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Published Document Title Authors Pages Abstract
March 2024 Wake County Public School System Student Survey Results, 2022-23 Halstead, Serena
Shropshire, Kevin

17 View Abstract

In spring 2023, a total of 33,643 students in grades 5 through 12 participated in Wake County Public School System’s annual Student Engagement Survey, yielding a 33% response rate. Notably, the response rate declined in higher grades, ranging from 67.9% for grade 5 to 8.8% for grade 12. Due to very low response rates for high school students, this report exclusively covers grades 5 through 8. Overall, most students reported positive perceptions of their school experience, although middle school students had lower rates of agreement on four of the eight student engagement domains; Teacher-Student Relationships, Control and Relevance of School Work, Civic Engagement, and Creativity. Among all domains, the highest percent agreement was for Future Aspirations and Goals and Family Support and Learning, both of which were more than 90%. Analysis by student groups revealed that African-American students had lower percent agreement for approximately 25% of the items in the survey. Detailed results are summarized in the subsequent sections of this report.

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June 2023 Wake County Public School System Student Survey Results, 2021-22 Halstead, Serena
Shropshire, Kevin

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The Wake County Public School System’s Student Engagement Survey is administered annually to measure students’ perceptions of their learning experiences. This report is the first publication on student engagement results in the school system since 2018-19. Approximately 34,692 students from grades 5 through 12 responded in the spring of 2022 for a 34% response rate. The response rate decreased in the higher grades, dropping from 68.1% for grade 5 to 14.8% for grade 12. Due to low response rates for high school students, only grades 5 through 8 were included in this report. The general trend across survey domains is for percent agreement to remain stable or decrease with student grade level. Generally, percent agreement decreased slightly from pre-pandemic levels with a few exceptions. Details of the survey results are summarized in the report below.

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October 2021 Review of the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) School Resource Officer Program Gilleland, Kevin
Huang, Haigen
Scrimgeour, Meghan
Stephens, Sonya

84 View Abstract

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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December 2019 How Do Students Feel About Their Schools? WCPSS Student Survey Results: 2018-19 Huang, Haigen

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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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December 2018 How Do Students Feel About Their Schools? WCPSS Student Survey Results: 2017-18 Huang, Haigen

28 View Abstract

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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March 2018 How Do Students Feel About Their Schools? WCPSS Student Survey Results, 2016-17 Huang, Haigen

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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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February 2018 Financial Literacy in WCPSS Huang, Haigen
Lenard, Matthew

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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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December 2016 Using WCPSS Student Survey Data to Improve Outcomes Muli, Juliana
Stephens, Sonya

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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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December 2016 WCPSS Student Survey Results: 2015-16 Regan, Roger
Townsend, Megan

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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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December 2015 WCPSS Student Survey Results, 2014-15 Townsend, Megan

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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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October 2014 WCPSS Student Survey Results: 2013-14 Townsend, Megan

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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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September 2014 North Carolina Youth Risk Behavior Survey: 2013 WCPSS High School Results Townsend, Megan

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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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May 2013 Formative Assessment with Technology 2011-12: Second Year of Implementation Bulgakov-Cooke, Dina
Talbot, Troy

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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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May 2013 High Five PLT Survey Results, 2007-08 to 2012-13 Jackl, Andrew

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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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May 2013 Teacher Satisfaction and Turnover in WCPSS Halstead, Elizabeth

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During the spring of 2010, over 9,000 educators across Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) took the North Carolina Teacher Working Conditions (TWC) survey. Survey responses were then compared to turnover data to see if there is any relationship between the two. Results indicated that teachers' satisfaction with their working conditions were positively associated with the percentage of teachers who stayed at their school the following year. These findings are discussed in terms of implications for improving staff retention rates at schools.

