Teacher absences varied by years of experience and by schools' grade span and proportion of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch. Overall, there is some evidence, low but significant, of a negative relationship between teacher absences and mathematics achievement in two of six grades, but not in reading or six high school courses. These and other findings, including screening and costs of substitute teachers, are detailed in this report.

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Since the 2006-07 school year, in addition to earning a certain number of course credits, all North Carolina high school students have been required to pass the End of Course test (EOC) in five subjects in order to obtain a high school diploma. This report examines the relationship between EOC test results and course grades for Algebra I and English I, two of the subjects that are part of the new graduation requirements. Analyses are presented for two subsets of students: the students who failed the EOC test but passed the course and the students who passed the EOC test but failed the course. The size of the first subset decreased over the four-year period, while the size of the second one increased. Differences were observed among subgroups, in particular between gender, with female students having a greater chance of passing the course in comparison to male students with similar results on the EOC test.

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Test Scores and the Standard Error of Measurement

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ABCs and AYP Results,WCPSS: 2008-09

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ALP 2007-08 was designed to primarily support Level I and II student below grade levels, with others supported as funds allowed. Evidence indicates many students scoring proficient were served (especially in literacy) while some students scoring below grade level received no documented support. ALP reached less than half of students scoring below grade level in literacy and in mathematics. Literacy achievement growth outcomes for Level I-II students below grade level were about the same as for other Level I-II students (many of whom received other services); ALP results were less positive for students who scored at grade level prior to service than for similar students. Mathematics proficiency results were less positive than for those served in other programs or not served. Achievement outcomes were similar for students served during the school day or outside of the school day.

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North Carolina Student Accountability Standards require targeted intervention be provided to students who fail to meet statewide accountability standards. Intervention Months of employment were allotted to middle schools to help them provide intervention to students who are struggling academically. In 2008-09, Intervention Months 6-8 allotted Wake County Public School System's (WCPSS) 32 middle schools 762 months of employment to be used along with other resources to provide targeted supplementary assistance to students requiring academic intervention beyond that provided in the regular classroom. In 2008-09, 3,155 students participated in an intervention elective. Findings suggest that participation in an intervention elective did not have a positive impact on reading achievement as measured by EOG proficiency or growth. The percentage of intervention elective participants at or above grade level increased more for mathematics than reading. A statistically significant higher percentage of students who participated in a mathematics intervention only made growth than did academically similar students not enrolled in the intervention elective.

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In Year 2 of the MSAP grant, significant progress was made by each school and its community to implement the grant objectives. Year 2 represented an amalgamation of Year 1 activities that were not implemented due to a delay in hiring key personnel, original objectives assigned to Year 2, and several activities that arose from improvement sessions. Each school had a blue print that captured their performance measures, target outcomes, yearly activities, staff development activities, and resources along with a customized yearly time line. The 16 performance measures were grouped into three categories. The "Desegregation and Choice" category was the most difficult for schools to attain (with three or four of the six measures met by each school). All schools achieved both "Building Capacity" performance measures. In the "Academic Achievement" category, SRMHS achieved 5/8 targets, GMHS achieved 4/8, and EGMMS achieved 6/7 (4-year graduation rate is measured for the two high schools, but not for the middle school). In all, SRMHS achieved the stated target on 10/16 performance measures, GMHS on 10/16, and EGMMS met 12/15.

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Where do North Carolina's End-of-Grade (EOG) and End-of-Course (EOC) Tests come from?

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This study examined differences in student achievement between 9th grade students who took Algebra I in a twopart, year-long sequence and those who took a one-semester Algebra I course. Results indicated higher proficiency rates and higher growth results for students in the year-long sequence, especially for students who scored below Achievement Level IV on their 8th Grade Mathematics EOG test. Schools are urged to use these results to make data-based scheduling decisions for 9th grade Algebra I students.

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Given that graduating from high school on time prepared for the future is the ultimate outcome of the K-12 education process, then an understanding of the factors that distinguish students who do from students who do not becomes important. This study looked at data from the WCPSS 9th grade class of 2005-06 in an effort to document some of the factors that separated students who stayed on track to graduate from those who either got behind or dropped out. Results indicated that several demographic, program, and achievement factors were associated with staying ontime to graduate during high school. These results should help schools better identify students who might be at risk for not graduating on time.

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In 2007-08, Wake County Public School System's (WCPSS) Helping Hands program served 419 students. Helping Hands is a mentoring program that targets Black/African American male students enrolled in grades 3-8 who are academically marginal. Results are based on the 385 students in grades 3-8 with available data. The mission of the Helping Hands program is to provide services to African-American male students to promote personal development and academic achievement. Helping Hands has academic, behavioral, and attendance goals. Overall, findings suggest that Helping Hands did not have a positive impact on academic success as measured by EOG proficiency or growth. However, Helping Hands did appeared to have a positive impact on suspension trends and excessive absences (10 or more days) relative to Black/African American male students.

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On the High Five PLC Survey, most teachers, regardless of years of experience, viewed PLCs as having a positive impact on their work environment and student learning. Beginning teachers tended to have the highest percentage of agreement. The percentage of teachers agreeing that PLCs were having the desired impact increased between 2007-08 and 2008-09 for both beginning teachers and those with more experience. Thus, trends were in the desired direction.

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The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction revised the alternate assessment system for students with disabilities (SWD) and/or limited English proficiency (LEP) in 2005-06. In 2007-08, four alternate assessments were available for use in grades/courses where the state typically tests students. As in previous years, results for WCPSS students were mixed. NCEXTEND2 EOG results remained low (39% or less), and students with significant cognitive disabilities taking NCEXTEND1 assessments achieved 27-49% proficiency. More positively, high school students taking NCEXTEND2 OCS assessments achieved 66-67% proficiency (up from 22-48%), and students taking NCCLAS assessments (chiefly English language learners) achieved 17-60% in reading, 33-80% in mathematics, and 68% in English I (up from 22% and 59% in previous years). These and other outcomes are detailed in this report.

