Tag: High school

Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) SCORE Academy is an alternative learning high school composed of two distinct programs. SCORE Academy Re-engagement (A) serves students who are 16 to 21 years old and need to earn between one and 10 credits toward graduation. SCORE Academy Reassignment (B) serves students who have been reassigned by the WCPSS Discipline Review Committee (DRC) in lieu of receiving a long-term suspension. This report evaluates each program’s outcomes. Qualitative data collected from staff and students within each program show evidence of strong, positive relationships. An examination of credit accumulation across school years shows evidence of the program’s established goals being partially met. SCORE Academy A students who were enrolled in the program for five months or less in 2020-21 or 2021-22 earned, on average, two credits, thereby meeting the semester goal. Students who were enrolled for more than five months did not, on average, meet the yearly goal of four credits earned. In 2021-22, most of the students (86%) in SCORE Academy B were enrolled for five months or less and earned, on average, two credits, missing the goal of three or more credits. The official graduation rates for SCORE Academy in 2020 (48.9%) and 2022 (44.0%) exceeded the goal of 40%, and five-year graduation rates were higher, hovering around 60%. SCORE Academy B students who returned to their base high schools had comparatively lower graduation rates with no added value in examining the five-year rate. Based on these findings, recommendations are given to improve program transparency and adjust program goals.

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In 2016, WCPSS senior leadership determined that students were not consistently engaged with content, instruction, or tasks that support the specific instructional shifts in the North Carolina State Standards and 4Cs (communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity). After an internal review process, the district decided to adopt the EL Education curricula for Grades 3-8, Open Up Resources (OUR) for Grades 6-8, and the Mathematics Vision Project (MVP) for Math 1, 2, and 3. This report describes the implementation and goal outcomes of these curricula based on teacher and student survey data, as well as interviews with program staff across all grade levels. Generally speaking, teachers considered the new curricula to be of high quality, albeit many had concerns about their appropriateness for some students (e.g., struggling students, English Learners, etc.). Teachers consistently agreed that the new curricula gave all students ample opportunities to develop the 4Cs, and most believed they were able to implement their new curriculum with fidelity. Over time, teachers became increasingly comfortable in their ability to differentiate instruction within their new curriculum and felt less of a need for additional training and support. Most agreed that the resources provided by the district were valuable in supporting student learning, and that the implementation of the initiative had a mostly positive effect on students’ outcomes. This report concludes with a discussion of the lessons Academics staff have learned from the curricula rollouts, acknowledges how unforeseen challenges were handled, and makes recommendations for moving forward with future curricula rollouts. Recommendations include allowing adequate time for the rollout, involving all stakeholders, providing adequate time for students and staff to make adjustments, developing mindset shifts, providing ample supplementary resources to teachers, and developing a comprehensive strategy to rebuild and sustain the professional development infrastructure.

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This literature review is intended to provide an overview of the current research literature on the effects of early secondary school start times on student outcomes and to help inform decisions regarding options for future Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) start times. Even though research shows that getting sufficient sleep is critical for all students, sleep deprivation is prevalent among American adolescents. Early school start times are one of the primary hurdles secondary students face to getting enough sleep. As states and districts across the country deliberate adjusting school start times, current research suggests that pushing back secondary school start times (i.e., starting later) is an effective counter measure to combat sleep deprivation and to positively impact students’ sleep patterns, physical and mental health, safety, and academic outcomes.

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In response to inquiries about the roles of School Resource Officers (SROs), the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) conducted a review of the SRO program using data from several sources: SRO referral and incident data; a survey of WCPSS students, staff, and members of the community; and data from focus groups. Two major themes emerged from the review: equity and the use of a law enforcement officer in an SRO role. While student incidents and number of referrals have been trending down overall since 2017-18, disproportionality in referrals remains a concern particularly for Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino students. Referrals have also shifted toward less punitive consequences over the past few years. Data from focus group discussions indicated some participants also felt that the disproportionate impact on students of color points to a need for change in the SRO program. Survey results showed positive perceptions of SROs, although some respondents indicated a need to reduce ambiguity in SROs roles (e.g., increase awareness of the role and function of SROs, etc.). Survey respondents also indicated a need for SROs to receive more training on working in a school environment. Respondents were in agreement that school administrators should have more say about which SROs are assigned to their schools. However, some participants in the parent/community members focus group felt that sworn law enforcement officers (i.e., SROs) should not have a role in schools. Like survey respondents, focus group participants mentioned a lack of definition and clear communication about the SRO role; this insufficiency might be driving the negative and ambiguous responses on SROs in the survey data. Participants in the focus groups indicated WCPSS has missed opportunities of intentionally building positive relationships between SROs and stakeholders.

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This report completes a three-year (2016-17, 2017-18, and 2018-19) quasi-experimental evaluation of the fidelity of implementation of the Capturing Kids’ Hearts program and its impact on two outcomes, teacher-student relationships and student behavior within the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS). Findings from focus groups, teacher self-assessments, and classroom observations from Capturing Kids’ Hearts schools and comparison schools suggest that Capturing Kids’ Hearts is not being implemented consistently. Statistical significance tests show no difference in the desired outcomes between the intervention and comparison schools. These findings may be attributed to the fact that many WCPSS schools use similar strategies that fall under different names. In light of these results, the authors discuss implications for practice and policy within the district.

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The WCPSS Student Survey is administered each year to measure students’ perceptions about their learning experiences. Approximately 70,000 students from grades 5 through 12 responded in the spring of 2019. The majority of students had positive perceptions of their schools and teachers, were hopeful about their future, felt supported by their family, and had friends at school. Rates of agreement declined from 5th grade to 12th grade in response to items about Control and Relevance of School Work. In contrast to lower grade levels, students in higher grade levels had an increased level of agreement on four out of seven civic engagement statements. In addition, for some survey questions, there were differences in the extent of agreement between male and female students, and across ethnic groups. Details of the survey results by each domain are summarized in the report below.

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Wake County Public School's (WCPSS) strategic plan “Vision 2020” set a district goal of annually graduating at least 95% of its students ready for productive citizenship as well as higher education or a career. In 2018, for the sixth year in a row, the district’s four-year cohort graduation rate rose again. Over the past 10 years, WCPSS’ graduation rate has increased over 10 percentage points, from 78.4% in 2009 to 89.1% in 2018. Impressive gains have been made by most student subgroups, and have led to a narrowing of the graduation gap between subgroups. For example, gaps between White and Hispanic/Latino students and White and Black students are now half of what they were in 2009, with the largest increases in graduation rates shown by Hispanic/Latino male and female students.

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The Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework, which uses a systems approach to promote school improvement and support all students in improving academics and behavior using data-based problem-solving, is a key part of the Wake County Public Schools System (WCPSS) Strategic Plan. As of 2017-18, MTSS schools were at the initial stages of MTSS implementation and showed no significant improvement in Grades 3 and 8 reading proficiency, overall achievement, or Education Value-Added Assessment System (EVAAS) growth ratings that could be attributed to MTSS implementation. Suspension rates and eligibility for special education in high incidence categories were not yet a focus for the practices or professional learning and were also not positively affected by MTSS. However, a higher percentage of teachers in treatment than control elementary schools reported that MTSS positively affected student achievement in their schools. Additionally, MTSS had a positive effect on Hispanic/Latino students’ 2017-18 graduation rates and on reduction of their special education eligibility rates at elementary schools. The initial results suggest that MTSS should remain a district priority with an ongoing leadership support, expanded focus on tiered supports and on the behavioral component of MTSS.

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The WCPSS Student Survey is administered each year to measure students’ perceptions about their learning experiences. Over 24,000 students in grades 5, 8, and 9 responded to the 51-item survey in the spring of 2018. Results by grade were very similar to 2017 survey results. The majority of students had positive perceptions of their schools and teachers, were hopeful about their future, felt supported by their family, and had friends at school. Rates of agreement declined from 5th grade to 9th grade, particularly in response to items about Control and Relevance of School Work. Additionally, for many survey items there were moderate to large differences (more than five percentage points) across racial/ethnic subgroups.