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March 2013 Evaluation of the Teacher Incentive Fund (TIF) Program: Wilburn Elementary School, Year 2 2011-12 Baenen, Nancy

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

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January 2013 2011-12 District Improvement Initiatives Evaluation Bulgakov-Cooke, Dina

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

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January 2013 WCPSS Student Survey Results: 2011-12 Baenen, Nancy
Simmons, Brandon

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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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October 2012 WCPSS Teacher Working Conditions Survey Results: 2011-12 Halstead, Elizabeth

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During the spring of 2012, over 100,000 educators across the state took the North Carolina Teacher Working Conditions (TWC) survey. WCPSS teachers responded more positively to 46 of the 85 survey items in 2012 than did teachers statewide. On 14 items, WCPSS teachers' responses were less favorable than those of teachers statewide, and on the remaining 25, there was no statistically significant difference. Results from this survey are discussed.

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July 2012 High Five PLT Survey Results, 2007-12 Jackl, Andrew

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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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April 2012 Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) Professional Learning Teams (PLTs): 2010-11 to 2011-12 School-Based Policy Study Jackl, Andrew
Lougée, Aimee

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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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December 2011 WCPSS District Improvement Implementation 2010-11 Baenen, Nancy
Bulgakov-Cooke, Dina

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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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November 2011 Fall 2011 Survey Results for Hilburn Drive Academy K-8 McMillen, Brad

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Fall 2011 Survey Results for Hilburn Drive Academy K-8

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August 2011 Evaluation of WCPSS Central Services Professional Learning Teams (PLTs): Spring 2011 Jackl, Andrew

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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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August 2011 Student Achievement in WCPSS, 2010-2011 McMillen, Brad

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Student Achievement in WCPSS, 2010-2011

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July 2011 Teacher Advancement Program (TAP) at Wilburn Elementary School: Year 3 Evaluation Report Baenen, Nancy

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

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April 2011 WCPSS 2010-11 High Five Professional Learning Teams (PLT) Survey Results: Implementation Over Time Jackl, Andrew

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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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January 2011 ABCs and AYP Results, WCPSS: 2009-10 Haynie, Glenda

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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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December 2010 Foundations of Algebra: 2009-10 Paeplow, Colleen

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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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November 2010 WCPSS Professional Learning Teams (PLTs): 2009-10 School-Based Policy Implementation Study Baenen, Nancy

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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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November 2010 Year 3 Magnet Schools Assistance Program Annual Progress Report Brasfield, Jon
Cárdenas, Virginia

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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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September 2010 WCPSS District Improvement: 2009-10 Implementation Status Bulgakov-Cooke, Dina

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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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June 2010 Effective Teaching Practices Haynie, Glenda

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

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June 2010 End-of-Grade (EOG) Multiple-Choice Test Results, 2008-09 McMillen, Brad

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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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June 2010 Evaluation of Central Services Professional Learning Teams as of Spring 2010 Baenen, Nancy
Jackl, Andrew

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

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June 2010 Middle School Mathematics: 2006-07 to 2008-09 Paeplow, Colleen

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

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May 2010 WCPSS 2009-10 High Five PLT Survey Results: Professional Learning Team (PLT) Implementation Over Time Jackl, Andrew

40 View Abstract

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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January 2010 NovaNET 2008-09 Evaluation Bulgakov-Cooke, Dina

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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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October 2009 Year 2 Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) Brasfield, Jon

56 View Abstract

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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June 2009 Algebra I Performance in Year-Long versus Semester-Long Courses Holdzkom, David

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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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June 2009 PLC Survey Results by Years of Experience Baenen, Nancy

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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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May 2009 Professional Learning Community (PLC) Implementation: WCPSS 2008-09 High Five PLC Survey Results Jackl, Andrew

37 View Abstract

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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February 2009 Middle School Algebra I: Effective Instructional Strategies with Comparison to High School Practices Haynie, Glenda
McMillen, Brad

41 View Abstract

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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February 2009 North Carolina Virtual Public School in WCPSS Update for Fall 2007, Spring 2008, and Summer 2008 Baenen, Nancy
Bulgakov-Cooke, Dina

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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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May 2008 WCPSS Professional Learning Communities: 2007-08 Implementation Status Reichstetter, Rosemary

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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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April 2008 Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID): WCPSS Program Evaluation Baenen, Nancy
Lougée, Aimee

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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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March 2008 Effective Teaching Practices in U.S. History Haynie, Glenda
Stephani, Melinda

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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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February 2008 Improving Student Success in High School Algebra I by Identifying Successful Teachers and Schools Haynie, Glenda
Kellogg, Athena