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Comparison of SAS© EVAAS© Results and WCPSS Effectiveness Index Results

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The North Carolina ABCs Accountability Model has two components: The performance composite and growth. Using those two components, each school is assigned into a recognition category and designated as having met Expected or High Growth. Under the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) provision, a school meets Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) if all subgroups with 40 or more students reach pre-set targets in reading and mathematics, and if the school shows progress in its graduation or attendance rate. Eighty-six percent of Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) schools met Expected or High Growth in 2007-08. Sixty percent of WCPSS schools received the designation of School of Progress. Twenty-eight out of 153 schools (18%) met AYP.

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This study examined practices of teachers in Wake County Public Schools' (WCPSS) middle school Algebra I classes. Regression analyses of standardized state testing results allowed for identification of the most effective and least effective Algebra I teachers. The study used surveys, observations, and focus group interviews to compare and contrast most effective teachers with less effective teachers. It found that the most effective middle school algebra teachers held a significantly more positive attitude toward their students than did less effective teachers. They had high expectations for all students, used mathematics vocabulary appropriately, had a structured classroom management style, taught bell to bell using an invigorated pace, and had a classroom culture in which students were free to ask questions, contribute, and offer explanations. These results can be used to motivate teacher and school improvement efforts.

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North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS) has changed since summer 2007, with more traditional courses and fewer credit-recovery courses. Total NCVPS initial enrollments of Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) students were much lower in Fall 2007 (139), Spring 2008 (198), and Summer 2008 (430) than in Summer 2007 (1,378). Students were more likely to complete courses after Summer 2007. However, students enrolled in Fall 2007 and Spring 2008 were more likely to drop courses with failure after the deadline than to do so before the cutoff date. Percentages of final enrollments with passing NCVPS course grades increased from 47% in Summer 2007 to 64%, 84%, and 70% in the fall, spring, and summer, respectively. In Summer 2008, pass rates for EOC courses were somewhat lower than for other courses, with relatively low pass rates on EOC tests.

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This study examined the distribution of middle school reading and mathematics grades in 2006-07 and 2007-08 and the correlation of students' classroom grades and End-of-Grade (EOG) scores in 2006-07. Most students (80% or more) received an A, B, or C in reading and mathematics. Among Level IV students, the percentage with an A in the classroom varied by ethnicity. Mathematics grades had a slightly stronger correlation to the newly revised mathematics EOG scores than did reading grades to the 2006-07 reading EOG scores. Middle school grades of A-F had a weaker correlation to EOG scores than that found for standards-based grading and EOG scores at the elementary school level. Schools varied considerably in terms of the percentage of students receiving an A or B who scored at or above grade level on the EOG.

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In 2007-08, WCPSS K-5 assessment results were similar to past years. Some changes were implemented in the writing assessment methods. The percentage of students demonstrating proficiency was 85% for book level standards and 72% for reading strands. Mathematics mastery was 69% of students. Writing results for strands was 52%, content rubric was 69%, and conventions rubric was 57%. Differences by subject likely reflect differences in standards for the assessments. NCLB subgroup analyses revealed gaps between ethnic groups and groups with and without risk factors. Between 2006-07 and 2007-08, notable improvements were evident for Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, and Limited English Proficient populations, helping to close the achievement gaps slightly.

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Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) uses a standards-based grading policy at the elementary school level that aligns with North Carolina's Student Accountability Standards and the WCPSS Promotion/Intervention policy. This evaluation examined the distribution of grades given in 2005-06 and 2006-07 and the correlation of students' grades and End-of-Grade (EOG) scores in 2006-07. The study found that over three fourths of students were graded as proficient in reading and mathematics. In reading and mathematics grade K-2 students earned higher grades than their 3-5 counterparts; overall, mathematics grades were lower than reading across the K-5 grade levels. Fourth-quarter reading and mathematics grades were correlated with reading and mathematics' EOG scores. Mathematics grades had a stronger correlation to the newly revised mathematics EOG scores than did fourthquarter reading grades to the current reading EOG scores. Furthermore, a student scoring proficient within the classroom has a greater likelihood of being proficient on their EOG than those with below grade-level scores.

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The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction revised the alternate assessment system for students with disabilities (SWD) and/or limited English proficiency (LEP) in 2005-06. In 2006-07, five alternate assessments - two new and three continuing ones from the previous year - were available for use in grades/courses where the state typically tests students. Four options were used by WCPSS students, and results were mixed. While students with significant cognitive disabilities in grades 3-8 taking the new NCEXTEND1 assessments achieved 63-89% proficiency, only 22-48% of high school students taking the new NCEXTEND2 OCS assessments achieved proficiency. In the second year of implementation, NCEXTEND2 EOG assessment results remained low (31% or less), while students (chiefly English language learners) taking NCCLAS assessments achieved 63-88% proficiency, up from 10-65% in the previous year. These and other outcomes are detailed in this report.

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Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) are in the implementation stages throughout the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS). Results from the 2007-08 High Five PLC Survey of teachers throughout the school system, as well as observations and focus group interviews in selected schools, show that strong support continues for PLC implementation overall, (66% to 87% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with statements about each PLC element). Results suggest PLC concepts and work efforts are well underway and are growing in implementation. Challenges cited include finding time for PLC team work and remediation of student skills, increasing the understanding of all staff of PLC concepts, and increasing teachers' skills in developing and using quality formative assessments.

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This report draws together various academic performance results for middle school students in WCPSS. Generally speaking, students in grades 6-8 continue to do well on most achievement measures, but there are significant gaps in outcomes between different student subgroups, including ethnic groups, program groups, and also between male and female students. Analysis of student outcomes is provided at the grade level as well as for subgroups. This report also describes demographic trends that impact our student outcomes as well as information about students retained in grade. Finally, the report provides summaries of several research and evaluation efforts related to effective practices for promoting student achievement.

