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School Evaluation Website: Initial Focus – Chicago (175 hits)

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.

Posted By: Paul Adams
Friday, June 4th 2010 at 11:35AM
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Paul...I am curious to know your opinion on this kind of develoment.

I am distrustful of statistics--they can be easily manipulated. Sometimes numbers presents a false picture.

Evaluating schools and teachers is not so easy or simple. It seems like a great idea--in theory. I am not sure how it would work in the real world.

That is why I would love to know your thoughts on this.

Saturday, June 5th 2010 at 11:08AM
Richard Kigel

Hi Richard.

Certainly evaluating schools is not a simple undertaking. However, it is vital that parents understand how their children's schools are performing. It is my understanding that the people behind this effort are working to develop a more encompassing evaluation of schools.

However, test scores must be considered. It is problematic that the tests given by many, if not most, public schools, are not properly used to improve the schools and the learning that goes on there. Instead, so much of the time, the scores are only used as a way to play "gotcha" with the schools and administration. Still, test scores are indicative of what the children have learned and all too often indicate that they have not learned enough. Districts should be encouraged to use testing in a more positive fashion. At Providence St. Mel, we use testing throughout the year to assess how our students are doing and to tailor our instruction to what our students need. We are proud of how our children perform on tests such as the ACT and the Terra Nova. While statistics can sometimes be misleading, a school whose students consistently score below the fiftieth percentile on standardized tests clearly has issues that should be addressed. This is true whether the issues are related to instruction, mobility, poor nutrition or any of a number of other contributing factors.

While including test scores for the school evaluation, I understand that the developers of the web site will also be providing information on improvement and plans for improvement at the schools, demographics, physical condition of the facilities, attendance, extracurricular activities, tutoring, etc.

As educators, we have an obligation to prepare all of our students for their future. As parents, we have a responsibility to be certain that our children are receiving the best education available to them. As citizens, we owe it to ourselves and to our children to make the best education available. It is my hope that the information provided by this website will empower parents and students to pursue their opportunities for the best education.
Tuesday, June 15th 2010 at 5:30PM
Paul Adams