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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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August 2007 WCPSS Students with Multiple Academic Risks: Achievement Patterns and School Experiences Baenen, Nancy
Ives, Sarah
Paeplow, Colleen
Reichstetter, Rosemary

112 View Abstract

This study focused on effective practices for students with multiple academic risk factors (students with disabilities, students eligible for free or reduced price lunch, and/or students with limited English proficiency). Achievement performance patterns over several years differ between students making stronger and weaker achievement growth on End-of-Grade tests. Sixteen case studies of 5th and 8th graders revealed that students with positive achievement patterns were more likely to show signs of resilience in their personal characteristics, school experiences, and/or home support than were students with negative achievement patterns. Teachers of both groups used some methods recommended in national research (such as small-group work, structure, and collaboration). A specific focus on language development was not mentioned. Homework was a common problem.

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May 2007 Student Survey Results: 2005-06 Huebeler, Amy

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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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April 2007 Professional Learning Community (PLC) Implementation WCPSS 2006-07 Baseline Survey Results Baenen, Nancy
Reichstetter, Rosemary

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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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March 2007 WCPSS High School Student Outcomes 2005-06 Holdzkom, David
McMillen, Brad

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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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October 2006 Effective Practices for At-Risk Elementary and Middle School Students Baenen, Nancy
Gilewicz, Ed
Ives, Sarah
Lynn, Amy
Warren, Tom
Yaman, Kimberly

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The students who have the most difficulty reaching accountability standards in Wake County Public Schools are those with more than one of the following characteristics: recipients of free or reduced-price lunch, students with disabilities, and/or students with limited English proficiency. The Evaluation and Research Department identified elementary and middle schools that differed in their effectiveness in promoting achievement growth for these students. Quantitative and qualitative analyses suggest differences in both attitudes and practices. The more effective schools had higher expectations for these students, and greater confidence in their ability to meet students' needs. Evidence suggested more effective administrative leadership/support, training, and utilization of resources. Higher-growth middle schools utilized assessments to inform instruction more frequently, and higher-growth elementary schools had more structured collaboration around student needs. Further research is planned.

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July 2006 High School Redesign 2004-05 Reichstetter, Rosemary

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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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April 2006 Effective Biology Teaching: A Value-Added Instructional Improvement Analysis Model Haynie, Glenda

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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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March 2006 Parent Survey Results 2005-06 Huebeler, Amy
McMillen, Brad

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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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February 2006 Project Achieve Evaluation: Year Four, 2004-05 Baenen, Nancy
Carpenter, Megan
Dudley, Kristy

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Project Achieve, a local instructional initiative used by Wake County Public School System (WCPSS), was adapted from a Brazosport, Texas model. The program grew from eight to 19 WCPSS schools over four years, and all 16 continuing schools had a higher percentage of students at or above grade level in spring 2005 than prior to the program. Fourth-year results were relatively positive. Nine of 19 (47%) participating schools met the state ABCs High Growth standard (including two of the new schools), compared to 40% of other WCPSS elementary and middle schools. Eleven of 19 schools (58%) -- compared to 35% of other WCPSS elementary and middle schools -- increased the percentage of students at or above grade level between spring of 2004 and spring 2005.

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December 2005 Advanced Placement (AP) Course-Taking, Exam Participation, and Exam Results, 2004-05 Dulaney, Chuck
McMillen, Brad

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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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December 2005 End-of-Grade Multiple-Choice Test Results, 2004-05 McMillen, Brad

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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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October 2005 Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) Results: 2004-05 Dulaney, Chuck
Haynie, Glenda

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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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August 2005 ABC Outcomes for WCPSS for 2004-05 Dulaney, Chuck

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ABC Outcomes for WCPSS for 2004-05

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February 2005 Block Scheduling Evaluation Baenen, Nancy
Reichstetter, Rosemary

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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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February 2005 Early Start Evaluation: Summer 2004 Paeplow, Colleen

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

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December 2004 Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) Results: 2003-04 Dulaney, Chuck
Haynie, Glenda

16 View Abstract

Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) Results: 2003-04

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November 2004 Project Achieve Evaluation: Year Three, 2003-04 McMillen, Brad
Speas, Carol