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How well are WCPSS students prepared for problem-solving, scientific reasoning, and critical thinking? Are WCPSS' 15-year-olds able to apply what they have learned to unfamiliar settings? PISA and CWRA+ assessments give us a glimpse of how WCPSS students are doing compared to national and international benchmarks. PISA: In 2018, a sample of WCPSS students in 5 high schools out-performed both the U.S. national and international students in each core subject (science, math, and reading). CWRA+: In Spring 2018, 1,570 WCPSS high school juniors participated in the CWRA+ assessments. CWRA+ measures students' skills in problem-solving, scientific reasoning, and critical thinking. Overall, 51% of WCPSS students performed at either "proficient, accomplished, or advanced" levels.

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Career academies serve an increasingly wide range of students. This paper examines the contemporary profile of students entering career academies in a large, diverse school district and estimates causal effects of participation in one of the district’s well-regarded academies on a range of high school and college outcomes. Exploiting the lottery-based admissions process of this technology-focused academy, we find that academy enrollment increases the likelihood of high school graduation by about 8 percentage points and boosts rates of college enrollment for males but not females. Analysis of intermediate outcomes suggests that effects on attendance and industry-relevant certification at least partially mediate the overall high school graduation effect.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that U.S. secondary schools begin after 8:30 a.m. to better align with the circadian rhythms of adolescents. Yet due to economic and logistic considerations, the vast majority of high schools begin the school day considerably earlier. We leverage a quasi-natural experiment in which five comprehensive high schools in one of the nation’s largest school systems moved start times forty minutes earlier to better coordinate with earlier-start high schools. Here, disruption effects should exacerbate any harmful consequences. We report on the effect of earlier start times on a broad range of outcomes, including mandatory ACT test scores, absenteeism, on-time progress in high school, and college-going. While we fail to find evidence of harmful effects on test scores, we do see a rise in absenteeism and tardiness rates, as well as higher rates of dropping out of high school. These results suggest that the harmful effects of early start times may not be well captured by considering test scores alone.

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The WCPSS Student Survey is administered each year to measure students’ perceptions about their learning experiences. Over 28,000 students in grades 5, 8, and 9 responded to the 50-item survey in the spring of 2017. Results by grade were very similar to 2016 survey results. The majority of students had positive perceptions of their schools and teachers, were hopeful about their future, felt supported by their family, and had friends at school. Rates of agreement declined from 5th grade to 9th grade, particularly in response to items about Control and Relevance of School Work.

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In the spring of 2016 and 2017, over 3,600 high school juniors were administered a brief survey commonly used to measure financial literacy among adults across the US. The district administered this survey because education stakeholders have become increasingly interested in—and concerned about—the financial literacy of students as a component of readiness for college, career and citizenship. Results showed that male students demonstrated greater financial literacy than female students. Also, Asian and White students exhibited rates of financial literacy roughly double those of their Black and Hispanic/Latino counterparts. When considering a number of factors together, Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) status, being male, and meeting college/career readiness benchmarks in 8th grade math were the strongest predictors of financial literacy. The results suggest that WCPSS should explore interventions that can help close these gaps to ensure that all students leave high school with a solid foundation in financial literacy.

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The Teacher Leaders Corps had many strengths and was fairly successful in reaching its implementation and short-term goals. Central training quality was considered strong and attendance rates were high (especially in Years 1 and 2). Of those who began the TLC work in 2013-14, approximately 60% participated all three years. At the school level, about half of the intended dissemination events took place. Professional learning sessions emphasized use of various digital resources. Discovery Education resources were available to all schools and provided evidence that online resources were utilized by teachers and students. DE utilization was higher in Year 1 than in Year 2 or 3; and teachers utilized DE more than students. Decreased use of DE after Year 1 could reflect less interest or an increase in digital resources available to schools. TLC members utilized technology appropriately and in a variety of ways based on classroom observations. The school team model utilized in TLC provided a better opportunity for sustaining the effort than training sessions with no follow-up. Ways to further increase the likelihood of implementation, impact, and sustainability in schools include putting structures in place at the central and school level to facilitate and monitor teacher implementation and to provide more coaching for teachers.

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Apex High School’s Academy of Information Technology (AOIT), launched in 2001, is one of the nation’s most highly regarded career academies. Despite its strong reputation, we know very little about the impact of AOIT on student outcomes. To measure these causal impacts, we leveraged the fact that AOIT has admitted students through a lottery, which creates “treatment” and “control” groups that are similar and have outcomes that we can compare. Results show that gaining admittance to AOIT and subsequently enrolling increases high school graduation and college enrollment rates by about 8 percentage points, with the attainment gains concentrated among male students. We also found that academy participation reduced 9th grade absences and participation in the concentrated curriculum did not reduce the likelihood of taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses or performance on the AP exams.

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This is the third and final of a series of evaluation reports the Data, Research, and Accountability (DRA) Department has conducted on the Communities In Schools (CIS) Graduation Coach program within the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS). In 2015-16, Graduation Coaches served approximately 600 students across eight WCPSS elementary, middle, and high schools. Of these program participants, 62% met the selection criteria for attendance, behavior, and/or academic areas of need which were established by WCPSS and CIS Wake staff for students. Students were most often served for academic reasons. Within all areas, students who met the selection criteria were more likely to meet the corresponding goals compared to students who did not meet the criteria. However, results also show that program students who met the selection criteria had similar outcomes to students who also met the selection criteria yet were not served by Graduation Coaches. Thus, effectiveness of the program’s services was not evident. The program is funded by the district at $350,000 annually. Should WCPSS continue this program, DRA offers the following recommendations: 1) broaden the behavior selection criteria and serve students who meet the attendance, behavior, and/or academic criteria; 2) provide services that are more intensive and directly related to students’ needs; and 3) improve the tracking of service-delivery data.

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The Effective Teaching Framework (ETF) initiative was designed to provide a common language and lens for understanding the skills, strategies, and resources needed for teachers and school leaders to create an optimal learning environment for all students. ETF training consisted of six full days of training for principals, assistant principals (APs), and selected Central Services staff, as well as an abridged version (24 hours) for Instructional Resource Teachers (IRTs). Beginning and mentor teachers also received some training. Training was provided to all cohorts as planned. Generally, the training sessions were well-attended and highly-rated by the participants; in 2015-16, 92.7% agreed it helped them become more effective in their roles. The trainings were supplemented by an ETF website that provided a wide range of online resources. However, the website was underutilized, with only 26.3% of teachers indicating that they used the website to improve their teaching. In most cases, implementation of ETF was limited to individuals applying their learning to classroom observations and teacher evaluations. Based on focus group interviews with APs, barriers to school-wide ETF efforts included: a) confusion about expectations for orchestrating an ETF “rollout” at their schools, b) lack of communication and follow-up from Central Services staff, c) leadership changes, d) lack of communal training and planning time among the schools’ administrative teams, and e) lack of grassroots support for the initiative at the school level. While training quality was high, building stronger buy-in before implementation, communicating clearer expectations, and implementing structures to support long-lasting roll-outs at the school level are recommended.

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How well are Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) students prepared for problem-solving, scientific reasoning, and critical thinking? (a) WCPSS schools out-performed both the U.S., national, and international averages in each core subject of the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA): mathematics, reading, and science. (b) Overall, 60% of WCPSS high school students in 2016 performed at a proficient level or above in problem-solving, scientific reasoning, and critical thinking in the College and Work Readiness Assessment (CWRA+). WCPSS juniors’ overall performance in CWRA+ was near the middle point between the averages of freshmen and seniors in the national CWRA+ sample. However, the WCPSS scores on the performance task and selected-response items diverged.

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The student survey video was created as a tool to help individuals gain a greater understanding of the following key elements measured by the WCPSS Student Survey: (a) Teacher-student relationships (b) Rigor (c) Control and Relevance of student work (d) Peer support for learning (e) Future goals (f) Civic engagement (g) Family support (h) Grit In the video, staff explain the importance of gathering data on the perceptions of students about their learning experiences which is a reliable indicator of how well students perform in school (Harvard University, 2015, see full article). The more students are engaged the motivation they have to learn and progress in their education is enhanced.

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The WCPSS Student Survey is administered each year to measure students’ perceptions about their learning experiences. Over 30,000 students in grades 5, 8, and 9 responded to the 50-item survey in the spring of 2016. Results by grade and subgroup were very similar to 2015 survey results. The vast majority of students had positive perceptions of their schools and teachers, were hopeful about their future, felt supported by their family, and had friends at school. Rates of agreement declined from 5th grade to 9th grade, particularly in response to items about Control and Relevance of School Work. Significant differences in response patterns among subgroups were identified on some survey items, and the responses of proficient and non-proficient students differed significantly on some items as well.