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This report draws together various academic performance results for elementary students in WCPSS. Generally speaking, students in grades K-5 continue to do well on most literacy measures, but there has been a decline in mathematics EOG performance, largely resulting from the State Board of Education's action to create more rigorous cut scores for achievement levels. Analysis of student outcomes is provided at the grade level as well as for subgroups. This report describes demographic trends that impact our student outcomes as well as information about students retained in grade. Finally, the report provides summaries of several research and evaluation efforts related to effective practices for promoting student achievement.

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This study analyzed the instructional practices of more versus less effective U.S. History teachers identified by a multiple regression model. Using surveys, observations, and focus-group interviews, the study found that the most effective teachers had a more complete package of rigor, relevance, and relationship strategies than less effective teachers. Effective teachers had strong content knowledge, prepared their own materials, taught reading and note-taking skills, used time wisely, and connected history to themes across time. Relationships with students were of utmost importance to effective teachers. They gave frequent positive feedback and believed that all students could succeed. Effective teachers created an atmosphere of mutual respect, in which both teachers and students were enthusiastic. These results can be used to motivate teacher and school improvement efforts in a number of ways.

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This study examined practices of teachers in Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) high school Algebra I classes. Regression analyses of standardized state testing results allowed for identification of the most effective and least effective Algebra I teachers and schools. The study used surveys, observations, and focus group interviews to compare and contrast most effective teachers with less effective teachers It found that the most effective algebra teachers averaged 68% of their time on new material daily; averaged seven transitions in ninety minutes; used sustaining feedback; had structured classes with a culture of mutual respect; told their students what to expect on tests and cautioned them about possible errors; emphasized problem solving and processes; and exhibited a sense of humor. These results can be used to motivate teacher and school improvement efforts.

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In an effort to understand the issues that the citizens of Wake County believe confront the Board of Education, two focus group interviews were conducted in November 2007 with the Community Relations Committee (CRC). The two groups both identified population growth as a major root cause of many of the issues confronting the school system. Many of the issues identified by the interviewed groups may be thought of as nested, or embedded. The focus group interviews identified three major impacts of this rapid growth on the school district: providing high quality facilities and educational programs, creating a student assignment plan that is fair and provides some measure of predictability, and coping with the increasing diversity of the student population.

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Research on Poverty and School Achievement: An Annotated Bibliography

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Analysis of Achievement Data

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The NC Department of Public Instruction revised the alternate assessment system for students with disabilities and/or limited English proficiency (LEP) in 2005-06. Four alternate assessments--two new and two continuing ones--were available for use in grades/courses where the state typically tests students. Results were mixed for the new NC Checklist of Academic Standards (option chiefly for English language learners new in U.S. schools): proficiency rates in language assessments were below 30%, while proficiency rates in mathematics, in some grades, were higher than those of LEP students taking standard EOG tests. Results for the other new option, NCEXTEND2 (for students without significant cognitive disabilities but with disabilities that preclude their attaining gradelevel proficiency within a single school year), were less than 30% at each grade in reading and mathematics. These and other outcomes are detailed in this report.

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This report draws together various academic performance results for elementary students in WCPSS. Generally speaking, students in grades K-5 continue to do well on most literacy measures, but there has been a decline in mathematics EOG performance, largely resulting from the State Board of Education's action to create more rigorous cut scores for achievement levels. Analysis of student outcomes is provided at the grade level as well as for subgroups. This report describes demographic trends that impact our student outcomes as well as information about students retained in grade. Finally, the report provides summaries of several research and evaluation efforts related to effective practices for promoting student achievement.

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Looking across various indicators of performance, persistence, and academic rigor for WCPSS high school students, many indicators point toward the relative success of WCPSS high school students. Student achievement remains high compared to state and national results, and an increasing number of students are pursuing rigorous AP coursework in high school. In addition, the skills and abilities that WCPSS graduates obtain appear to serve them well in the UNC system, which is the most common post-high school educational destination for WCPSS graduates. However, significant challenges remain related to changing student populations and rising academic standards which are challenging the system's ability to sustain and increase academic performance for all students.

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This report draws together various academic performance results for middle school students in WCPSS. Generally speaking, students in grades 6-8 continue to do well on most literacy measures, but there has been a decline in mathematics EOG performance, largely resulting from the State Board of Education's action to create more rigorous cut scores for achievement levels. Results for the new test of computer skills are also a concern. Analysis of student outcomes is provided at the grade level as well as for subgroups. This report describes demographic trends that impact our student outcomes as well as information about students retained in grade. Finally, the report provides summaries of several research and evaluation efforts related to effective practices for promoting student achievement.

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In 2005-06, four private agencies provided 252 Hodge Road students with supplemental educational services as one component of the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). Only students receiving free or reduced-price lunch (FRL) were eligible. More than half of those served scored at or above grade level before service, while some students who scored below grade level were not eligible. The curricular materials used were remedial and not designed to extend the learning of students scoring at grade level. At grades 1-2, the percentage of students reaching grade level in literacy increased for those served; this was not the case for not-served students. Both served and not served students improved End-of-Grade (EOG) reading performance at grades 3-5. Students who had multiple risk factors (limited English proficient [LEP] or students with disabilities [SWD] in addition to FRL) showed the greatest increases in the percentage of students at grade level. A major caution when interpreting the results is that analyses could not control for other intervention efforts that may have contributed to results found.

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The Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) strengthened the rigor, relevance, and relationships within its high schools in 2004-05; a primary strategy was the adoption on a block schedule. This progress report found an increase in more rigorous academic opportunities. Higher numbers of enrollees engaged in advanced courses and generally stable or higher academic success was achieved with End-of-Course exams, grade point averages, and credits earned. Greater relevance in coursework was evident and a wider variety of instructional practices. Staff promoted stronger student-staff relationships by emphasizing personalization. The majority of students and teachers reported fewer discipline concerns in classes, and students felt connected with their schools. Dropout and suspension rates did not decline.