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

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October 2004 Annual Performance Report 2003-2004 Magnet Schools Assistance Program Grant Penta, Mary

146 View Abstract

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

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October 2004 WCPSS Outcomes Summary for 2003-04, With an Emphasis on Achievement Gap Status Baenen, Nancy
Dulaney, Chuck
Yaman, Kimberly

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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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June 2004 Input on 2005-06 School Calendar Survey Baenen, Nancy

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The Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) Board of Education, in considering the best start date for the school calendar, questioned how important certain factors in the calendar are for high schools. If factors assumed to be important were not in fact important, a later start date would be considered. In the spring of 2004, input on the 2005-06 school calendar was secured from high school students, parents, and professional staff. In addition to rating the importance of various scheduling factors, respondents were asked to look at three specific calendars. The most popular specific option for all three groups was the calendar with the earliest start date beginning August 9, 2005, and ending May 24, 2006. About half of the parents (51%), 42% of the staff, and 34% of the students picked one of the other two options. The second-favored option overall was a start date of August 24, 2005, with a start date of September 6, 2005 selected least often. Factors most often cited in support of the August 9 start date included vacation schedules, exam completion before winter break, and the number of instructional days before Advanced Placement (AP) exams.

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May 2004 Parent, Student, and Staff Survey Results 2002-03 Dulaney, Chuck
Wildman, Wanda

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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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May 2004 Partnership for Educational Success 2002-03: Implementation and Outcomes Baenen, Nancy
Harlow, Kristin2

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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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April 2004 Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) K-2 Evaluation 2002-03 Baenen, Nancy
Harlow, Kristin2
Paeplow, Colleen

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

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April 2004 Project Achieve: Adapting the Brazosport Model to a Large LEA Baenen, Nancy
Speas, Carol

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

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January 2004 Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) Grades 3-8: Evaluation 2002-03 Baenen, Nancy

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The Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) began in the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) in 1999-2000 as an out-of-school time intervention to support students scoring below grade level. Since then, flexibility in use of these funds has increased, along with the percentage of schools using the funds to support low achievers during the school day. In 2002-03, over 70% of traditional calendar schools reported providing at least a portion of their ALP services during the school day, followed by after-school sessions (about 40%), and Saturday sessions (20%). At year-round schools, intersession continues to be the most common time for ALP at the elementary (82%). However, year-round middle schools provided ALP most commonly during the school day (83%), with only 34% using intersessions. Changes in use of ALP funds have made it increasingly difficult to clearly identify which students these funds supported. Although all schools reported that students who scored below grade level were supported through ALP, data on individual students suggests that the percentage of these students in ALP declined from 59% in 2001-02 to 35% in 2002-03. The lower participation rates are partially due to under-reporting, but clearer accountability for serving students is needed.

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January 2004 Project Achieve Evaluation: Year Two, 2002-03 Speas, Carol

38 View Abstract

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

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December 2003 A Study of the 1995 WCPSS 9TH - Grade Students with Disabilities Cohort Haynie, Glenda

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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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December 2003 Small School Initiatives Survey Overbay, Amy

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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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December 2003 Summary of Graduate Intentions: 2002-03 Dulaney, Chuck
Wildman, Wanda

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Summary of Graduate Intentions: 2002-03

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October 2003 Summary of Graduate Intentions: 2001-02 Dulaney, Chuck
Wildman, Wanda

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Summary of Graduate Intentions: 2001-02

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October 2003 Wake County Safe Schools/Healthy Students Grant Final Report 1999-2003 Baenen, Nancy
Harlow, Kristin2

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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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July 2003 Annual Performance Report 2002-2003 Magnet Schools Assistance Program Grant Penta, Mary

180 View Abstract

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

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April 2003 Advanced Placement Exam Results 2001-2002 Regan, Roger

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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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March 2003 Accelerated Learning Program (ALP): Grade 3-8 Evaluation 2001-02 Baenen, Nancy
Lindblad, Mark
Yaman, Kimberly

107 View Abstract

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

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February 2003 Class-Size Reduction Program 2001-02 Speas, Carol