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The WCPSS Student Survey is administered each year to measure students’ perceptions about their learning experiences. In 2014-15, the content of the survey, as well as the grades to which it was administered, were changed to better capture measures of engagement and grit during students’ transition years. Over 23,000 students in grades 5, 8, and 9 responded to the 49-item survey in the spring of 2015. Results indicated that students worked hard to meet teachers’ expectations, planned to continue their education after high school, felt hopeful about their future, felt supported by their family, and had friends at school. Rates of agreement declined from 5th grade to 9th grade, particularly in response to items about Control and Relevance of School Work. Significant differences in response patterns within subgroups were identified on all survey items, and the responses of proficient and non-proficient students differed significantly on most items.

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AP outcomes for WCPSS students have continued an upward trend for over 18 years, out-performing the state and the nation in all measures. In 2013-14 there were 13,757 exams taken by 6,955 WCPSS test-takers with almost 76% of the exams resulting in scores at or above 3, outperforming Guilford (53.0%), Mecklenburg (49.8%), NC (57.7%), and the U.S. (53.7%). The WCPSS overall exam average was 3.37, down by 0.3 points from 2012-13 but still higher than the state (2.84) and the nation (2.87). As in past years, top popular subjects remained the same, with Environmental Science, Psychology, English Language & Composition, US History, and Statistics having over 1,000 test-takers each. In addition, Human Geography almost tripled test-takers from 412 in 2012-13 to 1,149 in 2013-14, replacing Statistics in the top five. Minority students continue to be underrepresented in AP course enrollments. Schools can use these data to benchmark themselves against their peers and past performance. Schools need to intensify supports and systems to attract and encourage additional qualified students to enroll in rigorous AP coursework.

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In 2013-14, students in WCPSS continued to score 60-70 points higher on the SAT compared to students in NC and across the nation. All major WCPSS ethnic groups also continued to score significantly higher than their peers. Fifty-four percent of WCPSS students met the College Board's College and Career Readiness Benchmark. North Carolina had 41% of its students meeting the benchmark, while the nation had 43%. Continued improvements on college entrance exams are likely to be driven by student exposure to rigorous curriculum and high-level coursework. Schools are encouraged to find ways to prepare all students to engage in rigorous experiences in high school.

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The WCPSS Student Survey is administered each year to measure students' impressions of their school and their learning experiences. 2013-14 results indicate that elementary school students had a more positive impression of their learning environment than middle or high school students. Results were similar to those of recent years except for a lower percentage of 7th and 10th grade students reporting that they are learning about other cultures and countries. Another exception was a decline in the percentage of 10th grade students agreeing that the information they are learning will help them beyond high school.

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The 2013 North Carolina Youth Risk Behavior Survey was administered to a sample of Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) students in the spring of 2013 to measure behaviors relating to drugs and alcohol use, personal safety and violence, physical health and activity, and nutrition. High school students in WCPSS and high school students across the state responded similarly to nearly all North Carolina Youth Risk Behavior Survey items with the exception of wearing a helmet when riding a bicycle, carrying a weapon within the last 30 days, getting eight hours of sleep on an average school night, and being alone for three or more hours on an average school day. Within WCPSS, responses to some items varied by gender, grade level, and race/ethnicity.

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Despite increases in student membership each year, WCPSS continues to maintain a steady decline in dropout counts. In 2012-13, the WCPSS high school dropout rate fell to 1.95%, its lowest rate ever. The WCPSS rate is lower than the state's rate, and also the lowest of the other four large school districts in North Carolina (Guilford 2.07%, Forsyth 2.72%, Mecklenburg 3.02%, and Durham 3.21%). WCPSS dropout rates by ethnicity in 2012-13 also fell for all subgroups, with Black/African-American students experiencing the largest drop of 1.8 percentage points, from 4.6% in 2011-12 to 2.8% in 2012-13.

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In 2012-13, students in WCPSS continued to score 50-60 points higher on the SAT compared to students in NC and across the nation. Most major WCPSS ethnic groups also continued to score significantly higher than their peers. Trends in performance on college entrance exams such as the SAT represent important metrics for monitoring how well the system is preparing all students for post- secondary success.

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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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Students in Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) continue to score well on AP exams with an increased percentage of students enrolling in the courses. As in past years, in 2013 the district had higher average AP exam scores compared to the state and the nation. WCPSS had 76.6% of scores 3 or higher in 2013 (qualified and above). Again in both 2012 and 2013, a high number of students took exams in Environmental Science, English Language & Composition, Psychology, and Statistics. Schools can use these data to benchmark themselves against their own past performance as well as their peers across the district. Encouraging more students to participate in AP classes and take the exams, in addition to other high-level coursework, should help WCPSS graduates be college and career-ready.

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Retention means repeating one or more courses in high school, rather than a full grade. Over 3,500 high school students were retained in 2011-12 in WCPSS, with the largest numbers in grades 9 and 10. Some students enter high school below grade level. In 2011-12, half the WCPSS high schools had greater than 30% of students entering 9th grade below grade level in reading and greater than 20% below grade level in mathematics based on EOG scores from grade 8. Of retained students in grade 9: nearly two thirds failed English I; more than half failed science and social studies; and nearly half failed mathematics. In addition, 1 in 5 retained students in grade 9 passed English I, but were missing credit in another course subject. While high schools have resources for students performing below grade level (e.g.,"bridging" courses and general supports) the supports examined were limited and/or underutilized, with the exception of mathematics support courses. Fewer than 15% of students who entered high school below grade level were enrolled in a reading support course. Based on the study's findings, it is recommended that staff: identify and utilize early indicators to determine students in need of extra support; find ways to increase the availability and usage of middle and high school supports for struggling students and monitor their success; and examine practices that may help lower retention rates.

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WCPSS students continue to fare well on the SAT test compared to students in the state and nation. While there was a slight decline in the overall average score in 2012 compared to the previous year, the scores continue a trend of measurable improvement over time. In addition, most major ethnic groups continue to have average scores significantly higher than comparable groups in the state and nation. In 19 of the last 21 years, the WCPSS participation rate has remained above 70%, suggesting that a large majority of WCPSS seniors are intending to continue their education by going to college. In the same 21-year time frame, participation rates for the state have mostly been in the 60% range, while national rates have been in the high 40s.

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The second year (2011-12) of the Formative Assessment with Technology Project in three WCPSS schools was studied to determine the fidelity of implementation of the formative assessment practices and the project's impact on student achievement. Classroom observations and surveys of teachers and students showed that implementation was moderate, and it varied widely across teachers. Certain targeted practices were reported or observed much more often than others. High turnover in the teachers participating in the project likely contributed to the uneven implementation. High school staff had the highest level of implementation of training concepts as well as the highest use of the electronic response tools for assessment. Full implementation and impact on state achievement test scores was expected to take two years to be evident. Since only nine teachers participated and had data for two years, impact could not be reliably assessed. This pilot training model would be too expensive to roll out district-wide in WCPSS. More cost effective models may be used to encourage appropriate use of formative assessment.

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WCPSS PLT survey responses have been positive over time, remaining at high levels for the past six school years. Analyses of High Five PLT Survey data from 2007-08 to 2012-13 show: The percentage of positive agreement to each of the High Five PLT Survey themes increased between 4 and 11 percentage points since baseline data was first collected in the 2007-08 school year. When the survey data were disaggregated by the six PLT themes, only "collaborative culture/team processes" showed a decline (two percentage points). When the survey items are examined individually, the percentage of respondents marking that they "strongly agree" almost universally decreased from 2011-12, while the percentage marking "agree" showed a corresponding increase. Administering the High Five PLT Survey at less frequent intervals is recommended, as well as standardized PLT training for all new staff.

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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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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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On January 10, 2013 the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI) released its annual statewide Dropout Report covering the 2011-12 school year. Charts show the dropout rate for WCPSS compared to the state as a whole, to other large school districts in North Carolina, and by selected student subgroups.