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This evaluation examined 1,524 students in grade 1 at 13 Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) schools that participated in the Predictive Assessment of Reading (PAR) study in 2004-05. It also examined their participation in the Accelerated Learning Program K-2 Literacy Program during 2004-05. Both literacy initiatives focused on identifying students in need of additional assistance and providing support to those students. Student success was measured by the PAR assessment and WCPSS instructional book levels. The PAR assessment was used to determine the benefit of PAR only and PAR plus ALP K-2, the correlation of the two instruments, and whether PAR and ALP K-2 identified the same students as at-risk. Although the experimental and control groups saw similar results overall, students who participated in the ALP K-2 program saw greater gains among the experimental group. While PAR participants showed substantial improvement on the PAR assessment, ALP K-2 participants showed similar gains on book level with or without full PAR support. There was a significant positive relationship between students' performance on the PAR assessment and book level and a substantial overlap in the students identified as at-risk of failure by both programs.

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This research study developed a value-added instructional improvement analysis model. North Carolina state testing results were used in regression and residual analyses of student achievement. This analysis allowed for identification of the "most effective" and "least effective" biology teachers in Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS). The study found that the "most effective" biology teachers were focused on the delivery of biology instruction; resisted distractions from their classroom efforts; maximized student use of class time; studied and planned with other teachers using the North Carolina Biology Standard Course of Study; focused all student time on the Standard Course of Study goals; carefully planned teacher controlled student activities; and used data to guide their instructional practice.

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End-of-Course (EOC) test results in the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) for 2004-05 remained largely unchanged from 2003-04. Average scale scores rose slightly in four subjects and dropped slightly in three others. The percentage of students scoring proficient (Level III or IV) dropped slightly in six subjects and rose slightly in two others. Proficiency rates exceeded 85% in Algebra I, Algebra II, English I, Chemistry, and Physics. Physical Science had the lowest proficiency rate (67.2%) but showed the largest improvement for the second consecutive year. Significant gaps remain among various student subgroups based on factors such as ethnicity, disability status, and family income. Among ethnic groups, Black/African American students have demonstrated the largest proficiency gains on six of the eight EOC tests since 1998-99.

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The Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) saw improved achievement between the late 1990s and 2003, both in overall trends and results disaggregated by subgroup. Achievement gaps began to close. The percentage of students scoring at grade level is now quite high. In the past three years, the percentage of lower income, minority, and limited-English-proficient students has increased, and the percentage of students at grade level has changed very little. Dropout and graduation rates show some closing of gaps between Black and White students, but not between Hispanic/Latino and White students. Identifying ways to further close achievement gaps and improve other student outcomes is challenging, especially in light of additional graduation requirements which will be added for students entering 9th grade in the 2006-07 school year.

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The Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) met 66 out of 73 (90.4%) measurabledistrict targets in the third year of federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) accountability standards. The 2004-05 school year was the first year that the Annual Measurable Objectivesincreased. In grades 3-8, the objectives were 76.7% proficiency in reading, up from 68.9%, and 81.0% in math, up from 74.6%. In 10th grade, the Annual Measurable Objectives were given new starting points based on past student performance on English I, 10th-grade Writing, and Algebra I tests, which were approved as the high school primary tests. In spite of the new and increased targets, 63% of all WCPSS schools made AYP in 2004-05 (83 out of 132). Twenty-seven schools missed only one or two targets. Students with disabilities and recipients of free or reduced-price meals (economically disadvantaged) were the two subgroups that most often failed to meet AYP targets.

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ABC Outcomes for WCPSS for 2004-05

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Eighty-seven percent of all Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) students instructed during 2002-03 were continuously enrolled (CE) in one school from the first week of the school year until the last day of school. Across grade levels CE percentages steadily increased from only 82% in kindergarten to 94% in grade 12, except for a dip to 83% in ninth grade that was primarily due to dropouts. A majority of the students who were not continuously enrolled from the first week (MOBILE) were African-American/Black or Hispanic/Latino, and students in the MOBILE group were much more likely to come from low-income families than were students in the CE group. Passing rates and average scale scores on 5th, 8th, and 10th grade End-of-Grade (EOG) tests were lower for the MOBILE group than for the CE group in almost every comparison, even when controlling for ethnicity and family income differences.

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The Impact of Mobility on Academic Achievement: A Review of the Literature

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Overall, WCPSS is on track in meeting NCLB's Title II, Part A requirements for teacher quality and quality of professional development (PD). In 2003-04, all WCPSS teachers met the "highly qualified" standard. All lateral-entry teachers, as well as 89% of Title I-funded paraprofessionals, met new mandates. Further, 85% of Title II, Part A-funded PD activities were more intensive than a single day, up from 20% in 2002-03. District-wide, 75% of core area teachers completed at least one PD activity; 72% participated in "high quality" PD (comparable to a similar-sized NC district). Recruiting and retaining highly qualified teachers, as well as documenting the provision of high quality training to increasing percentages of teachers, will continue to be challenging.

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In 2003-04, 11 Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) high schools moved from a traditional student schedule of six full-year courses to a block schedule of four courses each semester (4x4). Implementation went fairly smoothly, with 90% of teachers trained prior to the change. Academic course opportunities and course enrollment numbers increased substantially (by 24% and 46% respectively) compared to 2002-03, key desired outcomes. Academic success was marked by increases in credits earned, grade promotion rates, and twelfth grade graduation rates as desired. Maintenance of prior status was desired for other outcomes this first year. End-of-course performance and grade point averages of 3.0 or higher actually increased slightly, while Advanced Placement (AP) scores of 3 and greater decreased slightly. Student attendance and suspension rates remained the same. Generally, most of those surveyed and interviewed expressed satisfaction with the change. Exploring modified schedule options for some courses as well as continued professional development are recommended.

