School Evaluation Website: Initial Focus – Chicago

Putting the information in the hands of parents and community members about their local schools, there is a current test for a school evaluation website. By entering a zip code, and locating the school on a district map, parents will be able to get an in-depth view of schools listed on the site, including the following information.

Information to be included
General
• Explanation of ISATs
• Explanation of NCLB

District information (compared to state) - Chicago Public Schools (source)
• Illinois District Report Card for
o Racial/Ethnic Background for Students
o Parental Contact (% of parents participating in parent-teacher conferences, parental visits to school, school visits to home, telephone conversations and written correspondence)
o Student to Staff Ratios
o Average Class Size
o Time Devoted to Teaching Core Subjects
o Racial/Ethnic Background of Teachers
o Average Years of Teaching Experience
o % of Teachers with Degrees (Bachelor/Master)
o % of Teachers with Provisional Credentials
o % of Classes not Taught by Highly Qualified Teachers
o School District Finances (Teacher Salaries, budget info)
o Academic Performance (Class of 2009 average ACT) compare to State and National
o High School Graduation Rate
o National Assessment of Educational Progress for last year given

Individual School Information – Chicago Public Schools (source)
• Test Scores (with explanations)
*ISAT Scores (Illinois State Achievement Exam)
*Grades 3 – 8
*Reading, Math, Science, and Composite
*Grade 11
*Reading Math Science and Composite
*PSAE Scores over time (Prairie State Achievement Exam)
*EXPLORE Scores
*Grades 8 – 9 Average Scores
*PLAN Scores
*Grades 10 – 11 Average Scores
*EPAS Gains over time
*ACT Scores
*ACT Average Scores
*ACT Percent Scoring 20 or Higher
• Student Surveys
*Elementary School
*High School
• Parent Surveys
• Adequate Yearly Progress Rating (AYP)
*Corrective
*Restructuring
*Restructuring Implementation
*Choice
• Performance Policy Level
*Probation
*Level 1, 2, 3

Sites like this one help to put the power of information and choice into the hands or parents and educators.

Taking a proactive approach to your child’s education is a vital step in ensuring that they reach their true potential as students. Be aware of what standards you can expect from your school and if you are unhappy with them, speak up at your Board of Education meetings, volunteer at the school or if necessary, consider a local charter school as an alternative for your child’s education.