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The overall results from the 2011-12 student survey were positive. The most positive results pertained to overall satisfaction with the participants' school, with the most unfavorable results centered on the consistency of challenging work being assigned to students and bullying. In general, 4th grade students responded more favorably than 7th and 10th grade students. Students also tended to pick the second most positive response rather than the most positive, indicating room for improvement. Items related to rigor, relevance, and relationships provided findings of interest in implementing the WCPSS strategic plan. Recommendations include improving rigor and support for student learning, considering expectations for schools with and without STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and Global themes for exposure to these areas, and discussing ways to address bullying in schools.

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Student Achievement in WCPSS, 2011-

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Summary - WCPSS PLT survey responses have been positive over time, reaching a high plateau for the last three years. Analyses of High Five PLT Survey data from 2007-12 show: In 2011-12, high percentages (87.2%) of WCPSS teachers responding to the High Five PLT Survey provided positive responses to the items. Responses have been positive from 2007-08 to 2011-12, with small increases over time. Overall, WCPSS has shown an improvement in its PLT Performance Index of 5.7 percentage points over five years. The elementary, middle, and high schools have shown gains of 4.2, 7.5, and 9.1 percentage points, respectively. The implementation of dedicated time for PLT work (Wake Wednesdays) correlated to slight increases in PLT indices at the elementary and middle school levels; only the elementary level saw a slight decline when dedicated time was no longer provided.

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Professional Learning Teams were first introduced in WCPSS in 2003. Implementation checks, first done in 2007-08, showed most teachers (81.5%) reported involvement in PLT work. These high percentages improved slowly over time, with 87% positive responses to items by fall of 2011. In terms of impact, 81% of teachers indicated students learned more because of their PLT work. Student retention rates, classroom grades, state test performance, and graduation rates have all improved over time. Regression analyses indicated those schools who utilized PLTs the most had greater decreases in student retention rates than those with lower implementation. Similar analyses for student growth on test results just missed statistical significance. While it is difficult to separate out the impact of PLT work from other initiatives, these analyses suggest PLTs have contributed to improvements in WCPSS outcomes despite tough economic times and increasing challenges for teachers.

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One method of delivering college-level coursework to high school students is through the Advanced Placement (AP) program. Many colleges and universities provide credit to students who earn a qualifying score on any of the 34 available AP exams1 offered by the College Board. All qualified comprehensive high schools in the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) offer AP courses and exams, although the availability of specific courses varies from school to school.

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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 Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) Board policy indicates that central staff are to support school implementation of Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) and to participate in PLTs at the central level. Central Services supported PLT work in the schools in a variety of ways. The percentage of principals who saw this support as adequate dropped from 85% to 70% between spring 2010 and 2011. Within Central Services, 86% of survey respondents reported participating in at least one PLT. Of those responding to the Spring 2011 PLT survey, responses remained overwhelming positive about implementation and effectiveness. However, without exception, the strength of agreement decreased, with the percentage of respondents who "strongly agreed" dropping between 2010 and 2011.

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Student Achievement in WCPSS, 2010-2011

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Comprehensive Assessment Systems: Purposes and Implementation

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In 2009-10, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved to include a five-year graduation rate as well as a four-year rate in determining if schools, districts, and the state made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) under the NCLB Act. This rate was based on the incoming 9th grade students of 2005-06. The denominator of the cohort remained the same for both the 2008-09 four-year and the 2009-10 five-year rate with an additional 296 graduates added to the numerator in the fifth year. The 2009-10 five-year district rate rose to 81.5% from a 2008-09 four-year rate of 78.4%. The subgroups with the largest increases were limited English proficient (9.8 percentage points), economically disadvantaged (7.8 percentage points), and students with disabilities subgroups (7.4 percentage points). Hispanic/Latino and Black/African American students had the largest rate increases among ethnic subgroups (6.6 and 5.5 percentage points, respectively).

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Courses in the arts develop skills specific to the discipline. Research also suggests that the arts contribute to enhanced attentiveness, engagement in school, communication skills, and critical and divergent thinking. Other studies point out benefits for at-risk students in reducing negative outcomes such as dropout and crime rates. Studies report a correlational relationship between arts education and reading achievement, but a causal link has not been established. Thus, there is evidence of benefits of the arts that can support students' success in school, but more high quality causal studies are needed.

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High School Four-Year Graduation Rates, Wake County Public School System (WCPSS): 2009-10

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The Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) continues to implement Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) as a research-based method of improving teacher effectiveness and increasing student achievement. Over each of the last four years, a survey of educators was conducted in WCPSS and the other four High Five districts. As in previous years, this year's data showed strong support among teachers for the PLT model; between 73% and 91% of respondents indicating that they "strongly agree" or "agree" with the statements pertaining to the six PLT themes. Viewed longitudinally, positive responses for each theme have increased between four and eight percentage points since 2007-08. When 2010-11 results were compared with 2009-10, the results were less dramatic, with smaller changes in the percentage of positive responses.

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On March 3rd, 2011, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI) released its annual statewide Dropout Report covering the 2009-10 school year. Charts show the dropout rate for WCPSS compared to the state as a whole, to other large school districts in North Carolina, and by the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) subgroups.

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End-of-Course (EOC) tests are given statewide in selected courses typically taken in high school. Results for 2009-10 (and prior years, where available) are reported in terms of both average scale scores and the percentage of students scoring proficient. For the first time in 2009-10, all students who scored at Level II on EOCs were retested. Retests added 3.7 to 5.8 percentage points to the overall proficiency rates on each test. Changes in performance between 2008-09 and 2009-10 varied by group and by course, although most ethnic groups saw increases in both proficiency and average scale scores across the board. Despite gains of the last three to five years, Hispanic/Latino students, students from lower-income backgrounds, and students with limited English proficiency (LEP) scored below their corresponding NC state rates. The LEP subgroup is barely above 50% proficient. It is imperative that progress for these groups continue to accelerate.

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In 2009-10, 92% of WCPSS schools met Expected or High Growth as measured by the North Carolina ABCs program, a 3.5 percentage point increase from 2008-09. Fifty-four percent of the schools made High Growth and 38% made Expected Growth. All subgroups saw their percentages of students meeting growth increase to above 55% in 2009-10; with the "All Students" group above 60% (the state's definition of High Growth for a school). Slightly more than 90% of WCPSS schools were in the recognition categories Honor Schools of Excellence (5.8%), Schools of Excellence (3.2%), Schools of Distinction (40.6%), or Schools of Progress (40.6%). Yet there was a substantial decrease in the number of schools making AYP (38.4%) compared to 2008-09 (62.8%). The decrease in 2009-10 can partly be explained by the one-year effect of retests that benefitted schools in 2008-09, and the invalidation of tests for high school occupational course of study students by the U.S. Department of Education. There were a much greater proportion of schools that met High Growth among the schools that met AYP (71.7%) than among those that did not meet AYP (43.2%).

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Academy of READING (AoR) is designed to improve students' foundational reading skills; it is used in almost all Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) secondary schools. Central staff recommended students with prior End of Grade/Course (EOG/EOC) scale scores placing them high in Level II or low in Level III have first priority for service; many students served scored below this range (second priority). Program completion rates increased from 2008-09 (26%) to 2009-10 (41%), but were still considerably lower than desired (100%). Growth for 2009-10 AoR participants on End of Grade reading/English tests was strong (with the percentage of students reaching their growth targets increasing from 37.5% before service to 60.1% afterwards). This improvement is educationally important. Program completion gave students only a slight advantage in terms of EOG growth. The program appeared to be helpful, with patterns generally favoring middle school over high school students.

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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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As a result of Board Policy 3610, PLTs were implemented across WCPSS in a consistent fashion in 2009-10. Data show that implementation improved and teachers spent more time engaged in collaborative work. School staff cited numerous benefits for teachers and students. Regression analyses showed a reasonably strong correlation between high levels of PLT implementation and students' academic achievement, attendance, and their overall level of satisfaction with their schools. Essential characteristics of PLTs were illustrated in case studies of high-performing PLTs' in the district. While collaborative cultures have been well-established, most teams could benefit from additional training on ways to use data, and on ways to evaluate the success of their efforts. Communications with school communities could also be more consistent across schools.

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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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WCPSS Advanced Placement (AP) Test Results, 2009-10

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In 2009-10, students in Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) posted average SAT scores of 543 in mathematics, 524 in critical reading and 504 in writing. The combined score for mathematics and critical reading was 1067, with a total average score of 1571.