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Early Start, a pilot preschool program, offered three weeks of literacy and social skills preparation to pre-enrolled kindergarten students who have limited to no preschool experience. The percentage of participants mastering the six assessed concepts of print jumped from 5% to 52%. Entering students mastered an average of three out of six concepts of print and finished averaging five out of six. Student progress was also measured using 10 literacy and personal/social items from the Kindergarten Initial Assessment (KIA). Increases in overall proficiency were minimal due to a high number of students entering the program already proficient on the assessed items. Closer examination of these items using a four-part rubric did reveal improvements toward greater proficiency. However, participants scored similarly to demographically matched nonparticipants on the full KIA administered upon entry into kindergarten. Thus, overall results indicate growth for targeted skills. However, this growth was not sufficient to influence overall performance on the KIA.

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Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) Results: 2003-04

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Students at 15 Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) high schools took 5,468 Advanced Placement (AP) exams offered by the College Board in 2002-03. The percentage of all juniors and seniors in the district who took at least one AP exam rose from 19.7% in 2001-02 to 20.4% in 2002-03. However, the percentage of exams earning a score of 3 or higher (the score typically needed to qualify for college course credit) decreased by 1.1 percentage points to 79.4% in 2002-03. WCPSS' overall success rate was substantially higher than that of North Carolina (58.0%), the U.S. South (56.7%), and the nation as a whole (61.5%). As in previous years, disparities in participation and performance by high school, gender, and race were observed.

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The North Carolina Writing Assessment was administered in March 2004 to all students in grades 4, 7, and 10. Administration and scoring procedures were identical to those used in pilot testing conducted statewide in 2003. The new procedures make comparisons inappropriate for years prior to 2003. Results in 2004 showed that a higher percentage of students in WCPSS scored in Levels III or IV at all three grade levels than did students statewide. Disaggregation showed large gaps between demographic groups, with many more female students than male students scoring in Levels III or IV and much larger proportions of White and Asian students scoring in Level III or IV than Black or Hispanic/Latino students. Overall, 47.7% of students in grade 4, 62.0% of students in grade 7, and 66.2% of students in grade 10 scored in Levels III or IV. In both WCPSS and statewide, less than 2% of grade 4 students and less than 1% of grade 7 and grade 10 students scored in Level IV.

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Project Achieve, a local instructional initiative, was adapted from a Brazosport, Texas model. The program grew from eight to 16 schools in three years, and all 16 schools had a higher percentage of students at grade level in spring 2004 than prior to the program. Third-year results were relatively positive but not as consistently so as in the two earlier years. Nine of 13 (69%) participating elementary schools met the state ABCs High Growth standard (including the new schools), compared to 51% of Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) elementary schools overall. Thirteen of 16 schools (81%)--compared to 69% of all WCPSS elementary and middle schools--increased the percentage of students at/above grade level in spring 2004. Controlling for student background variables, scale score gains for students in Project Achieve were similar to those of comparable WCPSS students across three years.

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In 2003-04, the Title I program was expanded to serve students in grades 3-5. Similar to the Title I K-2 program, the 3-5 program offered accelerated literacy intervention. The vast majority of students were served using the Fast Track Reading curriculum. Fast Track Reading combines explicit reading skills and phonics instruction with comprehension coaching and fluency practice. Fast Track is designed to accelerate student learning to raise students' performance to grade level standards. The demographics of Title I students served in grades 3-5 differs from Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) grade 3-5 students due to the focus on serving students at risk of failure. The percentage of Title I students across grades 3-5 scoring at Level III or IV (grade level) on End-of-Grade (EOG) tests doubled. Students in grade 5 showed the greatest improvement, followed by students in grades 3 and 4. Increases from Spring 2003 and Spring 2004 in the percentage of students scoring at Level III or IV were strong for all Title I subgroups compared to WCPSS overall.

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The Magnet Schools Assistance Program Annual Performance Report Year 3 (2003-2004) was implemented from September 1, 2003, through August 31, 2004 in the WCPSS. Staff members implemented activities this U.S. Department of Education grant project. They built upon the foundation established in Years 1 and 2 and endeavored to fully accomplish the scope and objectives of the project by the end of Year 3. They sought to reach all performance benchmarks established for Year 3 as well as to make up for any benchmarks not fully achieved in Years 1 and 2. When senior members of the project staff realized that not every objective would be fully completed by the end of Year 3, they requested and received a no-cost extension from the MSAP office for an additional project year (September 1, 2004-August 31, 2005). Schools participating in the project and their magnet themes are: Brooks Elementary School - Museums, Joyner Elementary School - Language Explorations, Millbrook Elementary School - International Baccalaureate, Powell Elementary School - Visual and Performing Arts, and Moore Square Middle School - Museums. The project focuses on four major purposes and has objectives related to each. Annual benchmarks have been established to measure success in achieving the objectives. The four MSAP purposes are listed below, followed by a summary of accomplishments or deficits in meeting the Year 3 benchmarks for each purpose.

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The Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) has seen positive changes in patterns of achievement and dropout rates over the past several years overall and by subgroup. The most positive one-year subgroup changes related to dropout rates for Black students and Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for minority, low-income, and limited English proficient (LEP) students. However, many achievement gaps remain, and the system continues to work towards optimal achievement for all students and closing achievement gaps.

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End-of-Course (EOC) test scores in the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) showed generally positive results when compared to prior years. Average scale scores rose in five of eight subject areas, and the percentage of students scoring in the proficient range (Level III or IV) reached new highs in four subjects: Algebra I, Algebra II, chemistry, and physics. More than 85% of students scored at Level III or IV in five subjects: Algebra I, Algebra II, English I, chemistry, and physics. The lowest percentage at Level III or IV was in physical science (65.8%); however, physical science showed the largest improvement from the previous year, rising more than four percentage points. The composite percentage of all EOC test scores at Level III or IV rose from 83.1% in 2002-03 to 83.2% for the eight courses tested in 2003-04.