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In 2001-02, 23 schools were provided with 40 teacher positions through the Class Size Reduction (CSR) Program. Achievement results for students in reduced class sizes were compared to those of similar students in other CSR schools who did not choose the same grade for the project (keeping school and student demographics similar). At grades 1 and 2, WCPSS K-2 Literacy and Mathematics Assessments were compared pre (spring 2001) and post (spring 2002). These analyses yielded mixed results: (a) an increase in the percentage of students meeting the reading-book-level standards was greater for students in the reduced-size classes at grade 2 but not at grade 1, and (b) an increase in the percentage of students meeting the mathematics standards was greater for students in the reduced-size classes at grade 1 but not at grade 2. As in the previous year at grade 3, the NC End-of-Grade fall pretest and spring post-test data indicate that, controlling for differences in pre-test scores and free and reduced-price lunch status of students, there were no significant differences in reading and mathematics achievement between students in reduced-size classes and those in regular-sized classes. As in previous years, WCPSS generally did not reach a class size of 18, the goal of the enabling legislation, and it was again recommended that schools receiving two CSR teacher positions should place two teachers at the same grade level to reduce class sizes at a single grade.

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February 2003 Project Achieve Evaluation Report: Year One, 2001-2002 Speas, Carol

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

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February 2003 Title VI: Annual Evaluation Report 2001-2002 Overbay, Amy
Speas, Carol

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In the 2001-02 school year, Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) implemented a project within an innovative assistance program area of Title VI- the provision of performing arts teachers within magnet elementary schools to provide arts education - under the "promising educational reform projects" category. Twelve arts teachers, representing between 0.3 and 1.0 FTE each, served in six elementary magnet schools: Fuller, Powell, Washington, Wendell, Conn, and Wiley. Also, in spring 2001, funding was allocated for planning and training activities for a new school improvement/reorganization effort at eight schools. WPSS Instructional Services Division identified a set of six schools showing historical patterns of below-expectation growth, and two schools volunteered to participate in "Project Achieve." Training and development for the eight schools did occur as planned in July - October, 2001. Results are shared.

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November 2002 Voyager Summer Academy 2002 Results Baenen, Nancy
Banks, Karen
Paeplow, Colleen

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

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October 2002 Parent Survey Results 2001-2002 Wildman, Wanda

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Parent Survey Results 2001-2002

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October 2002 Staff Survey Results 2001-2002 Wildman, Wanda

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Staff Survey Results 2001-2002

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October 2002 Student Survey Results 2001-2002 Wildman, Wanda

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Student Survey Results 2001-2002

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July 2002 Annual Performance Report 2001-2002 Magnet Schools Assistance Program Grant Penta, Mary

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

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June 2002 Advanced Placement Exam Results 2000-2001 Kaase, Kristopher
Paeplow, Colleen

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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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June 2002 North Carolina Writing Assessment Results 2001-2002 Dulaney, Chuck
Regan, Roger

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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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June 2002 Wake County Safe Schools/Healthy Students Project Year Three - Mid-Year Performance Report October 1, 2001 - May 31, 2002 Baenen, Nancy
Harlow, Kristin2
Overbay, Amy

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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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May 2002 Class-Size Reduction Program Evaluation, 2000-2001 Speas, Carol

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This report examines the impact of the second year of the federal Class-Size Reduction (CSR) program in the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) on student achievement.

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February 2002 NovaNET 2000-2001: Analyses of Student Outcomes Relative to a Comparison Group Baenen, Nancy
Harlow, Kristin2

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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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December 2001 Parent Survey Results 2000-2001 Wildman, Wanda

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Parent Survey Results 2000-2001

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December 2001 Staff Survey Results 2000-2001 Wildman, Wanda

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Staff Survey Results 2000-2001

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December 2001 Student Survey Results 2000-2001 Wildman, Wanda

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Student Survey Results 2000-2001

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July 2000 Results from the 1999 WCPSS Parent Survey How Do Parent Opinions About WCPSS Compare to Local and National Attitudes Toward the Public Schools? Speas, Carol

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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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July 1993 Current Employment and Future Plans of High School Students Banks, Karen

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Current Employment and Future Plans of High School Students

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