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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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Student Achievement in WCPSS, 2009-2010

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In 2008-09, results from End-of-Grade (EOG) reading and mathematics tests in WCPSS continued to demonstrate an upward trend across grade levels and student subgroups. Disaggregation of results by ethnicity, income level, disability status, and English proficiency status showed that achievement gaps between historically underperforming subgroups and their peers are still significant but are closing. Results of the new EOG science test in grades 5 and 8 showed that proficiency rates in science are below those for reading and mathematics. The effect of retesting for students who fail to score proficient on the first administration of EOG tests indicated that retesting improved proficiency rates by 4-9 percentage points, and that some groups of students benefited more than others from retesting.

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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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The Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) continues to implement Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) as a research-based method of improving teacher effectiveness and increasing student achievement. High Five PLT Survey results from 2007-08 through 2009-10 showed a strong level of support for the PLT oncept. The 2009-10 results revealed 73% to 92% of the respondents agreed or strongly agreed with all statements pertaining to each of the six core PLT themes. Generally, teachers responded more positively to the survey items in 2009-10 than in previous years. The percentage of teachers meeting weekly for over an hour increased greatly over prior years after implementation of the Board policy on PLTs. In short, survey results suggest strong implementation, with slow but measureable progress towards full functioning of all components of the model.

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On February 5th, 2009, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction released its annual statewide Dropout Report covering the 2007-08 school year. Charts show the dropout rate for WCPSS compared to the state as a whole, to other large school districts in North Carolina, and by race.

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A Digest of UNC System Reports on Freshman Performance: 2006-07

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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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NovaNET is a technology-based teacher-facilitated educational approach used at schools to support students at risk of not meeting graduation requirements to accrue credits in a variety of subjects. NovaNET contributes to the WCPSS goal of closing achievement gaps and creating opportunities for all students to graduate on time. In 2008-09, 38 NovaNET courses were offered districtwide. All high schools offered credit recovery (CR) courses. Six schools offered remediation opportunities, and 11 offered new credits. Based on summer courses, NovaNET had a high success rate in helping students earn credits towards graduation. Based on high summer pass rates, it is recommended to encourage use of NovaNET to earn course credits, examine ways to enhance EOC performance, designate use of NovaNET within course codes, streamline reporting methods, and enhance monitoring of success. Consider expanded use of NovaNET as a supplement for regular courses. Based on cost-effectiveness, expand student access to NovaNET in summer if feasible.

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ABCs and AYP Results,WCPSS: 2008-09

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High School Graduation Rates, Wake County Public School System (WCPSS): 2008-09

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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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Analysis of 2008-09 WCPSS SAT Scores

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WCPSS Advanced Placement (AP) Test Results, 2008-09

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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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End-of-Course (EOC) tests are given statewide in ten courses typically taken in high school. Results for 2007-08 (and prior years, where available) are reported in terms of both average scale scores and the percentage of students who scored proficient. After the recent introduction of new EOC tests, scores for students in WCPSS have begun to tick back upward after a decline attributable to higher standards on those new tests. However, significant gaps in achievement are still evident, and proficiency rates have not fully recovered to the levels seen prior to these new tests. Higher standards, coupled with new EOC-based graduation requirements and a changing student population continue to pose significant challenges to ensuring success for all 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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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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The Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) continues to implement Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) as a research-based method of increasing student achievement and improving teaching effectiveness. Teachers were surveyed in 2007-08 and again in 2008-09 to obtain data about the status of PLC implementation efforts within the district. The 2008-09 results showed a strong level of support for the PLC concept (71% to 89% of the survey respondents agreed or strongly agreed with statements pertaining to each of the six core PLC themes). In most instances, teachers responded more positively to the survey items in 2008-09 than they did the year before. In short, survey results suggest that the district is making progress towards its goal of full PLC implementation.

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'The Wake County Public Schools' (WCPSS) Assessment Item Bank was surveyed to determine the current number of items and to help in developing future plans for the system. First, the Department of Public Instruction's (DPI) goals and objectives were compared to those listed in the WCPSS Assessment Item Bank. The number of items present in the WCPSS Assessment Item Bank was determined for each subject area, by grade and objective. The number of items in the WCPSS Assessment Item Bank was then compared to the state assessment numbers for each objective. This information was used to help determine the areas of need for future efforts to further expand the WCPSS Assessment Item Bank.

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Within the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS), nearly all (96%) students in grades K-12 were promoted, with 4% retained at the end of the 2007-08 school year. Although the percentage of students retained is low, it represents 5,699 students who will require added instruction. For elementary and middle school students, retention requires a full year of additional instruction at an annual cost of $7,821 per student; for high school students it requires repeating courses at a somewhat lower cost. For each of the past three years more than 90% of students in all No Child Left Behind subgroups (ethnicity, free or reduced-price lunch, limited English proficient students, and students with disabilities) in WCPSS were promoted, but retention rates varied by subgroup. Although the overall retention rate in WCPSS was 4.3%, the percentage of tudents in each subgroup retained varied from 2% to more than 9% in 2007-08.

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2007-08 WCPSS Dropout Rate

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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 is a follow-up study to one of effective instructional practices of two Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) middle school Algebra I teachers (Haynie, 2009). In order to study the potential impact of middle school Algebra I teachers on math course taking in high school, the 2003-04 8th grade Algebra I students of the most effective (T1) and least effective(B1) teachers from the aforementioned study were examined further. In high school, 97% of T1's students took Honors Geometry in 9th grade compared to 77% of B1's students. In 12th grade, 62% of T1's students took AP Calculus or higher course compared to 38% of B1's students.

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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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Significant attention and resources have been focused on reforming high schools to enhance graduation rates. The research literature supports the following practices: For struggling students, accurate identification and intensive instructional, monitoring, and counseling support For 9th graders, transition activities, personalization, and academic support strategies For teachers, intensive training to help them provide effective instruction and support, particularly for students showing signs of risk.

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Significant attention and resources have been focused on reforming high schools to enhance graduation rates. The research literature supports the following practices: For struggling students, accurate identification and intensive instructional, monitoring, and counseling support For 9th graders, transition activities, personalization, and academic support strategies For teachers, intensive training to help them provide effective instruction and support, particularly for students showing signs of risk.

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The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction has reported a four-year on-time cohort graduation rate for each high school and district for three years. This rate is based on the number of first-time 9th grade students who graduate four years later. The graduation rate for 2007-08 is based on incoming 9th grade students of 2004-05. While the overall 2007-08 WCPSS rate of 78.8% was relatively high compared to the state and other school districts, large discrepancies exist between student subgroups. Black/African American students, Hispanic/Latino students, and students from three identified academic risk groups (students with disabilities, students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, and students with limited English proficiency) had graduation rates below that of other students.

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Helping High-Performing Students Achieve at Higher Levels: A Review of the Literature

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WCPSS Advanced Placement (AP) Test Results, 2007-08

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Analysis of 2007-08 WCPSS SAT 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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Results of the most recent survey of Teachers Working Conditions show increased rates of agreement in comparison to a similar survey taken in 2006. Responses on four out of five factors (time, facilities & resources, leadership and professional development) were more positive for WCPSS and for the state as a whole. Particularly noteworthy is the increase in the percent of WCPSS respondents in 2008 choosing "Strongly agree" as opposed to "agree" in the earlier survey.

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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 evaluation examined the implementation and effectiveness of the AVID program in middle schools throughout the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS). Survey results and school visits revealed considerable inconsistencies in implementation across schools. Specifically, selection criteria were not consistently understood and applied, all staff members implementing the program were not able to attend AVID training, and some schools emphasized enrollment in Algebra I in eighth grade more than others as a desired outcome of AVID participation. Attrition from the program was high, with 38% of those enrolled in grade 6 in 2005-06 continuing with the program through grade 8 in 2007-08. The stated goal of having all AVID students enroll in Algebra I by grade 8 was not met, although a higher percentage of AVID students in grade 8 enrolled in Algebra I than was true system wide (50% vs. 28%).

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Many indicators of performance, persistence, and academic rigor for WCPSS high school students 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. The skills and abilities that WCPSS graduates obtain appear to serve them well in the University of North Carolina (UNC) system, which is the most common educational destination for WCPSS graduates. However, changing student populations and rising academic standards are challenging the system's ability to sustain and increase academic performance for all students. Gaps in achievement have increased, with higher percentages of minority students and students with academic risk factors at risk of not graduating on time, compared to other groups.