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North Carolina's 2003-04 ABCs accountability results showed that, for the first time, more than half (64) of the Wake County Public School System's (WCPSS) schools were designated as Honor School of Excellence or School of Excellence and another 35 were designated as School of Distinction. The 79% of WCPSS schools receiving one of these designations was much higher than the 56% of schools statewide. High Growth was achieved by 46% of WCPSS schools compared to 35% of schools statewide. This was a decline for both the district and the state from 2003 when the percentages were 75% and 72% respectively. Expected Growth was achieved by 38% of WCPSS schools and 40% of schools statewide. Districtwide, the Performance Composite rose to 92.1% for grades 3-5, 88.9% for grades 6-8, and 82.8% for grades 9-12.

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The 2003 21st Century Grant summer program served 370 students at five elementary school sites--Carver, Hodge Road, Knightdale, Lockhart, and Zebulon. Grade levels served and program dates varied by location. The summer program provided reading intervention to students identified as in need of academic assistance. Seventy-one percent of summer program participants were free or reduced-price lunch recipients (FRL), 34% were classified as limited English proficient (LEP), 41% were Black/African American, and 39% were Hispanic/Latino students. These subgroups were over-represented relative to their percentages within the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) population. Approximately 42% of the summer program participants entered the program with below grade level scores. Academic outcomes are not yet available for analysis.

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The Title I/Accelerated Learning Program K-2 Literacy Program (ALP K-2) served 4,732 students in kindergarten, first, and second grade identified as at risk of failure and in need of assistance in language arts. For a variety of reasons, over half of the students who scored below grade level on local assessments as of spring 2002 were not served, and others who scored at grade level were served. Nearly all of the staff surveyed reported that the program was an effective method of improving students' literacy skills. ALP students' literacy skills did improve. However, the mean gains in print concept scores (for kindergarten) and book level scores (for grades 1 and 2) were no different than for similar students not served. Approximately the same percentage of students were on grade level in spring 2003 as in spring 2002.

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WCPSS has made some notable positive changes in achievement, graduation, and other outcomes over the last few years. This document summarizes trends over time in outcomes and district efforts which likely contributed.

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Project Achieve is a major Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) instructional initiative to improve student achievement adapted from a Brazosport, Texas model. The number of schools involved increased from 8 to 13 in 2002-03. Results were positive. All Project Achieve elementary and middle schools met the state ABCs High Growth standard both years (up from five in spring 2001), and nearly all schools increased the percent of students at or above grade level in their first year. In Year 2, compared to other WCPSS students, participation in Project Achieve was generally associated with significantly higher gains in mathematics and similar gains in reading (when background characteristics were controlled through regression analyses). Staff members also expressed more positive opinions about the academic program in their schools than in the past.

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The percentage of reading and math tests taken by Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) students in grades 3-8 that resulted in Level III or IV scores fell slightly in 2004 to 91.1% from 91.3% in 2003. However, the percentage of students scoring in Level IV remained stable at 60.4%. The percentage of students scoring in Level III or IV was slightly higher in Math (92.1%) than in Reading (90.0%). Average reading scale scores showed slight declines at all grade levels except grade 5, while average math scale scores rose slightly in grades 4, 5, 6, and 7 and fell slightly in grades 3 and 8. Disaggregation of scores by race/ethnicity showed a small decline (down about two percentage points) in the percentage of Hispanic scores on grade level in both reading and math, a small rise (less than one point) for Asian and Black students in both reading and math, and mixed results for White and Multi-ethnic groups. Students from low-income families and students with disabilities showed small improvements in both reading and math.

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Project Achieve is a major Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) instructional initiative to improve student achievement adapted from a Brazosport, Texas model. The number of schools involved increased from 8 to 13 in 2002-03. Results were generally positive. All Project Achieve elementary and middle schools met the state ABCs High Growth standard in spring 2003 (up from five in spring 2001), and 10 of 13 schools increased the percent of students at or above grade level. Compared to other WCPSS students, participation in Project Achieve was generally associated with significantly higher gains in mathematics and similar gains in reading (when background characteristics were controlled through regression analyses). Staff members also expressed more positive opinions about the academic program in their schools than in the past.

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In a study of 5,226 first-time 1995 9th-grade students, 12% of the students were students with disabilities (SWD). Academic performance indicators for the SWD group were far below the overall cohort indicators. Difficulties for students with disabilities could be observed beginning in ninth grade. The average GPA of SWD students at the end of ninth grade was 1.79(a D+ average) compared to an average GPA of 2.58 (a C+ average) for the overall cohort. Just 57% of the SWD cohort graduated (defined as completion of 12th grade with a diploma or certificate) compared to 77% of the overall cohort. Of the graduating SWD students, only 36% took the SAT with an average total score of 949, while 76% of the overall cohort took the SAT with an average total score of 1065. Black SWD students were less likely to graduate than White SWD students (45% compared to 66%). Behaviorally/Emotionally Disabled (BED) Black female students were least likely to graduate (13%). The 43% of SWD students who dropped out had a ninth grade average GPA of 0.82 (below a D average).

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In the first year of implementation of the federal No Child Left Behind legislation in North Carolina, 51 of the 79 elementary schools, one of the 25 middle schools, and one of the 16 high schools in Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) met the requirements of Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). Of the 48 Title I schools (all elementary) in WCPSS, 29 met AYP and 19 failed to meet AYP requirements. The number of reading and math AYP targets applicable to WCPSS schools ranged from eight to 32. Seven of the eight schools with 13 or fewer targets met the AYP requirements. All eleven schools with more than 25 targets failed to meet the AYP requirements. The two subgroups that most frequently failed to meet AYP were SWD (students with disabilities) and FRL (free or reduced-price lunch) students.