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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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2006-07 WCPSS Dropout Rate

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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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Research on Poverty and School Achievement: An Annotated Bibliography

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Analysis of Achievement Data

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In summer 2007, 995 Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) students enrolled in online courses provided free of charge by the North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS). Whereas most students were seeking to recover credits, some students enrolled in courses for credit acceleration. Students who elected to take accelerated courses were more likely than students registered for credit recovery courses to terminate their enrollment. Few students who initially enrolled in NCVPS had successful academic outcomes as indicated by the small proportion who received passing course grades from NCVPS (28.2%) and who demonstrated proficiency on End-of-Course (EOC) exams (13.5%). However, students enrolled for credit acceleration had higher success rates on both measures than students trying to recover credits. Survey results reveal that students taking accelerated EOC courses were also likely to possess the characteristics attributed to successful online learners. The guidelines for enrollment and the structures and processes of NCVPS should be evaluated to assess whether participation in NCVPS is an appropriate option to promote students' academic success.

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WCPSS Advanced Placement (AP) Test Results, 2006-07

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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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In May 2006, a student survey was distributed to each 4th-, 7th-, and 10th-grade student in Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS). The survey asked a variety of questions in order to measure students' overall feelings about their school. Most students at each grade level (90% of 4th-grade students, 78% of 7th-grade students, and 72% of 10th-grade students) participated in the survey. In general, 4th-grade students responded more favorably to the survey questions than students in 7th and 10th grades. The results are most meaningful when summarized within each grade level or when compared across grade levels.

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Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) are being developed in the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) to promote continuous improvement and student success. Baseline results from a 2006-07 survey show strong support for PLC concepts/expectations among school staff (at least 88% rated themes as medium or high priority), with lower implementation levels (60-73%) per theme. Sustained implementation of PLCs was reported by 24-30% of staff for each theme. Results suggest training in PLC concepts and strategies should be well received in WCPSS, and that increased implementation is clearly possible.

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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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For the first time, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction is reporting a four-year ontime graduation rate for each high school and district across the state based on the incoming 9th grade class of 2002-03. This rate is based on the number of those 9th grade students who graduated four years later (by the Spring of 2006). While the overall WCPSS rate of 82.6% was relatively high compared to the state and other school districts, large discrepancies exist between student subgroups. Black/African American students, Hispanic/Latino students, and students from three identified risk groups (students with disabilities, students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, and students with limited English proficiency) had graduation rates below that of other students.

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WCPSS Advanced Placement (AP) Test Results 2005-06 School Year

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SAT Scores: 2005-06

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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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Fragile Futures: Risk and Vulnerability Among Latino High Achievers, a Policy Information Report by ETS, December 2005

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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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2004-05 Wake County Public Schools' Dropout Rate

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In December 2005 and January 2006, a parent survey was sent home with each student in Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS). The survey asked parents a variety of questions in order to measure their satisfaction with their child's school. The 2005-06 survey results indicate that a high percentage of parents are satisfied with their child's school. Responses to each question were either similar to or more positive than the 2003-04 parent survey results. Parents of elementary school students responded more favorably than all of WCPSS combined. Although the response rate of 35% was lower than in previous years, the results are largely consistent with past parent survey data. However, due to low response rates at some schools, the survey results should be generalized with caution.

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The first section of this bulletin summarizes Advanced Placement (AP) course participation and AP exam data for the Wake County Public School System for the 2004-05 school year. Overall, the percentage of high school students who took at least one AP course increased from 14.1% in 2003-04 to 15.7% in 2004-05. About 59% of students who took an AP course took the corresponding AP exam for that course, and about 78% of those exam scores were 3 or higher, which is the College Board's threshold for mastery. The second section reports on a more in-depth study of AP results for students from the 2003-04 school year that looks at the relationship between 8th-grade achievement and success in AP courses.

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The percentage of reading and mathematics 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 2004-05 to 90.8% from 91.1% in 2003-04. The percentage of students scoring in Level III or IV was slightly higher in mathematics (91.4%) than in reading (90.4%). The percentage of students scoring in Level III or IV in reading showed slight increases at all grade levels except grade 4, while percentages in mathematics rose slightly in grades 6 and 7 and fell in grades 3, 4, and 5. Female students out performed male students in both subjects. Disaggregation by race/ethnicity, income level, and disability status showed either no change or a small increase in the percentage of reading scores at Level III or IV and no change or a small decline in mathematics for most groups.

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A study of 6,037 first-time Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) 1998-99 9th-grade students found that their overall four-year graduation rate was 80% and a five-year graduation rate was 83%. Female students (87%) were more likely to graduate than male students (79%). Asian (92%) and White (88%) students were more likely to graduate than Black/African American (68%) and Hispanic/Latino (72%) students. Black/African American male students were least likely to graduate (60%). The 1998 rate is six percentage points higher than a comparable 1995 rate. All ethnic subgroups improved, with Hispanic/Latino students increasing four points, Black/African American students increasing eight points, and Asian students increasing nine points.

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This report summarizes national, state, and county SAT data for Wake County Public School System's (WCPSS) graduating seniors who took the test any time during their high school years through March 2005. The statistics presented are primarily based on reports provided by the College Board and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The average total SAT score for WCPSS graduating seniors in 2004-05 was 1075, up from 1063 in 2003-04. The average score on the verbal subtest increased from 524 to 527, while the average score on the mathematics subtest increased from 539 to 548. The participation rate for WCPSS graduating seniors dipped slightly for the second consecutive year, from 77% in 2003-04 to 75% in 2004-05. Both the WCPSS total SAT score and participation rate, however, remain higher than the corresponding state and national figures.

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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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This report summarizes national, state, and county SAT data for Wake County Public School System's (WCPSS) graduating seniors who took the test any time during their high school years through March 2004. The statistics presented are primarily based on reports provided by the College Board and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The average total SAT score for WCPSS graduating seniors in 2003-04 was 1063, down from 1067 in 2002-03. The average score on the verbal subtest stayed at 524, while the average score on the mathematics subtest dropped from 543 to 539. The participation rate for WCPSS graduating seniors also dipped slightly from 80% in 2002-03 to 77% in 2003-04. Both the WCPSS total SAT score and participation rate, however, remain higher than the corresponding state and national figures.

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

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Dropouts from Wake County Public Schools 2003-04

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The East Wake High School Evening Program study focused on whether the program was meeting its original intent and was cost/beneficial. The focus changed from serving only dropouts or students likely to drop out or not graduate who participated in the extended day program to serving any student needing course grade recovery. Most attempted courses were completed with credits earned, and grade promotions of enrollees increased. However, some classes were small, which increased the cost per student. Few dropouts enrolled in 2003-04, and overall enrollment was lower than previously.

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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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Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) Results: 2003-04

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Dropouts from Wake County Public Schools 2002-03

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Dropouts from Wake County Public Schools 2002-03

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Dropouts from Wake County Public Schools 2002-03

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Dropouts from Wake County Public Schools 2002-03

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For the 2003-04 school year, WCPSS applied for and received Title V funding for "education reform and school improvement." WCPSS used funds to support two International Baccalaureate (IB) programs: the Middle Years Programme (MYP) at Broughton High School and the Diploma Programme (DP) at Garner Senior High School. Additional funds were used to fund a senior evaluator for school accountability to provide data to inform school improvement and student achievement. The report provides evidence of implementation and outcomes.

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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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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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Results on Advanced Placement Tests given during the 2003-04 School Year

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This report uses data published by the University of North Carolina (UNC) Office of General Administration to measure how well Wake County Public School System (WPCSS ) high school graduates compare to North Carolina public high school (NCPHS) graduates in the college admissions process. It also examines how well WCPSS high school graduates compare to the UNC freshmen class in advanced, non-remedial, and remedial college courses. Based on those parameters, from Fall 1990 to Fall 2002, WCPSS graduates had more success than NCPHS graduates overall in the college admissions process. Furthermore, WCPSS graduates had more successful academic years in comparison to all UNC freshmen. Therefore, the data suggest that WCPSS graduates are more prepared for the college admissions process and collegiate courses than their peers.