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Overall, the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) has seen positive changes in patterns of achievement and dropout rates over the last several years. However, the system continues to work towards optimal achievement for all students, closing achievement gaps, and improving Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) results. Each of the sections that follow cites key findings from reports produced by the Evaluation and Research Department (E&R) during the 2002-03 school year or from reports currently in progress that will analyze student outcomes from 2002-03. Subsequent pages contain figures illustrating some of the key findings.

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The percentage of WCPSS schools meeting either high growth or expected growth standards reached a new high of 97% in 2002-03. Elementary schools performed the best, with 89% achieving high growth. No elementary or high school failed to meet expected growth standards.

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End-of-Course (EOC) test scores in the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) in 2002-03 showed generally positive results when compared to prior years. Average scale scores rose in six out of ten subject areas, and the percentage of students scoring in the proficient range (Level III or Level IV) reached new highs in five out of ten subjects.

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Magnet Schools Assistance Program Annual Performance Report Year 2 (2002-03) From September 1, 2002, through June 30, 2003, the staff members of the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) 2001-04 Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) grant have successfully built upon the foundation they established in Year 1. This year they have endeavored to make up for any objectives not fully achieved in Year 1 and to attain all of their Year 2 objectives. Schools participating in the project and their magnet themes are: Brooks Elementary School - Museums, Joyner Elementary School - Language Explorations, Millbrook Elementary School - International Baccalaureate, Powell Elementary School - Visual and Performing Arts, and Moore Square Middle School - Museums. The project focuses on four major purposes and has objectives related to each. Annual benchmarks have been established to measure success in achieving the objectives. The four MSAP purposes are listed below, followed by a summary of accomplishments or deficits in meeting the Year 2 benchmarks for each purpose.

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For the first time in the WCPSS history, the percentage of all EOG exam scores at or above grade level (Level III or IV) surpassed 90% in 2003. The composite percentage, which includes reading and math scores for all grade 3-8 students, rose from 89.4% in 2002 to 91.3% this year.

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At the end of the 2001-02 school year, 90.5% percent of students in grades K-8 were promoted, 3.6% were retained, and 5.9% withdrew from Wake County Public Schools. Of the 48,874 students in grades 3-8, 95% took at least one End-of-Grade (EOG) test. The retention rate was higher among students in grades 3-8 who did not take EOG tests (6.1%) than for students who took EOG tests (2.4%). The rate of retention for male students was consistently higher than that of female students. Students receiving free or reduced lunch, students with Limited English Proficiency status, and students with Special Education status had lower promotion rates and higher retention rates than their counterparts. Kindergarten (8%) and 1st-grade (7%) students had the highest rate of retention. One percent of White students were retained compared to 5% of Black and Hispanic/Latino students.

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WCPSS initiated the Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) in 1999-2000 as the major new intervention to help all students reach grade-level performance in reading and math. Analyses of the program's third year results show that overall, changes in both achievement growth and performance support the effectiveness of ALP and other assistance at grades 3-8.

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In the 2001-02 school year, NovaNET students earned significantly higher GPAs and fewer F's than before participating in NovaNET. NovaNET students did not show significantly greater gains than students in a comparison group that had similar demographic and academic characteristics; however, analyses revealed that the two groups varied somewhat in terms of prior suspensions, so results should be interpreted with caution. Some schools had much greater participation and student success than others. Strategies used by successful NovaNET programs include individualizing coursework; supplemental counseling and behavior modification; selecting the most appropriate students; requiring students to sign a contract promising to complete the course; and giving offline assignments to supplement NovaNET. Extending successful school practices to all schools could increase overall program impact.

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This is an evaluation of the pilot year of Project Achieve, a major local instructional initiative at six elementary schools and two middle schools to help reach the WCPSS goal of 95% of students at or above grade level. Participating schools had a higher percentage of low-income students and low-achieving students and slightly less stable student populations than the district as a whole. The initiative is based on the same principles and instructional process applied in the Brazosport, Texas school district, with modifications tailored to local needs and based on the NC Standard Course of Study. Project training and development did occur as planned from early 2001 to implementation in the 2001-02 school year. Participating schools did exceed ABCs growth and performance standards of the previous (baseline) year, as evidenced by annual NC ABCs Accountability System reports. Additionally, parents and staff expressed more positive opinions about the academic program in participating schools.

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The Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) provides a comprehensive program of extra support for students in grades K-8 who have not yet reached grade level standards. In the summer of 2002, the Voyager Summer Academy was offered in WCPSS at grades 2-8 to students scoring at Level I or II (below grade level) in reading or math. (The State of North Carolina required a summer intervention at grades 3, 5, and 8, and WCPSS offered the program at the other grade levels as well.) WCPSS utilized the Voyager Time Warp series, which is a summer reading intervention program. Designed to decrease summer learning loss and reduce the achievement gap, Voyager Time Warp is based on the premise that lessons generating high student interest, combined with academically challenging material, will increase student motivation and improve student achievement. The Time Warp reading program is a four-hour-a day, four-week program. WCPSS also adopted Voyager's one-hour-per-day V-Math series for use in combination with the reading intervention. A variety of methods were used to assess the Voyager program including student, parent, teacher, and site coordinator surveys, a quality assurance checklist, in-depth interviews, and a focus group. Voyager pre/post assessments designed by the publisher and results on pre/post North Carolina End-of-Grade (EOG) tests were also used to evaluate Voyager's effectiveness.

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End-of-Course (EOC) test scores in the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) in 2001- 2002 showed generally positive results when compared to prior years. Both mean scale scores and the percentage of students scoring at Level III or Level IV reached new highs in eight out of ten subject areas.