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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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In April 2003, parent surveys were sent to 28% of Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) membership with a return rate of 49%. Student surveys were provided to 29% of membership with a return rate of 80%. Staff Survey forms were provided for all teachers, teacher assistants, and office staff and 74% were returned. There were only small changes in the responses of parents and students when the 2002-03 surveys were compared to the 2001-02 surveys. Satisfaction of parents, students, and staff regarding school safety remained high and parents and students continued to give a high percentage of good or excellent ratings to their schools' teaching of all subject areas. 88% of parents overall rated their child's school good or excellent in its support of student achievement. 84% of parents gave their child's school an A or B; 61% of students gave their own school an A or B. While nearly all staff respondents (97%) agreed or strongly agreed they enjoyed their work, there was a significant increase in the percentage of staff agreeing that they spend too much instructional time disciplining students.

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The Partnership for Educational Success (PES) is a collaboration between the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) and Wake County Human Services. The primary goal of PES is for the agencies to work together to help students achieve grade-level performance. PES provides family-centered services to at-risk students and their families. In 2002-03 PES provided services to 269 at-risk students and their families. PES-funded staff also supported non-PES families, but no data was collected regarding these families. In 2002-03, over half of PES students scored at or above grade level before PES participation. These students may have been siblings of the primary referred students, who did score below grade level, although corroborative information is not available. Teacher survey data indicated that PES families are more involved with the school after PES participation. Test score outcomes of students in grades K-8 were inconclusive; results are similar to free and reduced-price lunch eligible students (FRL) as a whole. More data are necessary to provide a clear picture of the success of PES in meeting its academic goals.

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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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Dropouts from Wake County Public Schools 2001-02

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Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Participation in the Wake County Public School System 1993-2004

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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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During 2002-03, surveys of Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) middle school principals and high school assistant principals for instruction (APIs) indicated that all middle and high schools implemented at least one strategy for creating smaller learning communities using the schools-within-schools mode. Nearly all middle schools implemented two or more strategies within existing school structures. High school responses were more varied in terms of strategies used and the extensiveness of use compared to middle schools. APIs' responses also indicated that WCPSS high schools use a broad range of support services to personalize the school environment for students, though some strategies were not directly related to the creation of smaller learning communities, and others targeted specific groups of students and not the entire student body.

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Summary of Graduate Intentions: 2002-03

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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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The average total SAT score for Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) seniors in 2002-03 was 1067 (out of a possible 1600 points), matching last year's highest-ever district score. Average scores on both the math section (543) and the verbal section (524) remained the same as scores in 2001-02.

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Summary of Graduate Intentions: 2001-02

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The Safe Schools/Healthy Students Grant (SS/HS) was a three-year grant sponsored by a collaboration between the federal Departments of Health and Human Services, Juvenile Justice, and Education. The SS/HS Grant improved collaboration and communication across community agencies. During the grant period perceptions of safety improved among WCPSS students and staff, and juvenile arrests for violence and substance abuse decreased. However, school crime and violence rates, suspensions, and security violations did not decrease as hoped. Many SS/HS funded programs showed promising results, especially Teen Court (increased participation and decreased suspensions for participants) and NovaNET (80% of courses students attempted were completed successfully). Overall, SS/HS provided resources for community change, and new ideas for addressing school safety in the future.

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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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Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Participation in the Wake County Public School System 1993-2003

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A study of 5,226 first-time 1995 9th-grade students found their overall graduation rate was 77%. Female students (80%) were more likely to graduate than male students (69%). Asian (83%) and White (83%) were more likely to graduate than Black (60%) and Hispanic/Latino students (68%). Black males were least likely to graduate (53%).

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Overall, 2,422 high school students who were at risk of not graduating received some instructional assistance in 2001-02. However, the number of students who might struggle with one or more graduation requirements was high (7,810), and many were not identified as receiving instructional support beyond their regular classes. Compared to state ABC standards, those who received support showed high growth between spring 2001 and 2002. A two-year follow-up of students who had not passed the Minimum Competency requirement in spring 2000 reveals close to 60% of those still in the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) were able to meet this requirement by spring 2002. However, the percentage able to attain grade level scores between spring 2001 and 2002 was similar (23-28%) regardless of whether they received instructional assistance.

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The Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) is currently in the extension year, or Year 4, of the Safe Schools/Healthy Students grant. This report outlines the activities continued in the extension year, and a status report on each activity for the first part of Year 4.

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Students at 15 Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) high schools took approximately 4,878 Advanced Placement exams offered by the College Board in 2001-02. With 20% of all juniors and seniors in the district taking at least one AP exam, the percent attaining a score of 3 or higher on a 5-point scale (the score typically needed to qualify for college course credit) reached a 10-year high of 80.5%, up 3.3 percentage points from the previous year. WCPSS' overall success rate was higher than that of comparable large school districts, and 17 percentage points higher than the rate for the nation as a whole. On the five most frequently taken AP exams, the percent of scores that were 3 or higher rose an average of 8.6 points.

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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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Many discussions of school size tend to concentrate on secondary sources, such as other literature reviews; although this review does examine some secondary sources, it focuses on empirical research. Recent research suggests that smaller schools may be linked to improved attendance and participation in school activities. Some studies claim that smaller schools may also be associated with higher achievement, although other studies indicate that school size does not have a significant impact on student performance, and cite other variables such as district and school affluence as more reliable predictors of achievement. In fact, some studies suggest that students in more affluent districts may benefit from larger schools. Given the lack of consensus in the field over these issues, as well as practical issues related to rapid growth, limited funds, and the cost-effectiveness of smaller schools, many administrators and policymakers may prefer to pursue alternative reforms. It may be possible to achieve the desired student outcomes by reorganizing school populations, or by creating smaller learning communities within existing facilities.

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The average total SAT score for Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) seniors in 2001-2002 was 1067, a thirteen point gain from 2000-01 and a six point gain from the previous high score of 1061 achieved in 1999-00. Both math and verbal scores in 2002 were the highest they have ever been.

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At the end of the 2001-2002 school year, outcome goals paint a mixed picture of the effectiveness of the Safe Schools/Healthy Students grant on the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) as a whole. However, many specific programs are being successfully implemented with positive outcomes.

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Parent Survey Results 2001-2002

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Staff Survey Results 2001-2002

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Student Survey Results 2001-2002

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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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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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The Advanced Placement (AP) program offers college-level courses to high school students. Many colleges and universities provide course credit to students who earn a high score on the end-of-year exams. Almost 60% of United States high schools offer AP course work, and more than 800,000 high school students participated in AP programs during the 2000-2001 school year (College Board, 2001). All 15 comprehensive high schools in the WCPSS offer AP courses. Enrollment in Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) AP courses was approximately 6,900 in 2000-01. Many students took more than one AP course. A total of 4,320 AP examinations were taken by 2,223 WCPSS students at the end of the school year. This report examines AP exam results for the WCPSS with comparisons to other large school systems, the state of North Carolina, the South, and the United States.

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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 Safe Schools/Healthy Students (SS/HS) Project was a three-year federal cooperative effort sponsored by the Department of Education, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the Department of Health and Human Services. This report focuses on year 3 results. While all students were impacted indirectly, 3,315 individual students were served directly by SS/HS intervention programs, and 16,100 students participated in group prevention activities; SS/HS disproportionately served the higher risk students in the system directly as intended. The grant had many positive benefits in Year 3. A safe school environment was promoted by security system installation, and use of the WAVE Line. Alcohol, drug, and violence prevention and early intervention programs were promoted through a Communities in Schools (CIS/CLP) mentoring program, which had a positive effect on student achievement. Teen Court expanded the number of youth served, as well as the range of programs available for those youth. In terms of school and community mental health preventive and treatment intervention services, Children of Substance Abuse (COSA) groups drastically reduced the number of students reporting that they would use violence in the future. The preschool Second Step program resulted in teachers spending less time disciplining students. Five different curricula related to SS/HS reached over 15,000 WCPSS students. NovaNET improved students' ability to pass courses and get back on track to graduation.

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This report examines students' academic success in WCPSS based on outcomes such as achievement test scores, dropout rates, and course enrollments. Gaps have been evident in the achievement of students with different backgrounds and characteristics for decades. These gaps in achievement are one of the biggest challenges facing educators across the country. In some areas, the gaps in student outcomes in WCPSS have narrowed over time.

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The overall dropout rate continued to decline in 2000-01 for the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS). The grades 7-12 dropout rate was 2.4 percent, the lowest since the state of North Carolina and the WCPSS began reporting dropouts in 1992, using federal standards. Since 1994-95 the gap between the grades 7-12 dropout rates for Black students and White students has decreased from 4.3 to 2.1 percentage points. The largest number of dropouts has always occurred at the high school level. Of the 1,038 dropouts in the WCPSS for 2000-01, 1,024 (98.7%) were in grades 9-12. The WCPSS high school dropout rate decreased from 5.5% in 1995-96 to 3.7% in 2000-01 (see Figure 1). The WCPSS high school dropout has been lower than the rate for North Carolina and paralleled the trend of a decreasing rate of dropouts since the state began reporting high school dropout rates in 1998-99.

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NovaNET is an on-line computerized instructional system that provides students with self-paced instruction for many North Carolina high school courses. This evaluation looks at outcomes for students participating in the NovaNET program and compares them with outcomes for a group of students with similar characteristics who did not participate in NovaNET. The primary positive finding was that the number of failing grades decreased significantly for students who participated in NovaNET, while a slight increase occurred for matched students. The GPA for NovaNET students showed a significant increase, but the comparison group increased about the same amount (difference between increases were not significant). NovaNET appeared to have more of a positive impact on math and social studies course grades than on English and science course grades. The pass rate for NovaNET science courses was only 50%. NovaNET did not appear to impact suspensions in 2000-2001; rates for NovaNET and matched students were statistically similar. NovaNET students were more likely to drop out of school in 2000-2001 than the comparison students who had a lower dropout rate than WCPSS overall; the change in drop-out rates should be examined again over the next few years. Overall, NovaNET seems to help students pass classes. However, more specific findings are difficult to obtain due to the newness of the program, and the difficulty of creating an accurately matched comparison group.

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

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Parent Survey Results 2000-2001

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Staff Survey Results 2000-2001

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Wake County Public Schools have addressed the needs of at-risk students with an array of academic and alternative programs that reflect serious commitment of funds and time. The 1999-2000 academic year witnessed the beginning of a 9 million dollar, three-year, community-wide collaboration between existing programs and agencies expressly intended to coordinate efforts to serve at-risk children and their families. The grant, entitled Safe Schools Healthy Students, was funded by the Department of Justice, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Education in an effort to promote safe, inviting, and optimal learning environments for all students. The program was built upon a broad collection of 17 strategies aimed at addressing the risk and resilience factors associated with school safety and student success. Each strategy included a three-year sequence of action steps, focused on strengthening resources or services within the school system. These services ranged from improving at risk screening and referral strategies, to mentoring, to substance abuse prevention, to improving school security.

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Student Survey Results 2000-2001

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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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The Wake County Safe Schools/Healthy Students (SS/HS) Project is a three-year federal cooperative effort sponsored by the Department of Education, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the Department of Health and Human Services. Together, these departments have encouraged organizations and agencies across the country to develop initiatives that prevent violence and substance abuse in schools by addressing six major elements determined to be critical in sustaining safe and healthy schools and students. Wake County has responded to this challenge by identifying four goals that correspond with these six elements, and by adopting seventeen strategies for carrying out these goals. By focusing on collaboration and cooperation with partner agencies and the community, the Wake County project is promoting the implementation and refinement of sustainable efforts to create a safe, orderly, and drug-free learning environment within county schools.

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What Can You Do To Support High SAT Scores?

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End-of-Course (EOC) test scores in the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) in 2000-2001 showed generally positive results when compared to 1999-2000 data. WCPSS students showed gains in seven subject areas and no change in three subject areas on the multiple-choice tests. No multiple-choice test showed a decline in average score. On the English II writing test, 63.0% of WCPSS students showed proficiency in writing in 2001, up 4.9 percentage points from 58.1% proficient in 2000.

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2000-2001 Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) Results

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This report examines Advanced Placement (AP) test results for the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) and a group of comparable districts who participate in the Educational Benchmarking Network (EBN). The AP program offers college-level courses to high school students. Approximately 60 % of United States high schools offer AP course work, and more than 750 thousand students participated in AP programs during the 1999-2000 school year (College Board, 2000). Many colleges and universities provide course credit to students who earn a high score on the end-of-year exams.

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Evidence exists of positive progress toward meeting interim benchmarks as the project works toward achieving its major goals. In almost all instances where concerns were noted, appropriate corrective actions are in place or in process. SS/HS staff, partners and contacts meet regularly as appropriate to review progress and receive project updates.

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What Research Says About Teenagers and Sleep

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The high school dropout rate during 1999-2000 in the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) was 4.1 percent (2.7% for grades 7-12), the lowest since the start of annual reporting by WCPSS. The WCPSS dropout rate has steadily declined from 1994 to 2000, as displayed in Figure 1. The decline was interrupted in the 1998-1999 school year, the year that students going directly to junior or community college GED programs began to be included as dropouts. The decline resumed during the 1999-2000 school year. The decrease in the WCPSS dropout rate corresponded to a similar decrease in dropouts reported across the state.

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The North Carolina Competency Tests Results 1999-2000

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More kindergarten students in 2000 (37%) than in 1999 (29%) were beyond the early emergent/emergent reading stage by the end of the year. Nonetheless, almost one-fourth of both kindergarten and first-grade students, and one-third of second-grade students, were identified as needing extra reading support at the next grade level because they were behind the majority of students in the acquisition of reading skills. In contrast, fewer grade 2 students (18%) and grade 3 students (9%) were identified as needing extra support in writing. As for mathematics performance, slightly fewer kindergarten students in 2000 (11%) than in 1999 (12%) remained at the pre-emergent stage of mathematics development and were identified as needing extra support in the next school year. However, the percent of grades 1-5 students demonstrating proficiency in none of the mathematics strands or in only one of the four strands ranged from 13% at first grade to 22% at grades 3-5.

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1999-00 Computer Skills Tests Results

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End-of-Course (EOC) test scores in the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) in 1999-2000 showed mixed results when compared to 1998-99 data. WCPSS students showed gains in six subject areas and slight decreases in four subject areas on the multiple choice tests. On the English II writing test, 58.1% of WCPSS students showed proficiency in writing in 2000, down 11 percentage points from 69.1% proficient in 1999.

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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 Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) Results

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The first purpose of both the new and revised magnet themes is to eliminate minority group isolation and promote broad participation and interaction among diverse groups of students. Year 2 results for this purpose are disappointing. However, results in achieving the other three purposes of the project are very good.

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Results from the 1999 WCPSS Parent Survey How Do Parent Opinions About WCPSS Compare to Local and National Attitudes Toward the Public Schools?

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In comparison to other NC regions, WCPSS excelled in the average exam score relative to North Carolina, the southern region, and globally. (3.41) and percent of scores 3 or more (77.8%) for exams overall, as well as for most of the 31 exams given.

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1998-99 Computer Skills Tests Results

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The 1998-99 duplicated dropout rate is the percent of first-time dropouts (those who dropped out for the first time in 1998-99) and previous year dropouts (those who dropped out before 1998-99, returned to school in 1998-99, and dropped out again). There had been a steady decline in the WCPSS dropout rate for grades 7-12 from 1993-94 to 1997-98. However, the percentage of WCPSS dropouts increased between 1997-98 and 1998-99. The WCPSS dropout increase also corresponded to a dramatic increase in dropouts reported across the state. (Figure 1). These increases may be due to a rule change in the assessment of dropout rates which now reports students who transfer to community colleges to receive their GED as dropouts. In the past, these students were referred to as transfers.

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ALP and other assistance appeared to have some positive impact on achievement, primarily at the elementary level.

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Dropout Report 1997-1998

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1998-99 Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) Results

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1998-99 ABCs Results

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The Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) has provided an alternative school program for students with long-term (LT) suspensions since the 1995-96 year. In 1995-96, the program was operated by the WCPSS and known as the Alternative Learning Center (ALC). Since the 1996-97 year, the WCPSS has contracted with the Richard M. Milburn High School (RHMS), a private firm, to operate the program. Over these years, the WCPSS has conducted a number of evaluations of the program. This Executive Summary highlights major conclusions of these collected evaluations.

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The Impact of Poverty Upon Schools

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End of Course (EOC) test scores in the Wake County Public School System in 1997-98 showed small improvements over 1996-97, with average scores slightly higher on all nine EOC multiple choice tests. In contrast, the percentage of students scoring at least 3.0 on a six point scale on the English II Writing test declined from 64.7% to 53.1%.

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Current Employment and Future Plans of High School Students

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