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For all WCPSS schools: 55% achieved high growth; 33% achieved expected growth but did not reach high growth; 12% did not meet expected growth but showed adequate performance

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The percentage of students identified as needing extra support in the acquisition of reading skills at the next grade level dropped in kindergarten, first, and second grades from the 1999-2000 school year to 2000-2001. Approximately the same percentage of students in grades 1, 2, and 3 were identified as needing extra support in writing as had been reported in 1999-2000. As for mathematics performance, more kindergarten students in 2000-2001 (14%) than in 1999- 2000 (11%) remained at the pre-emergent stage of mathematics development and were identified as needing extra support in the next school year. The percent of grades 1-5 students demonstrating proficiency in none of the mathematics strands decreased from 1999-2000 but increased slightly for students demonstrating proficiency in only one of the four strands. Because of the subjective nature of the assessments, it is not clear if these results indicate a change in students' true achievement or an increased focus by teachers on requirements in some subjects. In other words, did the students really have better skills in reading and lower skills in math? Evidence from other sources will need to be considered before making changes in instruction or in allocation of resources.

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WCPSS EOG multiple-choice results for 2001- 2002 show increases at all grade levels in both reading and math. Both the percentage of students scoring at or above grade level and average scale scores reached new highs.

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In 2001-02, WCPSS Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) grant began implementation for three schools in the project and planned for two others. Schools in their first implementation year were: Joyner Elementary School, Language Explorations Millbrook Elementary School, International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme Powell Elementary School ,Visual and Performing Arts Schools in their planning year included Brooks Elementary School ( Museums), and Moore Square Middle School ( Museums). Objective accomplishment as of the end of year 1 is described.

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Both fourth-grade and seventh-grade writing assessment scores declined in 2002 in WCPSS. The percentage of fourth-grade students who scored at or above 2.5 dropped 23.8 percentage points from 78.1 in 2001 to 54.3 in 2002. Seventh-grade scores dropped 13.8 percentage points from 77.5 in 2001 to 63.7 in 2002

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The Wake County Public School System developed a project within an innovative assistance program area of Title VI--the provision of performing arts teachers within magnet elementary schools to provide arts education--under the "promising educational reform projects" category. Funding provided to private non-profit schools was used primarily for curricular materials. In the spring of 2001, Title VI funding was allocated for planning and training activities for new school improvement/reorganization efforts at seven schools under the "3a. Promising Educational Reform Programs: Effective Schools" category. This report provides information on implementation and attainment of objectives.

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Promotion/Retention of Students in Grades K-8 2000-2001

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Summer Academy in the Wake County Public Schools: An Evaluation of the 2001 Program

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Report Summary Analysis of EOG test results for 2000-2001 shows that: Scores on all four tests targeted by the 2003 Goal were higher than ever before. As reported in 2000, current rates of improvement are still inadequate to reach the goal. Groups that have the highest percentage of students scoring below grade level (students from low-income families, African-American and Hispanic students) have made the largest gains since 1998. ALP interventions appear to be benefiting all demographic groups. The strongest predictor of low achievement is income, as measured by eligibility for free or reduced price lunch. Approximately 46% of students tested who participated in the school lunch program scored in Levels I or II.

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2000-2001 North Carolina ABC Results

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Wake Summerbridge is an enrichment program that has supported selected WCPSS middle school students for a number of years. This evaluation compared subsequent academic performance, suspensions and dropout rates of students who had participated in the program with a comparison group of students with similar characteristics who did not participate in the program. The main positive finding was that dropout rates were much lower for Summerbridge students than for the comparison group (1% versus 13%). Achievement scores and grade point averages showed a slight but consistent advantage in absolute terms for Summerbridge students over the comparison group. The differences were not statistically significant, although they may have some educational significance. The percentage of students receiving F's and suspension rates actually favored the comparison group. However, the higher dropout rate among comparison students may account for the lower number of F's earned by this group. Some cautions must be kept in mind when interpreting these findings. Sample sizes were relatively small which makes statistical significance more difficult to detect (about 80 per group). Groups could differ in ways that could not be determined from school system data files (e.g., attitude toward school, rigor of course selections, middle versus higher income status). Given the results, the cost of providing the service should also be considered in decisions about future funding.

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2000-2001 End-of-Grade Multiple-Choice Test Results

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Summary Data compiled on the impact of school poverty in WCPSS support the current policy that sets 40% as a target maximum percentage of low-income students that would be assigned to a school. Major findings include: Previous actions of the district have created a system of schools in which relatively few campuses have a high concentration of poverty. Given the variations in WCPSS schools' performance, many factors beyond school poverty are affecting the achievement growth in each school. Analysis of EOG test scores showed that small reductions in the concentration of poverty at a school are unlikely to have a meaningful effect on student achievement growth, although the differences might be statistically significant. Larger changes in the concentration of poverty in a school would likely produce changes in student achievement growth that would be both statistically and educationally significant.

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The North Carolina Competency Tests Results 1999-2000

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1999-00 Computer Skills Tests Results

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Report Summary Analysis of EOG test results for 1999-2000 shows that: Scores on all four tests targeted by the 2003 Goal were higher than ever before. Current rates of improvement are inadequate to reach the goal. The groups which have the highest percentage of students scoring below grade level are students from low income families, African-American and Hispanic students, and students identified as learning disabled or behaviorally/emotionally handicapped. The strongest predictor of low achievement is income, as measured by eligibility for free or reduced price lunch. Approximately 52% of students qualifying for the school lunch program scored in Levels I or II. On average, students who qualify for the free or reduced lunch program (FRL) show smaller academic gains than other students and are three years behind their non-FRL peers in middle school.

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1999-2000 North Carolina ABC Results

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1999-2000 End-of-Grade Multiple Choice Test Results

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Measurement Error

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Iowa Test of Basic Skills: A 1998-99 Update

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1998-99 ABCs Results

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Progress Towards the 95% Goal

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The Impact of Poverty Upon Schools

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